WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD EDITION
FREE Gulf
Rods &
Tuna
Reels Reviews
At Night
Fish
Tales From Costa Rica
Skeeter Celebrates
70
th
Anniversary PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY KING VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 276
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O P P O R T U N I T I E S
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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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1/17/18 1:49 PM 12/22/17 9:22 AM
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
Opens For Easy Cleaning
KN IVES
COMING SPRING 2018 COMING SPRING 2018 4
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Rugged Canvas Roll Pack Rugged Canvas Roll Pack
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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
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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
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Your new career is just a phone call or email away.
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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
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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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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
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.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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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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SOUTHEAST
By Randy “C-Note” Cnota f you’ve ever found yourself fishing for largemouths after a bitter cold front has blown into your area, then you might be familiar with how tough northern winds can make it to fill a livewell. All tournament anglers know these fronts wait until the night before the competition to crash the feeding-frenzy of the days prior to an event. There is hope in this situation, and it doesn’t involve finesse presentations. It requires you to break out your heaviest sticks and braid (65 lb. minimum) as well as your stoutest hooks and beefiest weights. It’s time to present your bait where many fear to go… under the floating grass mats. I have an 11 pounder, two 10 pounders and probably over 100 in the 5- to 8-lb. range to my credit using this technique. Mats of grass in the South consist of wide variety of aquatic vegetation. Where I fish most, they consist of hydrilla, submergent Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM aPage 1 grass that grows to the surface, and hyacinth, a floating vegetation.
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The hydrilla acts as a base that holds the hyacinth in place. This makes for a bass sanctuary similar to your home in that it has walls and a ceiling. The trick to presenting your bait to these cold fish hiding under the mats is to crash it through their roof (the hyacinth) using a large tungsten steel weight. The exact size is dependent upon the thickness of the mat, but you want a weight that penetrates without too much effort. I usually opt for a 1 ¾-ounce, as the bass will be heading for the deepest recesses of the mat. This is also a place that many anglers fail to target because it can be quite a chore to penetrate and doubly difficult to extract a fish… especially a big fish. This is why we use heavy rods, lines and hooks. The most popular baits to present to these fish are small craw or creature type baits. I find Gambler Chigger Craws or Burner Craws work great, but there’s no shortage of baits to choose from. Color is always a personal preference, but I’ve had the best results using hues of green like watermelon-red and green pumpkin for clear water and dark hues like black/blue or junebug for darker water. As for the technique, simply put, you have to get the bait through the roof and into the bass’ house so he can eat it, but there are too many subtleties to discuss here. Once a bass bites, you have to get him out so again… NO WIMPY TACKLE! If you’ve never punched mats, I suggest you go out with someone with experience. Commit to spending a lot of time punching the mats, and set out with a variety of weights, hooks and lures to experiment and fine tune your technique. And don’t forget the camera; most fish hauled out of these places are picture-worthy. Capt. Randy Cnota is the publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.
For more fishing with Capt. Randy Cnota, go to
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TIPS FROM A PRO
NORTH CAROLINA
THE IMPORTANCE OF MATCHING
HOOKS, RODS AND LINE
B
BRANDON LESTER
ass get away for two reasons: the hook coming out of their mouth or line failure. If you can keep those from happening, you’ll land the fish. Sounds simple right? Well, it is and it isn’t. But having the right combination of hook, line and rod—and using them all properly—will lead to fewer lost fish. The hookset is predominately a factor of the right hook paired with the right fishing rod. You generally want to use the biggest, sturdiest hook and the heaviest power rod that the particular technique and lure will allow.
the sharper the hook, the better. Once set, the hook has to be strong enough to not “flex” or open up. A flexing hook takes pressure off the bass and can allow him to pull off. Packaged baits often come with cheap hooks that will flex even on the first fish. Lesser-quality hooks become dull faster too. I trust Mustad, and no other hooks are in my boat. Slack in the line is another way for the hook to come out of the fish’s mouth. When you hook a fish, sometimes it will make a hard run at the boat, creating slack. This can
And you’ve got to set the hook as hard as your equipment will allow. Watch the hooksets of pro anglers on the Bassmasters television show. We do not mess around when it comes to setting the hook. The biggest challenge with matching hook and rod power is learning how big you can go while still presenting the bait properly. You’ll get more bites using smaller hooks and lighter line, so you can’t always use the heaviest equipment. Pay close attention to the bait and lure weights your rod is rated for. I build all my rods with blanks and supplies from Mud Hole Custom Tackle (www. MudHole.com). Their blanks come with that information included. Winn Grips are a must on all my rods as they ensure a proper grip on the rod for that big hookset. A good quality hook is one that penetrates a fish’s mouth and stays there. Obviously,
allow the hook to wiggle free. A high-speed reel and quick recognition that the fish is swimming toward you are keys to keeping slack out of the line. Having a longer rod helps you keep the line tight, and you can also keep the line tight by walking backward. In addition to the potential for line breakage, fish getting into and around cover can cause slack in the line. Once a fish turns its head with the line tight against cover, there’s serious potential for slack to form. When fishing around cover, it is important to get the fish into open water and toward the boat quickly. That’s another plus to a powerful hookset, which will get that fish moving in the right direction. My final tip is to learn from your mistakes, and the best way to learn is by fishing as much as possible. The more you fish, the better you’ll get at putting fish in the boat.
Get more tips from Lester at
FISHINGMAGAZINE.FISHING
By Nick Carter
F
rom headwater elevations of about 5,500 feet at Mount Hardy just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the West Fork of the Pigeon River falls nearly 3,000 feet over about 18 miles to its confluence with the East Fork and the formation of the Pigeon River. Along this course, and up the river’s tributaries, there is every type of trout water, from brook trout in tight and tiny high-elevation trickles to hatchery supported and delayed harvest stretches. The water is extremely clear under normal conditions, and it is a pretty place. It is also the most heavily managed fishery in Haywood County, N.C. The best public access begins upstream of Lake Logan at the boundary of Pisgah Game Lands. N.C. 215 parallels this entire stretch, about 8 miles of water. Just upstream of Lake Logan, the delayed harvest water runs upstream about 1.75 miles to a point just downstream of the Forest Service’s Sunburst Campground. The river here is relatively flat, with a gravel bottom, which makes for easy wading. It is also a pretty large trout stream, which allows for plenty of room to cast to the thousands of trout North Carolina stocks in the river during the delayed harvest season from October into June. One of the benefits of this out-of-the-way location is it doesn’t get hammered nearly as hard as some of the state’s more popular delayed harvest waters. And there is also good natural reproduction that goes on in the drainage as well as hatchery supported water upstream. Even outside of the delayed harvest season, anglers can find good fishing. The next stretch of the West Fork, from Queen Creek upstream to Tom Creek, is hatchery supported. It is also about 1.75 miles of water. It receives stockings when the delayed harvest doesn’t, which accounts for decent numbers of trout along the entire lower end of accessible water pretty much year-round. Upstream of this hatchery supported stretch the river gets tight and steep, and there are no streamside trails. Although the streambed is not as wide here, floodwaters keep the vegetation scoured back and there is room to fish. It is not, however, the kind of place you’d want to take your kids or grandfather. Getting upstream from one run to the next can be strenuous. Upstream of the hatchery supported section, the West Fork is undesignated trout water. It is a series of steep drops and large plunge pools interspersed with some steep pocket water. This piece of water has gained a reputation for wild browns, and there are also rainbows and perhaps a few brook trout. Because it is difficult to fish, there is not much fishing pressure. The far upper stretches of the creek’s headwaters are home to native brook trout in very tight fishing conditions. For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of all North Carolina’s and Georgia’s best trout water, check out “Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available at fly shops, on Amazon, and signed copies are available from the author by emailing nsc8957@gmail.com.
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Wilmington/Morehead City edition
Wrightsville Beach February in southeast NC is one of the tougher months to get out and fish; the weather windows are much smaller and the temp can be downright cold some days. But it’s not all doom and gloom...fishing can be great during February, especially when we have mild runs of weather. This year has been no different just some the up’s and down’s have been pretty aggressive; snow and teens one week then seventies and rain! Target the back side of milder trends in temps and you’ll catch fish! Cape Fear River striped bass are one of my favorites for winter fishing in our area. I look for the stripers on drop-offs, around pilings and creek mouths. Working baits like Berkley Gulp five- and six-inch Jerkshads and Berkley Havoc Grass Pigs should get you a bite or two from a striped bass. I prefer white and chart pepper neon for the jerkshad and pink, swamp gas and chartreuse silver flake in the Havoc Grass Pig. I rig my jerkshad and grass pigs on swimbait hooks, in 1/4-ounce weight. Mid-water crank baits work too...try lures that dive from three- to eight-feet deep for best results. Rapala X-Raps work well. If the crankbait starts to hit the bottom, let it float up a bit or trust me you’ll lose it to a log! Don’t forget that the Cape Fear River striped bass fishery is a closed fishery and is catch and release only; you must release all striped bass. Keep your eyes out for tagged stripers there are a lot of tagged fish out there. There is one fish that can be caught very easily during the winter months; if you find them! This redfishing can be some of the best of the year for catching numbers of fish; the deal breaker for this fishery is you have got to have good weather, calm seas and bright sunny skies for the ocean schools. I use Berkley Gulp Ripple Mullet in colors Pearl/Chart Tail, New Penny and Rootbeer Gold/Chart Tail; also the two- and three-inch Berkley Gulp Shrimp work well too. Also MirrOlure Catch 2000Jr lures work well for winter redfish. On warmer light wind days you can also find some nice schools of reds in shallow water oyster flats and rocks. The reds will sun on
these dark colored bottom areas for a little extra warm up; this is also where you’ll see some bait fish doing the same thing (warming up). Work these baits slowly in front of the redfish schools; not right through the school, all this will do is spook the reds and will make it very hard to catch them. If the reds are hungry they break away from the school and eat your bait! With the late fall we had, until lately, water temps were a bit higher this winter than past winters and the speckled trout bite has been a good pick most of the winter! Here are some ways I like to target speckled trout into later winter months. A lure that always comes to mind for winter speckled trout is the MirrOlure in the 52M, 52MR and TT series. MirrOlure color codes I prefer are: 11, 21, 26, 51, 704, CFPR, CH, EC, HP AND Capt. Jot custom color (only found at Tex’s Tackle shop). Most any local tackle shop can help you with these color codes (a lot easier than spelling them all out here). Working MirrOlures slowly in deeper water breaks and drop offs can produces some very nice trout. If the water gets a bit dirty due to winds or rain/ice/snow, give three-inch Berkley Gulp Shrimp, Firetail Shrimp and Jerkshad a try. Rig the Gulp or Saltwater Assassin Sea Shad’s on lighter jig heads...here too for the trout so you can work them just a bit slower due to the colder water temps. Don’t rule out a nice gray trout mixed in during the winter while speckled trout fishing. Look for the bigger trout to be sitting close to the current, but just off and out of it. Remember these fish are not going to burn calories they don’t have too swimming against the current. Don’t forget, speckled trout is closed at this time until June 15th 2018, you must release all speckled trout. Tackle run down: PENN Battle II & Clash Spinning reels sizes 2500, 3000 & 4000 for the redfish, speckled trout and striped bass. Rods: PENN Battalion in 6’6” & 7’ medium and line is Spiderwire Ultra-cast in 10- or 15-pound; Berkley Pro Spec Fluorocarbon leader for leaders. Thanks for reading, stay warm or cool and good fishing to ya! Forecast by: Capt. Jot Owens Penn Tackle Elight Staff •Ranger Boats Pro Staff www.captainjot.com • 910-233-4139
Speckled Trout Season Closed Due to Widespread Frigid Temps
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has closed all coastal and joint waters to commercial and recreational speckled trout (spotted seatrout) harvest due to widespread, significant cold stun events. Cold stuns are natural events that occur when there is a sudden drop in water temperature or prolonged periods of cold weather that makes the fish sluggish. Many fish will die from the cold. Others fall prey to birds and other predators. Studies suggest that cold stun events can have a significant impact on spotted seatrout populations. The division has confirmed significant spotted seatrout cold stun events in six water bodies from Surf City to Manteo. The division is still receiving and verifying more cold stun reports and collecting associated environmental data. These efforts will continue regardless of the closure so that the division may evaluate the magnitude of the cold stun event for use in future stock assessments. Under the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan, if
a significant cold stun event occurs, the Division of Marine Fisheries will close all spotted seatrout harvests until the spring. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission automatically closes spotted seatrout season in inland waters when it closes in adjacent coastal waters. The intent of the closure is to allow the fish that survive the cold stun event the chance to spawn in the spring before harvest reopens. Peak spawning occurs in May. The spotted seatrout season will remain closed until June 15, when it will reopen by proclamation. For more specifics on the closure in coastal waters, see Proclamation FF-1-2018. Fishermen should continue to report any cold stun events they see in coastal waters. To report a cold stun event or for more information, contact division spotted seatrout biologist Steve Poland at 252-808-8159 or Steve.Poland@ncdenr.gov.
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Swansboro/emerald Isle February is typically the toughest month for both anglers and the men plenty of opportunity to hook up with redfish and black drum. fish as well. By this point in the winter we are still experiencing some of Although the extremely cold weather we’ve experienced this January the coldest weather and our waters have usually reached the lowest tem- caused some problems for both anglers and some fish, other species like peratures of the winter. This January we had abnormally long periods of redfish and black drum moved toward the surf in mass numbers. This record low temperatures accompanied by snowfall which brought the provides anglers the perfect opportunity to take advantage of some surf temps down to the low 30’s and the sounds and backwaters below of the best light tackle action of the winter. Aboard Fish’n4life, we’ll 20 degrees, freezing the surface of the creeks and bays for almost a week. be targeting these fish using Berkley Gulp scented baits on jig heads The result was a maand fresh shrimp on jor fish kill including bottom rigs. Both speckled trout, small redfish and black Southern flounder drum will congreand redfish. Because gate around the speckled trout, unrough inlet shoals like flounder and and any structure redfish, move up along the beach inthe rivers and creeks cluding piers and during the cold of Jetties. During pewinter, this species riods of warming was effected the weather, many of worst. As a result, these fish will move the NC Division of into the shallow Marine Fisheries bays behind our closed the specked beaches. trout fishery until Another exJune 2018. Although cellent winter fishanglers can still catch ery, which is often and release speckled overlooked, is our trout, neither recblack sea bass fishreational fishermen above: Jordan Navinski and Mike Munday had fun catching large sea bass and black drum this ery. Black sea bass nor commercial January while fishing with Capt. Jeff Cronk near Bogue Inlet. move from offshore fishermen can keep waters closer to the these fish. So, anglers venturing out this February to do some coastal coast during the cold winter months in large schools of hundred to fishing might want to focus on some other popular species as a primary thousands. These fish can be found all over the nearshore live bottarget. These include redfish, black drum, striper and sea bass. toms, hard bottoms and artificial reefs and will strike a variety of arti Coastal inshore waters and surf fishing will still provide fisher- ficial jigs as well as fresh squid, shrimp or cut bait. I prefer to use twoounce Stingsilvers or bucktails on medium weight spinning rods with PENN 4500 to 5500 series reels and 20- to 30-pound braid, which is strong enough to easily handle these fish while providing an excellent battle. Anglers willing to trailer their boats a short distance will find plenty of excellent fishing for stripers in the Neuse River and Trent River this February. Most of these “line sides” will range between 16 and 30 inches and they will bunch up during the colder weather. There are many methods for targeting these fish, which includes trolling four- to five-inch deep diving lures, jigging buck tails or jig heads tipped with soft baits, using drop shot rigs with small live baits, working topwater baits and casting deep diving crank baits. FORECAST BY: Capt. Jeff Cronk Fish’n4life Charters • Carolina Fishing TV www.nccharterfishing.com Ranger/Yamaha/PENN/Berkley Pro-Staff Cell 336-558-5697 • Home 910-325-8194 jcronk@ec.rr.com
above: Gary Carroll, from Danville, Va caught this 20-inch striper while fishing with Capt. Rick Patterson in a tributary off the Neuse River this January. 2 wilmington/Morehead city february 2018
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1/16/18 4:22 PM
editorial From the Staff of Coastal Angler Magazine
Last month, a long time contributor to the magazine, Capt. Tim Barefoot, sent us a letter about his concern for the southern flounder fishery condition. We printed his letter in our January issue of Coastal Angler Magazine as an article for our readers. Capt. Barefoot mentioned the declining numbers of flounder and the need for a restoration program. He also mentioned a flounder stamp program to help raise money for hatchery enhancement. My first reaction upon reading his letter was that this could be a really good way to improve our fisheries. My second thought was about what the “nay sayers” might think. Whenever an issue comes up, it seems most people’s natural instincts are to find the source of the problem and start the finger-pointing game. While in some situations it is smart to find the source of a problem and eliminate it, we don’t think that’s possible in this case, as we believe it’s our fishing habits that have depleted fisheries around the world. Most recreational fisherman will probably start saying things like commercial fisherman are at fault and we need to stop netting or gigging. Others will say our fishing licenses should be paying for stock enhancement already. I am sure commercial fishermen would be concerned that if hatcheries start raising fry and fingerlings, maybe they’ll just raise the fish till market time. I hope most people skip the blame game and dive directly to a solution, as we are interested in finding a solution that will help all of us. There is a problem with our fisheries and it’s up to all of us to contribute to a solution. Conserving our natural recourses is part of being a sportsman. I think Capt. Barefoot has brought a great idea to the table (no pun intended) and judging from the response we got from our readers, I am not alone in being a recreational fisherman open to the idea of utilizing a flounder stamp. I am happy to pay for a trout stamp when fishing in the mountains. I am also happy to pay for a duck stamp during waterfowl season. These are two examples of stamp programs that have worked on a state and national level. I believe implementing a stamp program could be a solution to our depleting fishery, and I think there is a way to make this idea a reality that benefits recreational and commercial fishing while enhancing our natural resources. At Coastal Angler Magazine, we plan to help Capt. Barefoot in his efforts to see this plan to fruition. We will be publishing more articles in the coming months that will highlight our research results. We also intend to produce a commenting section for our readers on our website (more on that to come). Tight lines!
Dear Coastal Angler: Capt. Barefoot’s article regarding a Flounder Stamp was a fine overview of the current situation concerning an ongoing depletion of the flounder population. Very difficult situation as he describes the monetary side of the issue, I.e. the price per pound and the techniques used to “harvest” the fish. I live in the Wrightsville Beach area and see on most nights the giggers working hard. I fish inshore and have seen the access to flounder over the last five years greatly challenged. I could catch 20 plus short flounder with my grandsons five years ago - all catch and release. It was just fun watching them catch the fish. In the last two years we are lucky to catch a couple at the most. My favorite fish holes have been fished out. We have also seen the speck population go down, primarily due the inshore gill netters, many of which come up from South Carolina since it is illegal to use inshore gill nets in that state. There seems to be very little presence of law authorities on the water. The NC Wildlife function does not support the recreational traditional fisherman - it is all about the commercial sector - not a current pretty picture. My fishing buddies and I would be more than happy to have a Flounder Stamp. Thank you for publishing this letter. Ron Isyk
Ken Ritter CAM Staff
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The Big Secret to Wintertime Fishing...
Keep It SLOW! This time of year may be one of my favorite seasons to fish the Carolina coast. The angler pressure and boat traffic are minimal, redfish and trout are abundant and the water can get crystal clear. For a sight fisherman that loves inshore, this can all add up to some great days on the water. Some of my best inshore catches have been in February and March and those catches have typically been sight fishing. Finding the fish will take some effort, but this time of year, I always struggle with slowing things down… way down. I’ve been lucky enough to fish with some really exceptional anglers and I can tell you the one thing they all have in common when it comes to winter fishing. Fish slow, and then… a little slower. Nothing is moving quickly in these water temps, including the bait our targeted species are after. To locate fish try finding the warmer water temps, this could be water that’s only one or two degrees warmer, like a creek mouth that a shallow flat drains into. If you want to try your luck at sight fishing, try fishing the muddy flats at the tail end of the high tide on a sunny afternoon. Trout and redfish will both move onto the flat to soak up the warmth. Using artificial baits inshore is my favorite way to fish. I also have a freezer full of shrimp, mullet, cut bait and chum bait left over from the summer and having a bag or two on the boat isn’t a bad idea since live bait can be tough to come by. I suggest going to live or frozen bait if you’re struggling to catch our speckled friends or spotted-tailed buddy’s on artificials. I found
Mon-Sat. 7:30-6:00 Sunday 12:00-5:00
fishing live or frozen bait on a Carolina rig can help you fish a lot slower and sometimes its not always the bait you’re throwing at the fish, but the way your presenting it to them. Most anglers complain about the clear water conditions and I guess I am the exception but like I said, I just love to sight fish. As these water temps are not the best for our typical sight fishing tactics, you will still find fish moving to a flat to warm up and back to deeper water for the same reason. If your sight fishing try to position yourself with the sun, current and wind in your favor, with clear water conditions, fish can see you quicker as well. Those 10- or 15-foot cast are more likely to spook fish, using the sun as your advantage you can see these fish 20 to 30 feet out. Studying the weather, tides and looking at Google maps or your electronics can really help you plan for a day of success. Know what areas your going to fish, where the water is moving to and what bait you’re throwing before you head out there. I know most of us do this but having a plan B (and sometimes plan C, D and E) can make a difference between enjoying the day on the water and getting frustrated. Take your time the day before your trip and pick out three to five good spots to try. And don’t forget; fish slowly... and then a little slower. !
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february 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 5
1/16/18 4:22 PM
A Spearfishing Story for the Ages...
This is probably not the best month to talk about going diving and spearfishing. There’s not much to get excited about out there, especially after the deep freeze we just had that chilled the waters down into the 40’s. This is a month fishermen like to tell stories. This is a real one about the one that got away. The week before Christmas I was invited by local top diver Brandon West on his 24’ Albermarle for a half day of hunting before the season closed in a week. Joining us were DJ Struntz and Capt. Kelly White of Blue Water Yacht sales. Needless to say, all of us except for Brandon have about 20 years of spearfishing experience and diving in December, particularly deep diving, isn’t something to take lightly. We headed off to the “ole reliable” waypoints of the Hide and the Markham situated about 18 miles SE of Masonboro. This “schoolhouse” is an ideal place to freedive in less than perfect conditions. It offers 40 feet or more of relief and makes the perfect sanctuary for late season grouper getting fat for winter and getting ready to spawn. Conditions were less than perfect, and water was 60 degrees. We were all envious of DJ’s 7mm wetsuit. The guys got in, the current was moving pretty good, a half knot or so, making it just hard enough to dive and spot the wreck on the same dive unless you were hovering right on top of it. I was the last one in. At 25 feet I saw all the bait; big fatbacks and bluefish, and thought okay this looks promising…and came in sight of the outline of the top of the Markham. I kept dropping down past the shallow spot down the side of the ship basically right next to it vertically and spotted a big gag on his side swimming below and parallel at a 45-degree angle in front of me. I reached my gun out and extended the shot and drilled the fish and even stoned it. When I don’t have to fight to pull a grouper out of a hole and stone it and recover it on the first dive, is my idea of easy winter diving. I showed the guys my beautiful 20 pounder and swam the stunned fish back to the boat. It was a lucky first dive, the classic right place, right time sort of moment. I dropped it in the cooler and was about to drop back over the side into the drink when I hear Brandon yell he speared a big one but unfortunately, aside from being really big, it was really stuck down in the bottom of the wreck. The Markham meets the sand at 84 feet. That meant he needed a hand. On our first retrieval dive, we placed a small crab pot size buoy holding traction on the line to the speared fish. This serves two purposes; first, to keep the fish in check in case it tries to go down even deeper into the wreck and the other, to give the diver a vertical 6 wilmington/Morehead city february 2018
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direct line to the fish since the line is tied to the spear shaft. In this case it’s 400-pound test mono leader and 400-pound test braid to the surface attached to the gun’s reel. I dropped down. Past 40 feet, the shape of the shipwreck materializes. At 80 feet, I see the spear is going down into a deep crack the full length of the six-foot spear. The fish is stuck sideways in the crack and the crack is much narrower than its profile. The fish is huge. From that point, we made a total of 28 dives to try to retrieve the fish. We have to plan carefully and make sure we don’t overexert with our efforts. Working a fish too hard at that depth is not safe; in fact, a lot of divers die that way by blacking out. After all 28 attempts, we swam back to the boat, exhausted with that feeling of guilty disgust for having speared an awesome fish all the while it’s just skewered to the bottom waiting for the eels and the crabs to eat it. I had already seen eels coming out of the wreck and other fish eating small pieces of its flesh. Thank God it was too cold for the sharks or it would have been a prohibitive mess. This fish was over 30 pounds. Around here or anywhere on the East Coast that’s a trophy gag. Back on the boat everyone was frozen and we tried our last ditch effort to pull the gag out, by tying the other spear-shaft line to the boat cleat and put the boat in gear, hoping for the best. Of course, it broke, the spear shaft came loose, and we got it back, at least. Still we lost a gaff, a spear, and a hell of a fish. The moral of the story here is, just ‘cause you can shoot ‘em doesn’t mean you can land ‘em. article BY: Mark Laboccetta | Partner mark@maverick-america.com MAVERICK AMERICA LLC www.maverick-america.com 1316 S. 5th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 Office 910.679.4513
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/16/18 4:22 PM
American and Hickory Shad Will Soon Be Heading Up Eastern NC Rivers
American and hickory shad have been of historical importance to recreational and commercial fishing along nearly the entire East Coast of the U.S. for centuries – even before George Washington started his Mount Vernon Estate Fishery. To get more information on our local fishing opportunities for American shad and hickory shad, Coastal Angler Magazine reached out to Jeremy McCargo from the NC Wildlife Recourses Commission (WRC) and Wilson Laney from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). In our phone interview we learned a lot about the Roanoke River American Shad Restoration Program. Jeremy McCargo from NC WRC reports that (through genetic tagging assessment methods) nearly half of the American shad spawning population on the Roanoke River are from released fry through the stock enhancement program. Despite this positive news he still reports that American shad on the Roanoke River are at depleted population levels. Most of the challenges for these fish (and many other species across the country) is due to dams obstructing their path to historic spawning areas. Their table fare made them a historically targeted species for commercial fishing as well. Wilson Laney from the FWS reports that the Tar, Chowan and Cape Fear River seem to hold the largest numbers of American shad. We also learned more about the parentage-based tagging method (PBT) used in stock identification assessments. This is a promising alternative to traditional tagging methods and involves American Shad the genotyping of hatchery broodstock. This method also allows for live release of the fish, since all it requires to determine their origin (hatchery versus wild) is a small clip of fin tissue. Both Wilson and Jeremy commented on the importance of these fish and their long-range migrating habits. Shad are highly desired schooling baitfish that many predator fish in the Atlantic Ocean depend on and they can be found up and down the entire East Coast. After our interview, Coastal Angler Magazine did a little more research and found that almost all of our coastal rivers have opportunities for American Hickory Shad shad fishing. Targeting rivers close to dams around late March to early April will produce some good angling opportunities but the fish can still be found in these areas through June. These great fighting fish can offer some unique fly-fishing opportunities to coastal anglers. Of course they can also be caught using traditional tackle with jigs and spinner baits. At Coastal Angler Magazine, we’re not sure how we’ve overlooked this great angling opportunity for so long, but we plan on using the American Shad spawning run to test our fly fishing ability on rivers. Visit Our Virtual This may help limit the amount of tree limbs we catch in our annual Call or Stop By for Tour Website mountain trout-fishing excursion this fall. a FREE 2017 Catalog www.akmccallum.com
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2_2018 CAM .indd 7
february 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 7
1/16/18 4:22 PM
Surf City/ Topsail Island We have been experiencing some very cold conditions so far this winter. I have witnessed first hand cold stunned sheepshead, flounder, speckled trout, and red and black drum. Don’t let this discourage you from fishing in the marsh this winter because, while I have seen dead fish, there are some very large schools of fish have made it through the cold. Topsail is blessed with deeper water that the fish can easily access during cold snaps. Red drum fishing during the month of February around Topsail can be some of the best sight casting of the year. During the middle of the winter, the water clarity is the clearest of the year. The fish have likely not seen much angling pressure and if approached carefully the fish can be very cooperative. Focusing your efforts on the warmest days of the week and during the middle portion of the day can improve the bite drastically. Red drum tend to school in large numbers during the winter and their contrast against the bottom makes them very easy to spot. Look for these fish in shallow bays, in the backs of mainland creeks, and shoal areas towards area inlets. Also look for these fish in the surf zone...the largest schools of fish can be found on the backside of the breakers. Fathom Inshore jigheads rigged with jerk shads, paddle tails, or curly tails are great way to target these fish. Applying Pro Cure scent to your plastics never hurts and may help convince a fish following your bait to strike. In my experience, the best presentation is to not allow the fish to see the bait falling through the water. Cast beyond or behind the fish and let the bait fall to the bottom unnoticed. If you let the red swim around and discover the bait already on the bottom your success will be much higher. When approaching these schools go slowly and avoid making any noise inside the boat. Make casts to the edges of the school to prevent snagging a fish or spooking the entire school. Once these fish are pressured they will become very hard to catch. If they become spooked, the best bet is to leave them and return in an hour or two and try again. Cut shrimp fished on Carolina rigs and jigheads can produce some impressive catches of black drum this time of year. Look for these fish to be holding on the deepest docks, bridge pilings, and rocks in the marsh. Don’t be surprised when a red jumps on a piece of shrimp either. B o t t o m fishing just off the beach out to 20 miles will produce fantastic catches of black sea bass this time of year. The size and quantity of fish this above: Beau Bethea with a citation black sea bass time of year caught out of Topsail Beach while fishing with Capt. is unrivaled Chadwick Crawford of South End Anglers. 8 wilmington/Morehead city february 2018
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during the warmer months. Blue Water Candy Roscoes and a variety of metal jigs in the one- to four-ounce range will get the fish biting. I like to swap out treble hooks for inline single hooks. Tipping the hooks with squid will drastically improve your catch as well. Equally effective is the use of a chicken rig with squid; over the right bottom structure will produce two at a time all day long. This is the time of year that we anglers begin to organize our tackle and replenish items that we have used up over the past year. Be smart and visit your local tackle shop for advice and purchasing your tackle needs. Give your local charter captains a call and let them show you how good the fishing can be during the colder months. Feel free to call us at South End Anglers for advice on wintertime fishing or book a charter this month and enjoy the day of fishing you deserve. FORECAST BY: Capt. Chadwick Crawford South End Anglers • 540.460.3432 capt.chadwickcrawford@gmail.com • www.southendanglers.com
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2_2018 CAM .indd 9
february 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 9
1/16/18 4:22 PM
ATlantic Beach/Morehead city I think it’s safe to say February can be one of the slowest fishing times around the Atlantic Beach area, but if you keep it simple you can still catch some fish to keep “Cabin Fever” from setting in on you. The best action we’ve been seeing has been on black drum and sheepshead, with anglers having luck at two local areas: the Cape Lookout Rock Jetty and the Beaufort high rise bridge at the Port. The key to catching these fish is just keeping it simple. Bait shrimp fished right along the rocks at the jetty and structures around the bridge. Just use a simple bottom rig or a small lightweight Carolina rig; all you need is enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom. Also, we’ve been seeing some redfish in the same areas, but they can be hit or miss as they seem to move around a bit more than the black drum and sheepshead. If you catch the weather right with light winds and sunny conditions, there are some schools of redfish out around the Shark Island area on the shoals, plus some working along the Shackleford Banks beach. Berkley Gulp or live mud minnows have been getting the job done on the redfish when you locate them. Now, this time of the year can have some of the best nearshore bottom fishing in our area. Anglers have been catching some nice black sea bass, triggerfish and some snappers; most of the action we’ve been seeing has been over on the east side of Cape Lookout around the Atlas Tanker and 1700 Rock. You can also find some good bottom fishing action on the west side around the Northwest Places and Big Ten/Little Ten on the sea bass. Fishing squid and live mud minnows on the bottom is what we have been having the best luck with. As you must know by now, our speckled trout fishery has been closed until early June because of the cold blast we had last month. You can still fish for them...you just have to practice catch and release. Next month historically offers pretty good action with the speckled trout in our area. In
above: Talon Smith, with a speckled trout of a lifetime that weighed in at 9.07 pounds. Talon caught the monster trout while fishing at the Cape Lookout National Seashore on a Z-Man Trout Trick before the closure.
March, we should see some fish in the same areas that you found them in the fall. They won’t stay around long but you can find some good action in the spring before the water gets into summertime patterns. Hopefully, with the closures we’ll see a really good spawn this spring to help build back the fishery even better. Wish we had more to report, but we are in dead winter, which is our slowest time of the year around the shop. But on the bright side, it won’t be long until March will be rolling around and we’ll be talking about the spring sea mullet and bluefish run. For sure, we’ll be ready when the season kicks off; we’re receiving new stock in daily so we’ll be ready to serve you with all your fishing needs when spring fishing rolls around!
FORECAST BY: Capt. Matt Lamb Chasin’ Tails Bait & Tackle Chasin’ Tails Charters Atlantic Beach, N.C. 252-240-FISH www.chasintailsoutdoors.com Capt. Matt Lamb
above: Thomas and Tyler, with sheepshead, redfish and a few black drum caught fishing the Beaufort high rise bridge and Cape Lookout rock jetty on bait shrimp and live mud minnows. 10 wilmington/Morehead city february 2018
2_2018 CAM .indd 10
above: Tim Rudder is known as one of the “fishing info” guys from Chasin’ Tails. Here he shows his knows his business with a nice black drum caught at the Cape Lookout rock jetty on bait shrimp. .
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1/16/18 4:22 PM
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If you’re like me, you probably don’t think much about your water, other than you turn on your faucet when you need it. But all this recent talk about chemical byproducts in our water had me curious. So last week I sat down with Todd from Advanceed Water Systems to learn more about their residential and marine products. What I actually learned was way more than I ever could have imagined. For example, apparently the reason I just had to replace my dishwasher (and every other appliance so they matched) was due to build up of calcium, magnesium and iron, and there is actually rock in your water. That’s right, rock. Hence the broken dishwasher. Think your fancy fridge filter is doing you good? Think again, that carbon filter basically changes the taste and that’s about it. My wife already knew this and knew our drinking water wasn’t safe for our family. She went out and bought a five gallon water cooler. Little did we know, those five gallon water coolers frequently leak (just look online). Thanks to that leaking water cooler we will soon have new hardwood floors to match our new appliances. In talking with Todd I learned Advanced Water Systems has a water treatment system for just about every water quality problem under the sun. Give them a call today to have your water tested and see what kind of solutions they have for you. You’ll probably be surprised at how affordable their systems can be. And don’t be like me, unless you really just want new appliances and floors to replace the perfectly good ones you already have. Article by CAM Staff COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
2_2018 CAM .indd 11
february 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 11
1/16/18 4:22 PM
Flying Around With Captain Lee
Another month has gone and it’s already February way too quick! The recent “cold stun event” has shut down keeping speckled trout, but you can still catch them...you just can’t possess any, so that means catch and release! Flounder, trout and both red and black drum were affected by the frigid temperatures with trout harmed the worst, and flounder next. That is the bad news, the good news is we are still seeing them and catching them, although I am targeting the red and black drum the most right now. With the colder season we are having, remember to fish slower than you do normally and that it is better in the warmer part of the day. For speckled trout, look in areas with deep holes, from eight to 12 feet. During the warmer part of day, they will suspend and small suspending baits such as 17 MR MirrOlures, 3D Yo-Zuri lures and grubs on weightless worm hooks work well on these fish. For the deeper fish that are not suspended I like the 38 MirrOlures and grubs with small lead heads. When fishing with a buddy, one of you should fish with a scent like mullet or shrimp and the other with no scent at all and let the fish tell you which they want. Red drum will be on the shallow flats, creek mouths on the falling tide and around oyster points and docks, I like grubs in natural colors like root beer or a flat dull green and clear with flake. Use the smallest weight you can get away with. The water should be shallow and weightless worm hooks are the king for me most of the time. Most of the time during the colder times of the year, there is no need to hurry out, the warmer part of the day has the fish the most active. Black drum are found in the creeks around the oyster rocks and deeper holes, and cut shrimp will get you the best bite for them. Stripers in the Cape Fear are a great game fish during the colder months, They like to hang near the creek mouths and are ready to attack most baits. During the warmer part of the day, also check out dark mud flats and the smaller creeks. Rattletraps, lipped Rapalas, suspended 17MR MirrOlures and grubs are my best bet. A little added scent like mullet or bunker works well and Pro Cure is the one I like the best. Flounder are still on the inside and there are some nice legal-sized ones. It’s hard to beat cut mullet now fished slowly. Try on high tide in the middle, warmer parts of the day and fish near the shore lines. Also fish the drop-offs on the lower tides, they like to lay on the edge where they can look up and ambush bait . Again, I like the lightest weight I can get away with. Remember that the water is very cold and please be safe out there. Fish with a buddy and carry an emergency bag in case someone goes over. I like taking a torch to start a fire on the hill along with a full change of clothes and dry boots.
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About the author: Captain Lee Parsons 910-540-2464 • www.gottaflyguideservice.com Located In Wrightsville Beach at the Bridge TenderMarina
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2_2018 CAM .indd 12
above: Rob Payton from Raleigh NC with a nice Black Drum.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/16/18 4:22 PM
The highlight for me is that it opens on both ends you can can fill it full of rods or whatever else you might want to stash in it. It is constructed of diamond plate rust- free aluminium. The interior of the box is lined with 1/4-inch closed cell foam so your gear has a protected ride down the road. At the end of the day don’t let the thought of the big fishing kayak you want scare you. Put it on a good trailer and hit the road. Another I have spent a majority of my adult life in the kayak industry and great feature of this trailer for me, in addition to it being constructed of when I first got into it, kayaks were all about being light and portable. aluminium and its great suspension system, is that they are made right But once a lot of us got into kayak fishing, we have all turned a blind here in North Carolina in the small town of Thomasville! eye to lightweight. We all want good stable platforms to go whereever we want to fish. I am guilty of this. I don’t own a fishing kayak that article BY: Chris Tryon weighs less than 80 pounds. So loading some of my fishing kayaks Hook Line and Paddle Canoe and Kayak Outfitters, onto a roof top can be interesting, to say the least. So, they end up in Wilmington, NC the bed of my truck. What if you don’t have a truck? Well, I have the answer to that. Most kayak fishermen are fishing out of large kayaks like me–my Native Titan 13.5 comes in at 156 pounds fitted. It needs to go on a trailer...a trailer designed for hauling kayaks. There are a few good ones on the market, like Yakima’s Rack and Roll at $2399 or Malones MicroSport at $1299. Yakima’s Trailer is Aluminum and Malone uses galvanized steel. Looking at this, that is one big price gap. So here comes the Boonedox KT Kayak Trailer at $1799. Now here is why I think this is a good investment, whether you want to haul around two big fishing kayaks or up to four normal-sized kayaks. It is build with aircraft grade aluminium and for me living on the coast that is a huge plus. For the best ride pulling it down the road, it is outfitted with a Torflex axle that will tackle even the roughest road or if you decide to pull it out on the beach in four wheel drive. The trailer has 82.5 inch cross bars. The trailer also has some well thought-out accessories, like the J cradles made of the same aircraft aluminium as the trailer and come in at $219 for a set. They are large enough to support a Hobie Pro Angler as well as anything smaller. Now I have not taken the time to try and put a Native Titan in the cradles but I think even that would fit at 44 inches wide. One of the other great items I like is their Rod Coffin coming in at $399. It mounts right to the cross bars on the trailer.
kayak fishing
Getting Your Fishing Rig Around
r e n r o C ecipe Black Sea Bass Parmesan
R
Ingredients: 2 pounds Sea Bass Fillets, rinsed in cold water, dry and cut into bite-size pieces 4 Cloves Garlic, chopped 2 Lemons, cut into wedges 1 1/2 cup Italian Tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour 1/2 cup Mixed Black and Green Olives, chopped 6 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, grated 3 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons Olive Oil 1 1/2 tablespoon Lemon Juice - fresh squeezed 2 teaspoons Black Pepper - freshly ground Salt - to taste Directions: Mix flour together with salt and black pepper, then dredge Sea Bass pieces in flour mix to coat evenly. In a large saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat (about 1 minute), then add fish and saute (8-10 minutes), or until browned on all sides; stir in tomatoes, olives, parsley and lemon juice; cover and cook (1-2 minutes). Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste - and wedges of lemon to the side. This recipe for Sea Bass Parmesan serves/makes 4 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
2_2018 CAM .indd 13
february 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 13
1/16/18 4:22 PM
southport/ocean isle Let’s all face it, cabin fever has nearly set in, so we have been going to the Saltwater Expos, seminars, and enjoying the “tackle shop” conversations about the catches of last year and the exciting outlook for the adventures and catches to be had fishing in 2018. It’s early spring here in southeastern NC and the fish catching is starting to heat up once again! Yes, I did refer to February as “early spring” because unlike many of the areas to the north of us, Southport/Oak Island’s waters begin to warm up as we approach March and the fish that have been suppressed by the colder winter waters are ready to feed! If we have an unusually cold month of February then the fish will still be biting but more lethargic still, and anglers here will have to wait until closer to March like the rest of the NC coastline to enjoy the early spring bite. Let’s hope for a normal year as far as the weather is concerned going forward, and as the waters begin to warm up, anglers will find the backwater species beginning to bite more frequently. Try some cut shrimp on a small bottom rig or on a modified Carolina rig in some of the deep holes and along dropoffs and before long you will be putting some black drum in the boat! The last report I had as of writing this report is that speckled trout season is closed until June 15,; be sure to keep this in mind while fishing our waters this spring and listen for any updates in case the ban is lifted earlier! Along the dropoffs created by the sandbars from Bald Head Island back towards downtown Southport around the mouth of the Cape Fear River, you will find scattered schools of Virginia mullet (whiting) that are sure to provide a great deal of excitement on a two-hook bottom rig with cut shrimp. Be sure to peel the shell off your shrimp pieces, as we have found that this makes a tremendous difference in your catch quantity at the end of the day when fishing for whiting. Nearshore on the artificial reefs and hard bottom areas, it is time for the annual migration of spiny dogfish sharks to begin and them to make their way through our waters. This is an opportune time to get a kid hooked on fishing! Usually all you must do is position your boat over a piece of structure and utilize a two-hook bottom fishing rig with cut bait and hold on tight to the rod. Spiny dogfish sharks normally “invade” our local waters, and once you are on them –or rather they are onto you— you will be catching them two-at-a-time as fast as you get your baits to the bottom. Be wary of the spines around their fins they are sharp as a needle and these sharks know how to use them; however, do not let this deter you from spending a great day on the water catching them! They put up an awesome fight and we have discovered in years past
that they are delicious table fare! As we approach March and April the spiny dogfish shark bite should only get better and better! Offshore fishing is still a gamble during February, with the unstable weather patterns and the winds changing constantly, it is best to watch the conditions very closely and pick your days to venture offshore wisely. If you do get a break in the weather, then offabove: Mike Molinini of Southport caught this nice shore is where king mackerel while fishing with Capt. Butch Foster I would preof Yeah Right Charters. fer to be! The bottom fishing is second to none this time of year; be mindful of the species-specific closures and limits, but the black sea bass, various snappers, triggerfish, and all other species of bottom fish are feeding aggressively with spring quickly approaching! Be sure to have a box of cigar minnows and some Cape Lookout Pirate Plugs in your tackle box when venturing offshore...you just might find you have stopped your boat over a piece of structure that is holding a school of king mackerel! Structure in 68- to 70-degree water with a good source of bait will usually be where you find the kings this time of year. In the Gulf Stream, the wahoo bite should be intermittent, but if you luck out and are there at the “right place at the right time” it can be awesome with reels screaming and nice sized wahoo finding their way onto the boat deck! March and April are just over the horizon and soon we will all be realizing these adventures and fishing stories we have been pre-reminiscing over! Even if the weather throws us a curveball this month, at least we will be able to break the “fever” by getting out of the house and finalizing any last-minute preparation to our boats and tackle. The fish are biting (they never really stopped, only we did) with all of the happenings of the past couple of months. We look forward to seeing you on the water and seeing the pictures and hearing the fish stories of 2018! FORECAST BY: Capt. Chris Foster Yeah Right Charters www.yeahrightcharters.com boat: 336-239-5429 office: 910-845-2004
above: Jackie Altstadt of Elkhorn, NE had her hands full when she caught this bull red drum while fishing with Capt. Butch Foster aboard the Yeah Right II. 14 wilmington/Morehead city february 2018
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Offshore/pelagics Whew!! Lord, what a winter so far! Sure seems awfully cold for so much global warming, I sure don’t want to see what will happen if the world starts cooling back off! The holidays are behind us for another year, it’s February and we are firmly in the grip of winter. Being honest, there is not a lot going on right now offshore, the days are short and the weather can be brutal and unpredictable but that doesn’t mean that there is not plenty to do. There are not too many people heading offshore to fish in February. There will always be some fish around for those of us who really need that saltwater fix but you need to choose your days carefully and be willing to take whatever Mother Ocean gives you when you get there. A few wahoo and blackfin tuna will be found, possibly a stray mahi or sailfish or even a blue marlin if you find the right body of water on the right day. Wire leaders are safest to start with for your normal rigs, as I always say just need to find the right water over the right area and you will find the bait – find the bait and you will find the fish. For many of us full time fishermen, February is the one month we have to take a short break before returning back to the grind of boat work and all the things that go into fishing that most folks never see. Other than a short breather it is time for us to do our haulouts and all the myriad of other projects that we have waited all year to get to. Now is also the best time to get out your rods and check all their components and make any repairs necessary. Check out the reels and get them serviced and change out any old line. Go through your rigs and begin to get them all in shape – are your leaders ok, are your hooks ok, do you have enough leader for the start of the season and do you have enough hooks? With boat shows going on and many tackle shops offering some discounts now is a good time to go ahead and stock up on things you know you will need. Once you get those hooks, go ahead and sharpen them to a razor point – so sharp you can get cut just by looking at it too long! Once they are sharp then color the tip with a sharpie to protect the point from corrosion and also to easily identify which ones are sharp. Basically I’m saying to get off your butt and keep up with your preseason prep work so that you will have everything ready when time comes. Folks, all kidding aside, please be very careful if you decide to venture offshore this time of year. You need to have EVERYTHING in excellent operating condition on every trip, but especially so when it’s this cold. That water is still cold regardless of how nice a day it is and late winter/early spring usually means help will be a long ways away. Do what you need to do but be sure to spend time with family, make an extra phone call every day and tell them you love them – no fish out there is more important than that! Plan ahead, be prepared and have fun! FORECAST BY: Capt. Troy Pate 252-917-0445 • capttroypate@aol.com
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Morehead City tides
Wrightsville Beach Tides Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina 34.2133° N, 77.7867° W feBruary 2018 Day
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Morehead City, North Carolina 34.7200° N, 76.7283° W
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ecreational harvest of spotted seatrout in inland waters under the jurisdiction of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission was closed by rule following a proclamation from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) that closed all coastal and joint waters to spotted seatrout harvest. DMF issued the proclamation on Jan. 5 due to widespread cold stun events. The spotted seatrout season will remain closed in all waters until June 15, when it will reopen by proclamation from DMF. Under the N.C. FWC Photo Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan, if a significant cold stun event occurs, DMF will close all Spotted Seatrout harvest until the spring. According to the DMF news release, the agency has confirmed significant spotted seatrout cold stun events in six water bodies from Surf City to Manteo. It continues to receive and verify more cold stun reports. Cold stuns are natural events that occur when there is a sudden drop in water temperature or prolonged periods of cold weather that make the fish sluggish or even kill them outright. Anglers should continue to report any cold stun events they see in coastal waters. To report a cold stun event or for more information, contact DMF Spotted Seatrout Biologist Steve Poland at 252-808-8159 or Steve.Poland@ncdenr.gov.
W
ith stock assessments looking good for black sea bass north of Cape Hatteras, regulators have proposed opening black sea bass season for one month this February. Both the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission considered several options for expanding opportunity to harvest this important recreational species. The decision to open the season in February was geared toward providing a target species in winter, when there are fewer recreational species available to target. In 2015, black sea bass was the second most landed finfish in the Atlantic U.S. recreational fishery (12.9 million fish). The December 2016 black sea bass stock assessment determined that the black sea bass stock north of Cape Hatteras is not overfished, overfishing is not occurring, and biomass was 129% above the biomass target. The existing recreational measures of a 15 fish per angler possession limit and a 12.5-inch minimum fish size would be maintained for this additional season.
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Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time
I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly
at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth. There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point. Second, the fruit just taste
better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature. Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together. Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com
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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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BREAKDOWNS/OUT OF FUEL/JUMP STARTS/SOFT UNGROUNDINGS Have no worries on the water...TowBoatU.S. is there when you need help.
BoatUS.com/Towing 800-395-2628
•
Towing details can be found online at BoatUS.com/towing or by calling.
ns SoN o i t a v ser eR Sea e R g The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Enthusiasts in WiNT k a T Now e 2018 for th
Old Florida Waterfront Charm Re-Discovered
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.
WWW.INTERLUX.COM/EN/US/BOAT-PAINT/ ANTIFOULING/MICRON-EXTRA
Take a
ROD BUILDING CLASS
Charlotte, NC
2/3/2018
Orlando, FL
3/17/2018
Boston, MA
4/7/2018
Houston, TX
4/21/2018
Orlando, FL
6/2/2018
Mobile, AL
8/25/2018
Register at:
WWW.MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES MUDHOLE.COM/TURNKEY 18
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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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FRESHWATER
THE XTREME 20 BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER
38,950
FR $
TORTUGA SIDE CONSOLE BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER
19,950
FR $
BossmanBoats_.25_0917.indd 1
20
FRESHWATER
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 20
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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FEBRUARY 2018
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/17/18 5:06 PM
GET A GRIP • Safer • Easier • Better
Made in USA
Don’t settle for imitations!
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.
The Fish Grip will help you land fish!
601.368.8982
www.TheF ishGrip.biz
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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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
855-HOOK-ONE 22
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1/17/18 5:06 PM
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
CAMSPEARFISHING.COM
The Professional Choice For 200 Years SOFGRIP Knives SG132N-10 10” Sportfishing Knife SG133-8 8” Fillet Knife
Ultra-Sharp Holds The Edge Sharpens Quickly Proprietary Steel Ergonomic Handles Made in U.S.A.
Available at your local and online dealer.
dexteroutdoors.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT OUTDOOR EDGE REEL-FLEX
CO
H
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.
WWW.OUTDOOREDGE.COM BC_063167_BTGBG18P.indd 1
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•W
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$12 $
14
COMP
SNAP
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• 3• Li • Li
SAV $40
COMP
DURA
Custom
C
A
ULT WE LOC
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$2 $
3
COM
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hft_coa
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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
SUZUKI MAKES IT EASY AS
1-2-3
1. Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
2. SEL
These are limited time offers. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
N SO S NG ARD AVI TBO T S I OU TANUZUK INSECT S
Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
3. Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
REPOWER FINANCE
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 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. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). 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 credit worthiness. $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 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “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. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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