Jacksonville Coastal Angler Magazine April 2010
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It’s Free 19 Statewide Editions Florida’s Largest Outdoor Publication PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM VOL. 13 ISSUE 4 Keys • Miami • Broward • Palm Beach • Treasure Coast • Ft. Myers • Naples • Brevard • Orlando • Volusia • Jacksonville • Sarasota • Tampa Bay • Lakeland • Citrus | Hernando | Pasco • Panhandle • Flahama • Big Bend Greater Jacksonville APRIL 2010
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Coastal Angler Magazine The Largest Outdoor Publication in Florida, news, sport fishing, fishing charters, fishing gear, forecasts, trips, boats and all Florida fishing."
Transcript of Jacksonville Coastal Angler Magazine April 2010
Palm Beach County It’s Free
11 Statewide Editions Florida’s Largest Outdoor Publication
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM VOL. 12 ISSUE 3
The Keys • Miami • Broward • Palm Beach County • Treasure Coast • Brevard • Orlando • Volusia • Jacksonville • Sarasota • Tampa Bay
April 2009 It’s Free
19 Statewide Editions Florida’s Largest Outdoor Publication
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM VOL. 13 ISSUE 4
Keys • Miami • Broward • Palm Beach • Treasure Coast • Ft. Myers • Naples • Brevard • Orlando • Volusia • Jacksonville • Sarasota • Tampa Bay • Lakeland • Citrus | Hernando | Pasco • Panhandle • Flahama • Big Bend
Greater JacksonvilleAPRIL 2010
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 2COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Publisher’s CornerRodney SmithPublisher, Coastal Angler Magazine
I was sitting in the lobby of Birmingham’s Sheraton Hotel on a bright, but cold Friday morning,
catching up on my writing assignments. I’d be busy the next couple of days attending my fi rst Bassmasters Classic and working from our booth. However, I couldn’t help but notice that across from me a silver-haired man, obviously dressed to attend the Classic, was reading a new copy of Coastal Angler Magazine. I asked him, “How are you enjoying your Coastal Angler Magazine?” In the nearly slow-motion response one comes to expect from a southern gentleman, he replied, “It’s good.” I continued by telling him I was the publisher and appreciated his comments. Warmly, he said, “Th ank you very much,” telling me he was from Alabama, and had never seen this publication before.
Th en for some reason, I asked him an important question. “By any chance, do you know what ever happened to Alan Clemons, the past outdoor editor of the Huntsville Times?”
His look changed completely, as he dropped our magazine and pointed to the name embroidered above the pocket of his pressed shirt, “My name’s Charles Clemons. I’m Alan’s dad.” I told Charles about how Alan and I went fi shing for redfi sh together and what a great writer I think Alan is. Charles told me about his business, Tight Line Jigs, and how much he enjoys working in the fi shing industry. Still dumbfounded, I tell him, “Boy it’s a small world.”
A couple of weeks later while walking the fl oor of the 64th Annual Fred Hall Fishing Show in Long Beach, California, I meet a woman who starts telling me about how well the product in her hand works. When I looked at her closer I asked, “Haven’t I met you before?” She was Darla Bardelli, a national radio personality and professional angler. “I worked the booth across from you at the Bassmasters Classic,” I told her. “Boy it’s a small world.”
Th e next day while working out the distribution of our new Orange County, California magazine, I walked into JD’s Big Game Tackle, on Newport Beach’s Balboa Island. If you haven’t seen this shop, I highly recommend you make a point of stopping by to see the collectable tackle and speak with JD. Now mind you, I had a little fear as to how well our pub might be received, we being the new kid on the block. But, within a minute of walking through JD’s
doors, a warm and comfortable feeling came over me. Even though it’s a small shop, JD’s is a magical place that makes one proud to be an angler, especially those of us who have dedicated their lives to fi shing. Th en the moment the charismatic JD looked up from his task at hand, it was like looking in a mirror. My fear of bringing Coast Angler Magazine to California, immediately evaporated. I thought to myself, “Boy it’s a small world.”
A week later, Karen and I are standing on Bimini Bay Resorts’ docks waiting for our guide, Tommy Sewell, to arrive. Th e sun’s out, the breeze is light and we’re excited at the prospect of going bonefi sh hunting. Two other anglers were also with us waiting for their guide, Th e Bonefi sh Legend, Ansil Saunders, to arrive. Over the next two days, we befriended them and their families. Th ey all were in Bimini as part of the Edwards’ wedding party from Crystal Beach/Moorehead City, North Carolina. Th is is the home of Coastal Angler Magazine’s newest franchise. I thought to myself, “Boy it’s a small world.”
Later that morning as the sun awoke the translucent waters above Bimini’s fl ats, Tommy poled us quietly into casting position, as a swarm of bonefi sh made their way towards us. Gently, with his thick Bahamian drawl, Tommy directed me, “At two o’clock, get ready with your fl y. Cast. Cast now!”
Feeling his excitement and seeing the fi sh making their way across a stretch of pure white sand was spiritual. Th e fl y landed a few feet in front of the bonefi sh that was leading the left -hand side of the school. It must’ve been watching the fl y drop because it seemed like the fi sh reached the fl y as it met the seamless, echo-tone, separating sky from water. I set the hook and immediately, the “Grey Ghost” took the majority of line from my reel as fast as I could say, “It’s taking all the line off my fl y reel!”
Tommy suggested I tighten the drag slightly and assured me there would be enough line to land the escaping speedster. Ten minutes later, aft er snapping a few images and releasing her, I saw a look of success on Tommy’s face, one I’d shared with many of my clients over my years of guiding and I thought to myself, “Boy it’s a small world.”
Yes the world’s a big place, but great people and good times can make it feel a bit smaller each day.
Boy, It’s A Small World
Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. 1290 Hwy A1A, Suite 103, Satellite Beach, FL 329371290 Hwy A1A, Suite 103, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
www.CoastalAnglerMagazine.Com • 888.800.9794www.CoastalAnglerMagazine.Com • 888.800.9794
BIG BENDAdam Jacoby • (229) [email protected]
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CITRUS/HERNANDO/PASCOScott & Michelle Mathis • (772)[email protected]
FLORIDA KEYSTracy Patterson • (305) [email protected]
FORT MYERSPaul Caruso • (239) [email protected]
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LAKELANDPatrick & Kerrie Powers • (863) [email protected]
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ST. AUGUSTINEKen Yarbrough • (904)[email protected]
TAMPA BAYBill Carter • (813) [email protected]
TREASURE COASTRobert Mondo • (772) [email protected]
VOLUSIABrian Clancy • (386) [email protected]
ALL CONTENTS COPYRIGHTEDPublisher • Rodney SmithEditor in Chief • Ben MartinExecutive Editor • Karen I. SmithAssistant Editor • Michelle RitsonCreative Director • Christine Wilson Graphic Designers • Laura Kelly
Website Design • Karl LawrenceOnline Coordinator • Natalie LopezFinancial Supervisor • Robin MenardAccount Executives • Brooks Bradley, Charlie McCullough, Terry Pryor.
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[email protected]@coastalanglermagazine.comCoastal Angler Magazine Online • www.CoastalAnglerMagazine.comCoastal Angler Magazine Online • www.CoastalAnglerMagazine.com
BAHAMASJon Wood(242)577-0720 • Bahamas(786) 566-099 • [email protected]
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ALABAMA • BAHAMAS • CALIFORNIA•NORTH CAROLINAALABAMA • BAHAMAS • CALIFORNIA•NORTH CAROLINA
Look for Coastal Angler Magazine wherever anglers and boaters go. Distribution sites include tackle shops, marinas, boat dealerships, sporting goods outlets, hotels,
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APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 4COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
By: Michelle Ritson
For many of us, purchasing a boat is one of the greatest investments we will make.
It’s not just the fi nancial commitment that I’m referring to, but rather the emotional commitment. Yes, we love our boats, but we don’t always treat them right. Boats are becoming more expensive than spouses but, for fear of bodily harm, we can’t treat our boat better than our spouse (at least not when she’s looking).
Summer is right around the corner, and along with it comes the abusive weather pattern of intense heat and aft ernoon downpours. If your boat is exposed to the elements and sunlight, the UV rays will actually change the molecular composition of your boat’s gel coat, and the wind and rain will drive dirt particles into the microscopic openings in the coating; the end result is a faded, chalky and cracked fi nish. Although cleaning your boat is critical to maintaining the fi nish, it does nothing to protect the boat from the harsh eff ects of ultraviolet rays. Th e most eff ective way to protect your boat, its delicate electronics, leather, plastics and motor, is by covering them. Quality covers are paramount and need to be of the type that resist ultraviolet rays, protect from water, and allow for air fl ow around the covered surfaces.
CoverAlls now manufactures a line of new products that will allow for greater protection of your consoles, leathers, plastics, electronics and engine covers. Th e material is totally new to the marine market, and is exclusively made to the company’s specs. BoatSkinz are craft ed from a proprietary advanced material with many unique qualities. Th ey are 100% UV proof, 100%water proof (not moisture resistant),
95% refl ective of the sun’s heat, and totally impervious to any elements which could harm what the cover is on.
Th e BoatSkinz family of products (ConsoleSkinz, ElectronicSkinz, and OutboardSkinz) off er ultimate protection for your boat. All of the materials used on the covers are the highest quality; for example, draw cords are braided poly rather than cotton; the cam locks for the cords are non metallic so they will not rust; all of the grommets used, where the cord exits the cover, are stainless steel. Some of these details may seem small but are important in the making of these high-quality covers. Another very nice feature is that the material is extremely light, so it packs easily into a small storage space.
Presently, there are four sizes of console covers, four sizes of motor covers, and three sizes of electronics covers, and there may be additions in the near future, including a motor cover for the new 350 HP four stroke engines. Check out their unique console cover for boats with T-tops which allows for easy off and on accessibility. All the covers carry a three-year warranty against defects in material and/or workmanship.
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NATIONAL 5 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Capt. Wes Barbour of Carolina Beach, NC, holds up a 44-inch red caught just off shore.Th e beaches here are beautiful and off er an abundance of opportunities for fi shing or just hanging
out. On any given day, you might catch any one of the aforementioned species, or maybe something diff erent, like pompano in the warmer months. Not too far out, you can catch Spanish mackerel, bluefi sh and other schooling predators. Another great thing about this area is the abundance of fi shing piers. Th ey seem to be everywhere along the coast and are generally a reasonable alternative to fi shing from a boat.
Although with a boat, the fi shing can be endless. In season, you can catch several varieties of grouper and snapper, black sea bass, triggerfi sh, and other assorted reef species. Th e Gulf Stream generally runs about 60 to 65 miles off shore, but it holds all of the pelagics in season. Th is area is famous for its blue and white marlin tournaments, and I’ve seen some trophy mounts that attest to its fame.
What more could you ask for? Well, there is the weather. It’s usually much milder here in the winter than it is further north, which gives you more fi shing and boating time, and of course, a better attitude. Th e people here are friendly and that’s always nice
So, we’ve got lots of water, fi shing and boating opportunities, beautiful scenery, good weather and friendly people. So why not visit coastal North Carolina. Check out the Cape Fear region online, and the Crystal Coast, just northeast of Wilmington for vacation ideas. And, make sure to contact a local fi shing charter captain and book your North Carolina adventure. Tight lines and have fun!
Th e oldest fi sh house in Southport, NC, stands empty next to brand new waterfront condos. Th is is typical of the growth in coastal North Carolina. What’s brought all of the attention to this area? For starters, how about water, lots of water, everywhere you go. Th e Cape Fear River is North Carolina’s largest and it winds its way through much of the eastern half of the state. Hundreds of smaller rivers and creeks feed this major waterway, from Raleigh to Southport, and when you get close to the coast, the amount of salt marsh and estuaries is incredible. Access to the waterways seems to be a priority here, which opens up so many available entry points to the rivers, creeks, marshes and beaches.Old pilings stand guard over the spoil islands of the lower Cape Fear River.
Th ese marshes and estuaries serve as home to hundreds of species of birds, fi sh, shellfi sh and other marine life. Th ey are teeming with species that are there for the taking, which brings up another plus.
Do you like to fi sh? If you do, then these inshore waters have some great target fi sh. Red drum (redfi sh), speckled trout, gray trout, fl ounder, and striped bass (rockfi sh), head up the list of predators who come into the rivers and creeks, looking for the smorgasbord of bait that thrives there. Some of the rivers and inlets here are legendary for their spring runs of redfi sh and stripers, and the near-shore action can land you some big ones!
As a newcomer to the Cape Fear region of North Carolina, I’ve been out and about enough to see that things here are changing from what they once were. New homes, and the businesses that follow, have sprung up everywhere. Th e secret’s out: Coastal North Carolina has a lot to off er. Even with the stalled real estate market, things are still happening in this part of the country.
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APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 6COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
When you mention dolphin fi shing to a non-fi shing person, the fi rst thing that
comes to mind is that you are going to fry up Flipper. For this reason, the more exotic name of Mahi Mahi has caught on in recent years. No matter the name, they are a lot of fun to catch and great to eat.
Most of us choose to troll while looking for weed lines or some other object fl oating in the ocean. I’ve caught many fi sh over fi ft y pounds and have found that most of the big fi sh always hit big baits. I pull C&H Aliens with select ballyhoo or Flame lures with horse ballyhoo. When pulling these lure-bait combinations, I like to use a Mustad 7732 9/0, single hook rig.
If I prefer to pull lures only, the Express lures from C&H are a good choice, with White over blue being my favorite. I also like to pull C&H Swimmers and Stubbys. All of my large lures are double-hooked rigged with two 7732 10/0s.
My speed is about the same with both set ups, between 9 and 10 knots. Th e sea condition is what makes the diff erence. You want your baits to be in the water and not jumping out. I also fi nd that sea gulls will help locate feeding fi sh. In the Bahamas, you will fi nd Frigate birds over feeding fi sh. On the east coast and Gulf of Mexico, sea gulls will oft en follow feeding schools or big single fi sh. Dolphin are schooling fi sh, and if you catch one, you should stay in the area and try for another strike. Many times when you catch one fi sh, several others will follow the hooked
fi sh to the boat. You can throw lures like the C&H Alien Jig (Chanteuse) or you can pitch out a piece of squid or ballyhoo. Oft en you will fi nd that the fi sh will not take a bait unless it’s moving.
Th e New Alien Jigs come in several sizes ranging from two to eight ounces. If the wind is calm, two ounces is all you will need. With a good spinning outfi t, you can cast these lures for several hundred feet.
Many captains prefer the run and gun method. Th is means that they run around the ocean looking for fl oating debris or weed lines. Th en they cast lures or use chum to attract fi sh to the boat. In some cases, dolphin can be very picky and it’s hard to get them to bite anything but the chum. When this happens, you need to go to a sixty-pound fl uorocarbon leader and a live bait hood that is very small but strong. Oft en times, I just tie the hook directly to my twenty-pound line on my spinning reel.
My pet peeve is the boat that comes in bragging about their big catch of dolphin, but when you open their cooler, they have killed dozens of one and two pound fi sh. Remember this, a dolphin can grow to over fi ft y pounds in just two years, if conditions are right. Let those small fi sh live to fi ght another day.
Captain Don Combs is Owner/Founder of C&H Lures Ultimate Tackle
of Jacksonville, Inc. For more information on Capt. Don go
to www.CandHLures.com.
Dolphin or Mahi Mahi FishingBy Don Combs
NATIONAL 7 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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Wikipedia describes monofi lament line as a thin string made from a single fi ber.
Most fi shing line is made from monofi lament because of its strength, availability in all pound-test kinds, and low cost. It also comes in many diff erent colors such as white, green, blue, clear and fl uorescent. Monofi lament is made by melting and mixing polymers and then extruding the polymer mixture through tiny holes, forming strands of line, which is then spun into spools of various thickness. Th e extrusion process controls not only the thickness, but also the pound test of the line.
According to the Mono Recovery & Recycling Program, ‘Every day, improperly discarded monofi lament fi shing line causes devastating problems for marine life and the environment. Marine mammals, sea turtles, fi sh and birds become injured from entanglements, or might ingest the line, oft en dying as a result. Human divers and swimmers are also at risk from entanglements, and the line can also damage boat propellers.
Th e Mono Recovery & Recycling Program web site, www.fi shinglinerecycling.org, off ers useful information on how to start a recycling program with details on everything from advertising and marketing your program, to establishing recycling locations and what to do with the line you collect.
It’s easy to make your own personal-sized monofi lament line recycling bin. Take a tennis ball container. Tape its lid down
securely. Carefully use a razor to slice a plus sign completely though the lid. You can push recycled line into the container though the sliced lid for storage.
Ian White of Grasshopper Outdoor Products has designed another ingénues
fi shing tool for storing waste monofi lament called the monoMaster.
Th e monoMASTER is small, lightweight, handy and excellent for dealing with monofi lament waste. If you’re anything like the
majority of anglers, you probably just roll up your wasted mono and stick it in one of your pockets, and forget about it until later. By that time, it’s half hanging out of your pockets or vest, unraveling in the back of your vehicle,
boat or even getting tangled up in your equipment. It’s ideal for containing tag ends clipped off aft er tying on a lure, fl y or hook. It’s
a place where even the tiny pieces of mono stay secure. Th e monoMASTER is a must have for any e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y -conscience angler and has received offi cial endorsements from the Federation of Fly Fishers.
If you are like me, you’ve fi shed long enough to have seen the damage discarded monofi lament line can do to wildlife. Th ankfully to all of us, today’s monofi lament recycling programs and tools like the monoMaster, make it a much easier task for anglers to manage used and discarded monofi lament fi shing lines..
By: Bradford Eder
Life can be full of challenges and sometimes, just downright hard! We all need to escape from reality once in a while,
and that is why we take vacations. So why is it that you need a vacation to recover from your vacation? Th e answer to that question is simple, planning your dream vacation involves lots of preparation. What if I could tell you about a dream vacation where everything is planned to perfection, so you can actually relax and enjoy yourself? Th ere’s even a concierge on call 24-hours a day to help you with everything from getting your groceries to helping you get reservations at Louie’s Backyard, for a romantic dinner.
In the past, this type of experience was only available to the rich and famous. Destination Care-Free combines everything you need to vacation like the Rich & Famous, without breaking the bank.
Once you get to your destination, you get to stay on one of several luxurious yachts that are docked at a 5-Star, ultra-inclusive resort in the heart of Key West. Members also have use of the amenities including the pool, beach, spas and everything else. Th at’s just the beginning. Also included
in the deal is use of a 25-foot combo deck fi shing boat and an electric car! Th e yachts are very impressive. Two full master suites, Direct T.V., high-speed internet, super cold A.C., and a beautiful forward sundeck. Th e yachts sleep eight comfortably and include a full galley. Th is is my kind of vacation. We get to stay on the yacht as our home-base “BOATEL” and use the powerboat to explore the incredible waters of Key West. Th is means, I get to do some great fi shing without having to spend an extra $1,000 to charter a captain or worry about trailering my boat all the way to the Keys. I also don’t have to get a taxi or rent expensive scooters when we want to explore the great night life that Key West is famous for. I just jump in my high-tech electric car that can travel up to 40 miles, without a charge.
I can’t believe I get all of this for what I would normally spend on just the hotel room. At $399 per person, for 3 days and 2 nights (double occupancy), this truly is an incredible value for your money. Did I mention kids are free, and I am not talking about 12 and under, like at the movies, but 17 and under, the way it should be. Th is is the perfect vacation
for the family or the romantic couple looking to escape the realities of the real world, for a little while.
In November, I took my wife to Key West and stayed with Destination Care-Free for our Anniversary. Th e trip turned out to be more like a second honeymoon for the two of us. She felt like a Queen staying in the luxury that she deserves, and I could not have been happier. It’s true that if you keep your wife happy, then you too will be happy. Th e vacation was the perfect balance of boating for me and romance for her.
Destination Care-Free truly provides the most luxurious and stress-free vacation in existence today. Why would anyone ever stay in a hotel again, when your yacht, electric car and power boat are waiting for you, just a phone call away.
Escape from Reality with the Vacation of a Lifetime Testimonial by Paul CarusoCo-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine-Ft. Myers Edition
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NATIONAL 9 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
By: Capt. Pat Dineen
Venice, LouisianaA fi shing trip to Venice, Louisiana, during
the winter, requires a diff erent mindset than winter trips to the tropical places that I have been traveling to for the past ten years. First of all, your backpack needs to be much bigger to hold the clothing required when it’s cold and foggy, versus warm and sunny. Secondly, I didn’t fi nd a tiki bar or anything that resembled a beach. Duck boots and camos were much more popular than casting shirts and shorts. Conch salad was non-existent and I quickly learned that the real appeal to fi shing in Venice is just that, the fi shing.
As we were tying up to the dock at Cypress Cove Marina, we were greeted by friendly staff and the news that a charter boat, in the slip beside us, weighed in a 85-pound and a100-plus pound wahoo that day. Encouraging information, especially since we stumbled across a nice wahoo and picked up our three man limit of fat amberjack, while cruising from Destin to Venice. We were ahead of the game before really getting started, knowing we were bringing home fi lets for the freezer. It never pays to be too confi dent.
Some major weather moved in, keeping us at the dock for two days and boy, had the conditions changed when we got back off shore. Water temperatures dropped at least fi ve degrees and the color went from clear to green, or even brown. We fi shed hard all day around the lump and the oil rigs to the west, and managed to lose a bunch of butterfl y jigs to amberjack and to the jaws of stupidly numerous king mackerel. To salvage the day, we wired up and procured plenty of king
mackerel for future chunking eff orts. Not exactly what you travel to Venice for.
Our plan was for one more day trip, then an overnight trip going well off shore. Our fi rst day was so productive when fi shing to the west, we felt we had to try our luck to the east. Fortunately, we found warmer water while going one for two on wahoo and putting some amberjack in the boat as well. Figuring a major latitude change would be good for the soul, it was Katie, bar the door, ‘cause we’re leaving for the Green Canyon in the morning.
Nice weather and 110 miles later, we were pulling naked ballyhoo across the surface around a fl oating spar in some 5,100 feet of clear, blue, 67-degree water. Two passes and a schoolie yellowfi n tuna hit the deck. Another pass produced two chunky blackfi n tuna. Th is long haul was starting to look promising. One more pass and we were hooked up to an angry blue marlin and it was game on! Aft er many jumps, some aggressive backing down, and handy wire work on the back deck by Lucky Chucky, we released our blue marlin. Pinch me, did that just happen? All of a sudden the long haul was really looking good. Before dark, we put a few more yellowfi ns and blackfi ns in the box and started slowly motoring north, just aft er sunset.
Th e middle of the night found us completely covered up with blackfi ns near a drill ship. Th is wasn’t fi shing, it was catching, and everyone got all they wanted. To make it interesting, we broke out some light spinning tackle, changing the equation from catching, back to fi shing.
With high hopes of a wahoo bite at dawn and our goal of being back to the dock before noon, we eased inshore to some oil rigs in 400 feet and set out a four-bait spread, just as the sun began peeking over the horizon. Aft er passing three rigs without a bite, all the while battling an onslaught of sargassum, the fourth rig paid off in a big way. First one rod bent, quickly followed by the second, third and fourth. Line was screaming off the reels, and you could tell that they were all solid fi sh, by the way they treated the drags. Aft er plenty of, “You go over” and “You go under,” we actually managed to keep most of the lines untangled and to boat three of the four fi sh. We could just about hear the crew on the rig celebrating for us as we went from zeroes to heroes on wahoo, with two being very impressive fi sh.
Even with an already nice catch, a fi sherman can’t just walk away from a bite like that without one more pass. Th at one more pass produced another 45-pound wahoo; enough was enough and we headed for Tiger Pass.
Just like many of the hot spots I have been fortunate enough to fi sh, fi shing in Venice can be on or off . When it’s on, it’s on, so be careful if you fi sh there in the winter and have never caught a blue marlin. Th e river water in the marina was a cold 44 degrees - and our angler on the marlin knows just how cold that is.
Forecast by Capt. Pat Dineen of Flyliner Charters, Inc. Reach him at www.fl yliner.
com; fl [email protected]; or (850) 376-0400.
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 10COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
By: Capt. Fred Dale
In today’s economy, we all need to find ways to save money and protect the investments we already own! The fact that you spent the extra money to purchase a boat with diesel engines, means you understand the theory behind spending a little more now, to save money later.
Diesel engines should outlive your gasoline engines by at least ten years, if you take care of them. Besides the normal maintenance required for your diesel engine, you have to consider the diesel fuel you put in your tank and the way you filter that fuel.
All diesel fuel is not the same and a lot depends on where you purchase your fuel. A great way to check diesel fuel is to pump a little into a Mason jar, before you fill your tanks. Let the fuel settle and look for cloudiness or particles that could clog your filters or engines. It should look clear, so if the fuel looks bad, do not fill your tank. This is especially crucial in the newer common rail engines that use high-pressure injectors to atomize the fuel. Even if you are careful when purchasing diesel, it’s still not considered to be a clean burning fuel. If you are sick and tired of cleaning the soot stains on your transom, or you want better fuel economy and power, you need to continue reading this article.
One of the biggest misconceptions about diesel fuel is that algae grows in diesel tanks. Algae, being plant life, cannot grow without sunlight. The truth is diesel is an inorganic substance and continually breaks down, reverting back to its crude form, causing fuel clusters to be created. People try to cure their problems by adding biocide-based chemicals in a futile attempt to break up these inorganic particles. The result is clogged or damaged filters and injectors, causing you time off the water and big mechanic bills. It is these same fuel clusters that cause soot and smoke, and loss of power in your engine.Sometimes you encounter a solution to a problem that, while complex, is amazingly simple and effective in
its performance. Fuel Tech Industries has found an effective way to solve all the problems of
running diesel fuel and made it simple to install on your boat.
The Fuel Tech solution to this problem is the spinning motion
of diesel fuel through a precise series of magnetic fields. This breaks apart both the large and small
clusters that form in
diesel. What this
means to you is enhanced
combustion, resulting in less smoke and
soot, more power and better fuel economy. Now, combine that with the fact that your injectors and filters will last ten times longer, and you can begin to understand just how great this product is. You will also experience no carbon build up, a smoother idle and quicker acceleration. The important thing to understand is that 90% of diesel failures are fuel related and you can prevent them.
By simply installing a Fuel Tech Conditioner between your tank and primary filter, you will be improving the performance and protecting one of your biggest investments, your diesel engines. You will also be saving time and money on costly repairs, cleaning your transom and save money at the pumps.
ANSWERS TO SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: How long does the Fuel Tech Conditioner last? A:They last forever because there are no moving parts or components to replace, clean or service. Lifetime satisfaction guaranteed!
Q: How long does it take to install a Fuel Tech Conditioner? A: About 30 minutes.
Q: When can I expect results? A: Immediately.
To help you decide which unit is correct for your boat, please call 1-800-768-1299 or
visit their website at www.fueltecind.com
If Your Boat Has a Diesel Engine, You Need to Read This!
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NATIONAL 11 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Recently, we were asked to go fi shing with our kids on their new pontoon boat. Th e
kids were staying on the Homosassa River and being unfamiliar with the waters in that area, they called on me to be their guide. Being the benevolent patriarch that I am, I humbly agreed. So my wife, Michelle and I, loaded up the equipment and headed for the Homosassa River.
Th is may sound like a simple task to most people but you have to understand that these people really wanted to catch fi sh and my reputation, as the wise old fi sherman, was on the line.
First, I had to identify the challenges. Number 1, we were in a pontoon boat, so the typical 25 plus mile run off shore was not in the equation. Number 2, we were in a pontoon boat, not exactly the stealthiest shallow water craft . Number 3, we were in a pontoon boat, live baitwells on this boat were non-existent.
Aft er overcoming all three of these challenges, we loaded up the boat with bait, tackle and chum and off we went. Shortly aft er leaving the Homosassa River and heading west, we came upon the perfect spot to fi sh, with perfectly clear weather, perfect water clarity, perfect wind and perfect tide. Everything was just perfect.
Aft er 30 minutes of soaking chum bags and drowning shrimp, I felt like I was marooned on an oversized piece of plywood in the Gulf of Mexico. I couldn’t even get a pinfi sh to bite. Just about the time I was going to pull the anchor and go in search for the next perfect spot, I reached in my bag and pulled out a tub of 3-inch GULP shrimp. Aft er a quick re-rigging of my favorite spinning rod,
I sent one sailing back into the chum slick. I didn’t get two turns on the reel when the bait was slammed and out of the water jumped the biggest lady fi sh I’d ever seen in my life. With all of its anger and aerobatics, it was like fi ghting a tarpon without all the eff ort. Obviously, that was just a
fl uke and aft er releasing the lady
fi sh and realizing that my GULP shrimp
was still in pretty good shape, I fi red it back out, and again, two
turns on the reel a n d BAM! Th is time it was a nice 20-inch trout.
Th e third BAM turned out to be a big blue runner and at this point, everyone on board wanted to use what I was using. Aft er they paid a slight fee, all of their lines were rigged with GULP shrimp, and everyone started catching fi sh. It got to be so fast and furious that I went from angler, to mate. Just to make sure this wasn’t a stroke of luck, I fi shed a live shrimp in the same manner and didn’t even get a good sniff . So clearly, the GULP shrimp made the diff erence. Th at day, all totaled, with the GULP shrimp, we caught over 100 fi sh. Sometimes we were able to catch 7 or 8 fi sh on the same bait.
I would recommend that everyone carry multiple tubs of GULP shrimp on board. I always have at least three in my bag, as it is our bait of choice, and more times than not, it has salvaged the trip and turned a day of fi shing, into a day of catching. Oh, and incidentally, that pontoon boat turned out to be one of the most comfortable fi shing platforms I’d ever been on, and my favorite boat for our family’s fi shing days – inshore.
Saves the DayBy Capt. Scott Mathis, Co-Publisher of CAM
If you can see the fish,the fish can see you.
w w w . a q u a d e s i g n . c o m l T o l l F r e e 8 8 8 - 3 5 9 - 5 6 4 4
If fish weren’t sensitive to color and patterns, we’d all be using gray-colored lures.
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Dealer Inquiries Welcome
w w w . a q u a d e s i g n . c o m l T o l l F r e e 8 8 8 - 3 5 9 - 5 6 4 4w w w . a q u a d e s i g n . c o m l T o l l F r e e 8 8 8 - 3 5 9 - 5 6 4 4
For sunnyto partly
sunny skies
Blends with trees & shoreline
vegetation
Earth tones that conceal in sandy
& rocky areas
Compatible color for
overcast skies
Aqua Sky
Green Bayou
Pacific Sand
Misty Sky
GULP
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 12COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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NATIONAL 13 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Double San Diego Wins Big at the Fred Hall Show By CAM Staff
SMALL FRY DIVISION (25 pound test)FIRST PLACE
Nick Yoro - Double San Diego Jam Knot that broke at 30.6 pounds
SECOND PLACEJordan Burton - Palomar Knot that broke at
30.0 poundsTHIRD PLACE
Noah Kim - San Diego Jam Knot that broke at 24.7 pounds
JUNIOR DIVISION (60 pound test)FIRST PLACE
Victor Chavarria - Double San Diego Jam Knot that broke at 101.3 pounds
SECOND PLACEHunter Denette - Double San Diego Jam
Knot that broke at 100.8 poundsTHIRD PLACE
Vasili Bahos - 3 Turn Double Uni Knot that broke at 91.6 pounds
ADULT DIVISION (60 pound test)FIRST PLACE
Victor Manzo - Double San Diego Jam Knot that broke at 99.8 pounds
SECOND PLACEDean Martin - Miller Knot that broke at 97.9
poundsTHIRD PLACE
Carlo Lapalca - Custom Knot that broke at 96.5 poundsPRO DIVISION 100 pound testFIRST PLACE
Justin Greenberg - Double San Diego Jam knot that broke at 138.5 pounds
SECOND PLACEMike Meredith - Unknown Knot
that broke at 137 poundsTHIRD PLACE
Capt. Eddie Moreno - Double San Diego Jam Knot that broke at 136 pounds
Izorline Knot Tying Contest Results
Small Fry Category (9 years of age or younger)Junior Anglers (10 to 15 years of age),
Adult Division (Non professional)Pro Division (fi shing industry professionals or media)
Step 1Run six inches of line through the eye of the hook, swivel or lure and fold back to make two parallel lines.
Step 2Holding both lines in your right hand wrap the tag end around your fi nger, as shown above. Bring the tag back towards the eye using fi ve or six spiral wraps around the parallel lines.
Step 3Pass the tag through the loop above the hook and then back through the loop caused by the fi nger.
Step 4Pull the tag and standing lines together forming the knot above the hook. Wet the knot and carefully draw it down until it touches the hook.
Using double lines to tie the San Diego Jam Knot can improve the breaking strength to upwards of 95 to 1200 percent.
Step 1Run six inches of line through the eye of the hook, swivel or lure and
San Diego Jam Knot
The Double San Diego Jam Knot dominated the winner’s circle at this year’s Fred Hall Show held in Long Beach,
California. Th is annual event pits knot tiers of numerous age and expertise levels against their peer group for prizes, trophies and the much-heralded best knot tier bragging rights.
Longtime sponsor of the event Izorline, provides high-tech calibrated laboratory testing equipment for the contest. Former winners and members of the Izorline Knotty Girls, including IGFA World Record Holder, Kathleen Rounds (Pacifi c Halibut 285 pounds on 20 pound Izorline), were on hand to lend technical support and to assist in the knot-tying seminars that are conducted prior to the contest.
Contestants tie their favorite knot using the same pound test line, from the same manufacturer. Th ey tie their knot to a small ring which is then attached to a Chatillon Digital-Force Gage tester. Th en the knot and line are mechanically stretched to their breaking point. Contestants and spectators view the calibration machine’s digital screen to see at what pound of stretch the knot or line breaks. Winning knots may have as little as a fraction of a pound diff erence in their breaking points, or as much as a 30-pound diff erence between 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. Th e biggest contributing factor seems to be the
knot selection and the degree of expertise that it’s tied with. Th is year’s Pro category winner, Justin Greenberg,
received a 2 night, 3-day stay at the world famous Treasure Cay Resort in Abacos, Bahamas. Justin’s Double San Diego Jam Knot was recorded as withstanding a full 138.5 pounds of pressure on the 100 pound Izorline used by all the Pro Division contestants. According to John Buckman of Izorline, numerous contests are set throughout the U.S. and Bahamas later this year, with the fi rst scheduled event taking place at the Grand Slam/Castaways KDW Fishing Tournament, May 14th-15th in Jupiter, Florida; Treasure Cay Billfi sh Tournament June 13th thru 18th in Treasure Cay, Bahamas and a soon to be scheduled event at Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbor, Bahamas.
In an interview with master knot tier, Peter Haynes, who is credited with having invented the knot tying contest, we’re informed that the use of digital gage-force testing machines that test tensile strength have helped to create an exacting science within the fi shing line industry. Peter states that while all fi shing lines are graded by their diameter and pound resistance to breakage, the actual variance between one manufacturer’s line and another’s can be considerable. When asked which line had most consistently shown itself
to have the highest breaking point, Peter immediately referenced Izorline as the, “hands down winner,” according to the research that he had conducted. While west coast anglers, including San Diego’s famous Long Range Tuna Fleet, have been using and recommending Izorline for years, it appears that until recently, its awareness with east coast anglers had remained a, “well kept secret.”
Izorline President, Steve Ichinokuchi, states that the Izorline company founder, Russ Izor, was the fi rst to use Spectra line for fi shing applications. Th is high-tech, gel spun product was previously used by the military for bulletproof vests, helmets, gloves, arm guards, climbing ropes and bowstrings. Russ felt that the high strength, small diameter, ultra-low stretch fi ber could be braided for fi shing line. Russ Izor’s use of Spectra has been credited with revolutionizing the fi shing line industry.
Th e use of Chatillon Digital-Force Gage testers like the ones used in the knot tying contest now insure that anglers have a better reference source when it comes to selecting the line that’s best for their needs.
For more information please visit www.izorline.com or contact John Buckman at 561-743-2125
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 14COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
SecureStack® Six Gallon Fuel Tank
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Call us today at 800-282-8725 to find a dealer near you.
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• Easy to transport• Two tanks essentially become one, avoiding the hassle of a cumbersome 12 gallon fuel tank• Ergonomic, dual carrying handles located at each end• Dual fuel line assembly and tie down straps also available
We got you covered
11 oz. (white/glow chartreuse) squid decoy jig with cirlec hook
4 oz. Crab decoy jig with “J” hooks
Circle Hook chin weight Weighted J Hook with Stinger Hook
www.BareFootfishing.net • 910.617.7637
See our easy rigging/swimming videos online
Dealer Inquiries Welcome
Top to Bottom
11 oz. (white/glow chartreuse) squid decoy jig with cirlec hook
11 oz. (white/glow chartreuse) squid decoy jig with cirlec hook
7 oz. pink /glow hot pink squid decoy jig
with j hook
NATIONAL 15 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
By: Rodney Sahr - Rapala Pro Staff
Angler Tackle for Off shore Surprises
Time To Change Your Fishing Line
1¢ per yard Re-spooling Sale Elite or Siege Monofilament
www.Sufix.com
April Sale - Available at:Mosquito Creek Outdoors- Apopka • Betts Fishing Center -Largo, FL
A well-rounded captain knows that each day on the water can be diff erent from
the day before. Being able to adapt to the situation at hand can make the diff erence between an average day off shore, and one of those memorable days you talk to your buddies about for years. Th e day you want to go and target bottom fi sh can oft en turn into one of the best trolling days of the year. Th ere are days you may be slow trolling for kingfi sh and a wolf pack of cobia surrounds your boat. When it comes down to it, having the right tools on hand to do the job equals fi sh in the box.
We are blessed to have a wide range of pelagic fi sh that oft en become curious, making themselves prime targets for a spinning rod or other means of light tackle. If you don’t have that ever-important pitch rod in your arsenal, then you’ve more than likely experienced a few swings and misses. I am unable to count the amount of times someone has yelled shark and I look out the back of my center console and see a cobia swimming along side of the boat. It can be a matter of seconds that you have to get this fi sh’s attention before he becomes another swing and miss.
Th ere are a few things I always have at my fi ngertips while live baiting or trolling for dolphin. I like to have at least two spinning rods spooled with 30-pound Sufi x braid and a 3 to 4-foot top shot of 40 to 60-pound Sufi x fl uorocarbon. One of these rods I like to have set up with a single ringed circle hook. VMC makes a great hook for this called the Nemesis Circle Hook. I have had the conversation with a few captains about using circle hooks on cobia due to the structure of their mouths. Th e reason I like the ringed style of hook is the freedom it allows when hooked up to a sailfi sh or dolphin. With the open ring attached to the hook, when the fi sh jumps and does a head shake all of the pressure that is usually put on the knot is completely absorbed by the open ring.
On a recent trip we were fi shing the 21 fathom reef, doing our typical run and gun bottom fi shing, when we spotted a large sail sticking out of the water. Fortunately enough, we had a spinning rod rigged with a circle hook at hand. Th irty minutes later, my
brother had his fi rst sailfi sh to the boat, and a 60 pounder at that.
Th e other rod, I like to have rigged with a good old buck tail or eel imitation. If we are fi shing a shallow reef for kingfi sh, I will typically have two jigs rigged up; one lighter jig and one heavier jig for dropping on bottom structure. Nothing looks better then a box full of pelagics with a grouper or snapper thrown in. We have had a lot of success on bottom species with the Banjo Eye Jig from Williamson. We have already caught three gags over 25 pounds this year using this jig. Th e Storm Swim ‘n Eel is another favorite for cobia. It allows you to cover longer distances on the top of the water, where the Banjo Eye Jig is better for deeper wrecks and ledges.
I love to bottom fi sh and there are many times we neglect to bring a pack of ballyhoo with us in case the trolling picks up. Luckily, we have had many innovations in the lure industry that allow us to be prepared for these situations. Williamson has a full line of ballyhoo imitations that can be stored in your boat, ready for deployment. Th e new ballyhoo hybrid is one of my favorites for this exact situation. Th is bait gives a life-like resemblance of a ballyhoo, with the dual action of a paddle tail and concave head. Keeping these style baits in your tackle box allows you to adapt on the water without spending a ton of money on frozen baits.
Study your conditions while out and log the situation you come across. If you are like me and you want to learn every time you step into the boat, make sure you are prepared to target whatever species you may come into contact with. It could be a gaff er dolphin or sailfi sh one day and 40-pound cobia or gag grouper the next. Whatever fi sh it may be, you need to make sure you have the bait and tackle to entice the bite.
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 16COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
REEL UR OWNAQUATEKO’S FLOURO-CLEAR SWIVELTh e InvisaSwivel line represents a revolutionary change in
terminal tackle. InvisaSwivels can bend but will recoil without losing the ability to spin freely. Th ese swivels are Flouro-Clear, making them practically invisible in water. Th e superior resin compound allows the swivel to perform at nearly neutral buoyancy. Unlike the old metal swivel, rigs with InvisaSwivels will not be pulled, allowing for a natural bait presentation.
For the fi rst time, the non-metallic properties provide a maintenance-free, non-corrosive swivel. Th e swivels are also perfect for the anglers that are not profi cient with tying uni-knots. A standard clinch knot connects either braid to fl uoro, or braid to mono, with the InvisaSwivel acting as the transition.
Inshore and freshwater anglers will appreciate the clarity and light weight of the inshore series, with swivels ranging from 12-to-55 pound test.
Off shore enthusiasts will appreciate the larger sizes available from 80-to 200-pound test. Learn more at
www.aquateko.com.
Aft er years in development, Berkley has produced a nylon monofi lament line that changes color. TransOptic® captures UV rays to physically change color to high-visibility gold above the water and fi lters out UV rays below the surface, making the line transparent and virtually invisible to fi sh. Anglers see the line, but the fi sh do not. Th e color-changing line benefi ts anglers that are trying to
detect the most subtle of bites. TransOptic® is perfect for fl ipping, pitching, jigging, ice fi shing and is
ideal for shallow-water fi shing with non-weighted plastics.
TransOptic® touts its superior knot strength, tough abrasion resistance and extra shock resistance. Th is line can be used in any application that calls for a hard hook set. Being a monofi lament, the line is easy to manage and can be used for a wide variety of baits and techniques.
BERKLEY® TRILENE® TRANSOPTIC®
Now, here is a unique new product available for spooling your reels. It's called Reel Ur Own and it is hand made by fi shermen, for fi shermen, in St. Augustine Florida. When it’s time to spool new line onto a fi shing reel, the user simply begins to turn the handle on the reel and Reel Ur Own does the rest. Th anks to the brake tension, the line will not keep rolling and will not backlash.
Reel Ur Own comes in two sizes, a small version which contains three spool ports and a large version which contains four line ports.
In addition, Reel Ur Own is available with one of four gauge lines, light, medium, heavy, and very heavy. Th ese options ensure that the specifi c needs of any fi sherman are met.
Reel Ur Own is an attractive piece and can be ordered in birch, teak oak or cedar. Custom designs are also available. A great gift idea for any fi sherman! Prices start at only $24.99.
FLYING FISHERMAN® XLT SUNGLASSES
For more information call 1-888-692-2011.
Learn more at www.ReelUrOwn.com.
Th e XLT is the newest direction in polarized eyewear for the Flying Fisherman® design team. Weighing in at an amazingly light .5 ounces, “you don’t even know you’re wearing sunglasses!” Th e temples can be tied in a knot and the polycarbonate RhinoLenses™ lenses are shatterproof, a perfect balance of protection, performance and style, and perfect for all day hard core angler comfort. Add the Flying Fisherman® AcuTint™ lens coloring system to the mix, and you have what it takes to eliminate glare and provide high-defi nition color contrast without distorting natural colors, resulting in sharper optics and enhanced ability to spot fi sh and other structure. Th e XLT’s 8-base lenses are a generous 65mm for extended peripheral coverage, and temple tips are drilled to accommodate its removable, fl oating lanyard. A micro-fi ber lens cloth and hard case are also included, and the suggested retail price is $89.95. Frame/lens colors include gunmetal/smoke with silver mirror, dark copper/amber with silver mirror and gunmetal vermillion with silver mirror.
Learn more at www.berkley-fi shing.com.
World’s FIRST Nylon Monofi lament Fishing Line to Physically Change Color
Available in pound tests ranging from 4 to 25 pounds on 220-yard spools, Berkley Trilene TransOptic has an MSRP of $8.95 to $10.95. Service spools of 2000 yards are also available from 6 to 25-pound test. All Flying Fisherman® products along with testimonials, dealer locater and
more are available for review at www.fl yingfi sherman.com.
NATIONAL 17 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
“Good on the fi sh, and good on the fi sherman,” is a quote from the creator of the decoy family, Capt. Tim Barefoot. Th is latest Circle Hook Jig from Barefoot Fishing’s Decoy Line mimics a squid that’s just caught something to eat, making it too good for a fi sh to resist.
Because fi sh love squid, this eff ective Decoy Circle Hook Jig works with any kind of fresh or frozen bait, and is incredibly eff ective when fi shed with live bait. It comes with a base 9/0 hook attached to a circle hook stinger with a doubled, 250-pound braided spectra line connection.
Th e Decoy Circle Hook Jig comes in four colors that glow when deep underwater. Finally, a jig that doesn’t require jigging and no hook setting. Simply let the fi sh eat the bait and start slowly winding until you feel a solid hook up.
Available in 7- and 11-ounce sizes, the versatile Decoy Circle Hook Jig has suggested retail prices starting at $12.99. Barefoot Fishing donates 5% of all proceeds to Fish For Tomorrow, a private marine habitat restoration and stock enhancement program
REACTION STRIKE - RATTLIN’ REVO
Reaction Strike announces the patented 3.5” Rattlin’ Revo which promises to be one of, if not the most, unique lures brought to market in 2010. Th e Rattlin’ Revo is the fi rst lure to combine a vibration bait with a swimbait. Cast or trolled, the Rattlin’ Revo produces an action that is unlike any bait ever made. And as a vertical jigging lure used to probe deep cover, it has no equal.
Unlike traditional vibration baits, the Rattlin’ Revo generates its sound by belly roll, and not side-to-side movements. Additionally, the bait has a tantalizing tail action that has never been achieved before. Check out the color palette, all are the true works of art that you have come to expect from Reaction Strike, the world leader in swimbaits.
For more information, contact Rick Quade at (317) 752-8608 or [email protected].
NEW CIRCLE HOOK JIG REELS IN REEF FISH
For more information Barefoot Fishing’ products call
Capt. Tim Barefoot at 910.617.7637or visit www.Barefootfi shing.net
For more information, contact Rick Quade at
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APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 18COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge Tournament Series will be an all-release competition off the Southwest Florida coast, but this is no ordinary fishing contest.
“For the first time, what we call a ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ shark tournament will be transformed into a true spectator sport,” said Sean Paxton. He and his brother, Brooks, known as the Shark Brothers, are tournament directors and architects of the event’s unique format. Along with Co-Director and Associate Producer, Captain Robert Moore, they state, “Our shared goal with Dr. Guy Harvey, is to give participants and viewers the most exciting, entertaining and educational shark-infested, multimedia spectacle found anywhere on the planet. Simply put, our aim with this event is to effectively and collaboratively combine the goals of sport, science and conservation, something we refer to as the triangle theory”
Harvey, a long-time marine conservationist and founder of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, said the tournament will increase global awareness of the important role that sharks play in the world’s oceans and our ecosystem. “The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge Tournament Series will be a uniquely exciting event for participants, spectators and everyone who cares about the future of our oceans,” Guy Harvey said.
Joining tournament directors and Guy Harvey in this ambitious effort are strategic partners: Robert E. Hueter, Ph.D, Director of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and its Center for Shark Research; Lee County Commissioner, Ray Judah; Luke Tipple, Director of Shark-Free Marinas Initiative; Florida Gulf Coast University, and other advocates of effective environmental stewardship.
Hueter noted that the staff from the Mote Center for Shark Research will oversee all scientific aspects of the tournament, including tagging operations. Selected sharks will be outfitted with satellite tags to track their movements after release. “This project
will provide a breakthrough in collaborative research involving the marine scientific and recreational fishing communities,” he added. “By working together to develop a 21st century, conservation-oriented alternative, the Mote Center for Shark Research and tournament organizers will provide a national model, while changing public attitudes about responsible use of marine resources.”
THE ULTIMATE SHARK CHALLENGE (USC) MISSION AND VISIONCombining the Goals of Sport, Science and Conservation
With a forward-thinking eye on the future, and through strategic alliances with our anglers, sponsors, partners and supporters, we are proudly responding to the growing demands and challenges facing the planet's marine resources by producing ‘The Next Generation Shark Release Tournament Model.’
This proactive alternative to the more traditional harvest and other formats will be clearly demonstrated through the exciting integration of high-stakes competitions, cutting-edge research, purposeful entertainment value, public education and international mainstream awareness. By embracing the future with an innovative commitment to the environment, the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge will be recognized as the new gold standard for responsible competitive shark fishing.
Limited team entries and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For event details and additional contact information, visit:
www.TheUltimateSharkChallenge.com www.GuyHarveyOceanFoundation.com
The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge Tournament SeriesCatch and Release Shark Tournament Hailed as a Model for Sport Fishing Enthusiasts and Marine Conservationists
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APRIL 2010 STATEWIDE 2COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Albert P� ueger Jr. has some tales to tell of his � � y some years chasing scaly creatures about the waters of South
Florida. His hunting skills are tuned to the same demand for success, as his angling skills. When you � rst enter his home, a giant brown bear immediately grabs your attention before you can focus on the numerous � sh mounts. Lions, monitor lizards, marlin, angel� sh and many other critters watch from the walls, as we sit down to talk. � e following questions were posed and Al, as usual, responded with his honest feelings a� er getting out some fresh smoked � sh dip he’d just made.
Cli� : “Al, with all the activities you do, what is your favorite type of � shing?”
Al: “� e o� shore scene has always attracted me, with deep jigging a highlight. A high speed reel in the 6.5:1 ratio lets you reel up the deep � sh without wearing out your arm. A 6.5 to 7.0 rod � ts well and o� ers better leverage. Casting for mackerel with plugs can be fun and tarpon on � y is the ultimate.
Cli� : “Next, let’s talk about the cold snap we’ve seen this winter.”
Al: “I’ve been here, born in Miami. I’ll be 73 years old and I’ve seen several freezes, but not for that duration of time. Mother Nature hits you once in a while but not that hard. � at was an extremely hard hit and it not only kicked the heck out of the Gulf coast inshore populations, but the Atlantic coast shallow water areas, with bone� sh and all your juvenile species, were annihilated. Fish you would not expect to die were just caught up.”
Cli� : “How about the proposed and current grouper and snapper restrictions?”
Al: “I think things like that are bene� cial. If you can shut down the taking of certain species of threatened � sh, then I think it is a good thing. Commercial or recreational � shermen will realize an increased harvest in the future by a sacri� ce now, for four or six months, or for however long a determined closure is indicated. Snook populations have been decimated by this cold and a protection action is in order. � e populations of other target � sh that have been substantially reduced should be addressed.
Cli� : “What � sh do you like to see hit most?”Al: “Blue� n tunas destroy the baits and all the water
around them when they hit. I spent time with Tommy Gi� ord over in the Bahamas and when he hooked up, he would herd them around with his boat like cattle, until they were tired and ready for ga� . We went to Brazil together and caught giant peacock bass. Now they hit like a freight train. You remember the hole in the water when they hit. � e wild skyrocketing of king� sh is fun to watch, and any time big groupers break the surface is entertaining.”
We talked for a good while, as we do o� en, and there were way too many questions to answer in this brief. � e mounts on the wall were still staring when I took my leave, but I’ll see them again, � ey call Al’s house home for now, and I’m headed home too.
Interview with Al P� uegerBy: Cli� Kunde
Good things come to those who bait.
For more information visit www.mote.org/4reef
Every day, anglers play an important part in the preserving our oceans. Many game fish in Florida depend on coral reefs, and healthy reefs equal healthy fisheries - that’s a winning catch for all of us.
Help ensure the future of Florida’s fishing grounds by purchasing a Protect Our Reefs license plate.
Al P� ueger, a angler, author, � shing guide, hunter, world record holder, a true outdoorsman!
STATEWIDE 3 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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APRIL 2010 STATEWIDE 4COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
By: Lukas BrickwegYouth and AmbitionBefore our journey to the Bahamas was
underway, the three of us twenty year olds, James, Jake and myself, started out with not much more than youth and ambition. Now, looking back on our experience, we’ve come back very di� erent; we’re much wiser and more knowledgeable. Not only did we learn a lot about the sea and sailing, but also ourselves and each other.
Life on the ocean is di� erent in many aspects. It takes working together in close quarters to achieve your goals. Chipping in and doing your part is just part of the daily routine. Each member has his or her niche with speci� c gi� ed roles that are carried out routinely. Disagreements and opinions must be swallowed or swept under the rug to keep the boat from becoming chaotic. Everyone works as one in order to operate smoothly and e� ectively. � e more you perform certain activities, the more e� cient and productive you become. When living on the water, you’ll � nd list a� er list of chores. � ere is time to play, but there’s always something that needs to be done.
Before setting out on this adventure, we had envisioned smooth sailing and endless possibilities. Individually, our imaginations created scenarios of what the trip would be like. Looking at our charts and identifying the many islands and reefs, we became intoxicated with all the options in front of us. Pointing out reef breaks on Google Earth and discovering prime � shing areas where the ocean was teaming with life, seemed possible in the beginning, and our enthusiasm was in� nite.
Only at the point when the trip was underway, did we realize things would be di� erent than planned. Ideally, the original plan was to sail down to Fort Lauderdale in three days and then shoot across the Stream. What we did not take into consideration was that we had little interaction with the weather or practice on the water.
Our � rst adventure began by sailing down to Miami via the Intracoastal Waterway, where our initial plans were thwarted by the weather. Front a� er front swept across Florida in one of the worst winters recorded in years. � e further we traveled south, the more people we
met, and their stories were the same as ours. � ey too were waiting, some for weeks, to cross, with the weather postponing their plans. � e winds blew constantly in excess of 20-25 knots, and the seas built to over eight feet. Mother Nature provided us a front row seat of what was to come. I always felt She wanted to teach us patience. Checking the weather daily became a disappointing event. While we all sat and waited, we shared our pain and frustration with all the other Bahama-bound boaters, helpless to the conditions.
Finally, the weather broke, with the weather report giving us good news. � e � ve-day forecast showed an encouraging wind pattern towards the end of the weekend. � is could be our chance! � e marinas and harbors � lled with boats as they staged for the cross. It would be Presidents Day, February 15th . � e outlook was holding true as the days drew closer to our departure. � e conditions for this day was 2-3 foot of swell with a 5-10 mph east wind turning southeast later in the day. Perfect! Chatting with the other dockside sailors, it sounded like everyone had a similar game plan - anchor outside the harbor Sunday night and depart at � rst light Monday morning.
Eager to depart, we ful� lled all our provisions on land, � lling up diesel jugs; stocking up on food; running our generator and making sure all the batteries were su� ciently charged; securing the deck; and snuggly tying down all loose components. We � nally pulled away from the comfort of the dock and anchored outside the harbor, ready for our departure. Like soldiers marching, we fell in line with the other boats, also ready to leave at � rst light.
� at night we examined our charts, calculated our heading and adjusted the course for the � ow of the Gulf Stream, for the next day’s journey. It was hard to sleep on this night, being overwhelmed with excitement for the opportunity we had all had been waiting for - crossing the Gulf Stream – a momentous occasion and the � rst big test of our trip.
Lukas Brickweg along with brothers James and Jake Smith of Pure Ocean Productions,
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Tournaments & Events
STATEWIDE 5 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Upcoming EvEntsApril 10 - sebastian Riverview park - 9-11 am. After completing the five learning stations, each child will receive a free fish-ing rod, reel and tackle box. To preregister your children, contact Chris McCarthy at 772.228.7054.
April 24 - Apopka Foliage Festival - 10am-Noon. After completing the five learning stations, each child will receive a free fishing rod, reel and tackle box. To preregister your children, visit Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka Florida at 170 South Washington Avenue or contact them at (407) 464-2000.
may 1 - Edgewater’s Kennedy park - 9-11am. After completing the five learning stations, each child will receive a free fishing rod, reel and tackle box. To preregister your children, contact Edgewater Leisure Services at 386-424-2487 or email [email protected]
The goal of the Hook Kids on Fishing programs is to establish activities for kids and parents alike to learn basic fishing skills and how to use, not abuse our waterways. Kids six to 16 are welcome, and their parents are encouraged to stay and learn alongside their children. The program includes hands-on clinics on casting, conservation, knot tying, catch and release, and fishing with professional guides. Donated rods and reels are distributed to kids who need them.
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“Back in 1871, Professor Spenser Fullerton Baird, called blue� sh, “an
animated chopping machine.” He described how a school of blues will rove like a pack of hungry wolves, destroying everything in sight, leaving a trail of fragments of their prey and a stain of blood and oil on the sea. Some � sh masticate their food; blues chop and swallow big hunks. In 1965, a commercial � sherman, out at sea in pursuit of menhaden, told of having plowed through a thirty mile wide school of blues that were macerating hordes of menhaden. Blues have driven terri� ed menhaden up on beaches until they were piled a foot deep. Professor Baird estimated that in four summer months o� the New England coast, blues killed twelve hundred million million � sh. � at estimate may have been high, but there is no question that blues are both butchers and gluttons. � ey’re cannibals that will eat their young. � ey will eat anything alive. � ey have stripped the toes of surfers in Florida.” (Blues, by John Hersey).
My � rst signi� cant saltwater � sh was a seven pound blue� sh, taken on a three ounce Atom popper from a beach in Massachusetts about 35 years ago. I’ve loved � shing for blue� sh ever since, and mourn the fact that Florida blues seldom exceed two or three pounds.
When a school of blue� sh is on a tear on bait� sh, even the most casual observer will know something signi� cant is going on. � e water boils and churns like a washing machine as the blues rip into their prey, which desperately tries to escape, usually with little success.
When a � sherman encounters a situation like this, catching as many � sh as desired is as simple as tossing something shiny into the melee. A strong hook and a steel leader are recommended! A hooked � sh will frequently be freed by a companion who strikes and cuts the line as it zips through the water’s surface. Where the � sh run small, a multi-hooked lure
will frequently catch two or three at a time.Hersey’s book claims it takes 50 pounds
of silversides to produce a � ve-pound blue. It takes 500 pounds of plankton to make 50 pounds of silversides. It takes 5000 pounds of microscopic sea plants to make that 500 pounds of zooplankton. Microscopic sea plants indirectly sustain all of us, something for you to consider as you catch those ravenous blues.
According to Wikipedia, blue� sh are migratory marine � sh, found worldwide, in tropic and temperate seas all over the world, except for the eastern shores of the Paci� c. On the western side of the Atlantic, their range is from Argentina to Nova Scotia. � ey are found o� Africa, and in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
When I had been a Florida resident for only a short time, a school of 10 to 12-pound blue� sh trapped a huge mullet school between the jetties at Ponce Inlet. Periodically, the water between the jetties, a distance of at least 250 yards,
would erupt as frantic mullet tried to escape the blues. � e air was full of the angry shouting of hooked-up � shermen, cursing each other as the � sh tangled and broke their lines. Everyone there was constantly hooked up. I anticipated many more days of � shing like that here, but I’ve never seen a spectacle like that one again.
Blue� sh don’t freeze well. When you’re catching � sh a� er � sh, it’s easy to kill way too many. Just take what you can eat for dinner tonight, and gently release the rest. Be sure to bleed the � sh immediately and put it on ice. Due to their oily � esh, they spoil quickly.
Hersey says, “� ere is more to going out there [the sea] shopping for food. Blues are magni� cent animals. I am very much in awe of the blue� sh.” You’re not the only one, brother. You’re not the only one.
John A. Kumiski407.977.5207
BlueFishBy: John Kumiski Pure Video.
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APRIL 2010 STATEWIDE 6COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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Northeast Tide ChartsTide Charts brought to you by these businesses
Fernandina Beach Time Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
APRIL 2010
Mayport/Fernandina Beach Daily Tide Predictions
Jacksonville Beach High Tide -50 minute Low Tide -27 minutes
Palm Valley, ICWW High Tide +2 hours Low Tide +1 hour; 49 minutes Vilano Beach/Tolomato River High Tide -20 minutes Low Tide -5 minutes
St. Augustine, City Dock High Tide -20 minutes Low Tide +1 minute
St. Augustine Beach High Tide -51 minutes Low Tide -32 minutes
Matanzas Inlet High Tide +3 minutes Low Tide +49 minutes
Flagler Beach High Tide +4 hours; 33 minutes Low Tide +5 hours
Ormond Beach/Halifax River High Tide +3 hours; 17 minutes Low Tide +4 hours; 31 minutes
1TH 5:01 AM -0.6 11:20 AM 6.6 5:06 PM -0.5 11:50 PM 7.42F 5:49 AM -0.2 12:07 PM 6.3 5:51 PM -0.13SA 12:38 AM 7.0 6:39 AM 0.3 12:53 PM 5.9 6:39 PM 0.44SU 1:25 AM 6.6 7:32 AM 0.7 1:40 PM 5.6 7:32 PM 0.85M 2:14 AM 6.2 8:27 AM 1.0 2:29 PM 5.4 8:29 PM 1.26TU 3:07 AM 5.9 9:24 AM 1.2 3:23 PM 5.3 9:30 PM 1.37W 4:03 AM 5.7 10:18 AM 1.2 4:21 PM 5.3 10:30 PM 1.48TH 5:00 AM 5.7 11:09 AM 1.1 5:20 PM 5.5 11:26 PM 1.39F 5:55 AM 5.7 11:56 AM 1.0 6:14 PM 5.810SA 12:19 AM 1.1 6:44 AM 5.9 12:41 PM 0.8 7:04 PM 6.1
11SU 1:08 AM 0.9 7:30 AM 6.0 1:23 PM 0.6 7:49 PM 6.512M 1:54 AM 0.7 8:13 AM 6.1 2:04 PM 0.4 8:31 PM 6.713TU 2:36 AM 0.5 8:54 AM 6.1 2:42 PM 0.2 9:11 PM 6.914W 3:16 AM 0.4 9:34 AM 6.1 3:19 PM 0.1 9:50 PM 7.015TH 3:55 AM 0.3 10:13 AM 6.1 3:56 PM 0.1 10:29 PM 7.116F 4:34 AM 0.3 10:53 AM 6.0 4:34 PM 0.1 11:10 PM 7.117SA 5:15 AM 0.4 11:34 AM 5.9 5:14 PM 0.2 11:54 PM 7.018SU 5:59 AM 0.5 12:18 PM 5.8 6:00 PM 0.319M 12:41 AM 6.9 6:49 AM 0.6 1:06 PM 5.8 6:53 PM 0.420TU 1:33 AM 6.8 7:45 AM 0.7 2:00 PM 5.8 7:55 PM 0.5
21W 2:30 AM 6.7 8:47 AM 0.7 3:01 PM 5.9 9:03 PM 0.622TH 3:33 AM 6.6 9:48 AM 0.5 4:08 PM 6.1 10:11 PM 0.523F 4:39 AM 6.6 10:48 AM 0.3 5:17 PM 6.4 11:17 PM 0.324SA 5:44 AM 6.7 11:44 AM 0.0 6:20 PM 6.925SU 12:19 AM 0.1 6:44 AM 6.7 12:39 PM -0.2 7:19 PM 7.326M 1:19 AM -0.1 7:39 AM 6.8 1:32 PM -0.4 8:12 PM 7.727TU 2:14 AM -0.3 8:31 AM 6.8 2:22 PM -0.5 9:03 PM 7.828W 3:06 AM -0.4 9:21 AM 6.7 3:10 PM -0.5 9:52 PM 7.829TH 3:55 AM -0.3 10:09 AM 6.6 3:55 PM -0.3 10:40 PM 7.730F 4:41 AM -0.1 10:56 AM 6.3 4:40 PM 0.0 11:26 PM 7.4
Approx Times of Correction Tables
´= Best Times to Fish
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F ish Ident i f icat ion GuideF ish Ident i f icat ion GuideF ish Ident i f icat ion GuideWhat Did I
just Catch?What Did I
just Catch?
GREATER AMBERJACK Min. 28 in. measured to fork1 per person per day
BLACK DRUM Min. 14 in., Max 24 in.5 per person per dayMay posess 1 over 24 in.
BLUEFISHMin. 12 in measured to fork10 per person per day
COBIAMin. 33 in. measured to forklesser of 1 per person or 6 per vessel per day
DOLPHIN10 per person per day20 in. minimumNo more than 60 per vessel
FLOUNDERMin. 12 in.10 per person per day
KING MACKERELMin. 24 in. measured to fork2 per person per day
SPANISH MACKERELMin. 12 in. measured to fork15 per person per day
FLORIDA POMPANOMin. 11 in. Max 20 in.6 per person per day
RED DRUMMin. 18 in. Max 27in.1 per person per day
SEA BASS (BLACK)Min. 12 in15 per person per day
SHEEPSHEADMin 12. in15 per person per day
SNOOKMin 28 in. Max 32 in. 1 per person per day. Stamp required. Check for local regs & closures.
SPOTTED SEA TROUTMin 15 in. Max 20 in,5 per person per day Check for local regs & closures.
TARPON2 Fish LimitTarpon Tag Required
TRIPLETAILMin. 15 in. 2 per person per day
WAHOO2 Per person per day
WEAKFISHMin. 12 in.4 per person per day
GAG GROUPERMin. 24 in.1 Per person per day
BLACK GROUPERMin. 24 in.1 per person per day
WARSAW GROUPER1 per vessel per day included in aggregate
RED SNAPPERMin. 20 in. Check for local regs & closures.
CUBERA SNAPPERMin. 12 in.Check for local regs & closures.
BLUEGILL AND PANFISH50 per person per day
BLACK CRAPPIEor Speckled Perch25 per person per day
April 2010 4 northeAst floridACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINEApril 2010 4 NORTHEAST FLORIDACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Saturday Morning from 7-10am on
www.outdoorsshow.com
North Florida’s premier hunting and fishing live talk show!
Preparing Your Boat For SpringQuestion: What do I need to do to prepare my boat for it’s � rst use of the year?
It’s a typical Florida Saturday Spring morning. You wake the family, pack a lunch, hookup the boat, and head to the ramp ready for a great day on the water. A� er arriving at the ramp you realize the boat won’t start. Other boaters are frustrated and the family starts to complain as you scramble to � gure out why.
A little time and money can go a long way to ensuring your boat is ready when you are ready to go. Before leaving for the ramp here are a few things to check. First, check your battery to ensure it is fully charged. Next, check all � uid levels, water pump, bilge pumps, fuel system, electrical system, electronics, all safety equipment such as life jackets, lights (don’t forget your trailer lights), boat and trailer registration, boat numbers, and trailer tires are properly in� ated. If you regularly use your boat, consider having your engines periodic service work performed prior to the � rst use. � is will include most of the items listed above along with those speci� c to your engine.If you don’t know how to perform these time-saving and safety related tasks, you can have your local mechanic perform the service. � ese services may be performed for as little as $85, and increase depending upon boat size, number of engines, and engine size and type. If you don’t have a mechanic, ask your friends for a referral. If your boat is stored at a marina, ask a member of the marina sta� or other boaters for a reommenda-tion. � e money, aggravation, and time you save in the long run will make your boating experience more enjoyable for yourself and those boating with you. Finally, make sure you have installed the drain plug prior to launch. Forgetting this step will ensure a very
we’ll see you on the water!
For more information, please contact Shann Brewington, Soundwave Marine Electronics 904-223-4183. Email your questions to: [email protected]
northeAst floridA 5 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINENORTHEAST FLORIDA 5 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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April 2010 6 northeAst floridACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINEApril 2010 6 NORTHEAST FLORIDACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Spinning In �e GrassBy Capt. David Borries
For years red�sh anglers have known that spinnerbaits are great for catching reds.
early spring fast approaching, April can be a great month for spinner baits in northeast Florida. In early spring, Reds like to cruise along the grassy edges in the high water mud �ats looking for bait. �is is a great opportunity to catch that �rst red on a spinnerbait. It is no big secret in northeast Florida, if you want to catch reds in the cooler months, one of the best places to do so is the shallow mud �ats. �ese mud �ats usually have grassy shorelines that make great cover for bait. As the reds move on to these mud �ats seeking warmer water, they will hunt for food along the grassy shorelines. �is is the ideal place to throw spinnerbaits. Spinnersbaits are ideal for working these grassy shorelines. �ey have lots of �ash, they put out good vibrations and they are virtually weedless. But not all spinners are created equal. When you use the term “spinnerbaits” you are referring to lures that employ a spinning blade attached to a wire form. �ey come in many shapes, forms, and sizes. �e most common types are the ones you see bass �shermen use, this is a single or double spinner blade that revolves above a dressed hook on a V- wire con�guration, like the Beetle Spin. Another type of spinner baits are the in-line spinners, these have a spinning blade on a straight wire with the hook behind the blade like the Rooster Tail. And last is the buzzbait, these are spinnerbaits with a large modi�ed blade that keeps the lure on the surface, the blade chops up the water making a gurgling sound that isirresistable to �sh. �e spinnerbait that I like to use in the colder months is the Vwire type. �ey can be worked much slower, staying in the strike-zone much longer-just what you need for �sh that tend to be lethargic. One of my favorite is the “Red�sh Magic” by Strike King. �is spinnerbait employs my two favorite lures, the gold spoon and the pattle-tail jig. When working the shallow mud �ats there are a few things to keep in mind . Look for high tides that occur around noon, when the sun has time to warm up the �at. Start �shing just before high tide and just a�er. Look for some form of life, be it bait �sh, sting-rays, or birds. If you don’t see life, it might mean the �at is too cold, more than likely the
reds will not be there. Also remember, reds are very spooky in clear water, so stay as far away from the grassy shoreline as you can and cast just in to the grass. At high tide red�sh tend to spread out more, so when �shing the grass try to cover as much ground as you can. If you miss a �sh don’t spend too much time trying to get that �sh to hit again, more than likely that �sh will be too spooked, keep moving and look for another �sh. Remember, in northeast Florida the tides are the strongest in the state, so your window of opportunity is much smaller. You might only have a couple of hours to �sh on the �at, so make the best of it. Some of my favorite mud �ats to �sh in Jacksonville are just o� the I.C.W. in Pablo Creek. Some of the best �ats are between Butler Blvd. and Beach Blvd. If you are looking for good �ats to �sh by using a chart or aerial photo look for ox-bows that spin o� of themain channel of a creek or river. Over the years I have found that the bigger reds tend to stay close to deeper water, so keep that in mind. If you are one of the many who have never caught a red on a spinner bait, you are missing out on some great fun. Reds will hit a spinner bait.
If you would like to book a trip and �sh with spinnerbaits give David Borries a call at (904) 708-8915 and check out his web-site atwww.backwater�shingadventures.com
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April 2010 8 northeAst floridACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINEApril 2010 8 NORTHEAST FLORIDACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Who knew when we started the Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic that it would grow to be the world’s largest kayak � shing tournament. What started as just an idea for a recently formed website in 2004, the Classic has evolved into not only the largest kayak � shing tournament in the world, but one of the largest annual inshore � shing tournaments in the state of Florida, a considerable achievement for a bunch of “paddle jockeys”.
Well over 300 anglers have already signed up to vie for over $80,000 in prizes and gi� s at the May 7-8 event and the Classic is on track again for another world’s largest turnout of 400-500 anglers. � is year they are coming from all over the US, not just Florida and the Southeast with a large contingent coming from Texas, many from the Midwest, and even a few traveling from England and Canada.
If you are a diehard wannabe “elite professional kayak angler” the Classic is not the tournament for you. � e Classic’s allure is the fun, recreational, conservation-oriented format and the focus on the bene� t charities which include the Down Syndrome
Columbia Sportswear is the returning title sponsor and is featuring their new Blood and Guts Superlight � shing shirt technology for those purchasing VIP entries.
Anglers win just by entering the Classic. Your entry fee ($60 for regular and $110 for VIP) gets you a rock solid captain’s bag full of goodies from DOA, Fishbites, Slayer Jigs, Calcutta, Tsunami, Mirrolure, RodWraps, Costa Del Mar and others, a tournament tshirt,
measuring stick, ra� e tickets, and food at the captain’s meeting on Friday and the awards banquet on Saturday. And the ladies get special attention at the Classic – every lady angler also gets a special pink bella cut tournament tshirt and a pink Fish Grip from Norton Brass Rattler.
� e Classic targets Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, and Flounder in a catch-photo-release format. Trophies, kayaks, � shing gear and gi� certi� cates will be awarded for � rst place through � � h place � nishers in four open divisions including the Red� sh-Trout-Flounder slam, biggest Red� sh, biggest Trout, and biggest Flounder. � ere are also contingency prizes and awards for Jr. Angler, Lady Angler, Sr. Angler, Fly Angler, a Mystery Fish prize, a ra� e for the Best Dang Tackle Box, and ra� es that include more than $20,000 worth of kayaks, equipment, and tackle.
Registration is open up until the captain’s meeting and you can get in the fun by visiting www.JacksonvilleKayakFishingClassic.com for more information or to register online.
By Mike Kogan
northeAst floridA 9 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINENORTHEAST FLORIDA 9 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
TM
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Save the RodmanBy Ed Taylor
Save Rodman Reservoir, Inc. was formed in 1995 and its purpose is to save Rodman from destruction. In 1995 the reservoir was very close to becoming history. � ere was only one reason it was that close, and that was, our Legislators had heard only one side of the story. And that side was being pumped into them from the environmental groups. I started our move by traveling to Tallahassee to tell them there was another side to this story. At � rst I had a hard time breaking into their train of thought, but, slow but sure, I gained their attention. � ere were thousands of pages written in various studies that the environmentalists was always so eager to relay to the Legislators, but, I soon found out they were not telling the whole story. So I made it a point to try and always speak a� er them. And this was the turning point, as I would listen to what was being quoted to them from these studies. I would point out to the Legislators that it was true what they quoted to you, but, they only told you what was in the � rst half of that paragraph, I am here to quote to you what the rest of the paragraph said which in itself created such a controversy that we are still living with that today. At the point that I started contradicting the Environmentalists and could always prove what I said this � ght was turning in our favor. � is � ght is going on to this day and is not over by any means. I do not have much space to relay to the readers of this magazine, as I could write a book on the subject. With this being said we always need new members and this is what you can do. Contact my o� ce at 386-326-1112 and leave your name and phone number and I will call you and send you an application to join. It only costs $20 per year and you will be put on the mailing list to receive our bi-monthly newsletter and this will keep you up to date on what is happening.
We have our annual Save Rodman Bass Tournament coming up on April 17th at Kenwood Landing on Rodman. � is is our main fund raiser each year to keep our o� ce open. If you don’t want to � sh the tournament you can come out to the weigh-in festivities starting at 3PM. We will have a ra� e with some great prizes and some of the best Bar B Q you have ever eat.
Spring
Line
Coming
Soon!
Spring
Line
Coming
Soon!
TM
ABOVE: Please help...don’t let this be Rodman Resevoir’s last Sunset
CurrentProductions.US has your Spring Schedule starting April 16, 17 and 18.
The Jacksonville International Boat Show
Register for either tournament at the Boat Show or online at CurrentProductions.US
April 2010 10 northeAst floridACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINEApril 2010 10 NORTHEAST FLORIDACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
April is the o� cial month for big Trout on topwater’s or divers. As the water warms and the bait returns to North Fla. the big trout are with them along with Jacks, lady� sh, and Spanish Mackerel. Any of your favorite Topwater plugs will work with a walk the dog action will produce a Gator Trout (Gator- 5lb trout or bigger) Our Region has a limit of 5 betwen 15”-
these breeding stock � sh. Look for moving water with bait & structure like a grass point, rock pile, bulkhead with current � owing around it forming a “rip” and you will have a potential hotspot. Cast well ahead of your target and bring your lure back with the current & though the strike zone. Float rigs will take their fare share as well. A well placed shrimp along tthe same type of areas can have big paybacks. Red� sh will be lurking in the same areas, as well as the backcountry shallows. Although the schools tend to be broken up a� er winter, there will be plenty of singles, and small groups. Shrimp, crab, mullet, and mud minnows on a TBS Jig will work great. Look for them at creek out� ows at the last of the outgoing tide. Look for the bait and work your lures with the current. Red� sh will hit everything from a topwater to the smallest of jigs. Work on casting accuratly and work the lure correctly for top results. An equalizer � oat and a shrimp with a jerk and pause retrieve along grass lines will produce well. Jacks, lady� sh, Blue� sh & Spanish will be scattered throughout the Jetty, Intercoastal waterways and the Northern parts of the St. Johns. A trolled 00 Clarkspoon will be a ticket for the Spanish as well as the jacks, ladies & blues. Big drum will be in holes in the creeks. � e jetties will produce some big ones as well. Soaked crab or clam on a � sh� nder rig is a sure bet.
Capt. Tony Bozzella / TBS JIGSProfessional Angler / Guide
www.tonybozzella.comwww.tbsjigs.com (904) 651-0182.
I am dreaming of the warm mornings already, with the very � at ocean no breeze scenario. Come on folks , you know the Zane Grey days where you bring that 250 horse Yamaha up on plane coming out of the Jetties and man its b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. � e Mayport Rocks should be coming up to full steam this month with piles of action. � e big spawning sheepshead will be pushing onto the jetties to lay a few eggs and they should be willing to take shrimp, � ddler crabs, and cut blue crab with a vengence. Work the bottom of the low tide to slack water to the � rst hour or two of the incoming for the most success.I like a 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz sure catch jig for starters but if they are being tempermental try a small #6 short shank hook on a 30lb � ourcarbon and just attach two small split shot about 4inches above the hook. Watch your line as you pitch into the rocks and when you see it starting to move set the hook. Its a little trick I learned trying to catch freshwater bass in a clear lake as a kid. Red� sh will also start to bunch up in bigger schools and will begin to get real � esty. A ggod trick to remember this time of the year is when the � nger mullet and the pogies are moving down the beach or by the rocks try catching a few with the cast net. Attach these bad boys to a 1oz jig and pitch them around the rocks on the same tide. Red� sh will kill to get these baits given the right aligning of the moon and stars. I prefer a Penn 460 Slammer spinig reel with 12 to 15 lb test mono and a 7 � med action rod for this. Trout will also begin to show more and look for spanish mackeral, jacks, blue� sh and even a cobia to show at the inlet.Another big story is the bait pod scenario. � e other big story of the month will be the giant black drum. � ey will begin to move into spawn and can be caught on the falling tides . I like to use my tarpon rods for these big monsters and prefer a 1/4 to 1/2 half of a blue crab for bait. For a rig just use a typical o� shore rig for this and it will work � ne. Just remember thes � sh are our female breeders so I would urge you to take a picture and release them back unharmed.
Capt Kirk Waltz can be reached at 904-241-7560 or 904-626-1128,
Enterprise� shingcharters.com, Outdoorsshow.com, or can be heard each
Saturday from 7am to 10am on the Outdoors Show on 1010am spinning
stories and giving out intel with Capt. Kevin Faver and Je� Lageman
Well, as I sit down to write this forecast, I think , MAN!, it’s been a long brisk (cold) winter season. � e speckled perch have been hit or miss, but miss has been the operative word. But never fear if “normal” temps start to occur then these tasty beauties will start stacking up like cordwood. � e slab daddies , Zoom speck, Stren plastic and road runners have
tops, depending on your location. Also minnows have been a usable method. A #1 or 2 hook, e.g., Mr. Crappie hooks and the bomb, a split shot and a � oat. Dri� ed or dipped, both methods and lures should at least keep you from going home with empty well syndrome. Cat� sh has been the best it’s been in years and centuries. Creeks using night crawlers is a good bet. Pier � shermen are using crawlers, shrimp (frozen bait type) or frozen � nger mullet. A great cut bait. Just remember to bring your net. Cause some of these � sh are full grown. Stripers have been hammering topless crank baits, slow-trolled minnow imitation lures and shiners. Places with the most consistent reports the Buckman, the mouth of Doctor’s Inlet and up Black Creek. Remember Black Creek could start to get heavy tra� c, some unwanted, with a turn for the better in the weather. Bream � shing has been slow but hopefully the weather will turn “normal” and then these little � shes should start to bite like there’s no tomorrow. Bait that usually produces are grunt worms, crickets and wigglers. All of the baits along with say a few beetle spins and you should enjoy a worthwhile outing. Now, last on the roster, is bass. � ey’ll start cruising and eating more as we approach the prespawn. A bait that has taken over as a great to the best location bait around is the “Sebile So� Plastic Swim Bait.” I got report a� er report as to the catches on this bait. It’s easy to use in a variety of methods. “On the package” and I can honestly say, it’s proven okay by me. So take it for what it’s worth and give it a try. Now if you elect not to use this, then shiners work very well and will help you locate � sh. � e coves, canals and mouths of creek are the areas that seem to produce � sh. Well, got to go. ‘Til next time, Keep your line wet and your lure movin’.
Richard Hamilton is the owner of R & J Tackle 501 S Orange Ave,
Green Cove Springs 904.284.5081
It is rather di� cult this year to make a forecast with the weather being so unusual I hope that by the time this forecast makes it to press our weather has settled into a more typical pattern. If that happens Specks should be bedding by the time this makes it to press. Places like Dunn’s Creek and Trout Creek should be excellent bets. Work 5-8 feet depths around Lilly pads all the way up to the banks. Floats on a sliding rigs with minnows on small jig heads will do the trick. Great catches are also being reported in Dead Lake during March. Speaking of pan� sh, the Brim bite should be doing well on crickets during the warmer weather. Mike Darby at
Strippers have been doing great around pilings in the 16 to 20 foot depths on shiners however as the water turns warmer they will move to swi� er water around dams and other faster moving locations. Cat� sh will be another excellent target, as well as accidental catches when going a� er Bass with live bait along drops to deeper water. Ben Pickett at Bald Eagle Bait and Tackle in
began moving into shallower water around trees in the middle of March. During April they should be well into the spawn. Bass will not be far behind in � nding their spawning beds. Don’t forget the Wednesday Tournaments leaving the ramp at Little Lake Santa Fe at 6:00PM. Entry fees are only $30.00 per boat, check with Ben or Joey Tyson at 352-473-6060 for more info. On the tournament trail we have the Bass Federation 3rd quali� er in Palatka April 16, 17, & 18 from the City Docks for information call 888-629-BASS. Florida Division 6 of the Bassmaster Weekend Series on the St. Johns River will also run from the Palatka City Docks on April 24th. For more info call 888-203-6222.
Truett began his radio carrer in the Florida keys and is now the host of “Catch of the Day” heard Monday through Friday on 1240 AM
in St. Augustine. He is a member of the Florida Outdoor Writesr Association and announces
both the Kingbuster 400 and King� sh Challenge Tournaments
ORTEGA-NASSAU SOUNDBy: Capt Tony Bozzella
MAYPORT-JACKSONVILLE By: Capt Kirk Waltz
PUTNAM COUNTYFRESH WATERBy: Truett Yarbrough
GREEN COVESPRINGS
By: Richarcd Hamilton
ABOVE: Brian Hilligus with a nice stringer of Dunns Creek Crappie
northeAst floridA 11 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINENORTHEAST FLORIDA 11 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
It’s time to dust o� your top-water lures this month… � e water temp will be on the rise and so will the � sh’s appetite. “Walk the dog” style plugs as well as poppers will get both trout and red� sh’s attention this month. Remember to let the � sh get a good hold of the plug before setting the hook when using top-waters. A premature hook set will send the plug � ying right back at the boat and you’ll lose your chance for the � sh to strike again. If the � sh are short striking switch to a sub-surface plug like a Sebile � oating Stick Shadd. Look for the bait (mullet) to increase in numbers this month. Find a good concentration of � nger mullet the reds will be in the same area. Darker mud and oyster bottom will warm up quicker on sunny days. Finger mullet, and in turn red� sh, trout, � ounder, etc., will be looking for those areas to warm up and feed. I like to toss a Fishbites Xtreme jerkbait on a Slayer Inc. Jighead around the bars this time of year. It does a great job of looking like an injured bait� sh and the scent allows you to just “dead stick” the bait when the � sh aren’t willing to chase anything. Flounder catches should be on the increase this month. A mud minnow on a ¼ or 3/8oz Slayer Inc. jighead will be the go-to setup. Just remember to let him eat for a good while before setting the hook. Tight Lines!
Capt. Tommy Derringer is a full time professional guide and tournament angler.
He can be reached at www.inshoreadventures.net or
(904) 377-3734.
ST AUGUSTINEINSHORE
By: Capt. Tommy Derringer
Wind, wind and more wind. � at pretty well describes the o� shore scene of late. � e few times weather cooperated, the � sh did likewise. � e Black Fin Tuna bite has been good with double-digit numbers on days we’ve been able to � sh. Most of the bites have been on Sea Witch Ballyhoo combinations and blue/white cedar plugs. Water temperatures were 70 -72 degrees on the edge of the shelf and the Tunas were feeding on Flying Fish. � e Wahoo bite was hit or miss but there were some nice � sh caught and we did manage a couple nice Mahi Mahi as well. � e preferred depth was 160-300 feet. I look for the � shing to continue to get better with March being the BEST month for Wahoo. On the bottom � shing scene, your choices are limited due to the current Snapper and Grouper closures. Amber Jacks continue to take live baits on the deeper wrecks and ledges with a few Cobia joining the mix. Gray Trigger� sh and Red Porgy action has been good on cut Squid in 21 to 23 fathoms…just try to avoid the spots that are holding Red and Vermilion Snapper. Unlike other species, Porgy’s and Trigger� sh will inhabit live bottom areas with very little relief or structure so it is possible to target them. I encourage anyone concerned about the way our � sheries are being managed to stay involved by contacting their Representatives in Congress and the Senate. Let them know the impact these decisions are having on local businesses and the economy as a whole. Of particular concern is Amendment 17A, the closure to ALL bottom � shing from 81 degrees or approximately 12 miles o� shore eastward to 700 feet from Charleston to Cape Canaveral. � e possession of any � sh in the reef � sh complex (bottom � sh) would be prohibited inside the closed area. � e NMFC council says this closure is necessary to keep anglers from accidentally catching and discarding Red Snapper. � is closure would end bottom � shing as we know it. Very few species would be available for most of the year other than Black Sea Bass. Please take time to write, e-mail or call. Let your voice be heard. You can make a di� erence. United We Fish!
Capt. Robert Johnson Jodie Lynn Charters
Owner/Operator for 29 years St. Augustine, FL (904) 540-2628 or
www.jodielynncharters.com jl� [email protected]
Tie on your favorite topwater plug and get to casting, gator trout will be lurking around the bait pods along the ICW. First light and an outgoing tide and add schools of mullet are the formula for a successful morning outing for trout. Working topwater and sinking plugs like a Sebile stick shad parallel to dropo� s and around creek mouths will guarantee success! Don’t over look deeper creek holes as “Gator Trout” can be taking residence. Red� sh will also be patrolling the shell banks of the ICW working the bait pods during low tides. Shallow � ats that are holding mullet will have red� sh shadowing mullet pods looking to eat all the shrimp and crabs the mullet kick up. A Fish Bites Extreme watermelon red � ake color jerkbait on a Slayer 4/0 Penetrator 3/16oz. hook is great search bait for � ats � shing. Oyster bed hopping and casting to spartina grass edges will also produce strikes as long as the mullet are around. If red� sh are busting mullet switch to mullet imitators like my new favorite lure the Sebile stick shad in hollow mullet. Live bait � sherman should soak live mullet or shrimp around oyster bars on high tide using Daiichi 1/0-3/0 circle hooks. Flounder should be chewing steady in the � ats, creeks and inlet on outgoing tide being my favorite. Live � nger mullet with a few small split shots or using a Fish Bite Extreme Paddle tail slowly bounced across the bottom will produce � atties. Jig � sherman will target deeper dropo� s with mud minnows or � nger mullet. Doormats around the inlets will fall for 5-7 inch mullet on a � sh � nder rig. I prefer to use Daiichi D18Z J-hooks as I miss a lot of � ounder on circle hooks. Big Blue � sh should continue to chew around Matanzas Inlet, they will bite just about any lure that resembles a mullet, � rst light is best for numbers. Lady� sh will be stacking up outgoing tides busting bait� sh in the bigger creeks that will keep the kids occupied. Light jigs and paddle tails or live shrimp will get slammed by lady � sh on every cast once you � nd them.
Capt Chris Herrera386-437-2545
www.PalmCoastFishing.com
As I keep saying this year, “if the weather gets in to a normal pattern we will see”. It is beginning to look like we’ve � nally gotten there. Whiting have shown up everywhere as we moved further into March and their size has improved as well. Not only have pier and surf � sherman from Flagler Beach to Jax Beach found more and more whiting by mid March Whiting were showing up all around Salt Run, Guana, and the St. Augustine city front. Our mullet run will begin this month and with it will come large Blue� sh, some in the 15 to 20 pound range, will begin their march North doing their best to tear up tackle and destroy every bait pod in front of them as they go. � ey can be a lot of fun but do use wire leaders when the larger Blues are around, their teeth make quick work on other leader material. Later this month we will see Spanish Mackerel followed closely by King� sh. Later during April we will see Pompano begin to appear and � ounder will be showing up more. Keep an eye out for rays later this month and into May keep in mind that with them come the Cobia. One of the most popular rigs when � shing our North East Florida Piers is the Fish Finder Rig. Every bait shop will have an assortment of these rigs with beads choices in several colors. Rigs in the 20 pound range are a good bet. Rig with a number 2 or 4 bait holder hook and fresh dead shrimp and you’re ready. You can make you own rig with 16 to 20 pound mono line by sliding a 2 or 3 ounce egg sinker on to the standing line, the line attached to your reel, with a glass or brass bead below the sinker and attach a barrel swivel. Now take a 2 to 3 foot section of line attach one end to your barrel swivel, and tie your number 2 or 4 bait holder hook to the other end. A clinch knot works great here. � ere are several variations to this rig, the main idea is the sinker lies on the bottom allowing the line to move through it as a � sh begins to take your bait without the � sh feeling resistance. Fresh water � shermen use a similar rig for night crawlers and plastic worms and call it a Carolina rig.
Truett began his radio carrer in the Florida keys and is now the host of “Catch of the Day” heard Monday through Friday on 1240 AM
in St. Augustine. He is a member of the Florida Outdoor Writesr Association and announces
both the Kingbuster 400 and King� sh Challenge Tournaments
ST AUGUSTINEOFFSHORE
By: Capt. Robert Johnson
PALM COAST/FLAGLERINSHORE
By: Capt. Chris Herrera
N.E. FLORIDA PIER& SURF
By: Truett Yarbrough
ABOVE: Ken, John, and Dan with three nice red� sh from a recent charter with Capt. Tommy Derringer
April 2010 12 northeAst floridACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINEApril 2010 12 NORTHEAST FLORIDACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Recently NEFMA held the 2nd tournament of the year for the "Tournament Series Championship". �e TSC is a year long event of up to 12 tournaments club members participate in. Each tournament is di�erent, some are open, some are for wahoo only or dolphin only, etc. �e second tournament was a Wahoo Aggregate that allowed your two largest wahoo to be weighed. Capt Charles Eriksen on the PEZ VELA took �rst place with a 2 �sh weight of 130 lbs. �at included a 79.5 lb �sh. Capt Tim Martin on
was the 3rd place boat with a 38 lb wahoo. A point to make is that outboard boats are competing in the club now with the 2nd and 3rd place boats being outboard boats. �e standings for the Tournament Series Championship for 2010 a�er 2 tournaments is:
1st Place PEZ VELA 500 pts2nd Place LIT UP 250 pts
4th Place DOSA MARIA 200 pts
Northeast Florida Marlin AssociationClub Report
For more information about the Northeast Florida Marlin Association,
its events and/or membership, go to www.nefma.com
Bass have been coming onto beds in the warmer spring areas of Lake George on the St John’s River for a few weeks now. Many anglers have caught nice �sh in the 8 to 10 pound range along with good numbers of smaller �sh. Big females arriving on beds seemed to peak last week (wo 2/22) a�er
several nice sunny days. I �shed one spot outside Silver Glen springs and caught 10#, 6.5# and 6 others from one spot without moving the boat. Similar results were experienced in the Salt Run and spring area. Catches are usually on some type of plastic craws, lizards, worm, etc. Now with the sudden change in weather, the �sh have largely backed o�. Fishing Saturday, Monday and Tuesday this week I see some bucks on beds and some big females cruising but not many on beds. A few warm days can change the pattern once again and we will be back to fabulous Florida bass �shing. Good Fishing!
Dick DeWiggins
Dick DeWiggins is an avid freshwater angler and enthusiast. If you would like to
contact Dick, please e-mail him at:[email protected]
BEDDING BASS REPORT By: Dick WeWiggins
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April 2010 14 northeAst floridACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINEApril 2010 14 NORTHEAST FLORIDACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
BOAT AND KAYAK RENTALSINSHORE AND OFFSHORE BAIT AND TACKLEINSHORE AND OFFSHORE BAIT AND TACKLE
Located on A1A in the Camachee Cove Marina.107 Yacht Club Drive, St. Augustine, Florida 32084107 Yacht Club Drive, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Poached Wild Striped Bass with Ginger Broth
Adapted from One Spice, Two Spice by Floyd Cardoz
6 cups reduced sodium chicken broth6 plum tomatoes, quartered2 Tbsp canola oil2 TSTE Whole Cloves¼ tsp TSTE Celery Seed¼ tsp TSTE Whole Cumin Seed3 garlic cloves, sliced1 cup quartered and thinly sliced white onion
1 Tbsp seeded and thinly sliced mild to moderate hot green chile¼ tsp TSTE TurmericSix 6 oz. pieces wild striped bass � llet with skin, 1 ½ to 2 in. thick¾ tsp TSTE Ground GingerTSTE Sea SaltFreshly Ground TSTE PeppercornsSix 3-inch cilantro stems with roots
Bring the stock and tomatoes to a boil in an ovenproof 3 or 4 quart pot. Simmer over moderately high heat until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Strain through a � ne-mesh sieve into a bowl and discard solids.
Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
cumin seeds. Cook and stir for 1 minute, then add garlic, stir and cook another minute. Add the onion and cook until transparent, about 2 minutes. Add chile and turmeric, cook 1 minute, then add reduced stock. Simmer for � ve minutes and season to taste with salt.
Generously season � sh with sea salt and let stand � ve minutes.
Stir the ginger, cilantro stems with roots, and pepper to taste into the broth and add the � sh. Cover the pot and place in the middle of the oven until � sh is just cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve in soup plates or bowls garnished with sea salt and cilantro.
Downtown St. Augustine904-826-3770
northeAst floridA 15 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINENORTHEAST FLORIDA 15 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Serving Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner DailyPatio Dining
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April 2010 16 northeAst floridACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINEApril 2010 16 NORTHEAST FLORIDACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
As the days grow longer and the Red Fish tail in the backwaters and shallows of North East Florida, one local company is beginning its journey into the marketplace. Created in 2007 by Gavin Snoek of St. Augustine, the JB Fisher Company was born out of a love for all things outdoors and named in honor of his brother-in-law, Jordan Brent Angyalfy, 22, who died in a diving accident while spear � shing o� the coast of St. Augustine in 2008.
JB Fisher Co, is based in St. Augustine and has seen sales of their � shing, diving, and hunting decals and apparel, grow steadily over the past 6 months. Snoek and his business partner, Joseph Gresser of Jacksonville, are both avid outdoorsmen and alumni of Flagler College.
“We have seen quite an interest in our products, especially the line of � shing, diving and hunting decals, since we launched our website in 2009,” says Gresser. “It is a very exciting time for us right now,” adds Snoek as the two recall the � rst time they saw one of their decals on a vehicle. “It was very cool!” says Gresser. “We were both trying to � gure out who’s truck it was, until then we had only seen the decals on our friends vehicles.”
Retailers have also been quick to respond as the JB Fisher brand of decals are beginning to pop up in store fronts across the state. Additionally, West Marine, the largest marine retailer in the world, has introduced the JB Fisher brand to stores in North East Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
� e future seems bright for JB Fisher Company whose passion for the outdoors is evident in every original design. As for Snoek and Gresser, the two seem as excited about the hard work that goes into each product as they are about the eventual success will come from their e� orts.
“Admittedly, we have a long way to go but the response has been wonderful and we are looking forward to expanding our brand with new products for those who are as passionate about the out doors as we are.” says Gresser. Snoek adds, “We have seen the brand grow from a concept on paper into a reality. It has been, and continues to be, quite an adventure!”
Additional information about JB Fisher Company products and dealer information may be obtained online at www.jb� sherco.com.
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northeAst floridA 17 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINENORTHEAST FLORIDA 17 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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I recently went to a political environmental meeting in Putnam County. � e environmentalists want to get rid of Rodman Lake and Dam. � ey invited Putnam County Commissioner Ed Taylor who is President of SAVE THE RODMAN RESERVOIR.
Dam would increase the � sh population in the river. � at is junk science. Rodman Reservoir is one of the 10 best lakes to � sh in the United States for black bass. Rodman’s black crappie population will rival any lake in the State of Florida. Rodman supports over 150 bird species and better � shing than the Oklawaha River and many natural lakes. Rodman Reservoir holds the key to future water supply in Putnam County. Fishermen, hunters and
man and is standing up for our rights in Putnam County. We should all stand behind him with our support and keep this man in o� ce. I want to thank you personally, Mr. Taylor, and I will see you at the 14th annual Save the Rodman Reservoir Bass Tournament on April 17, 2010. Matanzas Jim [email protected]
Matanzas Jim’s Vent
April 2010 18 northeAst floridACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINEApril 2010 18 NORTHEAST FLORIDACOASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Open for Breakfast, Lunch& Dinner 7 Days a Week
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A guy rings his boss and says “I can’t come to work today.”� e boss asks why and the guy says “It’s my eyes.”
“What’s wrong with your eyes?” asks the boss.“I just can’t see myself coming to work,
so I’m going � shing instead...”
A guy rings his boss and says “I can’t come to work today.”
Laugh Your Bass Off...Laugh Your Bass Off...Laugh Your Bass Off...Laugh Your Bass Off...Laugh Your Bass Off...Laugh Your Bass Off...
(Located at the Flagler Beach Pier)
Captain Mike’s ChartersInshore & Offshore Trips
Fishing the area waters ofPalm Coast, Flagler Beach and St. Augustine for over 37 years386.569.9674•[email protected]
Go Fishing With Captain Mike Vickers of
(386) 569-9674 (904) 955-5255
Located 5 minutes from Bings Landing launch ramp!
northeAst floridA 19 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINENORTHEAST FLORIDA 19 April 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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is bigger than he is! � e young man caught the � sh
Send us your Þ sh photo and you might win a $25.00 Gander Mountain gift card. If your photo is chosen for the photo of the month, you win. Email your high resolution photos to Coastal Angler Magazine at [email protected]. Good luck!
Send us your Þ sh photo and you might win a $25.00 Gander Mountain gift card. If your photo is chosen for the photo of the month, Send us your Þ sh photo and you might win a $25.00 Gander Mountain gift card. If your photo is chosen for the photo of the month,
Butch Brinson and a couple of “Slab” crappie (specks) from Dunns Creek in
Putnam County.
Jason Richards with a 22” and an 18” black drum caught south of the JTB Bridge.
� is is Troy Williams and the 39 pound
Susan & Nancy had a ball recently red� shing in St. Augustine. Way to go Gals!
Boris Marutov caught this 46 pound Jack recently in the Gulf of Mexico!
Darryl Johnson with a nice catch from the little jetties. � e � sh were caught with live shrimp.
3 nice Wahoo and a Black� n Tuna caught aboard Jodie Lynn Charters in St. Augustine.
STATEWIDE 7 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
By: Paul CarusoShallow Water Anchoring
It’s just not practical to drop anchor every time you want to stay in position.
Sometimes you just want to stop the boat for a minute, so you can make that perfect cast in to an opening in the mangroves, or lob a bait� sh between the pilings of a dock. In these cases, you can use your trolling motor to slow the boat while you make the perfect cast. � e problem is if you hook a � sh, you’ll need both hands to � ght the � sh, all the while your boat continues to dri� . I can’t tell you how many huge snook I have lost under a dock while trying to operate my trolling motor and � ght a � sh at the same time. So, I solved this problem by installing a Stick It Anchor Pin with the new Brake system on my boat. A� er just a few � shing trips, I can’t imagine my life without it, or at least I don’t want to.
Russ Shmidt and his team at Stick It Anchor Pin have designed the perfect solution for anchoring your boat in shallow water. � e Stick It Anchor Pin is a shallow-water anchoring system for use on boats under 24 feet, including kayaks and canoes. It’s a solid reinforced resin, custom formulated rod with a T-handle on top, and a point on the bottom that you quite simply stick in the bottom to anchor your boat securely. Now until recently, you had to tether the anchor pin to your boat by attaching it to a cleat or tying o� to the poling platform. Russ took his product one step further and created the Brake system, which not only holds the anchor pin in place, but allows you to switch from a storage position to vertical, so you can quickly and quietly engage your Stick It Anchor Pin and spend more time � shing.
You only have to attend a nearby
tournament or visit the testimonial page at www.StickItAnchorPins.com to realize the bene� ts of installing this great product on your boat. If you’ve ever � shed for red� sh in 2 feet of water or less, you know that dropping a galvanized anchor and chain, or even trying to get it out of your locker, will make enough noise to scare away every � sh for miles. Even a trolling motor at certain speeds will emit a sound that will send � sh running for the mangroves. Deploying the Stick It Anchor Pin with or without the Brake system, gives the term silent but deadly a whole new meaning.
Every detail of these units is built with the � sherman in mind and designed to last for many years. One of my favorite features is the trolling speed anchor pin holder that allows you to keep the anchor pin o� the bottom, but in position while you slowly move the boat. So, if you’re working the � ats and you hook a big trout, you just apply pressure to the T-handle and the boat really stays put and allows you to work the productive area without having to make ten dri� s over the spot. I was amazed at the strength of this product. It never came loose even during a rip tide. I put it to the test with the boat still moving in strong currents and it would bend, but it always managed to hold, without any signs of weakness. � e fact that it does bend gives it a huge advantage over cheaper metal anchor pin copies that bend under pressure and drag before they set.
To determine which Stick It Anchor Pin is right for your boat go to
www.StickItAnchorPins.com.
APRIL 2010 STATEWIDE 8COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
• FWC continues to investigate changes in the pompano and African pompano video with public workshops. • Hunters aid in the � ght against non-native snakes: FWC creates a special chance for hunters to capture and remove reptiles of concern from state-managed lands around the Everglades. • FWC O� cer Saves Life: Life-saving FWC o� cer, Benjamin “Bret” Gill, receives State Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association (SLECA) 2009 O� cer of the Year award. Gill is credited with risking his life to save the life of a 28-year-old woman a� er he entered a burning vehicle to pull her to safety. In addition, the o� cer is recognized for making numerous � sh and wildlife, felony warrant and drug possession arrests and assisting in the capture of a suspected murderer. • FWC acts to protect lemon sharks: � e Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a rule to prohibit all recreational and commercial harvest of lemon sharks from Florida waters. � e FWC took this action to protect lemon sharks because they have a high potential to be over-harvested.
Lemon sharks are o� en found near shore in shallow water, especially in Southeast Florida, where they congregate in large numbers each year. � is makes them easy to locate and raises the potential for large numbers of lemon sharks to be removed from the population with minimal e� ort by � shermen.
Lemon sharks also are susceptible to overharvest because of their life history characteristics. � ey are slow-growing, reaching sexual maturity at 12-15 years of age, and have a low reproductive potential, producing 6 to 18 pups per litter every second or third year. Juvenile lemon sharks experience a mortality of 40-60 percent. • FWC proposes weak� sh management changes: � e FWC proposed dra� rule amendments to comply with an interstate � sheries management plan to help rebuild depleted weak� sh stocks along the nation’s Atlantic Ocean coastal waters and to rectify weak� sh-identi� cation issues in Northeast Florida. • FWC proposes more protection for bone� sh: � e FWC proposed dra� rule amendments to provide more protection for bone� sh, a premier saltwater game � sh in Florida.
“Bone� sh are a tremendous Florida resource,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “� ese proposed rules will strengthen our management approach to protect and preserve bone� sh so that anglers can continue to enjoy � shing for this great Florida game � sh.
� e proposed rules would include all species of bone� sh in the FWC’s bone� sh management rules; help ensure that all bone� sh in Florida waters are protected and extend FWC bone� sh regulations into adjacent federal waters; aid enforcement and enhance bone� sh protection; require that bone� sh be landed in whole condition to help o� cers in the � eld identify bone� sh, and aid in enforcement of bag and size limits.
FWCC UpdatesFlorida Wildlife and Conservation Commission Monthly Notes
Dock Fishing Tournamentfor the Kids$10.00 entry fee
9:00am until 12:00pm
All species accepted.
Dockside Inn’s Mother’s DayFishing Tournament
Come join us for a
weekend of fishing,
fun & food
Inshore TournamentSaturday, May 8th
$100 entry fee per boat6:00am until 2:00pm
Trout, Redfish, Snapper,Sheepshead & Tripletail
Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place 100% Cash Payout
(*Cash payout contingent on amount of entries)
Entry fee includes a $12.00 Gift Card for On the Edge Bar and Grill
Offshore TournamentSaturday, May 8th
$150.00 entry fee per boat6:30am until 4:00pmDolphin, Kingfish,
and Wahoo
Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place 100% Cash Payout
(*Cash payout contingent on amount of entries)
Entry fee includes a $12.00 Gift Card for On the Edge Bar and Grill
Call 1-800-286-1745and make your reservations
for a fun-filled family weekend.*You must be a registered guest at the
Dockside Inn to enter.
Dockside Inn & Resort1160 Seaway Drive
South Hutchinson IslandFlorida 34949
STATEWIDE 9 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
TARPON MANIAUtilizing your local tackle shop to � ndthe techniques and the gear to catch a tarponThe utter mystique of hooking and
bringing a giant silver king tarpon (megalops atlanticus) boatside is a lifelong dream of anglers from all around the globe. Tarpon � shing is an exciting experience, no matter what your locality. Tarpon can grow to lengths of more than eight feet and weigh in at more than 280 pounds, making it easy to see why it is one of the most sought a� er game� sh in the world. If you’ve ever had the opportunity of hooking up with a big silver giant, then you know the exhilaration and thrill of testing your skills in a battle of physical power and endurance against these amazing creatures.
Tarpon are generally found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries that are relatively close to shore. Anglers of all types and skill levels can catch them. � ey are regularly caught around saltwater jetties, passes, docks and beaches. Tarpon also have an air bladder which enables them to survive in waters with low levels of oxygen by rolling on the surface and gulping air. Another unique survivability trait is that they have the ability to acclimate into freshwater ponds and rivers. � eir genetic versatility has enabled them to survive since the prehistoric days.
Understanding migrational patterns is a big part of learning how and when to target the species. � eir normal migratory patterns range from the mid Atlantic states to Brazil in the western Atlantic, and along the coast of Africa in the eastern Atlantic. You will also � nd them migrating throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea most of the year.
If you own a boat, kayak or � sh from shore and are willing to do your homework, you may � nd yourself battling a tarpon sooner than later. � e internet, books, magazines (like Coastal Angler Magazine) are great places to start your research. Tarpon � shing is not rocket science, but you will need to be prepared to � nd success. Having the appropriate knowledge of tackle and how to use it will also increase your odds signi� cantly.
Your local tackle shop is the go-to resource for targeting speci� c species. � eir invaluable information about the locality, equipment, best bite and bait are just the basics of what they are willing to teach you. Most mom and pop shops o� er seminars from the area’s top local guides and experts, which
is the � rst place I recommend you start your journey of targeting these � sh. Also, a quick internet search of your locality may lead you to specialized angling schools that are taught by professionals at a nominal price.
I am fortunate as a professional guide to have the tarpon capital of the world (Boca Grande Pass, Florida) just minutes from my marina. It is estimated that over 5000 tarpon are landed each year in the Pass by anglers utilizing live and arti� cial baits. Peak poon season runs from May through mid July in BGP, but tarpon are available throughout the � shery in large numbers until early fall. I’ve helped guests land tarpon from the Florida Keys to the mid Atlantic States, and it’s still a thrill of a lifetime to l o o k this animal eye to eye, when safely conducting another release. � rough seminars and charters, I’ve taught countless anglers how to � sh the beaches and passes and achieve their dream of stalking and catching tarpon on their own, and what I’ve learned is
“tarpon � shing is a passion for some and a hopeful dream of others.”
If you are interested in achieving your goal of catching a tarpon this season, start your preparation now. Head down to your local tackle shop and ask the question, “How am I going to get a tarpon this year?” � ey will show you the way to appropriate tackle, tips and may tell you a � shing story or two while you’re there. “You’ll be glad you did.”
Capt. Chris O’Neill is a full-time guide and outdoor writer in Englewood, Florida. Contact him at (941) 270-7867 or visit his
website at www.tailchasercharters.com. For review of your product or company email
[email protected]’s still a thrill of a lifetime to it’s still a thrill of a lifetime to l o o k l o o k this animal eye to eye, when safely conducting another release. � rough seminars and charters, I’ve taught countless anglers how to � sh the beaches and passes and achieve their dream of stalking and catching tarpon on their own, and what I’ve learned is
APRIL 2010 STATEWIDE 10COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
You choose! Fish Shal low Water or Inlet and Beaches!
Mosquito Lagoon Ponce Inlet Charters
Capt. Brian Clancy • 386.566.6303www.mosquitolagoonfishcamp.com
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Mosquito Lagoon SightfishingRedfish/Seatrout/Lt.tackle or FlyStealthy 18’ Hells Bay Waterman
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STATEWIDE 11 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
By: David Lane
Salty Bones is an oceans apparel and accessories company based in Cocoa,
Florida, and is dedicated to the production of hardcore � shing and diving apparel for men, women and children. � eir signature logos are on everything from t-shirts, hats, bumper stickers, magnets, mouse pads, signs and license plates, all designed by their in-house team of professional artists and designers.
For the ladies, Salty Bones is developing an extensive line of products for � shing and diving. Presently available are short- and long-sleeved shirts, tanks, caps and visors. � e Salty Bones company is also working with several manufacturers of women’s outdoor and � shing apparel, so that Salty Bones may continue to develop appealing products, speci� cally with the ladies in mind. Salty Bones will be expanding their ladies’ line to include tote bags, hoodies, sandals, belts, and wind breakers, as well as some very cool o� shore � shing sun-protection clothing.
A colorful line of new products for the children is also being developed and will be available soon.
For those not into the hardcore image, Salty Bones has designed a logo with a so� er
appeal and more conservative designs. Either way, there will soon be something for everyone.
Salty Bones is a subsidiary of Advanced Graphics, Inc, a 32 year old company, which sells to major retailers around the nation and serves over 600 independent retail accounts. � eir products are available in dive shops and � shing tackle retailers around the coastal U.S., as well as online at www.saltybones.com. Salty Bones, which is under expansion, manufactures all of their products at their Cocoa facility, and welcomes the opportunity for private label manufacturing with other companies in the industry, as well as custom orders.
Most recently, the Salty Bones company displayed their product line at the 2010 Miami International Boat Show, 2009 Diving Equipment Marketing Association Show, Surf Expo and ICAST. Salty Bones plans to exhibit at the upcoming Florida Sportsman Show, as well as � e Blue Wild Diving and Spear� shing Show in Ft. Lauderdale, June 5-6, 2010, just to mention a few.
Rick Dean, owner of Salty Bones, is an avid dive master and retired commercial
� sherman. During Rick’s extensive travels, he enjoys underwater photography and videography, which inspires creativity for his Salty Bones product line. Sales Manager, David Lane, also an avid � sherman and diver, enjoys being involved with a company that is so creative in the sports he personally enjoys.
General Manager, Rick Hanley, laughed and said, “With all the excitement at the company, things can get a little crazy around here.”
During the month of April, Salty Bones invites all Coastal Angler Magazine readers to
visit www.saltybones.com and shop for their products online. Take advantage of the Buy 1, Get 1 Free, special o� er just by using the coupon code: CamApril.
Salty Bones
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APRIL 2010 STATEWIDE 12COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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NATIONAL 19 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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Here in Key Largo, recreation and relaxation go hand in hand. Land a world record. Kayak the Everglades.
Dive our National Marine Sanctuary. Or just let loose.
WIND. UNWIND.
Key Largo is known for many things including being the dive capital of the
United States. As divers converge on the Upper Keys, they are not alone. With water temperatures consistently above 70 degrees, tarpon fi shing will kick into full swing here in the Upper Keys. Starting in April, tarpon will begin to fl ow along the oceanside fl ats of Key Largo. Th ese prehistoric-looking fi sh are easily identifi ed by their green backs and silver sides, with exceptionally large scales. Th ey can tolerate wide ranges of salinity levels, from the ocean to freshwater rivers. Tarpon are one of only a few species that can breathe air at the surface due to their unique air bladder. Th is is referred to as “rolling” and is oft en seen when the water is calm. Many anglers in the Keys target tarpon under the bridges, between the islands, where waters of the Atlantic meet Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. But, for those who like the thrill of the hunt and the reward of stalking fi sh, Key Largo is a prime sight-fi shing destination.
Th ere is an endless variety of tackle and techniques that can be used to catch tarpon. Th e most productive sight-fi shing areas are along mangrove shorelines and the edge of the fl ats where it drops from mere inches, into 3 to 6 feet of water. Th ese edges become a highway as the tarpon move from the south, heading up the coast. Trenches can be especially productive at the lower stages of the tide. You might even consider staking out and letting the tarpon come to the boat. At the higher stages of the tide, the tarpon might move up onto the fl ats, and poling will allow you to cover the most ground. Th e early mornings and late aft ernoons are prime feeding times for these predators.
Tarpon can range from 5 to 200 pounds, so tackle selection includes lightweight 6- to
10-pound gear, up to heavy-duty 80-pound conventional tackle. Th ey’ll eat just about any live bait and they can be picky, so you might want to load the livewell with a few diff erent species. Any one of these baits can also be used dead, on the bottom. You can even pull out your favorite artifi cial bait. Choose colors that mimic the baitfi sh such as white, silver and black. Work the lures quickly for your best chance to entice a strike.
Light-weight, medium action gear with a 10-pound line is perfect for juvenile tarpon up to 30 pounds. A good all-around rod is a 7-foot, medium heavy action, which is stiff enough to fi ght these formidable opponents. I have found that the small diameter of braided lines result in more accurate casts, at longer distances. For the medium-sized tarpon in the 30- to 80-pound range, 30-pound line and heavy action rods on big spinning reels are required. For any fi sh more than 80 pounds, conventional tackle is needed to tame these large silver kings. A good rule of thumb is to use leaders that match the size of fi sh you’re targeting with a minimum of 30-pound and a maximum of 100-pound fl uorocarbon. Th is rule also applies to the length of leader, which should be at least a few feet longer than the fi sh, to protect against chafi ng against their scales during the fi ght.
Tarpon are the pinnacle of inshore species and the perfect shallow-water adversary. I cannot think of any inshore fi sh that can match the tarpon’s exciting fi ght. It’s important that you handle them with care once they reach the boat. Try using gloves or Boga grips, while keeping them in the water for a few quick pictures, before reviving them. If we all do our part, these fi sh are hardy and can be safely caught and released, to live another year and fi ght another battle.
Key Largo… Prime for Sight-Fishing Tarpon
By: Capt. Lain Goodwin
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 20COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
FLAHAMA News, as reported in Coastal Angler Magazine, is an eff ort to inform the residents of Florida and the
Islands of the Bahamas of the undeniable “connections” that exist between our two countries. Th e Great State of FLAHAMA has instituted a Declaration of Interdependence and a Constitution. Th ese documents outline, in some detail, the unique interdependence, cultural linkages, opportunities for collaboration and genuine need to share our passion for the beauty of the Islands of the Bahamas and the economic interdependence that we share. Th ank you for your FLAHAMA enthusiasm.
Bahamas Celebration Sails from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida: FLAHAMA ambassadors Gary and Misti Guertin, along with Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureaus Executive Director, Rozeta Mahboubi, attended the offi cial launch reception for the newest Grand Bahama/Palm Beach/Treasure Coast connection. For ambassadors Gary and Misti, along with many other tourism professionals in the Palm Beach/Treasure Coast area, this is an enormous step in providing convenient access to the Island of Grand Bahama for both visitors and Bahamians alike from the Palm Beach/Treasure Coast area. Th ere is great excitement for the success of this new adventure and Palm Beach/Treasure Coast tourism leaders are looking forward to welcoming Bahamians and Bahamas visitors to our region. For more information, visit www.bahamascelebration.com.
St. Lucie Inlet/Cross Roads Dredging Completed:Mickey Roman, project manager for AC&D, the fi rm contracted to clear the shoaling of the Okeechobee Waterway, has announced the project has been completed. Before completion, shoaling inhibited passage of vessels with a draft of more than 6 feet from safely accessing the outstanding marinas located in the City of Stuart, as well as those making their way through the area to access the Cross Florida Canal. Similarly, many vessels from the west coast seeking passage were denied safe passage. Th is is a signifi cant improvement for the marine community and right before the busy summer boating season. Th ank you all who contributed to this success!
A Simple Fish Fry of Historical Importance:FLAHAMA was represented at a very informal but symbolic event at St. Monica’s Anglican Church located in East FLAHAMA was represented at a very informal but symbolic event at St. Monica’s Anglican Church located in East
Stuart, Florida last month. Senior Deacon James Christie, former Mayor of the City of Stuart, Florida and current City Commissioner, presided over the fryer, while other church members assisted in the preparation and serving of tasty grouper, peas and rice, coleslaw, mac-and-cheese and more. St. Monica’s Anglican Church was founded in 1925 when Bahamians residing in Stuart and Martin County, petitioned the Diocese of Palm Beach to establish a church in their community. Prior to the establishment of the church, members made the trek to the church in West Palm Beach every Sunday. Interestingly, the church was founded the same year that Martin County was established as a separate county (from Dade County). Over the decades, the members of the church and the East Stuart community have made enormous contributions to the quality of life in Martin County. Th anks Commissioner Christie for the great Bahamian cuisine!
Doug Bell and Steve Jarrell to appear at Abaco Inn: Confi rmed FLAHAMIAN Doug “Th e Professor” Bell, of the famed band Bellevue Cadillac, recently informed the Ministry of Entertainment that he was to join past Dick Dale and the Deltones’ band member, Steve Jarrell, at the Abaco Inn for several performances on April 2, 3, and 4, 2010. “Th e Professor” is a recent fan of FLAHAMA. Ambassador Gary Guertin met Doug recently during a visit to Stuart coordinat-ed by the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau. A committed “islander” dedicated to, “life, liberty, island music and the pursuit of Rum,” Doug fi ts the FLAHAMA citizen profi le to a “T.” If you are on Abaco during the fi rst week of April, this is a scene you will not want to miss.
Harborage Yacht Club and Marina Now a Sea Ray Owners Club (SROC) Partner: It’s now offi -cial! Harborage Yacht Club and Marina in Stuart, Florida is now an offi cial Sea Ray Owner’s Club partner. Continuing its commitment to keeping boating aff ordable, Harborage Yacht Club and SROC has structured a number of discounts and added values that will make Harborage Yacht Club and Ma-rina THE place to rendezvous on the way to the Bahamas or, the place to transition upon return. Harborage Yacht Club and Sea Ray are excited about this new partnership and its potential to promote Bahamas crossings and trips. Rumor has it that the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is also coordinating a partnership with the SROC. Stand by for future details!
Harborage Yacht Club and Marina-Florida Capital of FLAHAMA: Harborage Yacht Club and Ma-rina is dedicated to ensuring that anyone who desires to visit the Islands of the Bahamas has the best possible information, knowledge and assistance to maximize their cruising experi-ence or their hotel/land-based experience. Harborage Yacht Club and Marina is an offi cial Islands of the Bahamas Infor-mation Centre. Th e staff is dedicated to assisting and obtain-ing all of the information that will contribute to maximize a Bahamian vacation experience. Harborage Yacht Club’s Ma-rina has all of the required Customs and Immigration forms, Vessel Declaration forms, and can assist in obtaining Domes-tic Animal Permits and more.
Want to make the crossing with a group? Harborage Yacht Club is an offi cial departure point for several of this year’s
offi cial Summer Boating Flings. Join us for some great conch fritters, Kaliks and yacht club camaraderie this summer.
Find out more at www.harborageyachtclub.com.
BELOW: Model of the Bahamas Celebration cruise ship | Guests received FLAHAMA hospitality at the launch celebration.
ABOVE: FLAHAMA Ambassador Gary Guertin re-connected with Mrs. Alice Dixon, the former sec-retary of Murray Middle School.
ABOVE: St. Monica's pastor, his wife and Gary pose with Pelimingo.
ABOVE: Interior of St. Monica's.
from the Bahamas Islandsfrom thefrom theNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsNewsFLAHAMA NEWS- Volume 1, Number 4, April Issue
NATIONAL 21 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Looking for that hard to find great all-around Bahamas destination for you, your crew, family and friends? Well look no further!
Taino Beach Resort and Clubs has got a very special offer...
the Grand Bahama taino Beach 2010flamingo Bay hotel and Marina Special You’ll get a 4-night stay at the newly remodeled Flamingo Bay Hotel in a beautiful hotel room, complete with all the best and expectedamenities, plus dock space and taxes included!
Taino Beach Resorts and Clubs and Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina share an amazing array of amenities, with Watersports activities all on-site! Waverunners, Glass bottom boats, Beach front Bonfires with Fire dancers and a host of activities planned for most days.Our Dockmaster can be reached at 242-727-2013. VHF Channels Monitored: 16 & 23
Check our website at www.tainoBeach.com to see photos of how much fun folks are having—and be sure to include yourselves soon! CoMe on over! We’re ready for your viSit riGht noW!
for reservations and any details you needto know before you go! Offer good through July 31, 2010.
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By: Jon Wood Co-Publisher, Coastal Angler Magazine - Bahamas
Having recently made a visit to Grand Bahama Island to learn more about the Island and
its people, I had the pleasure of meeting a group of angler afi cionados at a property named Taino Beach Resort and Clubs in Freeport.
As with most tourism-related properties in the Bahamas, its location was amazing. With it’s inviting sandy beachfront and close proximity to the Bell Channel, it was convenient for us Flahama boaters to cruise straight in. Plus, it’s only a short ferry ride over to the Port Lucaya Marketplace where you can enjoy shopping, entertainment and dozens of dining options.
Th e Taino folks were friendly, warm and very accommodating. In fact, aft er my arrival, they whisked me off for a great breakfast in the main restaurant, which was right on the beach.
Th e President of Taino Beach Resort and Clubs, Sean Basden, is active in promoting the Resort and will be sponsoring a FREE fi shing tournament this year. We at Coastal Angler Magazine are excited about the opportunity to work with this Resort and the prospect of a fl otilla of anxious anglers going to a Free Tournament in Freeport is exciting. What a great way for boaters and locals to get involved in what will turn out to be a groundbreaking event!
Mr. Basden stated, “Taino Beach is also excited about our new relationship with Coastal Angler Magazine and the Port Lucaya destination is ready to welcome a new tournament.”
Th e Taino Beach Resort facilities include the hotel, the suites and villas, the pool grotto with bar, and the marina, with a full complement of water sports activities available. It’s obvious that they have put a lot of thought into making this a complete resort destination. Th ey cater to anglers and their party members, some of whom may not be anglers, but get to enjoy all the benefi ts of coming along on the adventure.
As our relationship with Th e Bahamas continues to grow, the distance seems to get shorter and shorter. In our quest to bring in a new generation of anglers to the sport, we at Coastal Angler Magazine, are pleased to see a facility like Taino Beach Resort, one that truly understands the needs of the angler, as well as their non-angling companions. One trip to this Resort, and they’ll all become anglers!
Stay tuned for upcoming dates and special tournament rates.
For more information visit www.tainobeach.com/
Taino Beach
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 22COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
By: CAM Staff
Connected to Florida by the Gulf Stream and a scant 49 miles from Miami, Bimini
is considered by many to be the sports fi shing capital of the world and a favorite destination for most big game anglers. Bimini has a long-standing reputation for its relaxed and informal atmosphere and its world-class fi shing tournaments. In the late ‘60s, the Bimini Big Game Club was purchased by Bacardi International Limited, and from the 1970s, hosted numerous fi shing competitions, including the Frankie Brown, the Hemingway, the Bacardi Rum Billfi sh Tournament and various blue fi n tuna tournaments.
Now, Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts has announced plans to reopen the famed Bimini Big Game Club in time for the summer 2010 boating season. Th e Bimini Big Game Club represents the company’s fi rst in a system of eco-tourism resorts the company intends to develop, that target fi shing and diving enthusiasts. Th e property has 51 rooms and bungalows and a 75-slip marina.
Internationally renowned marine scientist, conservationist and artist, Guy Harvey, in announcing the reopening, noted: “Aft er an exhaustive search through out the Bahamas and the Caribbean for our fi rst property, we’ve returned to Bimini and the legendary home of modern-day sportfi shing for our fi rst project. I personally am both honored and humbled to stand among the legendary fi gures of Bimini. For the Big Game Club, ours is an expedition to restore the Club’s reputation for incredible experiences and memorable fi shing and diving vacations.”
Th e company expects to start hiring staff within the next 30-60 days, aft er a change
in property ownership is fi nalized with the Bahamas government. Veteran Caribbean hotel manager and Guy Harvey Outpost Resort executive, Mr. Christopher Pollock, will relocate to Bimini and serve as general manager for the resort.
In commenting on the reopening, Mr. Pollock noted, “Th e fi rst task is to restore professional hotel management which had been lacking since the days of Bacardi ownership. We have exciting plans to upgrade the property, improve the amenities and rebuild a sense of out-island adventure and discovery when visiting the Club.” By summer 2011, the company expects to have completed approximately $3,500,000 in property renovations including a new fuel dock, expanded food & beverage and renovated guestrooms and public areas.
With Guy Harvey’s marine research credentials, the company also intends to off er unique dive programs and packages through an expanded on-site dive shop operation, developed with and supervised by scuba diving legend and world record holder, Neal Watson. As founder of Neal Watson Undersea Adventures, he brings to the Bimini Big Game Club over 40 years of experience in resort dive operations. Mr. Watson sits on the Board of the Dive Equipment & Marketing Association and is currently President of the Bahamas Dive Association.
For more information, contact:Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, LTD
(954) 524-2225Mark Ellert, President;
[email protected] Chris Pollock, VP Operations;
Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts to Re-Open the Bimini Big Game ClubPete’s Pub & Art Gallery
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NATIONAL 23 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
It was time to get away from computers and cell phones. Th e rigors of fi ghting traffi c to get to the offi ce each day
had taken a heavy toll. It was time for an escape to a special place. We wanted to see new people, catch and eat fi sh taken from Caribbean blue water. We wanted to be somewhere where no one recognized or cared who we were. We never knew how close this place was to us, until we made our way to Bimini!
Th e westernmost district of the Bahamas, Bimini, is located only 53 miles east of Miami. Bimini is the closest Bahamas point to the U.S. mainland and has been a popular stopping spot for Americans, for more nearly a century.
Our plane seemed to fl oat over a smooth swath of air wedged between us and the Gulf Stream. Only a thirty-minute fl ight from Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport in an eight-seat chartered prop plane, it seemed like we were seeing Bimini just as we lost sight of Miami. We landed on a single airstrip on South Bimini, quickly made our way though Customs and took a short ferry ride directly to the Bimini Bay Resort on North Bimini.
Th e kind and courteous staff of Bimini Bay Resort had off ered to put us up for a few days so we could better establish the distribution of Coast Angler Magazine's Flahama edition. It took us fi ve minutes to settle into our family suite, before we took the thirty-second walk across to the beach.
Within minutes, we began to realize why Bimini has long been considered one of the world's greatest sport fi shing destinations. Right there, across the road, were two college boys catching bonefi sh, one aft er another from the clearest, bluest water you could ever dream of seeing. Th e cool thing was they had never caught a bonefi sh before and each time they put one to the beach, they celebrated like the school boys they were. Funny yet, they caught these gray ghosts with pieces of cut squid on a light bottom rig. Th e magic only started there.
Before venturing off the premises of Bimini Bay Resort, we stopped at Sue and Joy's and picked up our golf cart for traveling around town. Derek, the owner, clued us in on the dos and don'ts of cart travel, where it seemed like 99 percent of Bimini's population and visitors drove around with these kinds of carts.
As we made our way west along Th e King's Highway through Porgy Bay and Bailey Town, towards Alice Town, we met the kind and interesting people of North Bimini. Up the hill in Alice Town, we came to the Dolphin House, conceived and built by Bahamian visionary, historian and artist, Ashley B. Saunders. Ashley, who is the recipient of the 2000 Cacique Award, which is the highest honour given in the Islands of Th e Bahamas for achievement in the tourism Industry, and part of a family with Bimini roots since 1835,
spent the better part of the aft ernoon touring his museum and the Island with us.
Th e next day, we had a very memorable experience fl y fi shing Bimini's fl ats for bonefi sh and permit with our guide, Tommy Sewell. A Bimini native, Tommy knew his fi shing very well. Th e weather was perfect and the fi sh were equally co-operative.
Later that day, we met Ashley’s brother, Ansil Saunders. Ansil, who was wearing a pair of Obama sunglasses when we arrived at his boat building yard, is a top custom boat builder in the Bahamas. For many years, Ansil, as a fi shing guide, earned the title, Bonefi sh Legend. As a child, Ansil knew Earnest Hemmingway and throughout his life has met other internationally recognized celebrities including Margaret Th atcher, President Richard Nixon, Bahamian Prime Minister Lynden Oscar Pindling and Dr. Martin Luther King. Ansil took Dr. King out on his boat only three days before Dr. King’s death, on April 4, 1968. It's a story all of us need to hear.
Ansil has a wonderful Island outlook and our time together with Ashley was unforgettable.
Bimini is a haven of culture. Th e Island's laid-back life style is like no other with its inshore and off shore fi shing, diving, beach combing and history
Bimini Bay ExperienceBy: Rodney Smith
For more information visit www.AbacoBeachResort.com or call 800-468-4799
All Release Boat Harbour Billfi sh ChallengeApril 14 - 17, 2010
Bertram Hatteras ShootoutApril 27 - May 1, 2010
Boy Scouts Bahamas OpenMay 12 - 15, 2010
Abaco Beach Resort ClassicMay 25 - 29, 2010
Abaco Beach Resort / HMY Billfi sh BlastMay 31 - June 4, 2010
Abaco Beach Resort leg of the Bahamas Billfi shJune 9 - 12, 2010
Penny Turtle InvitationalJune 15 - 19, 2010
April
JuneJune
May
2010 FISHING TOURNAMENT CALENDERNamed one of the top 5 fi shing spots in the world by Marlin Magazine, the Abacos is a dream location for top anglers.
The premier tournament resort in these waters is the Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour.This tradition continues in 2010 with the Resort hosting the most renowned, world class tournaments in the Bahamas.
Make Abaco Beach Resort your home base this tournament season.Take advantage of our new 90+ day marina rate; $1.50 per ft. per day!
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 26COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
There are many islands that make up the islands of the Bahamas. Each seems to have its own unique identity,
whether it be their natural beauty, resort opportunities, accessibility, fi shing…, each one seems somehow unique.
During a recent fi rst trip to the Island of Exuma in the Bahamas, I was immediately taken by the inordinate number of twin-hull Cat boats that seemed to be everywhere I looked. In fact, I told my guide that surely we must be on Cat Island and not Exuma. Knowing that the actual Cat Island was roughly 120 miles to our north, he laughed and assured me that we were indeed on Exuma, and agreed that the name Cat Island would be more appropriate here than there.
Aft er some research on the Island of Exuma, my initial observations were proven correct. Georgetown, Exuma, with a total population of 900 plus people, had over 45 Cat hull boat owners. Th is fact, in and of itself, is amazing. One out of every 20 persons there owns a dual-hull Cat boat. More amazing however, is the fact that when taken as a fi gure against the total number of all vessels on the Island, the fi gure goes to almost 90%.
We were staying at February Point Resort Estates in Great Exuma, Bahamas. For those unfamiliar with this pristine resort, you should know that this resort is a fantastic choice for a get away island experience. In fact, Th e Wall Street Journal has called it, "One of Th e Top Five Hottest Properties in Th e Caribbean." February Point is an exclusive boutique resort with eighty acres of prime oceanfront properties and upscale villas.
Speaking with February Point’s General Manager, Matthew Marco, I asked about the inordinate number of Cats on the Island. His response has changed my perception of a vessel class that I had somehow overlooked.
According to Matthew, the majority of the Cats on Exuma were primarily Twin Vees. Manufactured in Fort Pierce, Florida, by legendary boat builder, Roger Dunshee, these super-shallow draft , double-hull vessels are not only perfect for the shallow waters of Exuma and many of the Bahamian Out Islands, but because of the excellent stability aff orded by the dual-hull systems, also made them an excellent choice for off shore fi shing, as well as island hopping. Where two boats
were required to accommodate the boating needs of the local residents and visitors in the past, the Twin Vee had been able to achieve the same accommodation, with a single vessel.
As I rode on Twin Vees that week in Exuma, I began to realize how totally stable and fi shable these neat vessels really were. I think Exuma’s got it fi gured out: one boat, two hulls, go shallow, go deep. I like it. In fact, I’m scheduled to meet with Roger Dunshee at the Twin Vee’s Fort Pierce plant on May 1st to pick up my 26 footer. My intentions are to immediately leave out of the Harborage Yacht Club in Stuart and return to the Bahamas, where I plan on doing a combination of inshore bonefi shing, alternated with an equal amount of off shore trolling for mahi, tuna and marlin.
If you haven’t experienced a ride on a Cat hull vessel, I recommend you contact Twin Vee at www.twinvee.com or
call Roger Dunshee personally at (772) 429-2525. For more information on February Point in Exuma visit
www.februarypoint.com or contact Matthew Marco direct at (242) 422-7022.
Island of Cats By: John Beringer
Treasure Coast AirlinesScheduled Service out of Ft. Pierce and Stuart, FL to Marsh Harbour Bahamas
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL
772-781-0031
Capt. Jerry LawlessJ.E.L. Boat Sales
Georgetown, Exumas Bahamas
242.326.0636
Notice something special about this Georgetown Marina? All the boats are Twin Vee Catamarans!
New 26’ Center Console
Capt. Jerry at work in his offi ce.
Capt. Jerry Lawless
Georgetown, Exumas Bahamas
Capt. Jerry has logged more than 15,000 miles
bringing Twin Vee Catamarans to the Exumas.
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APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 28COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Annual, Seasonal, Monthly & Overnight Dockage Available
Harborage Yacht Club and Marina offers a full-service marina and grand Yacht Club with abundant opportunities for you to
fully enjoy life on the water. Its unique location on the St. Lucie River provides direct access to the Intracoastal and Okeechobee
Waterways, the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. The richly appointed and inviting Club presents a host of contemporary amenities yet
inspires the classic yachting lifestyle.
Full Service Marina... Elegant Yacht Club
772-692-4000955 NW Flagler Ave. Stuart, Florida 34994
www.harborageyachtclub.comAt marker 22A on the Okeechobee Waterway • 7 miles from the St. Lucie Inlet 68 nautical miles from W. End,
Grand Bahama • Monitoring Channel VHF 16 • Latitude: 27º 12” 48’ | Longitude: 80º 15” 21’ • 300 slips capable of accommodating vessels from 30 feet
NATIONAL 29 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
LadiesLandings
A Dream Come True by Sarah Reader
By Tracy Patterson
Ladies Landings is a monthly column dedicated to female anglers, boaters, and conservationists everywhere. In addition to seeking out new products, I am also on the hunt for great catch photos, as well as inspirational stories for the female outdoor enthusiast. I met a young lady named Sarah Reader at a trade show in California last month who exemplifi es the emerging element of female anglers in our industry. Here’s her story…
A Dream Come True by Sarah Reader
Ifi rst started fi shing off the docks and the Barge in Redondo Beach. When I showed a huge interest in fi shing, my dad decided to take me to the Fred Hall Fishing Show. I was 8. I don’t really remember much about the show except for two things: learning how to tie knots and collecting stickers. Pete Haynes taught me how to tie my fi rst fi shing knot, the San Diego Jam Knot, and then told me that I tied it pretty well and he wanted me to enter the fi rst annual Izorline knot-tying contest. I qualifi ed to come back to the fi nals on Sunday. I ended up taking third in that contest the fi rst year. One of the prizes that year was a three-quarter day fi shing trip on the Endeavor, which my dad upgraded to a full day. I caught my fi rst albacore on that trip and know that was the moment I absolutely fell in love with the sport. I returned to the fi shing show every year and continued to participate in the knot-tying contest. I qualifi ed every year aft er that fi rst year and always took third place or better. As I became older, we went on longer fi shing trips, all the way up to 10 days. I really did fall in love with the sport. It was partially because I have two siblings and this was something I could do with just my dad. In 2005, my dad went out on a ten day fi shing trip. My mom and I woke up early to meet him at the docks because we heard it was going to be a record day for the amount of 200+ pound fi sh that were caught. Th ere were SO many fi sh over 200 pounds that it was unbelievable! I looked up to my mom and told her, “I’m going to get me one of those.” Every year aft er that, I begged my dad to take me on a 10 day fi shing trip with him. He fi nally caved in and took me over winter break my senior year. Th e trip was on the Red Rooster 3. Th e three-day boat ride to the big tuna fi shing grounds
was brutal because the whole boat was ready to catch a big tuna and become part of the 200 pound club. It had been a pretty slow trip. We had already been in cow country for a day, without a cow to show for it. It was frustrating because there were big tuna all around our boat; just none of them were interested in our bait. I was on the balloon. Th e balloon is a special set up where you attach a balloon fi lled with helium to your line and fi sh on the upwind side of the boat. I had been on the balloon for about half an hour and was starting to get bored. Suddenly, I heard everyone yelling, and then it hit me. I WAS BIT! As the fi sh took its initial run, all I could do was stand there and hold on tight to the rod. I kept thinking in my head, “don’t let go of the rod, and hang on for dear life.” Th e fi ght took me about half an hour. When the fi sh fi rst came over the rail, I was totally speechless. I had never seen anything like it in my life. Th e fi rst thought that came to my mind was, “it’s not 200 pounds!” And then Captain Andy Cates had measured my fi sh. Th e measurements showed that it was somewhere around 240 pounds. When I heard that, I wanted to cry. I had fi nally achieved my goal. When the trip was over and we actually weighed the fi sh, it was 234 pounds. I was probably the happiest girl alive. A few days later, my dad received a call from Pete Haynes. Pete informed my dad that I was the youngest girl in San Diego long-range history to catch a tuna over 200 pounds. A few months later, my dad received another call from Pete. Pete wanted to know if I would be interested in joining the Knotty Ladies. I was honored. I love being a part of the Knotty Ladies because I truly have come full circle. I started by learning how to tie knots at age 8, and now here I am, teaching them 10 years later. Th e Fred Hall Fishing Show has become an important part of my life. I hope to be part of the Knotty Ladies for the rest of my life, and hopefully I can inspire more girls to go out and fi sh.
By Sarah Reader
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 30COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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NATIONAL 31 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
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As unbelievable as the suggestion might seem, residents of the Gulf Coast have more to celebrate than the
Saints’ victory in Super Bowl XLIV and an even greater concern than the loss of Saints players to free agency. Long known as the Gulf of Mexico’s premier destination for anglers seeking trophy catches or merely to catch their limit, Louisiana’s plenitude of fi shes is worthy of the celebration it receives in our myriad of fi shing tournaments and seafood festivals. However, the state’s abundant fi sheries resources are inextricably linked to an even more abundant and increasingly endangered natural resource – the state’s coastal wetlands. At times, the link between wetlands and sport fi shing is intuitive. Casting for fi ning redfi sh in the marsh shallows with a cocahoe minnow or blue crab as bait, establishes the connection between marsh grass productivity and fi sh populations. Spawned in tidal passes, currents carry redfi sh eggs to the shallow margins of coastal marshes where juveniles develop by feeding on microscopic crustaceans, then grass shrimp, blue crabs, small fi shes and other common marsh species. Th e redfi sh’s food sources subsist on the abundant grasses that characterize Gulf Coastal marshes. For example, grass shrimp and blue crab diets are based on decaying organic matter (detritus), and the bulk of organic matter in coastal marine detritus is marsh grass.
Th e contribution of coastal wetlands to off shore fi shing seems a bit more tenuous. However, one example highlights the critical relationship between coastal wetlands and the off shore species we prize. Consider life for the most valuable Gulf of Mexico fi sh that nobody eats, the Gulf menhaden or pogy. Spawned off shore, juvenile pogies develop in coastal marshes, where they consume, among other things, detritus. As they mature, menhaden return off shore, where they eat planktonic algae and themselves are consumed in abundance by king mackerel, bluefi sh, tuna, sharks, and other large predatory fi shes. Answering the question of why Louisiana is a fi sher’s paradise is, on one hand, a simple matter of applying wetland statistics to the above relationships. Louisiana is home to about 40% of the coastal wetlands in the continental U.S. and the majority of coastal wetlands along the Gulf of Mexico. Our extensive wetlands are the product of Mississippi River sediments being distributed across our coastline as the river changed course repeatedly during its history, much like the spasmodic movements and spray from an untended garden hose. Nutrient-rich sediment from the Mississippi River promotes marsh grass growth that in turn, supports grass shrimp, pogies, redfi sh, and beyond.
Although the logic that associates Louisiana’s fi sheries abundance with coastal wetlands productivity is as simple as the Saints’ general objective of scoring more points than their opponent, ecological interactions are more complex than Sean Payton’s off ense. Many more species and features of coastal wetlands contribute to fi sheries productivity than suggested by the simple examples of redfi sh and pogies, and therein is the cause for concern. Conservatively, Louisiana is losing a football fi eld of wetlands every thirty seconds or about 24 square miles per year, because levees constrain the Mississippi River to the point that most of its sediment now fl ows onto the continental slope. Without sediment to replenish the marshes, erosion and subsidence consume the resource that sustains our fi sh populations and the fi shers they attract. Th e question we now must consider is how long Louisiana will remain a premier fi shing location and, by extension, what will happen to fi shing across the Gulf of Mexico without the nutrients and sediments that are the lifeblood of the wetlands, grass shrimp, pogies, redfi sh, king, ...
Jim Grady is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of New Orleans, where he has taught and studied the biology of � shes since earning his Ph.D., in Zoology from Southern Illinois
University at Carbondale in 1987.
Louisiana’s Th reatened Riches: Saints, Sediments and FishesBy Jim Grady, PhD.
APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 32COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Get Yours at www.FishTalesLog.com
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MAPSCHARTSTIDES GEAR DEPTH BAIT & MORE
NATIONAL 33 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
By: Stan Manly
After spending a lifetime fishing and guiding, TV Show Addictive Fishing host, Captain
Blair Wiggins, understands the value of using sharp hooks for better hook up success, and a circle hook for easier and less stressful releases. “I pretty much am always using a Lazer Sharp circle hook. With size limits on the fish we love to catch, we’re always going to land some over and some under the slot limit, and with the use of circle hooks, a released fish has a greater chance of surviving.”
Blair uses whatever it takes to catch fish, but whenever possible, he usually goes with plastic baits. “When fishing with live or dead bait, I will generally use a Lazer Sharp circle hook. I’ll use their swim bait hooks on plastic-like baits and when the fish are aggressive, I’ll use a circle hook on plastics.”
There are many choices of hooks, thousands of styles and variations, coming from companies like Daiichi, Mustad, Owner, Eagle Claw Hooks, Gamakatsu, Tru-Turn, and VMC. One group of selective anglers may be loyal to one name brand or the other, while other anglers are not as picky. They’ll use whatever hook is handy. I prefer using Daiichi Bleeding Bait circles when fishing with cut or live baits.
Much more important than the maker of the hook is that the hook’s tip stays sharpened. A small triangular-shaped file works well to sharpen hooks. You can quickly touch up the point of a hook that has been dulled on a rock or a fish’s jaw.
There are several types of battery-powered hook sharpening devices on the market. You can keep a small, inexpensive one in your boat or tackle box to use for a quick sharpening, but I prefer using the small triangle file. On the water, you often want to touch up the point of the hook to keep it sharp. It is quicker to touch it up, than to tie on a new hook, and much cheaper. A file or stone is best for this, but in an emergency, you can use a nail clipper file or emery board. Just file around the point to take off burrs and sharpen it up. You often need to do this when fishing around rocks. Test your hook sharpness by dragging it lightly across your thumbnail. If it slides, it is not sharp enough. If it catches with very light pressure, or scratches your nail when you slide it with very little pressure, it’s sharp.
Keep your hook sharp and increase your success.
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APRIL 2010 NATIONAL 34COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
This month’s lure is actually a lure combo pack from our friends at Ballyhood. Th eir
Kayak Pak is an all-you’ll-need combination that’s perfect for almost all forms of kayak fi shing. Th e Pak comes complete with:
Two bass supreme tri-heads• One feather• One vinyl skirt with spinner blades• Two 3 inch x 2 ounce Squid pups• Two Mucho Mini squids, 2 in x 1/2 oz.•
Th ese lures are great for casting, jigging, trolling, and bouncing. Th e well thought out
assortment includes a 9-inch by 10-inch case that’s perfect for keeping your lures organized and easily accessible. Th ese lures are great for fi shing striped, large mouth, sand and sea bass, cabrilla, snapper, grouper, bonefi sh, dolphin, tuna, barracuda, sails, halibut, salmon, fl uke, tarpon, and yellowtail - all for only $39.95.
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NATIONAL 35 APRIL 2010COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
Fishing Tips Best Days to Fish in April: 1-3, 6-13, 20-21, 24-31Best Days to Fish in May: 4-10, 17-19, 22-31Best Days to Stay Home in April: 4-5, 14-19, 22-23Best Days to Stay Home in May: 1-3, 11-16, 20-21
FreshwaterKevin Van Dam may have won his 3rd Bassmasters Classic, but the real story was Pam Martin-
Wells, fi shing at the 40th Bassmasters Classic on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Alabama, and becoming the fi rst woman in the Classic’s history to make the fi nal cut.
As the Women’s Bassmaster Tour’s Angler of the Year, Pam, was competitive from start to fi nish with a winner’s attitude stating, “I enter every tournament expecting to win.” Th e Women’s Bassmasters Tour is made up of a fi eld of incredibly strong anglers. Th ey’re the type of anglers that have made fi shing second nature to them. Many of them work in demanding career fi elds, as well as maintain their family and home. Th ere are few others who make their living bass fi shing.
Peacock Record?Bill Gassmann of Des Moines, Iowa, landed a world record-sized speckled or three-bar peacock
bass (Cichla temensis), while fi shing a clown-colored Luhr Jensen Big Game Woodchopper Slim topwater bait in a tributary of the Rio Negro River in northern Brazil.
“We were fi shing in a little wooded backwater area off a main tributary,” said the 44-year-old CEO of BGS Enterprises. “When the lure hit the water, it just disappeared. Th e fi sh went straight to the bottom and started spooling my line. Immediately, the guide with more than 12 years experience, began jumping up and down and started yelling, Grande! Grande! I had no idea how big it was or that it might be a record. Th en, the fi sh stuck its head out of the water and I realized how big it was.”
Gassmann fought the river monster for approximately 12 minutes with his three-piece 6.9-foot G Loomis Escape model ETR81-3HC20 heavy rod attached to a Shimano Curado 300E reel. Finally bringing the beast to the boat, the Iowa bass angler grabbed its gill plates and snapped a Boga Grip on it. On the IGFA-certifi ed Boga Grip, the fresh speckled or three-bar peacock bass weighed more than 28 pounds, but Gassmann still did not realize the signifi cance of his fi sh.
Caught while fi shing from a smaller skiff connected to the Captain Peacock, a 95-foot luxury mothership, that accommodates anglers for such adventures, the fi sh, weighing more than 28 pounds, was enough to beat the existing 27-pound International Game Fish Association All-Tackle World Record caught by Gerald “Doc” Lawson, on Dec. 4, 1994.
“Th is is exciting news,” exclaimed Billy Chapman, Jr., owner and founder of Anglers Inn International and a 2009 inductee into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame for pioneering peacock bass fi shing in the 1980s. “I was in Brazil in 1994 when Doc Lawson caught the 27-pound peacock. If anyone wants to fi sh these record-breaking waters, we can make that happen together with the Captain Peacock.”
InshoreIn the coming years, a diff erent approach to fi shing tournaments
will be giving the old catch and kill tournaments a run for their money. Catch and release has not only become a useful and necessary tactic for today’s recreational angler, it’s becoming the normal for competitive anglers.
Take for example the rules mandated for the second annual 7 Mile Marina Marathon Sharkathon, to benefi t the Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. Th e use of non-off set circle hooks is mandatory and the killing of a shark, whether intentional or not, will result in automatic disqualifi cation of the entire team. Th e Inaugural Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge follows similar restrictions. Single, non stainless steel in-line circle hooks are the only hooks allowed to be used during the competition. No treble or J hooks are allowed.
Th e future of fi shing tournaments will be mandated by the way we treat, catch and release fi sh.
EARTH TIP: Proper boat, trailer and tow vehicle maintenance will help conserve energy and save you those extra bucks needed to spend more time on the water. Now is the time to address maintenance projects.
BoatingA recent report from the Boat Owners Association of Th e United States which combs through the
BoatU.S. marine insurance claim fi les for important accident trends or lessons to learn, has identifi ed the top fi ve reasons for springtime sinkings. It’s a sad fact: Every spring, shortly aft er being launched and commissioned for the season, boats sink while safely tied up at the dock.
Th e Top Five Reasons Why Boats Sink in the Springtime:1. Missing or damaged hose clamps: Th ese clamps are oft en removed in the fall to winterize the
engine, and then forgotten about in the spring when the boat is launched. Tight spaces in engine compartments make it diffi cult to see some unsecured or deteriorated clamps.
2. Unsecured engine hoses: Over the winter, freezing water can lift hoses off seacocks (valves).3. Spring rains: Combine heavy rains with leaking ports, deck hatches, cracked or improperly
caulked fi ttings, chain plates and even scuppers clogged by leaves and your boat could be on the bottom soon.
4. Broken sea strainer: Glass, plastic and even bronze strainer bowls can be cracked or bent over the winter if not properly winterized, allowing water trickle in when the seawater intake seacock is in the open position.
5. Leaking stuffi ng box: If equipped, a steady drip from an improperly adjusted stuffi ng box (the “packing” around the prop shaft ) has been known to swamp a boat.
Th e Boat Owners Association of Th e United States has created a free Spring Commissioning Checklist. Visit http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/spring_checklist.asp to help boaters start the spring season right.
Off shoreTh e NOAA Fisheries Service’s planned red snapper closure has
helped motivate waves of angler action.Th e Angler’s March on the Capitol on Washington was considered
by the majority of those who attended, to be a huge success. Reportedly, dozens of congress persons, as many of 5,000 recreational anglers, commercial fi shing fl eets and charter Captains all met with one goal in mind, re-do the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Th is would demand better science, consideration of the economic impact in coastal communities in accordance with their decisions, add fl exibility to the Act to keep thousands of jobs from being eliminated and help allow recreational anglers to feed their families while enjoying their favorite sport.
As part of the Angler’s March on Washington, recreational anglers, heads of fi shing rights groups, commercial fi shermen and charter captains had over 100 meetings in two and a half days with Congressional Delegates and Senators, in hope of keeping thousands of jobs from being eliminated and to help allow recreational anglers to feed their families, while enjoying their favorite sport.
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