The Angler Magazine - February / West Michigan

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WEST MICHIGAN EDITION

Tactics

For

Cold Front Bass

Rods &

Reels Reviews

Wintertime

Trout Skeeter Celebrates

70

th

Anniversary PHOTO COURTESY OF FISHERGUIDING.COM VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 276

F R A N C H I S E

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THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

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FAMILY LEGENDS

and fish tales

BUILT FOR THAT

210 FSH ® SERIES

Go where no other boat has gone before. With powerful twin TR-1® Yamaha Marine Engines, ample storage and comfortable bow seating, the all-new 210 FSH provides the shallow-water capability to get to those hard-to-reach fishing spots and the versatility to enjoy watersports with your family.

210 FSH®

210 FSH® Deluxe

210 FSH® Sport

YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

©2018 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

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2018 242CC

FISHING FOCUSED FAMILY FRIENDLY “Sailfish Boats are truly versatile. A great fishing boat and a great family boat all in one.”

2018 220CC ® Exclusive Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull for Performance, Safety & Stability ® 10 year Structural Warranty ® SailTech Construction: 100% Composite, Reinforced with Kevlar® & Carbon Fiber ® Lifetime No-Rot Guarantee ® Bow To Stern Intelligent Ergonomic Design with Premium Finishes ® Family Friendly Features for Fun, Comfort and Safety

www.SailfishBoats.com

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THE NEXT GREAT THE NEXT GREAT

HAVALON HAVALON INNOVATION INNOVATION HAS LANDED. HAS LANDED.

QUIK-CHANGE II ™ Interchangeable Fixed Blade™ QUIK-CHANGE Cutlery System II Interchangeable Fixed Blade Cutlery System9” FILLET 7” FILLET 9” FILLET 5” FILLET 7” FILLET 3” SERRATED 5” FILLET 3” SERRATED

Easy Blade Release System Easy Blade Release System

Opens For Easy Cleaning

KN IVES

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COMING SPRING 2018 COMING SPRING 2018 4

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Rugged Canvas Roll Pack Rugged Canvas Roll Pack

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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BLEED TRIM

SAFETY

EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794

FLORIDA

BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com

flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com

Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com

CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com

COME JOIN OUR TEAM Dear Reader, “Coastal Angler” and our freshwater component “The Angler” magazines are looking to expand our franchise footprint to include numerous Gulf Coast region markets. Having become the largest outdoor publication on the Eastern Seaboard, we’re now ready to continue our expansion westerly all the way to California and northerly to the Great Lakes and beyond. Our franchise system enables localized editions of the magazine to be managed and developed by our franchisee/co-publishers. Publishing your localized edition of either Coastal Angler Magazine or The Angler Magazine can be exceptionally enriching and financially rewarding. Our ideal candidate may never have been involved in publishing before. They would, however, be passionately involved in the outdoors. Obsessive anglers often make great fishing magazine franchisees.

COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com

Laura Tiger • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com

WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com

NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com

Your new career is just a phone call or email away.

GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com

This is a chance to own your own business but not be all on your own. Our training and support systems enable our co-publishers to quickly establish their localized edition of the magazine into a viable local business. If you think you would enjoy a career centered around the outdoors and fishing, you owe it to yourself to check out our franchise opportunities. Our expansion goals have numerous territories now available.

Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com

Best regards,

NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com

GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com

INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers. SAFETY

Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com

1-888-800-9794

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By CAM Staff

F

ast and stable, with a needle nose that reminded people of a mosquito buzzing over southern waters, the world’s first bass boat was the 1948 brainchild of Shreveport, Louisiana’s Holmes Thurmond. That first Skeeter boat, made of molded marine plywood, caught on quickly with local anglers. It launched the brand

that today, 70 years later, is still renowned for building innovative boats designed specifically for the needs of recreational anglers. Cary Crutchfield, co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s North Central Florida edition, owns one of those early Skeeter boats. When he bought his first Skeeter in the 1960s, the company was already leading the way in what became an industry-wide transition to fiberglass. His was a 15-foot model with stick steering up front that was powered by a 35hp outboard. “It’s real easy to fish from, and it’s just a neat 6

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looking boat,” Crutchfield said of those early flat-bottomed Skeeters. “It’s narrow, and the way the sides turn up to the cockpit makes it very stable to move around in.” With today’s bass boats, a 250hp Yamaha seems like a necessity to even compete on the tournament circuits. Back then, a Skeeter with a 35hp was capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 mph. It was a fishing boat superior to any that came before it. The Super Skeeter arose as the boat for serious anglers fishing the large, newly constructed man-made reservoirs that have since fueled the sport. Crutchfield sold his 15-footer in the 1980s and almost immediately began kicking himself. He missed the narrow profile and shallow draft, along with kind of stability that allows him to stand comfortably and pole into very tight places. It wasn’t long before he ran into another old Skeeter he had to have, this one a 14-footer, originally powered by a 25hp outboard that has since been replaced by a 1950s model 12hp. Even with that old motor, it still gets around pretty quickly, and Crutchfield said it’s still the perfect small fishing boat where he launches on the Suwannee River. With the spirit of innovation that gave rise to that first bass boat and an open ear to the new requirements of early bass tournaments, Skeeter grew and evolved with the sport. The Skeeter Hawk did away with the characteristic pointed bow, which allowed for a smoother ride and a raised casting platform. In the 1970s, after moving into its current plant in Kilgore, Texas, Skeeter rolled the dice and introduced the legendary Wrangler to the bass fishing world. Rated for 150hp with a V-bottom, it was an odd and new style that absolutely dominated the competition in performance. It became the template that led to the high-performance fishing machines that roar

around our reservoirs today. In 2018, Skeeter Performance Fishing Boats is celebrating its 70th year of providing anglers with exceptional fishing boats. With modern technology and computer design capabilities, it has continued to lead the industry with innovations such as the first production composite bass boat, the ZX202, in the mid-1990s. The venerable ZX series, in all its versions, has been a staple in the bass tournament world for more then three decades. But listening to the needs of the fishermen who are its customers, Skeeter branched out to produce deep-v boats for walleye tournament anglers on the big lakes of the north, as well as bay boats for saltwater anglers. Skeeter’s acquisition by Yamaha in 1996 brought new resources to the table and advances followed. In 2001, Skeeter again set a new standard for the industry with its Torque Transfer Transom and Stringer System, which provides lift to the entire keel, while eliminating stress on the on the transom, deck, hull and sides. Through all the advancements, Skeeter boats bear little resemblance to Thurmond’s first bass boat. But the same concept, to design perfect

fishing boats for fishermen, is evident throughout Skeeter’s product line. Whether it’s on southern reservoirs, the big northern lakes or the bays and backwaters of the Gulf of Mexico, Skeeter has a nimble, fast and extremely fishable boat perfect for the kind of fishing you do.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/17/18 5:06 PM

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A BOAT. IT’S A LIFESTYLE.

STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE: Center console command center Abundant bow & floor storage Lowrance® Elite 9 Ti touch 40 gallon rear livewell/baitwell Deluxe lean post w/vertical rod holders 14 gallon console baitwell New upholstery styling ...and much more!

ENGINEERED TO BE THE ULTIMATE BAY BOAT Ultimate in the way you get to the fish, with a durability that is unsurpassed. Engineering this one was a dream come true. We put everything you need right at your fingertips to provide you with a true fishing machine. For additional information please visit SkeeterBoats.com/SX240.

$42,995* 2O18 SX21O WITH

YAMAHA VF15OXA

ACTUAL SALES PRICE DETERMINED BY DEALER. PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FREIGHT, DEALER PREP & T.T.L.

NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE BEFORE REBATE

$

43,495

+

MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE

$

52,060

u

STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE: White Pro Series 2 Power-Pole® Abundant bow & floor storage Center console command center 25 gallon rear livewell/baitwell Leaning post with vertical rod holders 14 gallon console baitwell ...and much more! 8” setback plate

THE BEST RIDE AT THE BEST VALUE It’s true you really can have it all without spending it all. The SX210 is just the right fit for any situation. Family fun and weekend getaways make this boat a hero. For additional information please visit SkeeterBoats.com/SX210.

UP TO

INSTANT REBATE

*

LIMITED TIME OFFER INSTANT REBATE APPLIED AT TIME OF FINAL SALE BY DEALER.

VALID JANUARY 1-MARCH 31, 2018

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty 10 Year Limited Transferable Structural Warranty 3 Year Limited Component Warranty

Visit SkeeterBoats.com to locate your nearest Skeeter Dealer. Nationally Advertised Price; actual sales price determined by dealer. Price does not include freight, dealer prep, and T.T.L.. uManufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Prices may vary due to supply, location, freight etc. Actual prices are set by the dealer. *Terms and Conditions: Nationally Advertised Price for 2018 SX210 with $1500 Rebate. Consumer benefit for purchasing a new (unused, not previously warranty registered) eligible MY 2018 and prior boat from 1/1/18- 3/31/18 is an instant rebate applied at time of final sale by dealer, at no extra cost to consumer. Actual rebate amount is determined by model selected. NO BENEFIT SUBSTITUTIONS. Promotion is only applicable from authorized participating Skeeter dealers in the U.S.A. and Canada sold to purchasing consumers residing in the U.S.A. and Canada. Promotion is limited to available stock in dealer inventory that is sold, PDI completed, delivered and warranty registered in accordance with Skeeter’s promotion and warranty registration req uirements during applicable dates. No model substitutions, benefit substitutions, extensions or rain checks will be allowed. Not redeemable for cash. Boats sold or provided for commercial, camp, resort, rental, promotional/ demo, government agency, competition, tournament or sponsorship use are not eligible. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Skeeter offer or discounts. Some exceptions may apply. See authorized, participating Skeeter dealer for complete details. Skeeter reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time. Other restrictions and conditions apply. ©2018 Skeeter Products, Inc. All rights reserved. This document contains many of Skeeter’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement. Remember to observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and ride. Dress properly with a USCG approved flotation device and protective gear. +

LOOK FOR US AT THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW AT BOOTH A112 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Rods & Reels

G. LOOMIS/SHIMANO CONQUEST

PENN CONFLICT II

PENN redesigned its smooth and durable Conflict reel to bring anglers the Conflict II, the most lightweight PENN reel ever made. It is a superior reel, perfectly suited to inshore applications. True to its origins, the Conflict II features stealthy cosmetics and a smooth and reliable HT-100 carbon fiber drag system. The RR30 Rigid Resin body and rotor are extremely lightweight and durable, and with the redesign, the Conflict II is 20 percent lighter than the first-generation Conflict. Internally, the Conflict II is updated with PENN’s CNC Gear Technology and high quality stainless steel ball bearings, making it the ultimate PENN inshore reel. With the Superline Spool, no backing is needed because of the rubber gasket that keeps superlines from slipping. Other key features include: Slow Oscillation – Leveline System, 7+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system and line capacity rings.

WWW.PENNFISHING.COM

ST. CROIX LEGEND TOURNAMENT INSHORE

8

What do you get when you mix proven G. Loomis rod design with Shimano technology? You get Conquest, a line of 12 awesome bass rods, purposebuilt for different conditions and techniques. The new Conquest series includes eight casting rods with G. Loomis’ original “Mag Bass” fast-action tapers and four “Spin/Jig” fast-action spinning rods. With Shimano’s Spiral X and Hi-Power X processes, the blanks are rolled to exact G. Loomis specifications before being handfinished in G. Loomis’ Woodland, Wash. facility. With this partnership, engineers believe they have produced the most technologically advanced rods on the water. They are lightweight and offer anglers a whole new set of performance standards. Some of the benefits anglers will experience are: more accurate casts, increased fighting power, solid leverage for hook sets and reduced rod twist for rod control and durability. The casting rods are fitted with G. Loomis’ “skeleton” reel seats on full-cork contoured grips. The spinning rods feature split grips and Shimano’s CI4 reel seats. Blank-through-handle design on both versions adds sensitivity, as do the Fuji Torzite guides and a durable SIC Titanium tip guide. Whether you’re pitching jigs in thick cover or prospecting open water for smallies, high-performance Conquest rods will help you catch more bass.

WWW.GLOOMIS.COM

PENN INTERNATIONAL VI

Legend Tournament Inshore rods are the blending of the inimitable sensitivity, power and durability of St Croix’s Legend Tournament Bass and Walleye series with components and technology suited for saltwater environments. With good looks and a high-performance feel, the Legend Tournament Inshore was awarded Best Saltwater rod at ICAST 2017. The eye-catching “Belize Blue” blanks are crafted of SCIV graphite using Integrated Poly Curve tooling technology and engineered to eliminate all transitional points, which fosters smooth action, increased strength and sensitivity. They are surprisingly lightweight, yet durable, and are equipped with a Fuji TVS blank touch reel seat on spinning rods and PTS blank-touch reel seat with builtin hoods on casting models. These new Fuji seats are designed to stand-up to the pressure of hard-fighting inshore species. Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle guides and a Kigan titanium hook keeper provide 100 percent corrosion protection.

After nearly 15 years, the PENN International big game reel will get a makeover. The reel that has become legendary for fulfilling angler dreams offshore has been refined and modernized to once again redefine big game reels. The PENN International VI series features many upgrades including a weight reduction on key sizes, a new silent anti-reverse and a more refined/ adjustable Dura-Drag system. The new series features 28 models in both gold and silver, single speed and two-speed, wide and narrow. Made in the U.S.A. of domestic and imported components at the historic PENN Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company building in Philadelphia, the International VI will give anglers the edge in chasing that trophy of a lifetime. Key features include: Machined and anodized aluminum body and side plates, stainless steel main and pinion gears, Quick-Shift II two-speed system, sealed DuraDrag system, Versa-Strike Adjustable Strike stop, double-dog ratchet anti-reverse and line capacity rings.

STCROIXRODS.COM

WWW.PENNFISHING.COM

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Product Reviews

TSUNAMI ARMR

MUD HOLE TURN KEY KITS Avid anglers who want to take their fishing to the next level owe it to themselves to check out Mud Hole Custom Tackle’s rod building kits. They include everything needed for anglers to construct their own high-end custom fishing rods. Mud Hole is offering an amazing value on its Inshore Turnkey Kit, which includes all the tools and materials to build a custom inshore rod perfect for trout and redfish. The kit features the extremely popular and versatile MHX SJ842 rod blank. This 7’0” medium-light power rod features a fast action for throwing soft plastics and topwater lures at wary flats fish. Along with the blank, the kit comes with a matched guide set, handle kit and everything from the CRB wrapper, a CRB rod dryer and ProPaste and ProKote Rod Finish and all the tools needed to craft your own custom rod. Visit www.mudhole.com and check out all our Turn Key Kit options or simply Google: Mud Hole Turnkey.

Super smooth and well built, the Tsunami ARMR is lightweight, high-performance spinning reel available in 3000/4000 and 5000/6000 sizes. The Tsunami ARMR has a sleek design and features

high-end components to provide smooth and durable operation for fighting and casting. The lightweight, solid aluminum body combined with hybrid, corrosion resistant carbon infused side plates and rotor and a double anodized ported aluminum spool are what keep this reel feather light in the hand all day long. Seven high-precision, shielded stainless steel ball bearings allow full support to all free-moving parts during the toughest fight or retrieve after retrieve. The look and feel of the Tsunami ARMR reel, enhanced by a light, durable EVA handle knob and braid-ready spool is what separates these high-performance reels from the competition.

WWW.BIMINIBAYOUTFITTERS.COM

WWW.MUDHOLE.COM

SHIMANO SUSTAIN HOOKER ELECTRIC REELS Hooker Electric continues to raise the bar with the fastest, lightest and best looking electric reels on the market, along with second-to-none customer service. The top seller in 2017 was their 80 motor that features level wind and auto stop, mounted on the Shimano Tiagra 80WA. The auto stop feature allows the angler to set the reel to stop winding at any interval, including just before your terminal tackle reaches the rod tip. With both 12- and 24-volt functionality, there is no need for a converter box. Its full variable speed allows line retrieval at up to 500 feet per minute, which makes checking your bait from 1,800 feet a breeze. It also includes bluetooth connectivity, allowing the angler to control the reel through Hooker Electric’s iPhone app, ReelTime. If you’re feeling sporty, the reel can also be used manually, so you can feel the fight. New for 2018, Hooker Electric now offers custom colors in silver, black, blue and even pink. For more information, go to www.hookerelectric.com or give them a call at 954-530-6908.

WWW.HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

T h e Best New Saltwater Reel winner at ICAST 2017, Shimano’s Sustain might just be the best new spinning reel for freshwater or salt. The Sustain series comes in four sizes suitable for everything from finesse baits for bass, to stripers and even small billfish. In all sizes, the reel’s Hagane aluminum body construction gives it a solid feel, and the Shimano Magnumlite low inertia rotor provides sensitive, light rotation and a light start up, which allows anglers to instantly begin the retrieve. Shimano’s Hagane gear has already made waves in the industry for its incredibly smooth operation. The exclusive technology used to engineer the cold forged aluminum drive also makes it extremely strong and durable. The X-Protect feature, which should be of particular interest to saltwater anglers but is relevant in any wet fishing conditions, is a threelipped rubber seal system that offers exceptional water resistance. With Cross Carbon Drag, eight shielded anti-rust ball bearings, and a one-way roller bearing to stop handle backplay, Shimano went in whole hog to produce these award-winning reels. Whether you fish freshwater or salt, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better spinning reel.

FISH.SHIMANO.COM

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MOTOR UPGRADES ARE AVAILABLE

Marine Wintertime Blowout $209* mon

G2968 Key Largo 160cc

G2661 Key Largo 1800 cc

40 HP Motor

90 HP Motor

WAS $23,849 NOW $15,999

WAS $37,749 NOW $25,999

$194* mon

90 HP Motor

G3149 Caravelle 16EBo 70 HP Motor

WAS $30,746 NOW $19,799

$299* mon thly

thly

G2849 Key Largo 2000

G2646 Key Largo 210LX

WAS $50,787 NOW $35,990

WAS $59,266 NOW $36,990

150 HP Motor

140 HP Motor

WAS $35,833 NOW $23,999

thly

$279* mon

thly

G3068 Caravelle 19EBo

$164* mon

thly

thly

$377* mon

$306* mon

$368* mon

thly

thly

G3010 Key Largo 220BAY

G3054 Razon 238PF

140 HP Motor

200 HP Motor

WAS $61,517 NOW $39,599

WAS $78,605 NOW $49,599

thly

G3081 Razor 247UR 200 HP Motor

WAS $71,288 NOW $48,499

www.factorydirectmarine.com *payments calculated at 180 months for well qualified buyers with 20% down. Please note: Prices do not include freight, dealer make ready, and rigging. Pictures may not reflect actual unit and/or available inventory. Price and payment do not include sales tax or fees. Not responsible for typographical errors.

Ridgeland, SC, 401 Sycamore Drive, 844-280-9753 | Panama City, FL, 8308 Panama City Beach Pkwy, 844-278-2510 Charlotte, NC | 9204 N Lakebrook Road | 980-267-5597 | Rockwood,TN, 2475 Westel Road, 844-271-9582 Hamburg, PA, 20 Industrial Drive , 844-247-1678 | West Coxsackie, NY, 12634 Route 9 West, 844-276-8649

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All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.

$136* mon

For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting. For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.

The hero your boat deserves!

8953/1217

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Drifting For

Nighttime Yellowfin On Gulf Floaters

By Nick Carter

Y

ellowfin tuna are some of the most sought after gamefish in the world. They are the ahi tuna on the menus at restaurants and sushi bars, and in the water they have the speed and power to wear down anglers and break gear. The signature “spiral” that tuna commence in the waning moments of a fight is responsible for untold numbers of broken lines and broken hearts. After battling 30 mph runs for 20 minutes or more, the weary angler, captain and crew face one final test, a team effort to survive the spiral and get the fish on deck. These tense moments, when a big yellowfin turns sideways and begins to circle, using its body’s mass as leverage, are the most critical minutes of the fight. If the line even touches the boat, it will snap, and the circling fish provides many opportunities for this to happen. These moments are the reason Randy King, of Paparda Rey Fishing Charters out of Galveston, Texas, says the main limitation on their catch is the ability of the angler. The captain, Kenneth Doxey, is solid. He has been running their 54-foot Bertram and their 35-foot Cabo for more than a decade. He was the 2016 recipient

of the Houston Big Game Fishing Club’s Jim Peachey Award. The crew is also top-notch, which leaves the angler as the potential weak link. The good news is there will likely be multiple opportunities on one of their overnight trips to deep-water oil platforms off Texas. King said a great trip with six anglers would yield a dozen yellowfin tuna in the 40- to 120-pound range, and that doesn’t include the shots anglers will have at mahi-mahi, wahoo, marlin and blackfin tuna. Out of Galveston, it’s 100 miles or more into the Gulf of Mexico to reach the enormous floating gas and oil structures off the edge of the Continental Shelf. These deep-water facilities, known as “floaters,” create their own food chain, consolidating bait and gamefish from miles around. On a typical 36- or 48-hour trip, don’t plan on sleeping much. The floaters are brightly lit at night, which is when the tuna fishing is best. After identifying fish on the sonar, chumming and drift fishing with 30-pound-class tackle is usually the most productive method for yellowfin. “Sometimes the tuna will start breaching,” said King. “They’ll jump in the air like king mackerel.” It’s for these occasions, when fish are on the surface, that big spinning rigs armed with poppers are

kept on deck. Drifting and pulling poppers while chugging back up-current to start a new drift goes on all night long. At dawn, the bait rods come in, and it’s time to start trolling. The primary daylight targets are marlin, sailfish, wahoo and dolphin. Between night and day, it equates to a whole lot of big fish packed into a weekend at sea. It’s a grand adventure, and a meat trip of epic proportions in the Gulf of Mexico. Check out Paparda Rey at www.offshorebiggame.com. Information on the Houston Big Game Fishing Club can be found at www.hbgfc.com.

For more fishing on the Paparda Rey, go to

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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik • Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

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n early November, my buddy and I set out to fish some shallow flats in our kayaks. The water and air temperatures were near the 80-degree mark in south Texas. The area we had available to us only had a few inches of tidal flow predicted. When saltwater fishing, current is at the top of the list for catching requirements, but when the tide doesn’t provide it, find something that will. I had not fished this area in three years, and since that time hurricane Harvey changed a few things from the vehicle access point to my favorite hole, which isn’t a hole anymore. Needless to say, this was going to be a scouting mission as well as a fishing trip. We made our way to our first stop, which was a large knee- to waist-deep grass flat with a deep channel running down one side that is separated by a few spoil islands. We anchored up at the tip of a spoil island and casted to the channel. Although there was an abundance of bait, we didn’t get a strike. Off to plan B, my old honey hole. Once there, I realized the sweet spot was no longer, but we fished the area thoroughly since bait was present. We managed only a few strikes and a couple small trout. Knowing that the fish were inactive and that the tide was weak, I searched for an area where the wind might help drive a little more water flow to get the fish feeding. We headed back to the vicinity of our first stop, which was a flat the shape of a football field with the wind blowing from one endzone to the other. On the downwind side, there were a few small islands with breaks between them. Due to the wind, these breaks

funneled stronger water movement onto a small shallow flat. This flat didn’t have more bait than the other areas, but it did have water movement, which sparked the bite. We spent several hours in this tiny area catching reds and speckled trout. We used the same lures and presentation as we did earlier in the day. Soft plastic topwater jerk baits in pearl accounted for the more aggressive fish, but they were the smaller ones in this area. All of our larger fish came on slow-sinking paddle shad. Targeting the potholes and letting the lures slowly sink at the edge of the sand-to-grass transition drew the better strikes.

Photo courtesy of Capt. Tim Cutting

When fishing on less than desirable tides, remember to seek out locations that can offer it a push. Funnels and choke points are always a good bet, even if they are subtle. The water depth was the same on both sides and in between the islands, but it gave that little push the fish needed. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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WEST MICHIGAN INSIDE Catch Photos Fishing Reports - Rivers & Streams - Hard Water

+ PLUS Expert advice from the area's top guides and charter boat captains Charlie Pass catches his first walleye through the ice at Mark Martin's Vacation Ice Fishing School.

WWW.THEANGLERMAG.COM/WESTMICHIGAN For editorial comments, articles, photography, advertising, and all other inquiries please contact: The Angler Magazine West Michigan (616) 957-1714 • westmichigan@theanglermagazine.com • www.theanglermag.com/westmichigan

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Rivers & Streams

Rivers & Streams

REPORTS & FORECASTS

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Rogue River A Pere Marquette

lthough I no longer live on a farm, I still read the Farmers’ Almanac and put faith in their forecasts. This year they seem to be dead on, as they predicted our winter to be a real one with B Y : J E F F Hcolder U B temperatures B A R D and snow that seems to be staying forService a while. These conditions have caused Outfitters North Guide BY: G L E N R. B L AC K WO O D the Rogue River to produce both shelf and anchor (231) 898-6246 The Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company ice and in some sections completely freeze shut. www.outfittersnorth.com River anglers have a couple of choices, the obvi(616) 866-6060 ous, go ice fishing, (you will never land a fish staywww.troutmoor.net ing home) or make the best of a tough scenario. I choose to make the best of what Mother Nature has created. To make the best of these tough conditions one must look to maximize time on the water and fish in a productive fashion. We can do this by preparing our equipment. The constant issue that we face is cold air and water temperatures. How we deal with this limiting factor will determine our success. Looking at equipment first, most tackle designers never dream that someone is going to be using their rods and reels in sub 30 degree air temperatures. A common issue anglers experience is reels and lines freezing, along with ice buildup in guides. So how do we deal with this issue? To prevent freezing issues with reels, before your next winter trip, clean both your reel frame and spool completely. Remove any excess oil or grease from both, as well as any dirt. A little lubrication goes a long way with modern reels and any additional lubricant will begin to solidify, causing a binding effect between your spool and frame, leading to freezing. Dirt and sand will trap moisture also causing premature freezing of your reel. Upon finishing your angling day, bring your reels inside, remove the spool from the reel frame and allow both to completely dry and warm. Another issue this time of the year is ice buildup in guides. There is no good way to stop this, but there are ways to negate it happening rapidly. Try placing fly floatant, cooking spray, or Vaseline on your guides to negate rapid ice buildup. Will these stop it completely? No, but they will keep you in the game longer. Happiest of Holidays!

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e are having an old fashion Michigan winter along the banks of the Pere Marquette River. We saw an extremely cold January, which brought a lot of shelf ice and extremely cold water. Fishing was a bust with so much ice there was really no water open to fish. The river was locked up for quite awhile. February should be a little better with hopes of a warming trend. Steelhead fishing will be our focus if mother nature helps us out. Steelheading can be good this month with fall holdover fish sitting in the slow winter holes, eager to eat a fly. A few fresh spring steelhead usually start to make there way up the river, if weather and water temps start to warm. Flies that work well in February are clown egg's in brighter colors along with nymph's. Stonefly nymphs and hex nymphs or wiggler patterns can be really effective this time of year with the colder water. Swinging will still find fish in deep winter just make sure to slow your fly speed down and try smaller patterns in blue's or purple's. These colors work well in the low light lack of sun we see so often in the winter months. Good Luck, be safe and dress warm. Don't forget to like us on Facebook at Outfitters North and check out our web site at outfittersnorth.com.

Upper Pere Marquette REPORTS Manistee River River Muskegon B Y :Manistee JEFF HUBBARD B Ytters : L North A R R Guide Y R AService NEY Outfi B Y : RJ Premier(231) Angling Guide Service 898-6246

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Michigan Fly Fishing V

www.premieranglingguideservice.com

616-560-3195

www.westmichiganfl yfish appy Holidays to everyone! Winter sure hit early this year, with single digit temperatures in the evenings and teens during the day. The Pere Marquette River ebruaryandiswaterhere temperature level are really starting to drop. We're starting to see shelf ice and anuary brings thoughts andice inold anchor some ofman the middle sections of the river system. and brown trout has been exceptio of the first steelhead bewinter has a firm grip As winter progresses look for steelhead fishing to slow down a bit.water Instead of and an alllevels temperature stayed on us in northern ing caught in the New Year day bite you will start to get short windows of action throughout the summer day, usually andinasthe a result, trout had a Michigan. But you here on the Manistee. This more weight in ant afternoon as water temperatures start to warm. Nymphs will also starttrout to betoapack key flony to won't catch us inside. is a time of solitude on the Th is month will find the steelhe use this time of year. When the water temperatures really start to drop steelhead and With our heated cabs river, sometimes you can go for aHex better "lies"— places where th resident are looking they can get as far as an easy meal. Nymphs, on our trout boats, fishingforforwhatever days not seeing another rainbow will find their winte Flies and small Haresboat Ear'sororbank Pheasant can start to produce. Eggstrout will also inStone 20-degree weather angler.Tails It seems months. Lake run Try small Clown and Nukes in more natural colors. For Swinging Flies try brown trout are n iswork no well. problem. This Eggs like your own private paraothersorwill do socanin the weeks ahead more natural colors withdise lessmost flash of as the water clears. Sculpins in olive brown time of year, wetoo,are the time. The Bothttersnorth. the fly fisher and light spin typically fishing produce infloat the winter. Check out mycansitebeforthesome go-to patterns, www.outfi weather deciding with the watertrout temps withWater. sinking or sink tip lines, on on com. Remember Beads are not fl ies and are illegal in the Flies Only factor some days but by watching the weather forecast and in the low allows water critical to the swing. Floa You canfi30s finditfiday sh throughout theups, whole river system. The fish are nowisstarting planning your shing around warm youand can keep make ususetotheir slow down our presentation the offering inthat the fish’s runs don't require too long of a winter runs and pools. Look for fi sh in much slower deeper runs with it happen. Water longer. temperatures in thespin winter months onwe therun our float rigs on awood strike zone For our fishermen, long, deep runs9'6" and troughs where structure to hide them. You can fi nd this type of water in any stretch of the Pere Marquette, Bigbait rangecasting from 32 to 35 or degrees on average. As an angler, you pins! Both of which are rod my personal favorite, center handed rodsPlay are doing so with 11-1 however because of the weather; access will become more diffi cult until spring. it haveachieving to think a little difffree erent drift this time of the year. With a drag or (dead drift) as the we call it,and which isoncrucial 15' long. Flies fortoswinging are wid safe at the boat ramps and while wading the river. Practice catch release wild Pere water temperatures so low the fish steelhead. tend to slowFor down fooling these big lethargic ourand fly anglers weandarevibrant running colorsa are also getting MarquetteYousteelhead. theysame don't getantoangler. spawn,Look we don't to hook any in the future. get 11-foot lethargic. shouldswitch doIf the for get 8 weight rodsaspaired with a good floating line and a large weights, in 9-10+' lengths, with 6-1 Good and slowArbor woodyluck runsreel. andHappy pools,Holidays! slow current seams, and current fly for fl oating line rigs and chuck-n-d Thisdeep timecutofbanks. year, Places you can't go wrong with seams along the steelhead can get outrunning beads and spawn, For the light tackle butmain don't leaveand home without jigs and waxworms. If you’re in the spin angler, of the currents not have to worksome so hard. floating beads, flies, or bait under b fly egg patterns have because We game, fish these type of spots are withaflmust oats. Whether it being we all know steelhead are Same flies can be used with spin gea glow and pin clown withaddicted a floating to lineeggs. and flySmall rod, float rod bugs and center reels,eggs in various colors and As stone water temperatures drop, fis sizes will put fish to hand, but don't forget to run some smaller flies or spinning gear. Fishing a float of some sort enables you to moving water.5 Line as well. The type of water weoff are looking is slower runs in about to choices can ran control the depth and speed of your ering to theseforfish. Locations to seek out for fishing feet of water. The7off erings for fly anglers should be an egg pattern, be Muskegon, but a bul Don't overlook the deeper runs because they will stillDam, holddown fish.toJust it trout bead or yarn egg and a nymph of some sort. Hex's, remember to fish slow and pick apart the runs. Sometimes it willtrout, takefocus on the wate for resident Green Caddis, Pheasant Tails and Buggers are my preferred 10 to 15 drifts to get one to go! With that being said, there is numbers no reason Trout drop off considerab patterns. Center andget spinning junkies to rush outpin and on thegear water at may the want cracktoof dawn, sleepWinter in because fly fishing for trout with think aboutgoing spawn,towigglers or fish jigs and worms parts to get of it the day. Sometimes a few you’re want to thewax warmest and will be a great option for those done. degrees warm up will put the fish on the feed. As we move monthtoward should fithe sh well for both ste No reason to rush outthere first thing the to morning, sleep inof fish starting the annual end of February will in start be a trickle in years have come to hand over th andspawning have an extrarun! cup ofSo, coffifee.you’re Most days the bite istobest looking getfrom out and shake off my thewebsite cabinfor more trip det Check latefever morning earlyone afternoon. Rememberbeautiful think slowrivers and give us a call. Tight lines andtofish of Michigan’s I hope everyone had a great holi get and out and enjoy one of Michigan's hidden winter activities, high fives. winter steelheading here on the Big Manistee.

J

FLY of THE MONTH Beaddazzled Stone

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BY PHIL CUSEY

his is a great winter stone fly imitation! The rubber leg tail provides greater movement in the water. Using beads for the body gives a wonderful segmented profile and the dubbed head traps air and hence releases "bubbles" when fished. Be sure and adjust size; smaller for trout and larger for steelhead. Enjoy the solitude of winter fishing!

Materials FLY NAME: "Beadazzled Stone" HOOK: Tiemco 2457 - Sz.12- 8 THREAD: Uni 6/0 Black TAIL: Round rubber - Black - Small BODY: Spirit River glass bead - Iridescent Plum HEAD: UV Dubbing- Peacock

When Phil Cusey isn't guiding, he can be reached at streamertwo@sbcglobal.net. JANUARY 2014 MICHIGAN 4 WEST

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Rivers & Streams

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Muskegon River

Grand River

B Y: C A P T. J E F F B A C O N

BY: G R E G K N A P P

Michigan Fly Fishing Ventures (616) 560-3195 www.westmichiganflyfishing.com

Getting Bit Guide Service 616-570-2946 www.gettingbitguideservice.com

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he Grand River in February is a good fishery as long as the weather lets you out. If the river has open water, there are steelhead to be caught. The dam areas such as 6th street and Webber are good spots to hit as they stay ice free and are easy to walk into. Tributaries such as the Rogue River are a good bet after a long cold spell, the fish have had a break from all of the fishing pressure and they tend to bite better as they have not been picked on. Try fishing floats during the winter in the slower water, baits such as jigs, spawn, beads, waxworms, or wigglers will catch fish. Plug fishing is another good way to put fish into the boat, work them slow and make sure you are down near bottom with them. We usually find a good mix of fish that have been in since fall and some new fish that have filtered in over the winter during February, don't be surprised if you find a drop back lake run brown as well.

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he holidays have come and gone, the decorations have come down and are in storage for the year. Mother Nature has provided us with an unprecedented "arctic blast", followed by near 60 degree weather in mid January and who knows what's next !!!! We do know that February is a "swing month" for sure in the lives of many anglers looking to get back to the Muskegon river for some late winter/early spring fishing for resident rainbow and brown trout, as well as steelhead that have taken up short term residence in the river. How much river fishing can be done in February depends on the amount of snow we have and how it impacts access to the river. Historically, February is a time to get to the last of the trade shows, fly tying seminars and other similar events that serve to counter the affects of "cabin fever". Some will get equipment out, look over reels, lines, take inventory of leaders, tippet, flies, lures and other pertinent accessories so that when the time comes, they will be ready. For those who just can't wait, there are places to fish on the Muskegon river that aren't that hard to get to and provide access to fish holding water. Each of the boat launches on the river from Croton dam down to Newaygo itself, have walk in access close by. Down stream from Croton dam finds good, deeper pools and runs, as well as above and below the Pine St launch, below the Thornapple launch, both up and down stream from Henning County Park and in Newaygo itself, up and down from M-37. Safe wading is the theme though, because in these water temperatures, you won't have long before hypothermia sets in should you decide to wade and take an unexpected swim. With water temperatures still quite cold in February, slow and small should be your motto - fish slower moving water that still have decent depth, with smaller flies, lures, etc., and on lighter pound test line. Key in on "seams" in slow to medium-slow current, with depths of at least 3 feet. Fish can be lethargic in colder water, so be diligent about working the water you're fishing, slowly and thoroughly. Many who take destination trips in the spring, have buttoned up details for their trips by early-mid February and for those sticking closer to home, it's a time to get their own respective outings on the calendar. Once we get into February and see what kind of weather patterns we're in for, it will be easier to determine when things will really kick into gear on the Muskegon River.

Guided River Fishing www.WestMichiganFishingGuide.com

CAPTAIN JEFF BACON Phone: 616-560-3195 Email: jrbacon@ameritech.net 6 WEST MICHIGAN

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Hard Water

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Ludington

Grand Rapids

B Y: C A P T. S E A N M C D O N A L D

BY: C H A S T H O M P S O N

Katch Me Charters (231) 510-2072 www.centurycircle.com

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e have had safe ice on many lakes since Mid December and February will be the month when bluegills and crappie head from the weeds to deeper water, normally the deepest spot in the lake. The weeds have died down and the oxygen levels are low. Both species of panfish will be suspended over deeper water. Electronics are a must in order to catch them. Crappies are normally found suspended 5-15 feet down and bluegill from 15-25 feet down. The trick is to punch a bunch of holes and hole hop until you mark fish, sit down and catch the ones you mark and move. Plastic tipped tungsten jigs are deadly for the crappie and gills most days. Sometimes you have to switch to spikes or wax worms. Perch in the bigger Lake Michigan connecting lakes normally are found in the deepest spots at the beginning of the month and tend to move into the slightly shallower water toward the end of February to depths of 1216 feet. I have had winters where we were doing really well from Mid January until the middle of February and the fish just seemed to disappear. They moved to the far east end of the lake adjacent to their spawning grounds. Blues will often take the bigger perch in the connecting lakes to Lake Michigan. I have caught several perch that still had baby alewives in their mouths. By using the bigger minnows they keep the small ones from taking your bait. Pike fishing normally slows down in February- they become somewhat dormant and will become more active at last ice. Good luck in February and keep your stick on the ice.

J

MI Ice Guys www.MiIceGuys.com (616) 953-0423

anuary brought awesome ice on most of the lakes, but the fish were biting ever so light. But our New Years sub zero temperatures that firmed the lakes has held the fish tight to the bottom. Teasing them up has tested the best anglers. If you are not using a quality flasher, try a short rapid jig about 1-2 feet from the bottom. The quick jig will often set the hook before you notice a bite. The bluegills are buried in the weed beds. Smaller jigs with live bait seem to be the ticket. We have had some success on real fine small plastics on #16 & #14 jigs, but live bait has been the best solution. The crappie seem to be mixing in with the gills. Spikes have been producing better than wax worms. If you have not tried the different colors of spikes, you should. Pike on both tip ups and spear holes have been of medium size with the anglers I have spoken with, but prolific. Crappies are barely biting and have not been moving around too much. Soon you should find them suspended over some deep holes. Smaller lakes with saddles or basins have been holding medium size schools. We found it very productive to change holes every couple of fish or if you put a small one back. They seem to be less timid if you don't fish the hole out. Jewel tipped jigs with #14 & #12, garnished with a spike during the day have worked well. Use the GPS and a free app on your smart phone to record the spot when you find them. They haven’t been hitting real hard on the bite but if you can detect them sucking it in by the slack in the line, you will be into a limit in no time. I was able to get the glow jigs with a glow plastic working for the first hour of dark on the last couple of trips in January. The addition of a LED light bar on my hopper bucket, made it really easy to give them a UV charge on every up. Safe ice thicknesses seem to be prevalent, but always use a walking spud when heading out onto an unfamiliar lake. I recommend keeping a 5-yard comfort zone between you and anyone not in your group out of courtesy, sometimes the quiet is as pleasing as the catch. Please remember to share ice conditions on http://www.miiceguys.com/report-ice and observe Michigan limits and rules. Be a Great Michigan Sportsman!

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Hunting Muskegon, Pere Marquette, White, and Little Manistee Rivers plus many wonderful lakes

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8 WEST MICHIGAN

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2018 Winter Events In Cadillac

EXPERIENCE THE

BEER & SPIRITS

TR AIL THROUGHOUT CADILL AC Cadillac

North American Snow Festival – 3rd Annual Ice Fishing Tournament

, WINE & S W E R B T F ILL AC. A D R A C C L H A G C U O O L E HR EXPERIENC ITS ON OUR TRAIL T ! IR U N I Q U EL LS 1P1 S T O P S O N Y O U R V IS IT ACCESS A

(231) 775-0657

ExploreCadillac.org Captain Sean McDonald & Captain David Ellis Guided Ice Fishing in Mason, Manistee, Benzie and Oceana Counties

February 3 A fun day on the ice of Lake Cadillac and/ or Lake Mitchell. $10 Adults/ $5 Under 17 fee to Participate! Contest Begins at 8am and ends at 3pm, one day only, Saturday, February 3, 2018. Register at Pilgrim Village Fishing shop by 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Weigh-in 2-3:30pm with awards starting at 3:30pm. Win a Prize for the Longest in each category: Perch - Crappie - Bluegill - Pike – Walleye. Contest is open to Age 5 and up! All participants will be entered for prize drawings - whether you catch a fish or not – and there are great prizes. Weigh-in and awards will be at the Cadillac Junior High Cafeteria - 500 Chestnut St, Cadillac, doors open at 2pm. For full festival and event details and registration forms go to www.nasfcadillac.com

Thursdays in February at Carl T Hunting & Fishing Museum

We Catch ‘em Big!!! The water's hard and the fish are biting. Book your 2017/18 ice fishing trip now.

• Bluegill • Crappie • Perch • Walleye • Northern Pike

Captain Sean McDonald (231) 510-2072 Captain David Ellis (269) 377-1313

michiganiceguides.com

6pm – Decoy Carving - Learn to carve and paint your own fish decoys in the Cadillac style of carving. 6pm - Guided Snowshoe Hikes - join the Center Staff for our weekly snowshoe night hikes on the Heritage Trail.

Youth Fishing Derby at Carl T Hunting & Fishing Museum February 17-19 Join the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center staff for a great fishing experience at the youth fishing derby, throughout Free Fishing Weekend, if you’ve never fished, the staff will help you!

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Church Tackle Co. WE DIDN’T INVENT THE PLANER BOARD, WE JUST PERFECTED IT!

New for 2016! Mini Lock-Jaw

Lock-Jaw

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This clip may be mini but when it comes to holding power it’s second Hole for drop weights only to it’s big brother, the original Lock-Jaw! Holds mono, super or other applications braids, power pro, lead core or copper lines without damaging the line! The Mini Lock-Jaw fits The Walleye Board, TX-44, TX-22, TX-12 & TX-6 Replaceable planer boards, but we recommend the full size Lock-Jaw for the TX-44. Pad The Mini Lock-Jaw is designed to fit other side planers, drop weights and Locator holes for 1 7/8” Long works for many other applications. attaching 1/2” Wide WE DIDN’T INVENT CLIPS, to side-planers Part# 40620, 2pk Color - yellow Replacement Pads part# 40701 6/pk WE HAVE PERFECTED THEM!

Locking Arm 2 3/4” Long x 3/4” Wide easy to open & close Hole for drop weights or other applications

Pad Line Protector inside keeps line from making contact with screw

Locator holes for attaching to side-planers

NEW! Stingray Diving Weight

Unique error-proof design allows anglers to put more fish in the boat! (10 1/4” long, weighs about 3 oz) (7” long, weighs about 1.5 oz) The TX-44 is the first and the only in line planer to pull the large Divers, Lead Core, Water strikes top surface, forcing Wire or Copper Lines and Heavy Weights. The size of the TX-44 makes it harder for Stingray downward. A fish on will An all new type of planer! fish to pull the board under, however it is still easy to retrieve. The Vise Clip comes force the nose upward & Stingray to a T c k h l standard with the TX-44; especially designed for lead core & copper, makes c e r C o. the surface. Unpainted or painted Chu accidental release almost impossible. 2 snaps for each weight included TX-44 is now also available in a Tournament Easy to attach and remove. Size #1 - .7 oz Series which comes with a Lock-Jaw Clip, Great for trolling in congested areas and more effective contour trolling along #40302 #40300 Stainless Steel Rear Pin and E-Z Store for drop offs contour lines, reef edges and weed lines in rivers, lakes or the ocean. black unpainted Effective for all species. Run more lines out the back of the boat by staggering A one-stop shop for planer boards easy tow-arm removal. Part# 60630 Size #2 - 1.4 oz the Stern Planers. Run any distance from the boat yet maintain desired depth. 7 different styles & ALL MADE IN THE USA

TX-44 Super Planer

TX-007 Stern Planer & TX-005 Mini Stern Planer

Part# 30610 (14” x 4 1/4” x 7/8”)

#40303 unpainted

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#40304 orange

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Change tow-arm & clips in a snap! Optional E-Z Size #3 - 2.7 oz

Specia -2h T2 l ackle Co. Sodus, M rc I TX Chu hurchtackle.com www.c

Store devise easily attaches to the Walleye Board, TX-44 & TX-22 side planers. Slide the tow-arm off for storage or change to another tow-arm & clip then slide back on when you’re ready to fish again. Part# 40519 sold 2 per package 1 left & 1 right 2 Special -2 ckle Co. Sodus, M rch Ta I TX Chu hurchtackle.com www.c LEFT

#40306 chartreuse

#40305 unpainted

Please check with your local tackle shop first, if they don’t carry our products visit us at www.churchtackle.com to view all of our great American made fishing gear, or call us at 269-934-8528 to request a catalog.

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

1/16/18 5:34 PM

A Sneaky State of Affairs

A grand great bite can turn bad quickly if you don’t pay attention to the commotion you make BY: MA R K MA RT I N Who me? A believer in hocus pocus? Not really. But I can easily understand why the winter months are such a magical time of year for most anglers. The catching of walleye, pike and panfish becomes much simpler a soon as a lake’s exterior solidifies, and will stay that way for quite a few weeks to come. But even something as grand as a great bite can turn bad quickly if you don’t pay attention to the commotion you’re making while fishing. To put it simply, you must stay as stealthy as can be or you’ll spook fish. And, obviously, if you’ve scared the fish out from underneath you, you’re going home with nothing more to show for your day’s fishing other than frigid fingers and a walk through the grocery store for a can of baked beans for the dinner table… As well a bad attitude. Here, there, just not anywhere The primary key to catching success is knowing where, exactly, to drop a line right away. If you do, you won’t be creating chaos by moving throughout the day and spooking fish. And if you did any fishing (better yet catching) this past fall, you already know where to go. The first place to be in the ice-fishing season is also some of the last places I caught fish late during the fall months. The fish haven’t left. In fact, more may have shown up since I was able to last launch my Lund or waded in open water. Wade, you question? Yes, wade. You see, the late-fall period was the time of year the fish where feeding within shallow water; all within easy casting distance of an angler walking the shallows while donning waders. And it’s in these same close-to-shore areas, sometimes literally within just a few footsteps of the shoreline, that I’ll find fish no matter how late in the ice-fishing season. For me, it’s the areas along the outer edges of the weed beds closest to points, especially when adjacent to deep water, which I was casting to right before the freeze that I will try first. And these outer weed lines usually occur along a breakline (aka: drop off) no matter how slight they may be. Breaklines are easy to find when using mapping from Navionics. An SD card filled with hydrographic maps by Navionics in the card reader of my Lowrance HOOK-5 Ice Machine will show me with pinpoint accuracy where all the breaklines in a particular waterway lay below me. This is imperative when it comes to walking directly to my fishing spot, so I can and drill holes all at once over prime water so as to keep commotion down to a minimum throughout the day.

On the move If the ice is still too thin to drive my quad or snowmobile upon, I’ll hoof it rather than ride. And if I can get away with not having to wear ice cleats over the soles of my boots, all the better. This is because the noise from ice cleats scraping and digging into the ice will reverberate tenfold under the water and give up my whereabouts to the fish. Instead, I don boots with a soft yet aggressive rubber tread built right in, which are super warm as well provide superior grip on the ice. My boots need to be 100-percent water proof so as to keep my feet dry when water splashes up and out of the hole when I am boring a hole with my auger. And speaking of augers, I make sure the blades of my StrikeMaster Lazer Synthetic Ultra-Lite or StrikeMaster power auger are razor sharp well before the icefishing season starts. This is because I want to bore as many holes as possible in a short period of time, quickly and efficiently. This way I can keep the uproar later in the day to a minimum. Before my blades dull, however, I’ll purchase replacement blades so as to always have another set on hand in case I damage the originals somehow. In short: Sharp auger blades are one of the biggest reasons for frustration when ice fishing, yet, replacing them with new ones is the last thing on most angler’s minds. Cover me, I’m going in Once I have drilled several holes, checked the depth and looked for fish at each one with my Hook-5 Ice Machine, it’s time to lower a line. But even while fishing I try and stay as quiet as possible. First off, I’ll deploy my tip-ups, hooking up minnows fresh from my Plano minnow bucket, and then lower them into place. Once done with that, I’ll erect my Clam X200 Pro Thermal twoman ice shelter; not only to stay warm while inside its thick, insulated walls, but also to keep my silhouette shaded while on the thinner, clear ice. (Tip: Another trick I use for keeping quiet is to lay a piece of carpeting down on the ice where my feet are going to be so as to muffle any sound

my boot may make as I shuffle around. This will keep your feet warmer, too.) Hear that? I didn’t think so... If you’re looking to catch more fish while ice fishing, then by all means take every measure to stay as stealthy as possible. While wearing footwear that will let you walk upon the ice quietly yet safely, walk directly to the spot you last caught fish before the lake froze, and drill as many holes as you can muster. Get those tip-ups set, and then get inside a portable shanty. Overall, if you keep your footsteps hushed, you’ll catch more fish. I promise. Mark Martin is a professional walleye tournament angler and instructor with the IceFishing Vacation/School. For more information on Mark, any of the items mentioned in this article or the school, visit his website at markmartins.net.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

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Now’s the time to book that trip!

Celebrating Michigan’s Great Outdoors 45th Annual

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FEBRUARY 23-26, 2017

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Hunting & Fishing Seminars by the Best! Mark Romanack, Mark Martin, Tony LaPratt and many more!

Don’t miss Big Buck Night - Thursday

featured on Michigan Out-of-Doors TV! Plus more features: Kid’s Shooting Ranges, Rock Climbing Wall, Trout Pond and much more!

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NoviCottageShow.com FEBRUARY 2018 WEST MICHIGAN 12 with Paid Admission to Outdoorama

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Fish wide open.

If you want to experience true fishing freedom, book a light-tackle charter in The Florida Keys. Our open fish captains are the best in the business. Dolphin, tuna, grouper, marlin, sailfish, cobia, wahoo – the possibilities are endless. Show up, fish, walk away (very likely with a smile and fillets). fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys

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Telling Good Fish Stories By Matt Jorn

Laura Price of Lexington, N.C. and a nice Dorado caught with the FishingNosara Explorer on Dec. 5, 2017.

“W

hat did you catch today?” It is a question asked at every marina, boat ramp and backyard dock in the world every day of the fishing calendar. This is your chance to hold up your catch, your fillet bag or your digital camera. It is a chance to reveal (or conceal) details regarding where and how you snared your prey. It is also the chance to spin a wonderful tale of the leviathan that you fought for hours, had right next to the boat, and locked eyes with only to have it spit the hook/break the leader/get caught on the props/ pull you overboard… we’ve all been there! Even the master angler and author Ernest Hemingway’s beloved “The Old Man and the Sea” is a fish tale, featuring the angler we all wish we were losing the fish we all wish we could catch.

The craft of embellishing your catch is a time-honored tradition; however as the curator of the FishingNosara Costa Rica Fishing Report, I take umbrage with the 21st century version of the fish story. For the last seven years, I have documented every one of the 2,000plus trips run by the Nosara, Costa Rica based fishing team. Each report is meticulously checked for accuracy, including the angler’s names, trip date, fish caught, and (most importantly) photographs of the catches. I also encourage my clients to offer their own stories from the fishing experience. In December 2017, we hosted Laura and Michael Price. Here’s what Laura wrote: “My husband and I went out today on the Explorer. We had an AMAZING time!!! We ended the day with six mahi mahi caught with one mahi mahi, one tuna and one marlin getting away. Phenomenal crew! We loved every minute of it!” Here is another example, this time from angler Kevin Bahr: “We went with Capt. William and his mate Johnny. They were very professional and ready to ensure we had a successful outing on May 12. The weather was pretty sketchy, but we were able to locate the fish and ended up with a freezer full of ahi and mahi mahi. We cut our day short due to the weather, but our crew was willing to stay out longer if we wanted to. Despite the weather, it was a great day!” Everyone knows that the Internet is a place where the line between fact and fiction is often blurry; from politics, to sports, to fishing—it is not always easy to separate the truth, from an opinion, from a sales pitch. For instance, a quick glance at a competing Central American fishing charter’s report looks like this: Dec 27, 3 sailfish, 6 mahi-mahi, 1 marlin. Dec 28, 7 sailfish, 2 marlin. Dec 29, 5 mahi-mahi, 3 yellowfin tuna, 1 sailfish. Who is this helping? Why no details, no photos? Is this for search engines, the illiterate, or the lazy? I put it to all anglers in the 21st century posting online: Tell me a good fish story or log-off.

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1/17/18 5:06 PM

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Accommodations are nestled on 6 lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon. As you make your way down the one lane road you will truly be stepping back in time. Your hosts Kim and Robert Pruitt have re-captured the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.

Amenities: • Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet • Boat Trailer Parking on Site • 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet • 12 miles to the Gulf Stream • Scheduled Water Taxi Service

• Fully Furnished 3 room cottages w/ fully equipped kitchens • 250 Foot Dock with Covered Guest Area • Laundry, Ice, BBQ Grilles • FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage • FREE use of our Kayaks

Stay 1 Month and Get 50% OFF Your Complete Stay! Mention Reservation Code CA – 0118 when making your reservation

3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206 Nightly • Weekly • Monthly • Seasonal Rates Available COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT INTERLUX MICRON EXTRA ANTI-FOULING PAINT Anglers across the country will be glad to hear that Micron Extra—the classleading antifouling that delivers consistent, multiseason protection against all forms of fouling—is back in stock, thanks to the renewed manufacturing of one of its raw ingredients. Providing boaters with the signature proven performance of the Interlux Micron range, Micron Extra uses Biolux technology to achieve complete protection against shell, weed and slime fouling in all waters fresh and salt. By combining the slime-blocking capabilities of Biolux with a controlled solubility copolymer that releases active ingredients steadily over time, Micron Extra achieves long-lasting, full-spectrum defense against fouling organisms. This copolymer matrix gradually wears away like a layer of soap as the boat moves through water, via a steady polishing process. The result is a continuous, regulated delivery of biocides from each freshly exposed layer, ensuring consistent, long-lasting performance and maximum efficiency. Micron Extra retains full antifouling effectiveness when hauled, and can be relaunched without repainting. Stop by your local shipstore or boatyard and ask for Micron Extra, available in both quarts and gallons, and in all popular colors.

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1/17/18 5:06 PM

GAME CHANGER FishSUP FS126

Sea Eagle® Inflatable FishSUP™ FS126 -

The Stand-Up Paddleboard Designed Especially For Anglers • 12’6” x 40” x 6” provides incredible stability • Heavy duty 2 layer drop stitch construction • Motormount for up to 55lb thrust motor • 15 D-Rings for gear & leash • Paddle standing or sitting • Packs down to 45” x 15” x 10” For a FREE Catalog 800-944-7496 M-F 9-5 EST Dept CS028B 19 N Columbia St, Ste 1, Port Jefferson, NY 11777

SEA EAGLE FISHSUP FS126

By CAM Staff • Photo Courtesy of Sea Eagle Boats Last spring we introduced you to Sea Eagle’s FishSUP FS126, an inflatable stand-up paddleboard with which we were initially quite impressed. A year later, we’re fully convinced this super-stable, lightweight fishing machine is worth the praise. “I’m thrilled with its performance,” said Coastal Angler’s Tom Schlichter. “I’ve fished it from Long Island, N.Y. to the Florida Keys in everything from mangroves to bulrushes and boulder fields, and it’s come through unscathed.” At 12’6”x40” the FishSUP FS126 is both spacious and tough enough to work hardened shorelines. Heavy duty .90 drop stitch material covers the top, bottom and sides for superior protection against punctures and a 90”x18” thick camo EVA pad adds additional buffering while providing a non-slip foot bed. An integral 36-inch ruler makes fish measurement a snap. It fits in a trunk for easy transport, fully inflates in under 10 minutes, and has smartly positioned D-rings to secure a host of standard and optional fishing accessories including a swivel seat with Scotty rod holders, battery, 34-lb thrust electric motor, and forward mesh storage box with tube-style rod holders. “I love the stability, toughness and versatility of this platform,” said Schlichter. “You can stand, sit or kneel while casting, fish in freshwater or saltwater, and even add an optional Watersnake Venom 34 electric trolling motor.” Prices range from $799 for a basic start-up kit to $1,149 for a Pro Motor and Fishing Rig package. FOR MORE INFO,

VISIT WWW.SEAEAGLE.COM OR CALL 1-800-748-8066.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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B

eginning Feb. 1, crappie anglers will have the chance to win part of $172,000 in cash prizes being awarded in the 2018 Weiss Lake Crappie Rodeo in Alabama. More than 1,000 pink-tagged crappie were released into the reservoir on the Alabama/Georgia border. Each of those fish has been sponsored by a local merchant or individual, and tags carry cash prizes ranging from $50 to $10,000. The rodeo, being conducted by the Weiss Lake Improvement Association, will run Feb. 1 through April 15. A highlight new to this year’s event is the One Day Crappie Champion Tournament, which will be held March 31. Guaranteed payout for first place is $2,500, and Big Fish will award $1,000 in this 100-percent payback event. There will be a free fish fry at the weigh-ins. For more information, visit www.weisslakeimprovementassociation.org.

8/12/17 6:12 PM

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GET A GRIP • Safer • Easier • Better

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The Fish Grip is a fish landing device that was developed by avid anglers. The goal was to find a safer way to land a fish — safer for the fish AND the angler.

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EXPERIENCE THE

FIGHT! Full Variable Speed Control Powerful Brushless Motor Retains Handle Function Digital Line Counter Auto Stop, 12/24VDC Compact & Sleek Design

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UNDER THE SEA

Speargun Basics

L

ike enthusiasts of any sport, if you stay with spearfishing long enough, you become intimately familiar with every detail of your equipment. Here’s an overview of what a newbie might want to know before buying that first speargun. Most spearguns are powered by bands, normally between one and three bands. There are two main types. The American style is recognized by the wood stock and is durable, sturdy and easy to load. The Eurogun style has a tubular shaped barrel, rear handle, and a thinner shaft well suited for freediving and smaller fish. In either case, spearguns are equipped with a trigger mechanism. The back end of the shaft engages into the trigger mechanism. Once the bands are loaded, the trigger is pulled and the shaft flies out due to the pulling load of the bands. You do not want to overload a gun by putting more bands than what it’s designed for as it could make the gun inaccurate or unsafe. Most spearguns now include a reel. This is especially needed if freediving and/or spearing larger fish, so the gun is not yanked out of your hands. If spearing a very large fish such as a tuna, which could spool your line in a matter of seconds, a line and float are required so the diver can pull it in from the surface. Shafts come in different lengths and diameters to match the gun, and spearos look for the perfect shaft—one that will not bend, not rust, fly straight in the water, and with a barb that will hold the fish securely. It’s wise to always carry a spare shaft or two on the boat, in case a shaft gets bent or lost. Like shafts, the bands are also replaced periodically, and it’s a good idea to carry spares in case one breaks. When bands get old, they start to get crack lines, or the wishbones can begin to fray, so it’s best to replace them before one snaps. There’s a wider variety of speargun brands than ever on the

market. These include: Wong, AB Biller, Riffe, Hammerhead, Cressi, SEAC, Mares, Rob Allen, Koah, Mako, JBL and more. If you want help selecting your first gun, see if you can find a mentor to help you select one that matches local conditions. Dive shops that specialize in spearfishing can also help. These include Austin’s in Miami, Fla.; Freedivers in Palm Beach, Fla.; James & Josephs in San Diego, Cali.; Freedive Shop in Sacramento, Cali.; and others. There are also Sheri Daye descends with a Wong speargun. custom gun builders who will work with you directly, give you advice, and design a gun to your specs—such as Wong Spearguns from Hawaii or Sea Sniper from California. Good luck and happy hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

For more Sheri Daye, go to

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT OUTDOOR EDGE REEL-FLEX

CO

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ITEM

119 FT. LB Over the last 30 years, Outdoor Edge has become known as a leading knife brand among hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. So, what took them so long to enter the fishing world? They were looking for the perfect combination of edge retention, blade flex and handle ergonomics – which they clearly accomplished with their new Reel-Flex fillet knives. Outdoor Edge’s new Reel-Flex knives are crafted from German 4116 stainless steel that is known for its corrosion resistance and excellent edge retention. The blades provide a consistent medium flex during use and are taper ground to eliminate friction and promote an effortless cut. Available in 6-inch, 7.5-inch and 9.5-inch blade lengths, the Reel-Flex series was designed for all fresh and saltwater species. The handles incorporate Jerry Hossom’s iconic tactical design and ergonomics with the safety and function fishermen need.

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” 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. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

1/17/18 1/3/18 5:07 2:12 PM

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