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FLOUNDER KAYAKING FOR 'HOOS & SAILS! PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLORY HENDRIX INSTAGRAM: @MALLORY_HENDRIX VOLUME 26 â€¢ ISSUE 311

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F R A N C H I S E

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

A V A I L A B L E

FEBRUARY 2021

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Why Are Dealers Hoarding These 100-Year-Old U.S. Silver Dollars?

hen it comes to collecting, few coins are as coveted as the first and last of a series. And when big anniversaries for those “firsts” and “lasts” come around, these coins become even more coveted. Take, for example, the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars. These 90% pure silver coins were the last of their kind, a special one-year-only resurrection of the classic Wild West Silver Dollar. Three years prior, the Pittman Act authorized the melting of more than 270 million Morgan Silver Dollars so their silver could be sold to our allies in the United Kingdom. Facing our own Silver Dollar shortage, the world’s favorite vintage U.S. Silver Dollar was brought back for one year only while the U.S. Mint worked on its successor, the Peace Silver Dollar.

Dealers Begin Stockpiling Last-Year Morgans

Knowing what we’ve told you about special anniversaries, dealers around the country are preparing for a surge in demand. 2021 will mark the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar—the last-yearof-issue for the most popular vintage U.S. Silver Dollar ever minted. But slow-moving collectors may be disappointed in what they find when they seek out these coins. Since the days of the Pittman Act, millions more U.S. Silver Dollars have been melted or worn down in commerce. It’s been estimated that as few as 15% of all the Morgan Dollars ever minted have survived to the present day. That number grows smaller each year, with private hoards now accounting for virtually all the surviving Morgan Silver Dollars. And that was before silver values started to rise...

Interest in Silver Is on the Rise

19 19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 LY G T T V C N B R R Y E LY G JU AU SEP OC NO DE JA FE MA AP MA JUN JU AU

As you can see from the chart on the left, in 2020, we’ve seen daily silver prices close as low as $12.01 per ounce and as high as $28.33 per ounce. That rise in value has led to a sharp increase in buyers’ interest in silver. We’re already seeing a surge of interest from collectors wanting to add vintage Morgan Silver Dollars to their collections. But at what price?

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PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

o all flounder migrate offshore during the winter? I can’t be certain, but I have caught them in every month of the year. Those latewinter catches may have been flounder that never left, or they might be some that returned early. But one thing is for sure, during cold weather is when I have caught my largest flounder. Let it be known that I am a lure fisherman at heart, but if you want to consistently target the largest flounder this time of year, live and dead bait rule supreme. A large mullet or shad in the 6-inch range is ideal. Any type of fishfinder rig will suffice with the appropriate weight for the depth of water and strength of current you are fishing. You just need enough weight to keep your bait in contact with the bottom, where flounder live. The method I use for flounder catching is to keep the bait in constant contact with the bottom. Pointing the rod tip toward the water and utilizing a sweeping motion, I twitch my rod, kicking up mud and sand to create a trail of dust that attracts fish. This way I can cover some water in search of a hungry doormat. Once I feel the first tap from the flounder, I pause. I wait patiently for the second and usually a quick third tap. Then I give it a solid hook-set! Flounder will hold on to a bait longer than most inshore species, and they don’t always engulf it all at once. I feel they want to injure their meal before swallowing it, which is why it pays to be patient and wait until they’ve got the hook in their mouth before driving the point home. The best area to target the largest of the species is near structure, specifically bulkheads. Flounder like to bed down next to seawalls, where baitfish have fewer angles of escape. Other structure like rock jetties are also great areas to try. On an outgoing tide, I target drain openings where high tide flows out of the marshes. These drains can be small, 1 to 2 feet of width is all it takes. As long as the marsh behind the drain has enough water to hold bait, it’s perfect. Flounder will stage at the opening of a large drain as well, but no drain is too small, and I feel the smaller ones can easily be dismissed and easily missed. One final note is on tide direction and strength. During a strong outgoing tide, flounder use the tide as easy transportation to open water and focus more on swimming than feeding. I tend to avoid the strong outgoing tide when targeting migrating flounder. Be safe, stay warm, and get out there to catch the largest flounder of your life.

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KAYAKING FOR

A DAY OF DOUBLES By Brian Nelli

n offshore kayak fishing, many of the milestones we pursue come in the form of knocking off “bucket list” fish. Sailfish is at the top of that list for a lot of anglers in South Florida. The sailfish is a great achievement, but there is one fish that many either write off as improbable or just a dream. That fish is the wahoo. One of the fastest fish in the ocean, it bounces around in kayak anglers’ heads with the question of could today be the day. I’ve been a South Florida kayak fishing guide since 2010. Here, where the currents of the Gulf Stream swing so close to coast, it is possible to launch a kayak from the beach in pursuit of offshore species. I have been fortunate to assist clients in catching multiple wahoo over the years. To give an idea of how special this is, my best year for wahoo saw just six of these speedy fish landed in 150 offshore kayak trips. Now what do you think the chances are of catching two in one trip? How about two at the same time? That is where our story begins. Two days after the December new moon phase, winds were light and the ocean was flat calm. My two clients and I were running live goggle eyes on 60-pound wire stinger rigs tied to 40-pound Yozuri Hybrid Line. We were geared with Shimano Spheros 10k reels paired with Crowder Rods E-Namic 6’6” 15- to 40-pound rods. At dawn, we headed roughly a mile from shore and started slow trolling. All hell broke loose within the first hour. It was a double hook-up on sailfish! The fish pulled my two clients in opposite directions. After screaming directions and running back and forth to each angler, we managed to secure both fish for a great photo before release. That sailfish double already made it a great day, but there was more to come.

8 NATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2021

We regrouped and got baits back out in search of another bite. At about 11 a.m., we approached a slight rip line near 150 feet of water. There was very little current and next to no surface action for most of the day, so we slowed down to stick in the rip area. Ten minutes in, I noticed one rod bounce hard and then take off. It was a good high-speed run and then line went slack. I screamed to keep reeling no matter what, as this is typical for a wahoo strike. Sure enough, the fish came tight again for another run to the bottom. As I yelled to one angler, the other client’s rod started bouncing. He reeled down, and there was head thrashing on surface. The fish circled the yak twice, and I

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gaffed the 29-pound wahoo within minutes. Once we got that one, I knew by its behavior the first fish was going to be a wahoo, as well. I was excited and shaking. I’ve been hunting a double wahoo for a decade or more. Ten minutes later, with that first fish safely in-hand, I let out a scream heard round the world, “We did it! DOUBLE WAHOO!” Brian Nelli operates Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters offering inshore and offshore kayak fishing trips out of South Florida. Contact him at Brian@tckayakfishing.com and check out his website at www.tckayakfishing.com.

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earlier, the biggest trout caught during February and March will eat crappie-sized jigs… so, there goes that theory. For the most part, though, I like bigger shrimp to eliminate as many of the dink trout bites as possible, but even the dinks will give the biggest shrimp you throw a whack. When you miss a bite, I always say, “don’t Tim Barefoot worry about it, it’s a dink.” Trout always eat a shrimp from behind, so they can fold the shrimp up and swallow it with the horn going forward. his is the time of year when the inshore bite can slow down or get hot as a firecracker, especially for speckled trout. Always. A missed bite usually means the fish didn’t have a mouth large Right now, bait size can make all the difference between enough to “inhale” your shrimp backwards. Another key ingredient stacking ’em up and getting to getting bites in cold water skunked. Live baits are is the speed of the retrieve. really the best bet when This is a perfect situation to things get tough, but for use a sliding cork or a fixedhard-headed anglers—like depth cork. For example: If me—who prefer artificials, you’re in water 6 feet deep it’s important to use smaller and you want to slow the profile baits and slow down bait way down, set the stop the retrieve considerably. at 5 feet and just let the As a matter of fact, I cork stand up and drift the know a guy who scales same speed as the current, down to crappie-size or if there is no current, jigs through the coldest just barely slow-take a stretches of February and wind on the reel to keep March. the bait moving forward. I prefer a smaller Don’t twitch the bait, just version of the same shrimp barely move it forward, and I always use. I normally always use a shrimp scent throw the 4-inch shrimp on like Pro Cure Shrimp. a jig head, but when it gets cold, I like the 3-inch size. There is not a time of the year when fish won’t eat a shrimp; there’s only a Videos for this style fishing will soon be available at: few weeks of the year when they won’t eat the 4-inch version. The reason I normally throw the bigger shrimp is that the old saying, BAREFOOTCATSANDTACKLE.COM “bigger bait, bigger fish” kind of holds true for seatrout. But like I said

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n May 18, 1980, the once-slumbering Mount St. Helens erupted in the Pacific Northwest. It was the most impressive display of nature’s power in North America’s recorded history. But even more impressive is what emerged from the chaos... a spectacular new creation born of ancient minerals named Helenite. Its lush, vivid color and amazing story instantly captured the attention of jewelry connoisseurs worldwide. You can now have four carats of the world’s newest stone for an absolutely unbelievable price. Known as America’s emerald, Helenite makes it possible to give her a stone that’s brighter and has more fire than any emerald without paying the exorbitant price. In fact, this many carats of an emerald that looks this perfect and glows this green would cost you upwards of $80,000. Your more beautiful and much more affordable option features a perfect teardrop of Helenite set in gold-covered sterling silver suspended from a chain accented with even more verdant Helenite. Limited Reserves. As one of the largest EXCLUSIVE gemstone dealers in the world, we buy more carats of Helenite than anyone, which lets us give you a great price. However, this much gorgeous green Helenite Earrings for this price won’t last long. Don’t miss out. Helenite is only found in -a one section of Washington State, so with purchase of call today! Helenite Necklace Romance guaranteed or your money back. Experience the scintillating beauty of the Helenite Teardrop Necklace for 30 days and if she isn’t completely in love with it send it back for a full refund of the item price. You can even keep the stud earrings as our thank you for giving us a try.

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Winter Surf Fishing Forecast

ith beach erosion from the fall hurricanes, some areas of the Treasure Coast have developed a sandbar. To get to the best water, surf casters need to think about getting their baits farther out past the sandbar. You’ll need to go across the sandbar with longer casts by using heavy spoons or jigs or wade across the trough and fish from the sandbar. On low tide, you absolutely need to fish from the sandbar to get good results. Surf cast with 3/8-ounce chartreuse jig with a 4-inch plastic bait in pearl white. One- or 2-ounce silver crocodile spoons are another good choice, and you can cast them a mile. Bait schools have been sporadic recently, so look for birds to locate feeding fish. No birds, no fish. Schools of jacks, mackerel and bluefish are cruising the beach. They are in the trough early in the morning on medium to high tides. It’s best to fish the trough at around 7 a.m., when the sun rises. If cold weather has kept you out of the surf or from getting out to the sandbar, consider using neoprene waders. Waders are also great for fishing the Indian River Lagoon. There are a lot of jacks in the lagoon right now, with larger ones hanging around the bridges and deeper water. Pompano are being caught on sand fleas and fish bites on the incoming tide from Fort Pierce Inlet to the St. Lucie Inlet. Some are nice sized, but the numbers aren’t great. Whiting and croaker are being caught on shrimp, sand fleas and cut bait. I’ve caught some on small jigs and spoons at high tide around the trough. There are a lot of beach accesses from Fort Pierce Inlet to Bathtub Beach and St. Lucie Inlet. Although Bathtub Beach is closed, the St. Lucie inlet is within walking distance from other beach accesses. Stop and look for bird or bait activity before you decide to fish. Although the feeders are in the trough early in the morning, you’ll need to find baitfish to have success during the day. I use a medium-action, 7-foot spinning rod and 10- to 20-pound braid. I like white line, for its visibility, and I use a 30- or 40-pound fluorocarbon leader in the winter months. Make sure you retie your lure after catching a few mackerel, ladyfish or bluefish so you don’t lose the big one because of frayed line.

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THE PERFECT GRIP By John Saporito

handle is much more than just the part by which you hold the rod. It is the conduit that transmits strikes to your hands and the trusted grip that ensures a hold on the fish of your dreams. But not all handles are created equal, and each material has strengths and weaknesses. Whether buying a factory rod, building your own or having a custom rod built for you, it pays to know which handle style is the best choice for the job. This primer will give you a “grip” on which one is right for you. EVA Foam: Foam handles are common across all types of fishing rods. They are inexpensive and durable, making them a go-to option for anglers. However, foam is neither the most comfortable choice nor the best in terms of grip. It can become slippery when wet or after handling fish. It also lacks true sensitivity, muffling what is transmitted from hook to hand rather than delivering it directly. Cork: A fan favorite, cork is as comfortable as it is elegant. However, it is less durable and more expensive than foam. A lightweight material, cork offers good sensitivity and a solid grip—even when wet. Split Grip: A split grip is simply a handle that is partly covered with foam, cork or another material, and partly left bare. The narrow diameter of the naked rod won’t tire out a hand over long periods

of use and allows for maximum sensitivity, translating whatever is happening on the end of the line to the hand as efficiently as possible. Lacking coverage of their entire length, split grips are also very lightweight. The gripping potential depends on the material. The main concern of split grips is durability, as the unprotected portion is damaged more easily than a fully covered handle. Cork Tape: A favorite of surf fishermen, cork tape offers an incredibly reliable grip under all conditions. Its “sandpaper” texture may scare some anglers off, but it is actually quite comfortable. Cork tape is durable, although it may need replacing after seasons of use—much like the grip on a golf club. It promotes good sensitivity due to the thin and firm nature of the material. It is perhaps the most underutilized handle type of all. Heat-Shrink Vinyl: A cork-tape lookalike, vinyl permits excellent sensitivity, is comfortable, and provides good gripping grip materials are available for the rods that meet ability. It is both durable and inexpensive. Many anglers turn to heat-shrink vinyl as an easy your needs. Then, the decision will practically make itself. replacement for worn handles on well-used rods. In the end, selecting a handle doesn’t need to be a confusing affair. Evaluate which qualities you Lifelong fisherman and student of predatory fish, seek in a rod, how the rod will be used, and which visit John Saporito online at guerillaangling.com.

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Waterman wins Pelican Yacht Club Invitational

Team Waterman, winners of the 2021 Pelican Yacht Club Invitational Billfish Tournament.

By Ed Killer, for CAM

or the second consecutive year, the sailfish action at the Pelican Yacht Club Invitational Billfish Tournament was a little slow. But that didn’t keep these guys from having fun anyway. A fleet of 23 boats fished the first week of January out of the elegant Fort Pierce social club to catch and release 124 sailfish. Radio operator Allyson Francis joked at one point she thought the sailfish may have been wearing facemasks since the bite was so slow. Francis may have been right. Usually, the sailfishing is much better than that. Over the past 10 years of this event, anglers have tallied more than 340 sailfish releases six times. Two of those years, the fleet amassed two of the Treasure Coast’s largest sailfish hauls in six decades of sailfish tournament fishing. In 2012, the fleet caught 736 sailfish. But in 2019, the fleet crushed that record by catching and releasing 969 sailfish. This year, it was all about finding enough sails in small groups to get enough to win. Waterman, a 57-foot Ricky Scarborough owned by Mike Standing, a restaurateur from Virginia Beach, and led by Capt. Kevin Paul of Fort Pierce, who was leading a team for the first time all season, wound up on top with 13 sailfish releases for the tournament. Waterman enjoyed the best fishing of the week for any team on the tournament’s final day in the event’s final four hours. The team

caught six sailfish after noon and eight total on the final day. Paul said he got to the spot late, but his anglers made it worthwhile. “We had caught two fish in the morning up by Disney (offshore of Wabasso) and heard Josh (Capt. Josh Chaney aboard Champagne Lady) catch a triple,” said Paul, who is known in Treasure Coast sailfish circles as KP. “That kind of motivated us to move.” Paul’s anglers reeled in their lines and headed south about 12 miles where a number of other tournament competitors were already fishing. Waterman’s crew consisted of Standing, Ronnie Fields, Mark Blackwell, Jimmy Variety, Sutton River Paul and mate Shaun Gibson. Fields, a longtime sailfish tournament captain, was named the tournament’s top angler, with nine sailfish releases. Paul worked as a mate for Fields for about two years. “It’s fun fishing with someone you spent so much time working with,” Paul said. The six afternoon catches were enough to lift Waterman up through the standings. The team began the day with five catches for the tournament, trailing Dakeri, led by Capt. Christian Springsteen of Fort Pierce. Dakeri caught six sailfish on the tournament’s opening day and entered the final day with the lead. Dakeri owner Ken Krumins, of Winter Park, caught eight of the

SEE INVITATIONAL........................PAGE 3

PHOTO SUPPLIED by Ed Killer.

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FEBRUARY 2021

TREASURE COAST 1

Florida Fish and Wildlife

FWC GONE COASTAL:

PHOTO CREDIT: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com

news updates By Amanda Nalley

How Saltwater Fishing License Add-Ons Help Improve Fisheries

Snook, spiny lobster, reef fish, sharks from shore, blue crabs and stone crabs caught in traps: What do all these have in common? They each require a special add-on permit, designation or registration on your recreational fishing license. Maybe you’ve heard of these specialty designations, some of which have been around since before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was created. Others are fairly new, such as the State Reef Fish Angler designation, originally created in 2015 as the Gulf Reef Fish Angler designation and expanded statewide this year. While there are many differences

between these designations, one thing holds true for them all: when anglers who participate in these fisheries sign up, they are helping improve these fisheries. In some cases, fishery managers and researchers can use some of this information to have a better idea of how many people participate in a fishery, leading to better fisheries management practices. These designations also create a pool of participants for FWC to reach out to for, let’s say, research surveys or to simply email relevant information to, such as when a regulation changes. The snook and spiny lobster permits contribute to conservation by funding research and monitoring

activities that help ensure that these magnificent fisheries continue to thrive in Florida for generations to come. Check out some of the more recent designations (State Reef Fish Angler,

Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit and Recreational Trap Registration) and why they are important and a few frequently asked questions on the Coastal Angler Magazine website at https://bit.ly/3ilhJzS. ‘

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button on your home page (even if there is no cost for the designation). Then scroll down to the Saltwater Permits section, where all of these designations should be listed. Click add to cart and check out as normal. You can also add these designations by calling toll free at 888-FISHFLORIDA (888-347-4356) or by downloading the Fish|Hunt Florida mobile app.

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INVITATIONAL..............FROM PAGE 1 team’s 10 fish. Dakeri also had Sean Doyle, Josh Turner and Chris Pakarinen aboard. “We had a great morning and caught one right out of the gate,” Springsteen said. “We made a couple of turns and picked up a couple more bites, but we caught our last sailfish at 12:06 and never saw another one after that.” Springsteen said he was within sight of Waterman all afternoon. “We watched KP catch all of his fish,” Springsteen said. Dakeri caught four fish on the final day to finish second overall. Champagne Lady caught six on the final day. Vintage, Wrapped Up and InTents each caught five the final day. A total of 65 sailfish were caught on the final day by 19 boats. The 42nd annual Pelican Yacht Club Invitational Billfish Tournament will take place Jan. 10-15, 2022.

TREASURE COAST

Waterman, a 57foot Scarborough, makes its way out the Fort Pierce Inlet during the 2021 Pelican Yacht Club Invitational Billfish Tournament. Waterman led by Capt. Kevin Paul won the event with 13 sailfish releases.

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. Colton Hester Capt. Michael Mauri Capt. Giles Murphy Brian Nelli Jim Oppenborn Capt. Nate Shellen Cammie Ward Capt. Joe Ward Capt. Terry Wildey Steve Wood

PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Tyson. SUPPLIED by Capt. Kevin “KP” Paul.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

DAILY AWARDS

13 - Waterman, Capt. Kevin Paul 10 - Dakeri, Capt. Christian Springsteen 9 - Vintage, Capt Hans Kraaz 9 - Lo Que Sea, Capt. Mike Brady 9 - InTents, Capt. Rhett Bailey

JAN. 5: JAN. 6: JAN. 7: JAN. 8: JAN. 9:

6 - Dakeri, Capt. Christian Springsteen 3 - Vintage, Capt. Hans Kraaz Jr. 3 - Waterman, Capt. Kevin Paul 1 - Floridian, Capt. Glenn Cameron 8 - Waterman, Capt. Kevin Paul

Fleet Totals: 124 sailfish releases, 23 boats Top Angler: Ronnie Fields, Waterman Top Female Angler: Michelle Keeney, InTents

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FEBRUARY 2021

TREASURE COAST 3

FISHING FORECASTS

MARTIN COUNTY DEEP SEA

Capt. Rocky Carbia Safari I Deep Sea Fishing Pirates Cove Resort and Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno Reservations: (772) 334-4411 Safari-1.com

ebruary is the month for lovers: Fish Lovers, and the offshore fisherman’s heart will only be full when they are floating on the rip, with lines in the water. Visions of a salty Valentine’s Day will only be made sweeter as user-friendly weather windows avail themselves and allow target species to land on fish box ice. These components will fuel the romantic visions of all offshore enthusiasts who search for the perfect fishing relationship and everlasting fish kisses. Bottom fishing will be at the forefront of relationship goals this month, with snapper fishing being a go-to strategy for fish collectors.

The go-to zone for most species of snapper will be between 50 to 80 feet of water. Moreover, as seas remain choppy but “fishable” out of the north and east, offshore anglers will angle towards reefs close to shore and slightly north of the St. Lucie Inlet. Martin County’s exceptional, offshore artificial reef program has set in place over 60 reef structures within 3 to 4 nautical miles, just east and north of our inlet. Old barges, concrete bridge spans, inlet dredging spoils, and prefabricated “reef makers” make up most of these artificial reef structures and have become home to a large, diversified body of fish, both resident and pelagic, especially snapper. Lane, mangrove, vermilion, yellowtail, cubera, and mutton snapper are regularly caught by local anglers around these structures. Lane snappers are probably the most abundant of all and can be found in large numbers this month. Anchoring the boat, above and around these reefs, will enable anglers using all varieties of cut bait, on 30- to 50-pound tackle to enjoy snapper catching success. These reefs not only attract snapper and other species of bottom dwellers, but also a wide array of pelagic fish that are normally associated with the upper surface of the water column,

Along with many species of snapper, Cobia will make a showing this month, like this nice Cobe caught by Larry Sadler (right) aboard the Safari 1. PHOTO CREDIT: Safari 1.

like king mackerel, dolphin, bonito, sailfish, and cobia. These artificial reefs become attractive devices for all species of saltwater fish as they provide the foundation for the smallest organisms to adhere to and grow, thus setting the ecosystem in motion as smaller fish are attracted by the food and cover offered by these structures. In turn, bigger fish that prey on the smaller organisms,

find their way to these reefs and as a result, begin to propel the food chain into action. These reefs are well documented and published GPS coordinates for them can be found by visiting martinreefs.com. True fishing love will be found during the days of February, between the waves and over top of the many bottom contours that are just east of our St. Lucie Inlet.

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MARTIN COUNTY INSHORE NEARSHORE

Capt. Giles Murphy Stuart Angler Bait & Tackle (772) 288–1219 Fishing Charters (772) 475 - 4857 www.stuartangler.com giles@stuartangler.com

his winter has been very active with lots of baitfish showing up inshore near the Crossroads getting chased by snook and monster jacks early in the morning. These bait-schools can be seen weaving through docks and on the edges of the flats. It’s a great opportunity to throw topwater flies and lures

and as food fs are d GPS und by

at the bait schools for explosions on the surface. We see this mostly during the first hour of sunrise with incoming tide. It’s also a great opportunity to cast-net bait on your way to the next spot. The water has cleared up a lot and the snook are being caught more back in the St. Lucie River along docks, seawalls, and bridges. The old oyster beds near the Roosevelt Bridge are loaded with jacks for fun with artificials. Back in the South Fork, I like to slowly trolling-motor the mangrove shorelines casting D.O.A. C.A.L. Jigs and Giles~Jigs for snook, trout, and redfish. This can be a good backup plan to escape the wind during the fronts in February. Another fun option during the winter months can be bass fishing Lake Okeechobee. We launch the

boat on the south side at “Slims Fish Camp” or on the north side at “C. Scott Driver Park” at the mouth of the Kissimmee River. Both the north and south side of the lake have great fishing opportunities, but there is much more accommodations on the north side. During the winter, largemouth bass are caught along grassy clumps in the shallows casting Gambler Big EZ’s and dragging them along the surface. We also to well using Texas rigged rubber worms along weedy shorelines with deep drop offs. The Spanish mackerel and bluefish are here for some easy fun casting jigs and plugs along the beach or down at Peck Lake Reef. Enjoy the rest of your winter and get ready for some early Springtime action!

MARTIN COUNTY OFFSHORE

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hope your Valentine likes fishing because this February should offer up some great action. Expect good sailfish and dolphin action through the end of the month with a good chance at wahoo and blackfin tuna. Trolling and live baiting are both preferred methods this time of year so make sure to stop by and grab some bait from Bryan and Michael at Stuart Live Bait in the morning. It’s been a while since we’ve had a good manta ray migration, but fingers crossed, this will be the year. With water temperatures

Ellis Tucci (right) and friend Chris (left) with a nice day of mahi and a bonus sailfish with Capt. Scott Fawcett at the helm. Give a call for Capt. Scott to run your boat too. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.

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Capt. Giles caught lots of bass on Lake Okeechobee casting Texas Rig Worms. PHOTO SUPPLIED by Capt. Giles Murphy.

back in the low 70s along the beach it might get cold enough to push the bats back down here again. Get a good pair of Costa Del Mar polarized shades and keep an eye out for huge manta rays cruising down scum lines and color changes. These rays will often have mini ecosystems and an abundance of life following them including cobia and the occasional mahi. RonZ jigs, Gulfstream Cobia Slayers or live baits rigged on heavy blackfin spinning rods with a quality reel spooled with 65-pound braid. work great for this sight fishing extravaganza. When taking part in this migration, common courtesy is expected with one major rule. Don’t snag the ray. Lol. February is also a great month to hit the bottom so check out Capt. Rocky’s report to get a handle on February’s bottom fish quarry. I hope you and your loved ones get out on the water a bunch this month and your next outing is Off The Chain.

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FEBRUARY 2021

TREASURE COAST 5

SOUTH INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

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

inter is well established, and you can expect weekly cold fronts to blow through the area bringing windy days and cool temperatures with them. The winds of winter have arrived in full strength! It will be blowing most days and make it a challenge for anglers to get out fishing. Water temps will fluctuate this month and

you must adapt to the changes for better success. Pompano can be found along beaches, in deeper areas of the grass flats and in channels. Doc’s Goofy Jigs are great for pompano with live shrimp and sand fleas good choices, too. The sheepshead and drum have arrived early and are plentiful out there. You can find them hanging under docks or along channel edges. Live or dead shrimp always works well. It has been a good bite so far. Mackerel, jacks, bluefish and ladyfish will all be coming in with the tides and small shiny lures will work best for them. Look for redfish around docks and mangroves with a D.O.A. Shrimp. Snook fishing will be best at night around the bridges and jetties. Live bait or a D.O.A. Bait Buster will be good choices. The trout bite has picked up and we are seeing more sea grass growing on the flats. I like

Sheepshead will be a good fish to target in February. Dalton shows off a few nice sized sheepies. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Charlie Connor.

to use a D.O.A. Deadly Combo when looking for sea trout. Fish tend to be sluggish in the colder water. Be willing to fish deeper water if the temps drop below 68 degrees. Working your lures or bait slower along the bottom will give the fish more time to react to it and will result in more bites for anglers.

FORT PIERCE DEEP SEA

Capt. Cole Hazellief Lady Chris Charters (772) 971-7179 TheLadyChris.com

ishing in February along the Treasure Coast is all about chasing tail. Just like the weather the fishing can go from hot to cold overnight. Anglers must be ready to cast off on short notice, and head offshore where snapper, mackerel and cobia are waiting to take the bait! Red, golden, and delicious! Lane snappers are both beautiful and plentiful, and February is a great month to fill your quota. Gear up with some light tackle and drop a line over your favorite reef to fill the cooler with the sweetest snapper in the sea! And if you don’t find the lane’s,

Filling the table with lane, mutton and mahi on board the Lady Chris. PHOTO CREDIT: Lady Chris Charters.

chances are a mutton will take the bait! Muttons are one of our top fish to target because of their skittish behavior and fantastic flavor. February is also the moth to catch a trophy size mutton, which can weigh

up to 30 pounds making for a great game between angler versus. fish. King mackerel will make its presence known by hitting the baits on top. These speedy macks will peel the line off your reel when they make

We have enjoyed more normal winter weather and the fish bite has been good for us. Winds will still be blowing, and the water will begin to gradually rise in temperature. Have fun this month and get out fishing Remember, fishing is not just another hobby, it’s an ADVENTURE! Good fishing!

for the exits. A 20-pound set up with robust leader is adequate for reeling in the big one--anything less and you could to lose an opportunity to make the family smoked fish dip recipe. Cobia on call. Rig a medium pitch rod with a light-weight jig or a circle hook and be ready to cast toward the shadows. Cobia feed on small fish and crabs floating in the current, and they will take the bait from the top--just make sure you have enough backbone to reel in a fish that can weigh up to 150 pounds! Boaters should beware of choppy conditions and ready for chilly temperatures, however, the bite will be best between the polar vorticies and nor’esters. If you are in-betweenboats or looking for a nice and comfortable ride with a professional crew, call us and we’ll take you to our favorite honey-holes and hook you up on the deep blue sea! Tight lines and winter vibes from the Lady Chris and crew!

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FISHING FORECASTS

Fred caugh

d fish to n shows epies.

e Connor.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY OFFSHORE

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

he St. Lucie County area offshore bite is heating up on days that you can get out. There have been numerous waves of mahi-mahi and sailfish coming through with some wahoo mixed in. If you are trolling for mahi-mahi, make sure to put a cedar plug out as well. Anglers on our charters have been catching some nice blackfin tuna when pulling a cedar plug as our long bait about 40 yards behind our outside long ballyhoo. The pelagic fish seem to be congregated around the wrecks to the south of the Fort Pierce Inlet in 80-to-200 feet of water.

If you are going offshore to bottom ABOVE: Courtney fish, there are tons of amberjack to Henderson with her first amberjack. RIGHT: Capt. be caught on these wrecks. A few of Colton Hester with Melissa the wrecks to look at on a chart and and Eric Henderson. This target are the Amazon, Muliphen and was Missy’s first sailfish the Deep Tug. The bottom fishing is caught trolling ballyhoo also fantastic in these winter months in 150 feet of water. in 80 feet of water straight out of the PHOTOS CREDIT: Sonna Girl Fishing Charters. Fort Pierce Inlet, or just to the north of the inlet as well. Look for small and mutton snapper will be living target these fish. ledges on your bottom machine with there ready to strike. I like to use cut Get out there and go catch the bait balls above them. The mangrove cigar minnows or fresh cut grunts to fish of a lifetime.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE

Remember to use a small piece of caught in the last four-to-five weeks. seeing, it should be a good one. A good place to start will be wire on the end of your leaders to In the past there were a few here and there but now they seem to be just around the Fort Pierce Inlet and the keep from getting cut off. There has been a lot of bonefish about everywhere. local bridges. For the bridges I would Capt. Joe Ward fish a live bait like a pinfish, pilchard Capt. Joe’s River Charters or greenie and fish it on the bottom. (772) 201-5770 or (772) 461-1335 Use a 5\0 live bait hook and three CWard11605@aol.com feet of 40# fluorocarbon leader and enough weight to hold the bottom. PROUDLY SERVING n Feb. 1, everyone will be out for Try one hour before to one hour after TREASURE COAST the opening of snook season. the tide changes. For the inlet, try drifting the And, from all the signs I have been ANGLERS same kind of live baits but you will FOR OVER need a bigger weight. I would use a 40 YEARS... six-to-eight-ounce weight. When the cold fronts drop the water temps, it is time to get out the jigs and fish places like the wall, jetty or the bridges. Color is usually the angler’s preference. Right now, my favorite is a Flair Hawk made by Fish Our Knowledgeable, Whistle Jigs with a pink head with Experienced Staff chartreuse/white body. Remember to fish the jigs slowly as they say, “if Take Pride In Helping you aren’t losing jigs, you ain’t fishing Make Your Fishing them right”. Trip A Great One! Now, moving on to the other fish. The croakers, sheepshead, black RODS/REELS/COMBOS drum and sand perch should be all LIVE & FROZEN BAIT around the bridges and docks along TERMINAL TACKLE the Intracoastal. Try a small live KNIVES /TOOLS shrimp or piece of fresh dead shrimp and fish it on a #2 long shank hook LINE/LEADER and use a 1-ounce weight and 2 feet CLOTHING of 20# fluorocarbon leader. ACCESSORIES Look for plenty of bluefish, 107 FISHERMAN’S WHARF ICE/DRINKS Spanish mackerel and big jacks FORT PIERCE, FL 34950 & MORE! working the schools of bait fish as Fred Bloom with a bonefish the come in the Fort Pierce Inlet. Phone: (772) 464 - 5066 caught while fishing at Dockside Email: debrooksfishingcorner@gmail.com MON.-THURS. 6AM–8PM Try fishing a Gotcha Jig, spoon or a Instagram: @debrooksfishing Marina and Resort. FRI.-SAT. 6AM–9PM flash jig, just about anything shiny. DEBROOKSFISHINGCORNER.COM SUN. 6AM–5PM PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe Ward.

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FEBRUARY 2021

TREASURE COAST 7

LARGEST SELECTION OF FIREARMS ON THE TREASURE COAST

FISHING FORECASTS

SEBASTIAN INSHORE

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

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he New Year has started off a bit chillier than the last few years with many morning low temperatures starting in the 40s and climbing to around 70 or so by midafternoon. This is a more normal winter pattern for east central Florida than the warm mild winters we have experienced in the recent past. Anglers can be successful when the mercury drops if they know when and where to spend their time.

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SEBASTIAN RIVER – Ladyfish and jacks school up in the deep, calm and slightly warmer waters of the Sebastian River. Gator trout and redfish can be found around oyster bars and docks of the lower river. Snook and tarpon can be found in good numbers in the south fork and will bite during warm spells. Bucktails, Goofy jigs, D.O.A. shrimp, small plugs and flies are all great lures for anything in the Sebastian River in the winter. INDIAN RIVER LAGOON – Colder

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FEBRUARY 2021

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warmth. This is the one time of year when I prefer a late start and the use of live shrimp. A later start allows the sun time to warm the shallow waters. The higher angle of the sun from mid-morning to mid-afternoon also allows better visibility for sight fishing where a delicately presented live shrimp is probably the best way to get a bite from a redfish or trout you can see in cold, clear water. Deeper water canals can be fished earlier in the day and the slow and deep approach necessary in this scenario will also be enhanced with the use of a nice sized live shrimp. D.O.A Shrimp, jerk baits, small suspending plugs and flies fished slowly and deliberately will also produce strikes on even the coldest winter days in the Indian River Lagoon. Ladyfish, jacks, pompano, bluefish and some other species will be available in open water areas of the lagoon at times and bucktails, Goofy jigs and small plugs will catch them.

SEBASTIAN INLET – Bluefish, jacks, pompano, redfish, black drum, and Spanish mackerel will keep jetty anglers busy throughout the day. Snook season will open Feb. 1and if water temps are at or above the upper 60s, they should be active day and night. NEAR SHORE ATLANTIC –

Pompano and whiting will be the target of surf fishermen along the Treasure Coast in February. Sandfleas, cut clams and dead shrimp on three hook dropper rigs are the baits of choice. Calm clean surf conditions will allow boaters to fish jigs and spoons along the beaches for pompano, blues, jacks and ladyfish. Tight lines!

me of rt and r start m the angle ng to better here a mp is a bite u can Deeper earlier deep enario he use D.O.A nding y and strikes ays in dyfish, some ble in oon at gs and

uefish, black el will ghout n Feb. above active

SEBASTIAN AREA OFFSHORE

Capt. Terry Wildey Big Easy Fishing Charters (772) 538 - 1072 Email: captwildey@bellsouth.net www.bigeasyfishingcharters.com

f January’s cold water has done its job, its moved fish in close. We should see some good bottom fishing. I always look for the mutton snapper to show up in the 85 to 90 foot reefs along with lots of lane snapper and triggerfish. If the water is cold and clear, in the low 70s and you can see 30 feet down your anchor rope, live bait and fluorocarbon leader is well worth the time and money. We start the morning throwing the cast net for silver bait, thread fins and pilchards. Pilchards are my favorite. They’ll entice a bite on the bottom sometimes when nothing else works. If the water is a stirred up a dirty green, any cut bait works well. As the shark and goliath population grows, you are going to learn to crank fast or you are not gonna get your fish. There are places we don’t even try to fish anymore because the goliath grouper will get under the boat and eat every good fish you

hook. The sharks are just as bad. Don’t get discouraged, sometimes it’s better to up the size of your leader an extra 20 pounds and put the heat to them. We call it “stop them or pop them.” Hopefully, they’ll open up a harvest on them and get them under control so we’ll get where our sea bass populations can make a comeback. Think about it! Ever wonder where the sea bass went? Look for a few cobia to show up. I usually check the artificial reefs in the 65-to-70 feet areas. Keep your eyes peeled for floating debris, February is a good time to find triple tail hiding sometimes under something no bigger than a coconut. Even if you are headed offshore, it’s good to have a light spinner with 15-pound mono line rigged and ready to pitch for that triple tail. If the water clears in close enough, look for some big kings in 40 to 60 feet. I like the large thread fins or even better, a 7- or 9-inch blue runner. Remember big fish big bait and a bigger hook too! On a 7-inch bait I’ll use a #4 or #5 wire up my hook from a #3 treble to a #4 and use two. One in the front and a trailer hook three quarters of the way to the tail. This can be slow trolled 2 to 3 knots to cover ground or drifted if you are in a good area. For those going deep, there

Mark and Tina Yates with their son and grandson with a typical February catch of triggerfish, mutton, mangrove and lane snapper, and a cobia. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Terry Wildey.

should still be a few dolphin, wahoo and blackfin tuna or sailfish to be a caught. Look for color and temp changes 120 feet to 240 feet. I try to include as many details as I can, but if there’s something you feel would be helpful to you, please drop me an email at captwildey@

C –

be the along ruary. dead er rigs clean oaters ng the jacks

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FISHING FORECASTS

FROM THE SHORE

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

ebruary means snook season is officially open on the east coast of Florida. February’s patterns will consist of bridge fishing on days leading up to a cold front. Tide and wind going in the same direction can always be the most important factor for you to consider. For bridge fishing, 1½-ounce to 2-ounce snook jigs will be the money. Also, live shrimp will be hard to beat. For the live shrimp I prefer using a 1/4-ounce jig head or 3/8-ounce jig head and a 40-pound leader. For big snook, an 80-pound leader and heavy action rod. Fishing around structure for these fish will not be easy. Make sure you have a bridge net to land your catch. Wade-fishing for sea trout and redfish in February will be hot. I like not having clean water when I

am targeting these fish. The Indian River Lagoon has suffered major grass loss and I am really starting to believe that fish may prefer the water being dirty when they are feeding. Imagine having nowhere to hide when looking for food! That’s what these fish are dealing with. Hopefully one day, the Indian River Lagoon will come back to the phenomenal fishery that it once was. Beach fishing for sharks is definitely a thing in February. The black tip migration happens every year where tens of thousands of sharks will make their way down our coast. This is something I focus on in February. Going out with big top water plugs with single hooks will get you some crazy explosions at sunrise or sunset. You will need to go to the FWC website to get a shark permit to be able to fish for these sharks on the beach. It does not cost anything but there are specific requirements for shark fishing. Bait of choice will be whatever is running along the beach—ladyfish, jacks, mackerel, bluefish or mullet. If it is bloody they will find it! Good luck on your next adventure That’s R-Man over and out.

Tom with a solid black tip shark during the black tip migration. He caught this shark on a mullet head. A circle hook is now a requirement when fishing for shark.

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continue to get better and hopefully the average size will increase as well.

KAYAK FISHING FORECAST

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

INSHORE: Pompano will remain the prize target this month. We have had a few good days, but the larger size fish have not pushed into the river yet. I like to fish the lower tides near the full and new moons targeting the edges of channels inside the Loxahatchee River and the Indian River up through Jensen Beach. Using Goofy jigs and D.O.A. Shrimp will produce pompano, ladyfish, bluefish and jacks. The seatrout fishing should be your next target in the Stuart area. Fishing around docks and mangroves will produce seatrout, redfish, snook and jacks. Finally snook fishing in the Lantana area has been producing good numbers around the seawalls and docks. Try using a D.O.A. Bait Buster or C.A.L. jerk bait.

ABOVE: Braden Nelli with a nice pompano. BELOW: Don with fists full of peacock bass.

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clown knifefish have been steady

OFFSHORE: The offshore fishing for along with some bigger largemouth sailfish will remain good when the winds are out of the north. Smaller kingfish and mahi will also be in the mix. Goggle eyes have been the best bet, but don’t overlook a good ole dead sardine on a triple J hook rig for dolphin and kingfish. Focus your attention in 100-to-130-feet of water. In the next month, action should

bass. Look to fish concrete structure and deeper holes with shiners or shad. February can produce a large number of fish on any given day. Check us out Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest adventures my clients and I get into. See you on the water!

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TREASURE COAST 11

FISHING FORECASTS

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

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

hen the water temperatures are in or near the 60s, bass will normally continue to bite. Once it dives below that mark, it can get very tough. This time of year, it may be necessary to fish later in the day. Afternoon fishing can improve drastically once the water temps warm a few degrees. Being cold-blooded creatures, bass are not driven to eat when it is cold. The food they do eat metabolizes very slowly, as opposed to when the water is warm, their food metabolizes quickly turning them into feeding machines. Artificial lure fishing can get tougher, requiring very slow and direct presentations that will stay in the strike zone for longer periods

of time. Flipping and pitching presentations that are placed into heavy cover areas work best for many anglers. The north shore is holding a large number of bass, many of them are in the sparse cover areas that have just opened up from either cold weather or spraying by the SFWMD. The whole west side of the lake is yielding large numbers of fish although a stiff east wind can dirty the water quickly so watch the wind direction. Even in cold water, a live wild shiner will still draw strikes, although the bites are not as frequent nor as aggressive as normal. The great thing about Okeechobee, in general, is that the water cools quickly but also warms back up quickly; the difference a day makes can be astounding. Many times, we have fished with shiners and had to work hard to catch fish, only to return the next day to have the bass blow the baits out of the water in a fast and furious fashion. Speck anglers are finding good numbers of large specks scattered along the grass lines along the north end of the lake from Buck Head Ridge to Harney Pond. Jig anglers have greater success in the heavy cover areas probing small holes in and around the spike rush, eelgrass,

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Ethan Shellen and Tyler Simpson struck gold with these giants! PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Nate Shellen.

hyacinth, and cattail areas. Every hole has the potential to hold fish, so many times the more meticulous angler will be the most successful. Minnow fishermen are catching pre-spawn or staging specks along the outside grass lines as well as in

the Kissimmee River and other local canals. Night fishermen are getting the better of it many times by fishing from 9 p.m. in the evening until just before sunup. There is no other place in the world like Lake Okeechobee!

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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

ebruary can be a bit chilly top side, but many are surprised to learn water temps remain relatively warm throughout the winter in Florida, especially offshore. Divers who venture out local inlets may be in for a treat if sea conditions lay down long enough between cold fronts since visibility can be quite clear this time of year too. There are even good options inshore to get wet and see some neat critters Visibility on the Treasure Coast is quite predictable this time of year provided an eye is kept to the wind. Strong northerly winds from passing fronts during the winter months are often preceded by offshore, westerly winds for 12-to24 hours before the front sweeps through. With a little timing, divers

Westerly winds prior to cold fronts this time of year, can bring a short spell of calm seas for divers to to get wet. PHOTO CREDIT: Ocean Image Photography/SHUTTERSTOCK.

can take advantage of this short spell of calm seas near the beach and can sneak in some great dives just outside local inlets. Local beach cams at Jensen Beach and Bathtub reef are great tools for watching real-time conditions for calm seas and good visibility. Temperatures can be surprisingly warm below the surface too, due to the proximity of our area to the warm influence of the Gulf Stream. Temps in the low 70s are common and can be warmer

than air temps in some cases. Inshore snorkel spots are commonly overlooked but offer great alternative if the ocean is too rough. Since our area has been very dry for the past few months clear water and great visibility can be found just inside local inlets when the tide is right. Clear water and great visibility can be found just inside local inlets at places like the Stuart Sandbar, Fort Pierce Cove and Boy Scout Island

areas. Remember a dive flag is still required and vigilance is needed to stay out of channels and avoid boat traffic. A few tricks for staying warm after a dive. Fill one gallon water jugs with HOT water from the tap before leaving the house and put them in a cooler. They will stay warm inside for four-plus hours and make for a great warm-water rinse after a dive. Dry clothes and a beanie are a big help too.

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FEBRUARY 2021

TREASURE COAST 13

Fly Fishing Corner By Capt. Michael Mauri

WHY TIE YOUR OWN FLIES!

ong story short, it’s fun, exciting and adds to the learning experience to help you to understand the whole flyfishing game better. Here are some of my most frequently asked questions throughout the years. Q: How difficult is it? A: Not difficult at all. The art is very easy to learn in classes or online.

Q: What is the most important piece of advice you can give to any level fly tier?

Good example of the amount of tying materials you need for tying a good fly for the Treasure Coast.

in landing your fish of a lifetime. Nothing is worse than hooking into a big fish, losing it, and realizing it bent your hook. Q: How important is it that my fly is perfect? A: Not as important as you may think. We have a ton of different materials to choose from. Go wild and try everything you think might work for you. Time will tell you what are the best and most efficient materials for your patterns and your fishery. On a personal note, usually less is more or in other words nice and translucent.

A: Use the best quality hooks for your fishery! When it comes to our saltwater Q: Will tying my own flies fishery, we depend on good tackle, save me money? especially hooks. Tying your own A: On average I believe that you flies means also choosing the right hooks in the best quality which can will save a lot of money in the long be the difference in make or break term.

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If you still not convinced yet tying your own flies, I highly recommend buying good quality flies. Yes, they will be eventually more expensive, but as always you pay for what you get. For all the ones who are excited to become now a fly tier, go ahead and visit your local fly shop for how to get started. Some shops might even offer fly tying classes,

otherwise check out YouTube to get access to a ton of fly-tying videos. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is and trust me, there is nothing better than catching fish on your own tied flies! Capt. Michael Mauri www.mauriflyfishing.com michael@mauriflyfishing.com (772) 485-3321

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FEBRUARY FISHING CONDITIONS February 1

POOR

Evening

February 20

POOR

Morning

February 2

POOR

Evening

February 21

BEST

Morning

February 3

GOOD

Evening

February 22

BEST

Morning

February 4

GOOD

Morning

February 23

BEST

Morning

February 5

POOR

Morning

February 24

FAIR

Morning

February 6

POOR

Morning

February 25

FAIR

Morning

February 7

FAIR

Morning

February 26 GOOD

Morning

February 8

FAIR

Morning

February 27 GOOD

Evening

February 28

Evening

February 9

FAIR

Morning

February 10

FAIR

Morning

February 11

FAIR

Evening

February 12 GOOD

Evening

February 13 GOOD

Evening

February 14

POOR

Evening

February 15

POOR

Evening

February 16

FAIR

Evening

February 17

FAIR

Evening

February 18

FAIR

Evening

February 19

POOR

Morning

FAIR

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

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FEBRUARY 2021

TREASURE COAST 15

67th Annual Light Tackle Tournament Raises $15,000

VIN LIG

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he Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation hosted the Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament for the 67th year. This year, the Club switched things up a little bit by adding a meat division, a $12,000 winner takes all cash prize for the Light Tackle, and a Ladies only day. Ten boats registered to fish the Light Tackle with an additional four fishing the Ladies Day. The weather for the Light Tackle was calm and sunny, while the Ladies had a little rougher time with the elements. The focus was to assist a local organization, The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, a no kill animal shelter and Miss Victory Leidner, seven-year-old daughter of local charter boat captain Billy Leidner, in

Leidner family donation. Richard Shoup, Stuart Sailfish Club vice president, Billy Leidner, father of Victory Leidner, and Charles Conigliaro, Stuart Sailfish Club president, with Victory Leidner. PHOTO CREDIT: Stuart Sailfish Club.

her fight against T-Cell Lymphoma. Once again, keeping with social distancing guidelines, the club kept registration evening brief with a preview of silent auction items. Final registration for the tournament brought in a couple more boats to

top off the total. Overall, for the three days there were 101 sailfish releases and limited meat fish brought to the weigh-in. The Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation donated $10,000 to Victory Leidner and $5,000 to The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.

For more information about the Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament, visit www.StuartSailfishClub.com/ tournaments or find themfacebook. com/stuartsailfish club. The Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation is a 501(c)3, not for profit organization.

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VINTAGE WINS 2020 STUART LIGHT TACKLE TOURNAMENT Michael Jordan Competes Once Again in the SSC Light Tackle Tournament By Ed Killer, for CAM

f there is anything we learned from “The Last Dance” documentary, it’s that sailfish tournament fishing teams in South Florida better hope they stay on Michael Jordan’s good side. If the basketball great ever makes it personal, the tournament titles may start falling his way like lastCatch 23, owned by basketball great second jump shots in big games. Michael Jordan, makes its way into For the second time in as Jupiter Inlet in December 2020 after many years, Jordan competed fishing during the Stuart Sailfish in one of South Florida’s oldest Club’s Light Tackle Tournament. and longest-running sailfish PHOTO CREDIT: Ed Killer. tournaments: the Stuart Sailfish Club’s 67th annual Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament. Jordan placed third last year during a tournament that featured very rough sea conditions. This year, Jordan’s fishing team, aboard his 80-foot Viking sportfishing yacht Catch 23, came in fourth overall after catching and releasing eight sailfish during the event’s two days. Jordan reeled in one of the sailfish, recording a release at 3:31 p.m. Dec. 10. He was fishing with Charles Nicklaus, grandson of North Palm Beach golf legend Jack Nicklaus, as well as Trey McMillan, Mark Nitzel, Mark McDevitt and Danny Young. The boat was skippered by Capt. Stetson Turney. Jordan drew a lot of attention in spring with the launch of his 10part documentary on ESPN chronicling the Chicago Bulls’ six NBA championship victories over an eight-year span in the 1990s. In summer, Jordan entered at least two marlin tournaments in North Carolina, one in which his boat weighed a 441-pound blue marlin to place ninth in the weight category. The Light Tackle Tournament was won by one of the Treasure Coast’s top sailfish tournament teams and multiple-time billfish tournament winner Vintage, owned and led by Capt. Hans Kraaz of Fort Pierce. The team — Hans Kraaz Jr., Hunter Kraaz, Michelle Keeney, Tom Garmony, Matt Webber and Cole Bates — caught and released 21 sailfish in two days. Game Changer (14) led by Capt. Bryce Garvey and Lo Que Sea (12) led by Capt. Mike Everly made it three straight sailfish tournaments placing in the top three. The tournament served as a fundraising event for the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast and the Leidner family of Stuart, whose daughter, Victory, 9, has been battling lymphoma.

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LIGHT TACKLE TOURNAMENT RESULTS

1st Place: Vintage, 21 releases. 2nd Place: Game Changer, 14 releases. 3rd Place: Lo Que Sea, 12 Releases. Top Angler: Thomas Garmony, Vintage. Top Captain: Hans Kraaz, Vintage. Top Mates: Elliot Curry, Daniel Longstreet, Tyler Beckford, Thomas Garmony, Vintage. Dailies: Vintage, 10 release the first day, and 11 on the second. 1st Sailfish Release: Paul Dozer, Lo Que Sea. Heaviest Dolphin: Joe Finnemore, Kingsbury, 14.31 lbs. Heaviest Tuna: David Orr, Holy Mackerel, 20.48 lbs. Overall Aggregate: Ty Me Up, 28.59 lbs.

LADIES DAY TOURNAMENT RESULTS

1st Place: Ty Me Up, 6. 2nd Place: Fish Hog, 4. 3rd Place: Lo Que Sea, 3. First Sailfish Release: Allie Schelin at 8:31am, Lo Que Sea. Top Lady Angler: Kelly Kirkpatrick, Ty Me Up, 4. Overall Aggregate: Fish Hog, 23.49 pounds. Heaviest Dolphin: Kelly Johnson, Fish Hog, 9.8 pounds. Heaviest Kingfish: Lexe Johnson, My Other Honey, 12.34 pounds. Heaviest Tuna: Brittany Baumgartner, Fish Hog, 13.69 pounds COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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TREASURE COAST 17

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he Backcountry Fishing Association kicked off the first tournament of 2021 on Saturday, Jan. 2 with 35 boats. The tide was low. The weather was fair with wind increasing later in the day. Most anglers reported a slow bite. A total of 14 trout and 3 redfish brought to the scale. The biggest trout weighing 3.08 pounds and the biggest redfish 5.71 pounds. Eric Newman and Rich Engelmann took first place. The team caught a 2.03-pound trout and a 5.42-pound redfish, with a total weight of 7.45-pounds, earning $708.75. The team also won the redfish calcutta earning $260.00. Newlyweds Lorae’ Simpson and Zach Foltz took second place with

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a 1.19-pound trout and a 5.71-pound redfish. A total weight of 6.90-pounds and total prize of $425.25. George Lloyd and his alternate Kris Northrop took third place with a 3.64-pound redfish and earned a total prize of $283.50. Tony Vercillo and TJ Kiefer landed in fourth place with a 3.08-pound trout earning points. The team won the trout calcutta and earned $250. Brothers, Kyle and Tyler Englemann took fifth place with a 2.27-pound trout and earning points. Lady Angler for January tournament went to Lorae’ Simpson for catching a 5.71-pound redfish. She earned herself $25, which was donated by Mark’s Mobile Marine. The Backcountry Fishing Association tournament is a ninemonth circuit which runs from January thru September, with a twoday Classic held in October. The artificial lure only tournament gives two-person teams and solo anglers

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the opportunity to win cash and gain points. Redfish, trout and snook (seasonal) are the qualified species. Anglers attempt to bring one legal fish of each species to the scales for weigh in and live release. Teams must participate in at least five tournaments to be eligible to fish the Classic which is a two-day event. The top five eligible teams with the highest accumulated points from the season are given a bye from day one. The remaining eligible teams compete on an elimination basis the first day, where only the top five teams of day one progress to day two to compete

against the season point leaders for the grand prize and cash for the top four teams. Membership fees are $25 for the year. To enter the tournament each month, the fee is $60 per team. The next tournament is Saturday, Feb. 6, with a captain’s meeting on Friday, Feb. 5, at Little Jim Bait and Tackle, 601 North Causeway, Fort Pierce, FL. For more information, call (772) 342-0039, email backcountryfishingassociation@ gmail.com or visit Backcountry Fishing Association on Facebook.

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FEBRUARY 2021

TREASURE COAST 19

Lenny Schelin, Jr. Memorial Sportfishing Tournament Raises $50,000+ to Fund Brain Cancer Research

reasure Coast sportsmen faced rough sea conditions and cold weather during this year’s tournament to make possible a successful event again this year. Fishing was more active with sailfishing, but with less action in the meat division this year than in the past. The tournament’s namesake, Lenny Schelin, Jr. was a well-known and beloved mate and captain who lost his struggle with devastating terminal brain cancer in 2018. Sponsors and organizers of the tournament began the event in hopes of funding research for glioblastoma brain cancer, which has affected many in our Treasure Coast area. Many of the victims are young waterman and sport fishermen. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be awarded locally

to the Cleveland Clinic Research and Innovation Center in Tradition. New breakthroughs are occurring in analysis of genomic sequences in glioblastoma and other cancers. Much of this research is now being performed here in the Treasure Coast at Cleveland Clinic Tradition. This year’s tournament was well attended, with several out of state anglers and donors. One of the boats participating felt strongly committed to supporting the tournament, due to the recent loss of a close family member to glioblastoma. There were awards and cash prizes for sailfish released and meat fish divisions. Anglers fishing in this division were judged according to

SEE LENNY.................................. PAGE 23

This year’s Jr. Angler winner Sutton Paul with Lenny Jr. and his dad, KP (Keith Paul) when Sutton caught his very first sailfish. Lenny would be proud!

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COASTAL ANGLER TREASURE COAST FEBRUARY DAY TIME HEIGHT 1M 2TU 3W 4TH 5F 6SA 7SU 8M 9TU 10W

4:30 AM 11:12 AM 4:58 PM 11:38 PM 5:21 AM 11:57 AM 5:49 PM 12:33 AM 6:16 AM 12:46 PM 6:46 PM 1:32 AM 7:17 AM 1:41 PM 7:48 PM 2:36 AM 8:23 AM 2:44 PM 8:53 PM 3:45 AM 9:31 AM 3:52 PM 9:59 PM 4:53 AM 10:35 AM 5:00 PM 11:01 PM 5:56 AM 11:35 AM 6:03 PM 11:58 PM 6:51 AM 12:30 PM 6:59 PM 12:51 AM 7:41 AM 1:20 PM 7:50 PM

-0.39 2.37 -0.38 2.31 -0.26 2.29 -0.4 2.26 -0.11 2.19 -0.39 2.2 0.02 2.09 -0.37 2.15 0.12 2.02 -0.36 2.13 0.15 2 -0.39 2.17 0.12 2.04 -0.43 2.25 0.04 2.13 -0.49 2.34 -0.06 2.23 -0.54 2.41 -0.15 2.3

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11TH 1:40 AM 8:25 AM 2:07 PM 8:36 PM 12F 2:26 AM 9:06 AM 2:51 PM 9:19 PM 13SA 3:09 AM 9:45 AM 3:33 PM 10:01 PM 14SU 3:50 AM 10:21 AM 4:13 PM 10:41 PM 15M 4:31 AM 10:57 AM 4:53 PM 11:20 PM 16TU 5:11 AM 11:32 AM 5:32 PM 17W 12:01 AM 5:52 AM 12:08 PM 6:14 PM 18TH 12:44 AM 6:37 AM 12:48 PM 7:00 PM 19F 1:32 AM 7:27 AM 1:34 PM 7:52 PM 20SA 2:28 AM 8:25 AM 2:28 PM 8:50 PM

-0.55 2.45 -0.23 2.34 -0.51 2.44 -0.27 2.34 -0.43 2.39 -0.28 2.29 -0.32 2.31 -0.25 2.22 -0.17 2.2 -0.19 2.12 -0.01 2.07 -0.11 2.02 0.15 1.95 -0.02 1.91 0.3 1.83 0.07 1.82 0.42 1.74 0.13 1.75 0.49 1.67 0.14

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

21SU 3:31 AM 9:27 AM 3:32 PM 9:50 PM 22M 4:35 AM 10:26 AM 4:37 PM 10:45 PM 23TU 5:34 AM 11:19 AM 5:37 PM 11:37 PM 24W 6:26 AM 12:08 PM 6:32 PM 25TH 12:25 AM 7:13 AM 12:53 PM 7:22 PM 26F 1:10 AM 7:57 AM 1:37 PM 8:10 PM 27SA 1:55 AM 8:39 AM 2:20 PM 8:56 PM 28SU 2:40 AM 9:21 AM 3:04 PM 9:43 PM

1.75 0.51 1.67 0.1 1.81 0.45 1.73 0 1.93 0.34 1.86 -0.13 2.09 0.18 2.02 -0.28 2.26 0 2.2 -0.4 2.4 -0.19 2.37 -0.49 2.51 -0.36 2.5 -0.52 2.56 -0.49 2.59

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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

LENNY.............................. FROM PAGE 20

aggregate weight of a combination of dolphin, tuna, wahoo, cobia, king mackerel and grouper. This year the top sailfishing boat Waterman won with 13 released sailfish. Second place was Dakeri with ten releases. Third place was won by Lo Que Sea, the boat Lenny Jr. crewed on for several years. Lo Que Sea had nine released sailfish. Summergirl won the meat fish division with the help of a 25-pound kingfish putting them over the top. This year, the tourney featured a Ladies Division and a Junior Anglers division for the first time. Jen Cameron on the Floridian and Lisa Jillson on the J Hook both hooked and caught two sailfish each to tie for the Ladies Division sailfish category. Lo Que Sea Chica’s won the women’s meat division category. Sutton Paul Jr., winner of the Junior Angler Division trophy was awarded a marlin necklace for first place. Sutton’s first sailfish was caught when fishing with his dad and Lenny Jr. Sutton has continued fishing since! Lenny Jr. would be proud if him. The tourney is hoping to expand the Junior Angler division and to continue the legacy of getting more kids involved in sportfishing and marine conservation.

Floridian’s Jen Cameron (right) with Glenn Cameron (left) tied with Lisa Jillson on J Hook with two sailfish each in the Ladies Billfish Division. PHOTOS PROVIDED by Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Sportfishing Tournament.

Lenny Schelin Sr. stated, “We are so grateful to all of the anglers, and everyone who contributed not only by fishing the tournament, but also through sponsorships, individual donations or by purchasing or donating an auction item.”

Local businesses and individuals generously donated auction items including fishing gear, inshore and offshore fishing charters, original artworks, marine services, gift certificates and many other items. The highest bid item was an

original elm and mahogany bull dolphin, handcrafted by Randy Ard, a local woodwork artist. Eric Paul did not disappoint once again this year with his enthusiastic bidding and new acquisition to his Yeti cooler collection, being a top bidder in this year’s auction. Preliminary total proceeds from this year’s tournament should exceed $50,000. Cobb’s Landing, Little Jim Bait & Tackle, and local purveyors provided live music, food and drinks for the kickoff and the awards banquet. Cobb’s Landing’s Donna Qvarnstrom did a splendid job of coordinating the event and handling every detail, making this year’s event so successful. The Lenny Schelin, Jr. Memorial Tournament is a non-profit 501(c)3. Organizers are already planning for next year’s event. “Each year the auction has become bigger and more entertaining,” says Debbie Johnson, mother of Lenny Schelin, Jr. “Regardless of whether you participate as a sponsor, an angler or enjoy the auction…the event is a great way to honor Lenny’s memory and to support a great cause, identifying the cause and treating Glioblastoma Brain Cancer.”

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St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program:

STAN BLUM MEMORIAL SITE

n January 5, the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program deployed 500 tons of materials on the Stan Blum Memorial Site in a depth of 55 feet. Materials included concrete and limestone boulders, culverts, concrete column footers, light poles, and railroad ties. McCulley Marine Resources had already started cleaning the park and, for four days, sorted acceptable clean concrete materials for this deployment. The materials selected for this reef were smaller than average but by permit were required to weigh at least 600 pounds per piece, leading to a deployment that required more than five hours. Materials were deployed so as to maximize cryptic space. Concrete and limerock boulders were placed first, followed by concrete culverts, concrete column footers, and concrete light poles. Last to be deployed were the railroad ties. The footprint of the reef has yet to be determined but is likely to provide low profile habitat favored by fish demersal fish species like gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) and forage fish like tomtates (Haemulon aurolineatum). If one of the 40foot light poles lands on the pile of smaller materials, pelagic forage fish like blue runners (Caranx crysos) might make use of the reef. Preliminary numbers for this reef are 27o26.052’ N, 80o09.687’W. Volunteer boaters and divers are

24 TREASURE COAST

encouraged to visit the reef to get soundings with a depth recorder or to confirm the reef ’s location and take underwater photos. Our next deployment will be of bigger materials (bridge section, reef dart, heavy light poles) left over at the park. McCulley Marine Resources will use special rigging, including a crane, to deploy these materials due to their weight (greater than 12,000 pounds per piece) and will create the next reef in 90-foot depths or greater. Some of the materials are 35 feet tall. By permit, there must be 50 feet of clearance between the top of the materials and the water

FEBRUARY 2021

surface. If additional materials are needed to round out this 500-ton deployment, local businesses may donate additional large structures which will be loaded directly from a truck onto a waiting barge. Learning how St. Lucie County’s Artificial Reefs are connected with other areas is very important. For example, in 2018 researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute campus using Baited Remote

Underwater Video discovered a tiger grouper (Mycteroperca tigris) on one of the County’s deepwater artificial reefs. This species is usually found in Bermuda, the Bahamas, and extreme South Florida, including the Florida Keys, and the Gulf of Mexico. To learn more about fish movements between its artificial reefs and other areas, the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program will join the Florida Atlantic Coast Telemetry (FACT) network. This network is a group

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of over 45 different federal, state, academic, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations that maintain an array of receivers from South Carolina to the Florida Keys and out into the US Caribbean. The network already has an acoustic receiver on the Civic Center Reef and another acoustic receiver on St. Lucie County’s FP&L Reef. In the last 10 years these receivers have made 95,115 detections of 140 individual fish. The fish detected were a combination of 18 different species including sharks, rays, Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), common snook

(Centropomus undecimalis), Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and cobia (Rachycentron canadum). Cobia are a highly migratory species that can be found as far north as the Chesapeake Bay and were first documented cobia on the FishAmerica Foundation Reef in 2010. For more information on the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program, including tagging of fish species on our artificial reefs, contact Jim Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Coordinator, at oppenbornj@stlucieco.org or (772) 462-1713.

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FEBRUARY 2021

ndian Riverkeeper (IRK) wishes Coastal Angler Magazine readers a Happy New Year, and January ushered in some development’s worth watching. At the southernmost end of the Indian River Lagoon, the big news is that the damaging, freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie River have ceased. Many water advocacy organizations and stakeholders, including IRK, attended numerous virtual, weekly public calls with the Corps to make clear the damage occurring to natural habitats such as oyster reefs in the St. Lucie River and seagrasses in the lower IRL within proximity of the Crossroads of the Lagoon and river just inside the St. Lucie Inlet. The total stoppage happened on January 9, 2020 on the east coast, and the discharge volume was brought down to a “beneficial” 1,000 cubic feet per second for the Caloosahatchee River watershed. That river needs that amount of Lake water to keep a salinity level that benefits native eel grasses in the upper estuary. There are no promises however that the discharge stoppage is permanent. The Corps is responsible to bring the Lake elevation down to 12.5 feet by June 1, as mandated by the current LORS (Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule). Indian Riverkeeper will be providing updates on this situation on its face book page.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 1/6/2021 4:36:22 PM

Jensen Beach Fishing Access Threat

In early January bridge-fishing anglers were shocked to find NoFishing signs erected by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on the popular Jensen Beach Causeway bridges. The causeway’s catwalk is not posted. The easternmost relief bridge, among the most popular land-based fishing spots in Martin County, is fished by residents and winter visitors alike, with main targets such as pompano, black drum and sheepshead, flounder, snook and snapper in the mix. Indian Riverkeeper learned of the closure a day after the signs went up and made inquiries to the Martin County Board of Commissioners and the FDOT. County commissioners claimed no knowledge of the closure and IRK Executive Director Mike Conner made public comment at the January 5th Commission monthly meeting, a day after discussing the situation with an official at FDOT who claimed that citizens’ complaints about fishing-related litter had increased over a two-year period, giving the agency no choice except to close the structures to fishing. Indian Riverkeeper and local anglers offered to police the bridge and spread awareness among bridge regulars to improve the litter situation, and DOT suggested that the County enter an

agreement (contract) with any group, club or volunteers who would initiate the effort to correct the problem. At the Commission meeting, IRK suggested a trial period, and a willingness to enter a contract with the County. We also suggested the placement of trash cans on the bridges, and better signage and enforcement of no-littering laws on the books. The County has trash cans on all County Parks and all beach accesses and we maintain that the fishing bridges should have the same receptacles within easy access to anglers. We will continue to fight for reopening of the causeway to fishing and hope that this development serves as a lesson for all Lagoon anglers who enjoy bridge fishing in their region. Bridge and shoreline fishing trash ends up in the water. Use it, but respect it, or lose it.

Lagoon Seagrass Restoration Effort

Seagrass density is declining Lagoon-wide due to sundry stressors from the 1.6 million residents living along the estuary. An aquatic restoration firm, Sea & Shoreline, has placed two acres of seagrass into what they call a GrowSAV Herbivory Exclusion Device (HED) at Tucker Cove in the IRL near Ft. Pierce, thanks to a grant from the Indian River Lagoon Council, which

oversees the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program. The firm will monitor and maintain the project for three years. The HEDs serve as a cage that prevents manatees and other herbivores from eating the grasses. Sea & Shoreline biologists claim the project will help researchers better determine the path to recovery for native seagrasses in the Lagoon. The location was picked because the water quality there is better than that in much of the northern Lagoon. Volunteers planted 10,000 units and 250 4-inch peat pots worth of shoal grass, which is among the hardiest of seagrasses, and a native species in the Lagoon. For more information on Sea & Shoreline visit www.seaandshoreline.com.

Hit the Surf with Indian Riverkeeper!

Indian Riverkeeper will throw the inaugural annual Sand Spike Shootout, as a fund-raising event on the weekend of Feb. 27-28, 2021. This will be a paidentry tournament with all proceeds going to Indian Riverkeeper. Prizes will range from top-of-the line surf tackle to coolers and accessories and more. Target species will be pompano and whiting. For more information on format, hours and rules, visit www.theindianriverkeeper.org or our Facebook page, Indian Riverkeeper.

What a difference zero Lake Okeechobee discharges makes for the St. Lucie River! Just one week after the gates were closed early January, Indian Riverkeeperâ€™ sampling of the river showed much clearer water with near-normal salinity. PHOTOS CREDIT: Mike Conner.

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TREASURE COAST 27

By Vincent Encomio

Moule Frites INGREDIENTS

• Mussels (2-4 dozen, or 2-3 lbs; frozen package or live) • 4 tablespoons garlic (or as much as you like!) • 1/3 cup+ Italian parsley • 2 tablespoons butter • ¼ cup olive oil • 1 cup white wine (your favorite) • French fries (frozen package or make your own) • Baguette, sliced into rounds

/U io En co m

2. Mince garlic and chop parsley. Set aside. 3. Heat butter and olive oil in a deep pot on medium-high. 4. Add garlic and cook until softened. 5. Pour in white wine and ½ of chopped parsley. 6. Place mussels in pot. 7. Bring sauce to boil and then simmer until mussels are open (for live mussels). For frozen mussels, cook until they are thawed and hot. 8. While mussels and fries are cooking, toast baguette rounds by broiling in the oven, 2-3 minutes each side (watch to keep from burning!). 9. Just before serving mussels, stir in remaining parsley. 10. Spoon mussels and broth into bowl and serve with French fries (+ ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce) and toasted baguette rounds on the side for dipping into broth. 11. Eat and wash down with the rest of the white wine!

IT :V in ce nt ED CR

1. Prepare French fries. Pre-made frozen fries typically take ~20-25 minutes to bake. Prepare the rest of the recipe while the fries are cooking.

OT O

Most of the time is for cooking the French fries. Cooking the mussels should only take around 10 minutes.

DIRECTIONS

DIFFICULTY OF RECIPE: Simple. TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: 30-35 minutes

F/ IFA S.

(Mussels and Fries)

SPECIES PROFILE Mussels, of the genus Mytilus, live in temperate to polar waters. In their natural habitat Mytilus spp. grow in the low and mid intertidal regions of the rocky intertidal and can form extensive beds, attached to rocks and each other by their byssal threads. These beds are important to the ecology of the rocky intertidal zone as a key component of the food web, habitat for other species

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F/ IFA S.

and as filter feeders. In general, they are also very successful inhabitants of the intertidal zone, exhibiting extremely high tolerance to desiccation and high temperature when exposed at low tide, and resistance to strong wave action. Mussels have also served as an important barometer of the effects of climate change, as they exist at the edges of their physiological tolerances in the extreme environment of the rocky intertidal. POPULARITY OF THE DISH Moule frites is a very popular dish in Belgium and France. In fact, it is the national dish of Belgium, and one of the most popular dishes in France. It is as Belgian or French as cheeseburger and fries are American. You’ll find it commonly served in restaurants and as pub fare accompanying a cold beer or glass of white wine. As a comfort food, it is quite easy to prepare in the home, especially if you have frozen mussels ready to throw in the pot. It is one of our go-to family dishes when we are pressed for time and want to re-create an inexpensive culinary experience from the Gallic side of our family.

HEALTH BENEFITS Mussels are high in protein and low in saturated fat. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and good for your heart and brain! They are also high in zinc and vitamins A and B12. WHERE TO BUY Your local seafood market. You may find live mussels, often farmed blue mussels (M. edulis) grown in New England or Canada. Or you can easily find imported, frozen mussels in most supermarkets.

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SEAFOOD COST Low to Moderate. The total cost (not including the wine) of the meal for a family of four was aound $28. This included 2 packages of frozen mussels (~$13 for 2 one lb boxes) and the full cost (not by portion) of all grocery items including olive oil and butter. Vincent Encomio is the UF/IFAS FL Sea Grant Extension Agent for Martin and St. Lucie Counties. You can watch Vincent while he cooks this dish at https:// fb.watch/30iEtCGYdF/ He can be reached at vencomio@ufl.edu or (772) 419-6966.

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SAWFISH NEWS

A smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata.

Learn

By Guest Author Gregg Poulakis, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Using Water Samples for Sawfish Research

nvironmental DNA (eDNA) research is more than simply taking water samples and magically finding out if your target species was detected. Being sure your team is using the latest, most sensitive methods and taking steps to avoid false negatives (for example, if you don’t filter enough water) and false positives (for example, if you don’t keep your equipment ultra clean) is key, especially when conducting research on rare species like sawfish, which require special management and conservation actions. Researchers from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and The University of Southern Mississippi are studying the endangered smalltooth sawfish, which is currently found in less than 20% of its former range with viable populations confined to the United States and The Bahamas. We wanted to explore eDNA as a potential tool for monitoring recovery of this species to aid in prioritizing where to focus future research and education efforts. The current U.S. smalltooth sawfish population is restricted to south and southwest Florida, which is referred to as the core range by recovery planners. Anything outside this core range is considered the non-core range and will be looked at as potential areas for recovery. Therefore, we chose the Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s east coast and Tampa Bay on the west coast to

focus our eDNA sampling. Based on what we’ve learned in recent years about habitat use by juveniles and temperature sensitivity of the species, these estuaries are likely candidates for range expansion and new nursery establishment if the species begins recovering. The Indian River Lagoon stretches along about one-third of the east coast and historical scientific literature suggests that this estuary was once a thriving nursery for the smalltooth sawfish. Currently, the southern portion of the lagoon has the habitats and temperature regime to support the species, so we targeted this area for sampling. Of the 60, three-liter water samples we collected and filtered, five were positive for smalltooth sawfish DNA! Unfortunately, we can’t identify the maturity stage of individuals from the eDNA. However, since the samples were collected well within the estuary, there is a good chance the sawfish were immature since adults tend to be found in the ocean. Tampa Bay is at the northern limit of the current core range of the species on the west coast. We targeted portions of this estuary near habitats likely to support juveniles. Of the 50 water samples analyzed, unfortunately none were positive for smalltooth sawfish, but we do get the occasional sawfish sighting in the estuary, so we know there are at least a few around. These data have already been used by the Tampa Bay sawfish

PHOTO CREDIT: Tonya Wiley.

T S

W Locations and results of water samples taken in the Indian River Lagoon, (above) and Tampa Bay (below) to look for smalltooth sawfish eDNA.

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research leader Tonya Wiley (and Sawfish News author), as one line of evidence to help select sample sites for catching and tagging smalltooth sawfish. If you want to learn more about sawfish eDNA research visit https://saveourseas.com/project/ sawfish-edna-usa/. You can also help scientists track recovery of the population and steer research

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efforts by sharing information about your sawfish encounters by visiting www.SawfishRecovery.org, calling 1-844-4SAWFISH, or emailing sawfish@myfwc.com. For more information on the Havenworth Coastal Conservation, contact Tonya Wiley, President, Tonya@havenworth.org, (941) 2012685 or visit www.havenworth.org.

Fish Comm free V for beg to lea help c for the Di of fi stewar excitin be tau knowl and b catchi those Fis prepar water of sal Florid includ and r tying, practic Re be com session to 50 a registe been r list. A Teams Re saltwa Fishin course 1-hou evenin seven must sessio

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Learn how to saltwater fish through free FWC Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinics

LEARN HOW TO SALTWATER FISH Through Free FWC Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinics

ant to learn how to saltwater fish in Florida? Join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for a series of free Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinics for beginner anglers age 16 and older to learn how to saltwater fish and help conserve our marine resources for the future. Discover the importance of fisheries conservation and stewardship through the fun and exciting sport of fishing! You’ll be taught basic fishing skills and knowledge that can be used, shared and built upon for a lifetime of catching Florida memories with those you love. Fishing clinic sessions will prepare you for a day out on the water to enjoy the amazing variety of saltwater fishing opportunities Florida has to offer. Sessions will include topics on conservation, rods and reels, tackle, baits, rigs, knot tying, habitats, fish handling, best practices and additional resources. Registration is required and must be completed two days prior to the session date. Participation is limited to 50 anglers per course; anglers who register after the 50-person limit has been reached will be put on a waiting list. Anglers must use Microsoft Teams to participate. Ready to dive into a course on saltwater fishing? Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinics are offered as a course that includes seven separate 1-hour sessions held every Tuesday evening from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET for seven consecutive weeks. Anglers must be able to attend all seven sessions. Each course has the same

content, so anglers only need to register for one course. Those who attend a course will receive a free starter tackle box. Register for a Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinic seven-week course: • January 19 (seven sessions) • March 9 (seven sessions) • April 27 (seven sessions) Don’t have enough time to commit to a seven-week course? Participate in a Mini Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinics instead and you’ll learn about saltwater fishing and conservation in a bitesize format to fit your busy schedule. These 90-minute virtual events will be held once a month on a Thursday evening from 6-7:30 p.m. ET. Each session has the same content, so anglers only need to register for one single session. Register for a Mini Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinic session: • Jan. 28 (single session) • Feb. 25 (single session) • March 25 (single session) • April 22 (single session) • May 13 (single session) • June 10 (single session) Can’t carve out time to participate in either format right now? Don’t worry, later this year FWC will post videos of these virtual clinics on the FWC webpage so you can take the course sessions at a time and pace that works best for you. Have questions? Visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click “Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinics” under Get Involved or contact Marine@MyFWC.com to learn more.

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

James Bourassa with a nice scamp grouper caught while fishing aboard Off The Chain. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.

Angler Pat looks forward to more match making like this beautiful couple. Nice job Pat! A nice ‘hoo recently caught in Bimini, Bahamas, by angler Denver. Photo supplied by proud uncle, Paul Sidney Levarity.

PHOTO CREDIT: Lady Chris Charters.

Saweeet mutton collected by Frank Orio aboard the Safari 1.

Laura Hutter with a nice redfish caught on live shrimp while fishing under one of Stuart’s local bridges.

Ashley Cloud with a red drum caught in Fort Pierce. “We were pitching live shrimp to a dock light and this sucker came out like a rocket to grab my shrimp!” It’s Ashley’s biggest red on conventional tackle to date.

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Vincent Canabal got this shot of a lemon shark swimming gracefully over a shallow reef.

SHARK

AWARENESS W

By John Lidington

intertime is shark time off south Florida’s Atlantic coast! Yearround populations of lemon, bull and reef sharks swell as thousands of migrating blacktip sharks move through. The concentration of hammerheads, which feed on blacktips, also goes up. If you poll dive tourists on what marine animals they most want to see, you’ll find sharks at the top of the list. In Palm Beach County, Pura Vida Divers focuses on February as “Shark Month.” This “sharky” time maximizes the probability divers will encounter sharks in the wild. But for those who want more than a passing encounter, February is a great time to take the PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course. Anyone diving in the ocean will have some thought of sharks lurking

in the back of their mind. But whether of curiosity, anxiety or excitement, these thoughts generally center on shark behavior. When they think of sharks, few divers relate those thoughts to a need for conservation. The shark conservation course aims to change that. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintains the “red list” of species threatened with extinction. Of the 1,000 or so shark and ray species, over 30 percent are on that red list. Unfortunately, it’s a downhill trend. In 2019, the IUCN increased the threat level of both the great hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead from “Endangered” to “Critically Endangered” (their highest threat classification) and jumped the oceanic whitetip two levels to “Critically Endangered” from its 2015 ranking of “Vulnerable.” The shark conservation course includes a morning classroom session, followed by a two-tank charter dive in the afternoon. “The course revolves around creating diver awareness of sharks, the threats they face, and the conservation initiatives that strive to protect them,” said Jillian, Pura Vida Divers’ Director of Training. “Students will learn about these themes during the classroom session, along with details about local shark species. Once students have a baseline understanding of sharks as a whole, they’ll learn more about why shark populations are declining and what they can do to make a difference.” After the classroom session, students will head out on two dives. The dives are planned to maximize the chance of shark encounters in a natural setting. “The course is tailored to local shark species, which divers will aim to see and study during the specialty dives,” Jillian said. “Typically, these dives take place at deeper sites—the 70- to 90-foot wrecks and reefs—since that’s where we tend to see more sharks. Since winter is prime shark season, we’re usually lucky enough to see sharks on most dives. As we drift along the reefs or wrecks, students will find and identify different shark species, observe their natural behavior, and identify potential threats.” Nitrox is recommended, though not required, for these dives. If you aren’t enriched-air certified yet, ask about that, too. Contact Pura Vida Divers at (561) 840-8750 and see their website at www.puravidadivers.com.

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Gyotaku G yotaku is a Japanese art form that replicates a catch with a print made from the actual fish. Gyotaku artists can produce a beautiful representation of your catch at a fraction of the cost of traditional taxidermy, and the final product might also compliment your home better than a giant 3D mount. Even better, you can attempt this art for yourself. While providing the satisfaction of catching and memorializing the fish yourself, if you’re quick enough with the process, you can still enjoy eating it. You will need: • A fish • Acrylic paint and paintbrushes • Paper towel • Rice paper or cloth After a long day on the water, the last thing you’ll want to do is start painting a fish. The sooner you get to a print, the better the final product will be. However, it is fine to leave your catch on ice overnight or even freeze it. If you freeze it, make sure it’s as flat as possible and its fins aren’t squished. Fins damage easily when shoved up against the back of the freezer. When you’re ready to start, the first step is to dry the fish. Open all the fins and dry out all the crevices. The drier the fish is, the more readily it will receive paint and transfer it back to your canvas. Next, use rolls of paper towels to prop open and extend the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins and tail. Use bits of paper towel shoved into the gills to give them depth in the final product, as well as propping up the pectoral fin for the same reason. Consider colors of the fish for your paints as well as for which color

16 FLORIDA

FEBRUARY 2021

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

paper or cloth you want to use for the background. Then cut a manageable sized piece. Typically, white or black backgrounds produce the best outcome. Apply paint directly to the fish while standing above it. Keep in mind that you want to achieve a two-dimensional image. If you paint too far over the top of its head or too far under its belly, your final image will look obese. This is especially important to keep in mind with rounder fish, like tuna. Have fun with all the details, and don’t forget the eyeball and even small amounts of paint on the teeth. Next, lay the cloth or paper over the painted fish and rub your fingers over it, starting from the center and working to the edges. Be delicate and thorough, touching every ridge on every fin, every contour, every scale and every tooth you painted. Slowly peel off the paper or cloth, let it dry, and then touch up the details. Any fish works for this process, but ones with more pronounced scales, like a snapper, produce a much more detailed print. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Reel Lucky Fishing Charters out of St. Petersburg, Fla. Contact them at (504) 920-6342.

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Impressive IGFA

By CAM Staff

2020 World Records R

ecords are made to be broken, and with so many species and line-class records out there for anglers to chase, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is constantly updating its records. Here’s a quick look at some of the most impressive IGFA records caught and confirmed in 2020.

JUDY LANGENHOVEN Giant African threadfin inhabit waters of the Atlantic coast of Africa and grow quite large. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed more than 122 pounds. Last July, Judy Langenhoven used a McCarthy paddletail and 30-lb. test to land a 93-pound,11-ounce behemoth from Angola’s Kwanza River. It took her more than an hour to subdue the beast, which set a new Women’s 30-lb. line class record.

JULIETH CASTRO SANCHEZ

RAY YAMAO A big brown trout from Japan might be the most impressive salmonid record from 2020. Angler Ray Yamoa caught the monster 26-lb., 10-oz. brown on Aug. 8, while trolling an Ora Minnow plug on Japan’s Lake Shikotsu. Averaging 870 feet deep, Shikotsu is a 30-squaremile caldera lake that maintains stable temperatures year-round thanks to volcanic influence. It is most famous among anglers for salmon, but it obviously grows big trout, too. Yamoa’s giant brown trout set a new 30-lb. line class world record.

EMILY ROSE HANZLIK

How’d you like to haul up something like this on your next bottom-fishing trip? Julieth Castro Sanchez was jigging a Williamson jig out of Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica when a giant Pacific cubera snapper yanked on her line. The big snapper weighed in at 70 pounds, 8 ounces, which was good enough for a new Women’s 50-pound line class record. The all-tackle world record, caught off Costa Rica in 1988, weighed 78 pounds, 12 ounces.

Hanzlik is a 15-year-old fishing fanatic with 29 IGFA world records to her name. In 2020, she tallied two records that have already been accepted by IGFA, and her third of the year was still pending at presstime. Last June was good to Hanzlik. On June 12, she set a new women’s 20-lb. line class record with a 22-lb., 6-oz. grass carp from the canals of West Palm Beach, Fla. Then, on June 23, she set the junior class record for jack crevalle at 32 lbs., 10 oz. The jack crevalle Hanzlik is holding in this photo is a pending record. If accepted by IGFA, this 35-lb., 6-oz. jack will be a new women’s 50-lb. line class world record. Hanzlik caught it fishing from the shore in West Palm Beach. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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The Deal With

WESTERN DRY ROCKS

bout 10 miles southwest of Key West, Western Dry Rocks is an area of reef and rocks known for large spawning aggregations of permit and various snapper and grouper species. Its proximity to Key West as well as the dependable nature of the fishery make it a popular fishing spot, especially for charter captains and private anglers in search of

bountiful half-day trips. Over the past few months, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission (FWC) has been mulling a seasonal closure at Western Dry Rocks to allow some of these spawning aggregations to go unmolested by angling pressure. Most recently, FWC held workshops and gathered public input on a proposal to close fishing at a 1-square-mile area at Western Dry Rocks from May through June for the next five years. This time period is the heart of the season when several species congregate to spawn in a relatively small area, which leads to the kind of spectacular fishing that can do damage to overall populations. Western Dry Rocks is a unique environment where it is thought these aggregations play a role in supporting fish populations throughout the Florida Keys and up into nearshore waters of South Florida. Swirling ocean currents collect fish eggs and larvae and carry them northeast up the coast, where they are deposited. Also, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) has conducted tagging studies, which show permit from throughout the Lower Keys travel up to 50 miles to the annual aggregation at Western Dry Rocks. FWC data shows angler effort absolutely centers around known aggregation areas, which makes sense. Numerous Keys fishing guides are understandably unhappy about the prospect of a closure. Permit, yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper and gray snapper are all known to aggregate at Western Dry Rocks from April through July. Other species, such as black, Nassau and gag groupers, aggregate at Western Dry Rocks during the cooler months, and they are already protected by seasonal bag limits. BTT has called out for an even longer, four-month closure from April to July at Western Dry Rocks, to encompass the entire spawning season for permit. Permit harvest is already closed throughout the Keys from April through July; however, BTT studies show up to 39 percent of hooked permit at Western Dry Rocks were eaten by sharks before they made it to the boat. “When spawning aggregations are protected, the predictable outcomes are more abundant fish populations with a greater abundance of larger fish in the surrounding area,” reads the BTT press release. At presstime, FWC was collecting public input prior to taking action on the proposal for a seasonal closure at Western Dry Rocks.

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lounder regulations on Florida’s Atlantic coast will be tightened as part of a package designed to restore flounder numbers. Both increased size limits and reduced bag numbers were approved at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s December meeting. The regulations changes become effective on March 1, 2021. A stock status update suggested the flounder fishery statewide has been in a general declining trend in recent years and is likely overfished and undergoing overfishing on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Other south Atlantic and Gulf states have also reported declines in flounder populations and have been making their own regulation changes. Changes include: • Extend all FWC flounder regulations into federal waters. • Increase the minimum size limit from 12 inches to 14 inches total length. • Reduce recreational daily bag limit from 10 to five fish per person. • Establish an Oct. 15 – Nov. 30 recreational closed season. • For commercial harvesters using allowable gear: Establish a commercial trip and vessel limit of 150 fish from Dec. 1 – Oct. 14, and 50 fish from Oct. 15 – Nov. 30. • Modify incidental bycatch limit for commercial harvesters using non-allowable gear from 50 pounds to 50 fish per trip. • Create a federal waters trawl bycatch limit of 150 flounder per trip from Dec. 1 – Oct. 14, and 50 fish per trip from Oct. 15 – Nov. 30. Learn more about flounder regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine.

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elebrate the fight against invasive lionfish at the seventh-annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Festival May 15-16 at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Harbor Walk Village, Destin. Activities will include fillet demonstrations; family-friendly games and activities; art, diving and conservation booths; and the world’s largest lionfish spearfishing tournament, the Emerald Coast Open. Satisfy your taste buds by visiting any of the participating locations of Lionfish Restaurant Week May 10-14 to try this delicious invasive. The event is currently seeking vendors for the festival and divers for the tournament. Booth space is being implemented to abide by COVID-19 guidelines and allow for social distancing. Learn more by visiting FWCReefRangers.com. Divers interested in competing in the Emerald Coast Open lionfish tournament should register at EmeraldCoastOpen.com. The tournament is currently seeking sponsors and volunteers. The state’s 2021 Lionfish Challenge removal incentive program will begin May 21 and continue through Labor Day, Sept. 6. More details on how to get rewarded for your harvest is coming soon to FWCReefRangers.com.

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Catch A Florida Memory Closed On Banner Year

ast year was record setting for the state’s Catch a Florida Memory program. The FWC angler-recognition program sent out a thank you to nearly 1,400 program participants who have sent in more than 15,000 submissions for recognition of about 2,800 achievements over the years. One headline-making fish in 2020 was a monster catch coming out of the 2020 Pelagic Shamrock Shootout in Palm Beach in March. The first fish to hit the scales in the tournament was a 194.8-pound big eye tuna caught by Team HYJENX. The species didn’t qualify for the tournament, but it did qualify Anthony Beau Kelly and his fishing buddies for a Florida state record. The monster tuna measured 71 inches in length. Catch a Florida Memory also recognized three new additions to their Grand Slam Tier 1 list. Grand Slams require anglers to catch three specified species in a 24-hour period. There are nine different Grand Slams anglers can pursue for different habitats and styles of fishing. Those appearing on the Grand Slam Tier 1 list must achieve three Grand Slams. Richard Brundage, John Dobbins and George Saridakis landed on the Tier 1 list in 2020. Dobbins qualified with several Family Grand Slams, a Bay and Estuary Grand Slam and multiple Inshore Grand Slams, while Saridakis got on the list with a Reefs and Rubble Grand Slam, an Inshore Grand Slam and a Family Grand Slam. Brundage made the list, with an Inshore Grand Slam, Family Grand Slam and Shoreline Grand Slam. Adam Ball and JD Malone became the second and third anglers to ever reach the Saltwater Fish Life List 50-Fish Club, which is quite an achievement. The two anglers have landed some special catches like Malone’s bull red drum earlier this year and Ball’s yellowfin tuna from back in 1986. It was a

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This 194.8-pound state-record big eye tuna was caught during the 2020 Pelagic Shamrock Shootout.

spectacular adventure for both anglers to reach this milestone. Lastly, Catch a Florida Memory saw countless anglers reach the Life List 10-Fish Club in 2020. This is exciting because it shows new anglers catching a diverse array of saltwater species, not just the same few. In fact, the over 5,200 fish that were submitted in 2020 by nearly 700 different anglers reached close to 1,000 achievements. Find out how to participate by visiting CatchaFloridaMemory.com. Follow the action at the Catch a Florida Memory Facebook page.

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ulf of Mexico anglers have a couple new reasons to be excited as we head into the spring and summer fishing seasons. NOAA is looking at loosening regulations for both Gulf red snapper and gray triggerfish. That should help fill some coolers for bottom-fishers who’ve found it’s sometimes tough these days to catch anything other than snapper and triggerfish. New catch level recommendations for red snapper are expected in time for

the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s April 2021 meeting, which should provide time for adjustments prior to the traditional summer peak in recreational snapper fishing. This good news is the result of a massive study called “The Great Red Snapper Count,” a $10-million, congressionally funded, independent stock assessment initiated in 2016 and conducted by 21 scientists and 12 institutions across the Gulf. The Great Red Snapper Count showed red snapper are far more abundant than previously estimated using the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review stock assessment process that has been used to all but shut down snapper seasons over the last decade. The Great Red Snapper Count estimates that for 2-year-old-plus red snapper there are 23 million off Texas, 29 million off Louisiana, 10 million off Mississippi and Alabama, and 48 million off Florida. It also showed that large fish are comparatively more abundant in the western Gulf than the eastern Gulf. NOAA’s plan is to integrate the Great Red Snapper Count’s findings into its interim analysis for Gulf red snapper. It is worth noting that even though anglers and researchers are seeing more and larger red snapper, the spawning potential of the population is still below the original target of NOAA’s rebuilding plan. Adjustments to the state-specific catch limits are being considered to account for the harvest monitoring programs used by each state. Loosened restrictions on gray triggerfish are being considered following an interim analysis, using video surveys to estimate abundance, that showed the stock size has been increasing, especially in the eastern Gulf, and that catch limits can be increased. The Gulf Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee recommended increasing the gray triggerfish acceptable biological catch limit to 456,900 pounds whole weight, which allows an increase in the gray triggerfish annual catch limit. Action is expected prior to the end of the 2021 recreational fishing season. The Council is also considering modifications to the gray triggerfish recreational fixed closed seasons and will consider that action in a separate framework action that will also address changes to the vermilion snapper recreational bag limit.

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FEBRUARY 2021

NATIONAL 13

TIPS FOR DIALING ’EM IN

By Nick Carter

here’s no mistaking it when a monster striped bass blows up on the surface. At a slow troll just after first light, you can almost feel it’s going to happen. Behind a planer board, the stinger-hooked gizzard shad begins to struggle. Anticipation goes through the roof as the bait flees for its life. “When you see that big shad get exploded on, it’s like a bowling ball dropped out of the sky,” said Shane Goebel, of Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. “The planer board streaks across the water, and it’s on! There’s really nothing else like it.” Goebel has watched this scene take place hundreds of times while guiding the mountain lakes that straddle the Georgia/North Carolina border. He knows what it takes to boat striped bass in the 30- to 40-plus-pound range. Here are Goebel’s tips for dialing in the big-fish bite: 1) Fish Trophy Striper Season: Giants are caught year-round, but fate favors the uncomfortable angler. When the water is cold, baitfish and big stripers are forced into the shallows in search of warmer water. They push out of the main lake and into the backs of creeks and rivers, where big fish are more predictable than when they’ve got the whole lake to roam. 2) Offer Them Everything: By putting out a large spread of different baits, you’re more likely to troll a preferred meal past that big girl’s nose. Goebel fishes as many baits as the confines of a 14 NATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2021

creek allow. He might run a couple planer boards out each side of the boat, a couple freelines off the stern and a couple of balloon baits way in back. He staggers distance and depth to cover water both horizontally and vertically. Goebel fishes a mix of baits, too. Big gizzard shad and rainbow trout are big striper baits, but when blueback herring are the predominant forage, he’ll fish all three at the same time. You never know which bait will get hit. 3) Stay With the Baitfish: You’re probably sick of hearing this, but… “find the bait, and you’ll find the fish.”

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Goebel starts cold mornings in the backs of the creeks looking for baitfish. When he sees what he likes, he deploys his spread and works from the shallows out to the creek mouth as the day advances to follow the movement of baitfish and stripers. On some lakes, diving birds are a dead giveaway. Keep binoculars on the console to scout for gulls. Also, especially on warmer days, don’t be afraid to drop downlines if you mark bait deep in a creek mouth. 4) Keep a Pitch Rod Ready: Goebel keeps lightweight spinning rods rigged and ready with Flukes and Redfins. Those casting rods come in handy when feeding breaks loose on the surface. It’s quicker and easier to cast lures to visible fish than it is to steer a trolling spread over them. And nothing beats fighting a big striper on light tackle. Check out Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service at bigolfish.com.

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ome days you battle the fish. Some days you battle the elements. Some days you battle both. You know the kind of day. The one that’s chilly, windy and choppy, with spray everywhere. But you’re determined to stay out until you get a few hits. These are the times GILLZ gear was made for. Innovative gear, with performance in every stitch, is designed with a single goal: for you to be able to fish better, longer and harder— in total comfort! Take the Pro Series Full Zip Storm Fleece. Engineered with air pockets embedded in the fabric, it provides insulation and temperature regulation while keeping the hoodie lightweight. This soft, warm hoodie can handle light rain, boat spray and features four-way stretch comfort, three zippered front pockets, a rear key pocket, and is fully lined. The Waterman Pant is ideal on cooler days. Extensively field-tested on the ocean, these pants are made with heavy-duty polyester, yet are amazingly lightweight and durable. Add a quick-dry, stretch fabric for maximum comfort, UV 50+ sun protection, water-repellant coating, security zipper pockets, and these may become your favorite fishing pant. Whatever the conditions, GILLZ has www.gillz-gear.com the gear.

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TACTICS FOR TOUGH DELAYED HARVEST TROUT E By CAM Staff

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ven in the depths of winter, there is trout action to be found on delayed harvest (DH) streams where state agencies stock trout heavily under catch-and-release regulations. DH stretches offer high densities of trout that grow progressively wilder through winter into spring. And while stocked trout are renowned for their gullibility, they can also be difficult at times. Bill Stranahan, a veteran guide with Southeastern Anglers has a few tricks up his sleeve for catching DH trout. Bugger Time: “Wooly Buggers are so important this time of year,” Stranahan said. “You’re looking for that reaction strike. Swing and strip. Keep it moving.” Olive and black are perennial favorite colors whenever and wherever, and for winter fishing he prefers smaller Buggers in sizes 6 to 10. The primary DH stretches he fishes are Tennessee’s Hiwassee tailrace and the Tellico River, which is a freestone. They are very different fisheries, yet swinging and stripping Buggers is pretty much universally productive. Get Down On It: If catching numbers of fish is the goal, nymphing is normally the best tactic. When the trout are less active—especially when they’re holed up in deeper, slower runs during a cold snap—it might be the only way to catch fish. The key to catching fish in these conditions is depth. Trout won’t move far to feed when they’re hunkered down, so getting your nymphs down to them is imperative. Stranahan likes a weighted Pat’s Rubber Legs, or a similar heavy stonefly nymph in sizes 6 to 10. It’s a big buggy-looking mouthful, and it’s also a great anchor fly to fish in tandem with other nymphs. Depending on what the fish want, the Pat’s could be fished below “junk food” like a Squirmy Worm, a mop or egg pattern, or flashy attractor nymphs like a Rainbow Warrior or Lightning Bug. Or, if trout want something more natural, the Pat’s could anchor a small black stonefly nymph, a Hare’s Ear or a Prince. Again, depth is the key, so Stranahan likes a good sliding indicator that’s easy to adjust. Judge the depth of each hole, and try to get your anchor fly to drift just off the bottom. Headhunting: “Depending on how froggy you feel as an angler on a given day, you can go out running and gunning with big streamers,” Stranahan said. On a large tailwater or in deep holes on a smaller stream, big streamers have a way of turning the biggest fish. A big Zonker, a Swimmin’ Jimmy, a Zoo Cougar or one of Kelly Galloup’s other articulated patterns make a commotion when fished on sinking line. You’re trying to get their attention. If you don’t get chased in one hole, switch something up and move until you find what’s working. Sticking to the plan is important, though. You’re hunting a few fish large and aggressive enough to eat a raucous fly. Check out Southeastern Anglers at www.southeasternanglers.com.

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E-Z ANCHORING Applies to Pontoons

PART II

ebuting the Hinged Pontoon Anchoring Solution and Retractable Tritoon Anchoring Solution at Pennsylvania’s Lake Youghiogheny, E-Z Anchor Puller president Aaron Knopp and system installer Don Snyder spoke about and demonstrated the ease-of-use of these two permanent solutions. Underneath the crossmembers of a 24-foot Playbouy pontoon, a Hero EX-1 drum anchor winch was paired with the Hinged Solution, while the Retractable Solution was retrofitted to the 24-foot SouthBay tritoon sporting the Hero EX-2. Read on to discover the similarities and differences between these two innovative solutions that anyone can install! Aesthetics: The difference between the two is a matter of visibility; the Hinged protrudes ever-so-slightly underneath the deck in order to lift and drop the river anchor out of the water, whereas the Retractable remains completely invisible until it slides out from underneath the boat to release anchor, rode and chain in one sweeping motion. While some prefer to see the river or mushroom anchor lifted and held by the Hinged, a waterproof, wifi camera is also available so the operator can watch their Hero EX-1, EX-2 or Patriot EZ-1 deploy the rode from their smartphone. Mechanics: Each system’s operational differences lie within hollow-tube raceways. While the Hinged system has a folding bow roller that lifts when the anchor makes contact, the Retractable system has an internal spring that compresses with deployment and retrieval. Installation: For the Hinged solution, place the bow roller head so it protrudes slightly from under the deck. Keep trailering in mind, and plot where the best-suited location is in tangent when trafficking your boat to and from the water. The sleeve of the hollow raceway, which is immediately connected to the hinged bow roller’s head, is placed directly on the edge of the bullnose/front of the decking bracket that secures the square hollow raceway

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to the vessel’s crossmembers. For the Retractable, install the raceway 10 to 12 inches from the front of the boat. Both solutions have four drilled holes at the opposite end of the solution (the drum winch end) to allow for further flexibility when mounting to the crossmembers of the boat. Hardware: Both solution kits come with a universal underside mounting plate with pre-drilled holes for the winch selected. Elongated slots are designed to fit any crossmember, no matter how close or far apart they may be. Additional mounting hardware includes required mounting brackets, hex bolts, lock nuts and flat washers. Both solution raceways have several predrilled holes to correctly locate the included mounting tabs and brackets to the crossmembers, and both can be powered by the Hero EX-1, EX-2 or Patriot EZ-1. The drum anchor winch of choice is sold separately.

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SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection, No extra charge.

™

Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/21 and 03/31/21 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/21 and 03/31/21. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/21 and 03/31/21. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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Pricing, promotions, and availability may vary by location and at www.harborfreight.com and are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to limit quantities. “Compare to” advertised price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. Although we make every effort to assure that our prices and products are advertised as accurately as possible, we are only human and in the event an error is made, we reserve the right to correct it.

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