Coastal Angler Magazine | May 2024 | North Central Florida/Nature Coast Edition

CARNAGE. FOR THE BATTLE THAT IS FOUGHT WITHOUT MERCY.

The new Carnage ™ III series rods are constructed from carbon or an e-glass and carbon blend, for an extremely powerful rod that leaves fsh begging. Yet it’s light enough to keep a fisherman going until the battle is won. Spec’d with high-end components like Fuji ® K-Guides, Sea-Guide ® and Fuji ® reel seats, plus a mix of hypalon/rubber shrink tube handles, the new Carnage III rod promises to be as ruthless as the name implies. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN ™ .

the importance of boat insurance

Do you love boating? Then you know how fun and relaxing it can be on the open water. But you also know that things can go wrong sometimes, like storms, accidents, theft, or injuries. That’s why boat insurance is so important. Here are some reasons why.

• Boat insurance can help you pay for damage to your boat, or to other boats or docks, up to specifed limits.

• If you borrowed money to buy your boat, your lender may require insurance. And if you want to explore different places, some marinas or waterways may ask you to show proof of insurance.

• Boat insurance can also come in handy if you need an on-water tow, jump start, or fuel delivery with optional Sign & Glide® coverage. And if your boat sinks, boat insurance can pay for the cost of removing it from the water (if removal is legally required).

Get boat insurance from Progressive and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.

Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes

Go to progressive.com to learn more.

If

Introducing The All-New NavNet TZtouchXL Series

Transform Your Helm Into A Multi Function Masterpiece

NavNet.com

IT’S PEAK BILLFISH SEASON IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Over the last few years, a burgeoning fshery has established the Gulf Stream out of Charleston as a big-time billfsh destination. Te ofshore trolling bite has been very good.

Capt. Mike Able keeps close tabs on the fshery. He and his brother, Graham, run Haddrell’s Point Tackle and Supply, a familyowned hunting and fshing store, which has grown to two locations and a fy shop in the Charleston area since their father, Mike Sr., started the business in 1983.

“Charleston has defnitely been put on the map with the billfshing we’ve had the last several years. It’s really been phenomenal,” Able said. “I mean, look at the Carolina Billfsh Classic. In the CBC last year there were outriggers full of sailfsh fags… we’re talking double-digit stuf. And not just the big boats. I mean, the big boats have an advantage, but guys are catching blue marlin from center consoles, too. You know the fsh are really chewing when the center-console guys are hitting fsh like that.”

Te Carolina Billfsh Classic (CBC) is one leg of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfshing Series. It is held out of Mt. Pleasant each June. Last year, with poor weather

conditions during the one-day shootout, 47 boats released nine blue marlin and 53 sailfsh. Te top boat released four blue marlin. Te second-place boat released seven sailfsh and a blue marlin.

Able said conservation eforts, particularly from the Governor’s Cup, have led to healthier stocks. He also thinks anglers are getting better at fnding and catching billfsh. Te run outside the ledge is still 50 to 55 miles, but these days captains can go straight to potentially productive water. Satellite services make it easy to identify blue water, weed lines, temperature breaks and color changes to make a solid gameplan before leaving the docks. Additionally, technology like Omni Sonar can pinpoint fsh with an efective range of 5,000 feet.

“You could mark a fsh from a half mile away and go over and drop baits,” he said. “It doesn’t mean you can make them bite, but you know they’re in the area.”

Peak season for blue marlin and sailfsh is May and June, but blues will be in the area all summer. Sailfsh can be good into October or November, when wahoo enter the mix heavily. Able said a lot of marlin they catch are 150- to 200-pound “rats,” but they see some 300- to 400-pounders and an occasional 500-pluspound blue marlin. White marlin might also show up in a spread.

One of the perks of trolling out of Charleston in spring is you’ll also likely fll the box with dolphin and blackfin tuna. Capt. Able hung up his charter captain hat a few years back.

Now he fun-fshes with pretty remarkable success for billfsh and meat fsh by pulling a mixed spread with dredges, squid chains and circle-hooked ballyhoo from a ’34 Regulator.

Check out Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply at HadrellsPoint.com.

ENJOY THE SHORT GROUPER SEASON

Instead of going “bottom fshing” this season, I would focus on going “grouper fshing”… at least for gags while the season lasts. You can go ‘bottom fshing” for the next seven months, but let’s put some gags in the boat while the law allows it! Here are some tips to help you bag some gags.

• Having the right bait is a major part of this puzzle. A pinfsh trap in a productive area for just a few hours and an (otter-proof) foating bait pen at the marina are priceless.

• You must anchor up or use the trolling motor in “spot lock” to properly fsh any piece of good bottom.

• When I frst post up on a good-looking mark on the recorder, I have everyone else on the boat fre down whole frozen squid on a jig. At the same time, I use a sabiki to catch whatever baitfsh are available on the structure. Here’s how it works:

1) Te squid might catch a handful “bottom fsh,” and maybe a grouper or two.

2) Most importantly, it sets a nice chum slick on the bottom that attracts the real predators of the structure directly under

your boat, and they will be ready to eat.

3) Afer four or fve volleys of squid, everyone baits up with a beautiful baseball-in-diameter-sized live bait and sends them back down to the bottom together. Tese baits are too big for most bottom fsh to get their mouths around.

4) Now, the grouper appear on the scene, curious about all the noise and the good smell. What do they see? Tey see a pinfsh from the marina or whatever came up on the sabiki. I like to fsh these baits on one of my Crab Decoy Jigs, which makes it look like the bait is struggling in the grasp of a hungry crab or squid. A big grouper, and especially a gag grouper, sees this as a Happy Meal. Tey love crabs, squid and baitfsh, and with this rig they think they’re getting it all in one bite.

5) An added bonus is that this is clean tackle, free of excess hardware, that sends the correct signal to grouper and results in bites.

• Te downside to this style of fshing is it will attract sharks. It’s all fun and games until the man in the gray suit shows up. Ten it becomes hard work. Sharks of all kinds are drawn to struggling snapper.

For more info on the jig, tackle and/or bait, check out Tim Barefoot’s YouTube channel and website at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

THE GROUPER HUNT IS ON!

May 1 marks the reopening of Atlantic grouper season here in the Florida Keys. Over the past four months of season closure, a multitude of released catches taunted local fshermen, and now the hunt is ofcially back on!

While the Keys might not be well known for grouper, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be. Between the reef, wrecks and ofshore deep-dropping, the Keys are home to a plethora of grouper species. Te reopening of red, black, gag and snowy grouper vastly

increases fshing opportunities here in our Atlantic waters.

When fshing for grouper on the reef, keeping your rig from getting rockedup on the bottom is the biggest challenge. Do not overweight your rig, and keep an angler on or near the rod at all times. Grouper are notorious for grabbing a bait and taking it back into their homes immediately. When you lose a big grouper, especially with a mouthful of your tackle, they grunt a warning to the other fsh. Tis shuts down the grouper bite. It is best to keep the grouper rod in your hand when possible and be ready to crank them away from their hidey-holes. Tere isn’t much room or time for error on the initial bite.

Fishing for grouper over wrecks can also be highly productive. Amberjacks, which received a short closure in April, can be caught as bycatch while wreck fshing for grouper. Teir season also reopens in May.

Deep-dropping ofshore also expands greatly this month, as snowy grouper and blueline tilefsh reopen. Yellowedge grouper remains year-round, but even with large grouper hooks, tilefsh can be a frequent bycatch. Deep-drop rigs can be modifed this time of year to include smaller hooks that welcome the tilefsh bite and increase productivity of each drop.

Te abundance of mahi-mahi this month sweetens the deal for heading shore to deep-drop. Not only can you fsh for mahi-mahi on the route to, from and on your deep-drop numbers, you can also chase birds for a chance to read the bottom for new deep-drop spots. Tere is nothing quite like fnding a new fshing spot, and with so much in season right now, it is the perfect time of year to scout.

Remember to check fshing regulations, as there are ofen surprise closures on many species. Venting and descending tools are required when fshing for grouper and are especially important at the depths where snowy grouper are found. One look at the bug-eyed balloon face of barotrauma will tell you these fsh cannot return home safely without help. It is easy to go over a limit of snowy grouper by accident, so have your gear ready and know how to use it.

Sweet E’nuf Charters specializes in grouper and is already booking up quickly for the much anticipated reopening. Give us a call to get tight!

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’nuf Charters out of Marathon, Florida Keys. Contact her at (504) 920-6342 or Captainquinlyn.com.

Find her on social @captainquinlyn.

ANGLERS SET RECORDS IN NEW FLORIDA CATEGORIES

Julia Bernstein, 12, of Miami, had a record-setting day fshing of Key West on Jan. 5. She set two new state records in a day by catching a 20-pound, 15-ounce cobia and a 1-pound, 8-ounce mangrove snapper while fshing with Capt. Dale Bittner.

Bernstein’s records were the frst two fsh certifed in Florida’s new saltwater record categories, which were launched in January. Tey both set the bar in the new Youth All-Tackle Weight category. Florida is also now recognizing state records for Youth and Adult Length Categories.

“‘Are those all cobia?’ I couldn’t believe it, as we pulled up to the wreck, there was a dark cloud on the surface of the ocean. Sure enough, it was a large school of hungry cobia, and they were ready to eat!” Bernstein said. She quickly hooked up to two smaller fsh, but in her words, “Tird time was the charm; it was an even larger cobia! We had a great afernoon, we caught six fsh from that school, one of which became the Florida state record and one of which is a pending IGFA Junior Record.”

Bernstein already holds 11 IGFA world records.

To fnish the day, they made one last stop, where Bernstein hooked up with her record mango.

“I worked hard to get it of the bottom and then reeled as fast as I could. Good thing I did, turned out to be a state record mangrove snapper!” she said.

Joseph Ingold set the bar for the redfsh length state record with an impressive 36.25-inch red he caught from a Kayak in Panama City in February. His story is of a slow day that turned exciting in a hurry.

“About halfway down, I hadn’t gotten a single hit, so I cast my paddletail and let it sink to the bottom while I grabbed a new lure to tie on. Once I got my new lure ready, I started to reel in my paddletail to switch it out,” he said. “About fve seconds afer I started to reel it back in, the redfsh hit.”

Ingold thought he had snagged the bottom, but then the fsh began to run.

“I got super excited and loosened up my drag at that point. I really didn’t want to break her of since I was only using 10-pound test,” he said. “When I landed the fsh, I honestly didn’t even think about submitting it for the new length record. I actively participate in the Catch a Florida Memory programs, so I just took pictures for myself and for the Reel Big Fish program. Afer I submitted for a Reel Big Fish, I was curious if anyone had submitted for the new length record and, to my surprise, it was still vacant. So, I took all the pictures I had and put in my application.” CALL

Blitz!

You know spring has ofcially arrived when the eastern seaboard welcomes the arrival of voracious blackfn tuna! What better way to shake of the winter doldrums than to get out and target these small but mighty speedsters.

May and June are great months to target these fsh. Tey enjoy a wide range from Cape Cod to South Florida, and during the summer they migrate to temperate waters that remain above 70 degrees. Tey inhabit the warmest waters of all tuna species.

Blackfns are a schooling fsh and feed on migratory baitfsh, squid and shrimp. Tey frequently hunt the deeper side of the ledges and reefs common to the eastern seaboard. Tey commonly range from 5 to 20 pounds, with the occasional 30-pounder blowing up your bait!

Live bait is best for bigger tuna. I prefer goggle eyes, which can be caught or bought. Due to their hardiness, they are worth the cost to have on hand.

For live baiting, I use a Shimano Baitrunner OC size 6000 reel spooled with FINS 40G Braid. With the diameter of 6-pound mono, this braid has a tensile breaking strength of 45 pounds. I pair this reel with the Shimano Terez model TZS69M, 6-foot, 9-inch medium action spinning rod. I use a 6-foot section of Seaguar fuorocarbon in the 30-pound range for leader and Owner SSW 6/0 or 7/0 cutting point hooks. Blackfn are leader shy, so start with a 30-pound leader and move up to 40 only if you are experiencing breakofs.

I combine live bait with jigging techniques when targeting tuna. For high-speed retrieval of lures through the water column, which these fsh prefer, I use the Penn Battle III 4000 HS (high-speed) spinning reel. I pair this with a 6-foot, 6-inch Shimano Trevala B. I start of using Rapala Williamson Kensaki jigs in the 120- to 220-gram range.

Pro tip: Switch sizes and colors until you fnd what best “matches the hatch” rather than switching jigs.

I fsh early mornings, as tuna can be both light and boat shy. During a full moon cycle, the bite can turn of quickly as the fsh have been feeding most of the night. Once on my target area, I set up for a drif just outside the frst reef system, past the drop-of in deeper water to avoid bonito, sharks and kingfsh. Tis is typically in the 225- to 300-foot range. I deploy two live baits—one in the bow and the other in the stern—then jig in the middle. Check your fshfnder ofen to identify “scratches,” or fsh moving through, and mark the depth they appear in the water column. Target these fsh while jigging.

Te food quality of blackfn depends on proper bleeding when they are frst caught. Make a small incision behind the pectoral fn on both sides of the fsh to ensure the highest quality meat. Catching these speedsters will quickly become an addiction, and now is the time to make it happen!

Find Mark Ambert on Instagram @marksgonefshing_™; email: marksgonefshing25@gmail.com.

With Mastry Suzuki RePower, It’s Your Choice

Join The Revolution

Whether considering repowering your trailer boat or your offshore beast, there is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center that can serve your repower dreams. Mastry Suzuki RePower centers are the best in the business and have the experience, technical know-how and boating passion to make your repower project a remarkable success. With total boat systems capabilities your local Mastry Suzuki RePower Center can address all your upgrade aspirations. Essentially transforming your boat into a totally new boat at one single location.

With 15 Locations Across the Southeast There is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Near You.

REPOWER

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

*Get with the Program!

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identification card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefits during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

Durable boat lifts expertly designed with Florida in mind.

ShoreStation hydraulic boat lifts are a reliable choice for coastal residents and boating enthusiasts alike. Their strong construction, made with corrosion-resistant materials, allows them to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including sun, storms, and saltwater damage. ShoreStation provides a steadfast solution for protecting waterfront investments, ofering peace of mind to owners in the Sunshine State.

DISCOVER THE SHORESTATION ADVANTAGE

REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy Cover

Equipped with exceptional weather resistant fabric and breathable SunTex 80 woven mesh ends for maximum protection and durability,

Quickly Secures Boat

Made from the highest quality materials, our innovative hydraulic boat lift is one of the fastest and safest lifts on the market today. When you have a hydraulic lift, there’s no need to worry about wind and waves getting in your way. This lift will give you confdence to safely land and secure your boat in less-than-ideal conditions. No Piling Required

Solar Battery Charging System

Never miss another moment on the water. Power your lift with clean, free solar power. Our speedy 20 watt charger features solar regulator drainage protection, saving your battery from permanent damage caused by overcharging.

ALGAE BLAMED FOR KEYS FISH WITH “THE SPINS”

Since early November, when the frst reports came in from the Florida Keys, scientists have been looking into reports of fsh exhibiting abnormal behavior referred to as “the spins.” Bonefsh & Tarpon Trust (BT&T) recently pointed its fnger at harmful algae as a likely reason for this phenomenon that has killed numerous endangered sawfsh and afected fsh of 30 diferent species.

Fish with the spins lose equilibrium and swim upside down in circles, ofen following a stressful or stimulating event. According to BT&T, a majority of reports for this behavior originated in the Lower Keys, between Big Pine Key and Sugarloaf Key, but there have been reports farther west toward Key West as well as in Miami north of Biscayne Bay National Park. Among the species afected are popular sport and food fsh such as tarpon, permit, snook, jack crevalle, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, cubera snapper, goliath grouper and redfsh.

In January, BT&T and the Lower Keys Guides Association launched a study with the assistance of numerous other organizations to determine the cause of these events. BT&T stopped short of calling its results conclusive, because there’s still testing to be done, but they indicated occurrences of harmful algae blooms in the gambierdiscus family are the likely culprit.

Saltwater anglers will likely be familiar with ciguatera poisoning caused by the accumulation of ciguatoxin in predatory food fsh. Gambierdiscus is known to produce ciguatoxin and other neurotoxins that can have diferent efects on human and marine life. BT&T in not yet sure whether this variant of gambierdiscus is producing any cytotoxin that would move up the food web, but evidence indicates it is such a toxin that is afecting fsh.

Tese harmful algae are more common in reef areas that are environmentally stressed, according to BT&T. Testing continues and should hopefully provide more insight into this algae’s potential impact to the fsheries.

For more information, go to bonefshtarpontrust.org.

Repower Center

COASTAL ANGLER

North Central Florida/Nature Coast

Cary & Lynn Crutchfield

ALACHUA, CITRUS, COLUMBIA, DIXIE, GILCHRIST, LEVY, MARION, SUWANNEE

MAY

Welcome May! I love May, the month of my birth, also Spencer’s, (my grandson) my maternal grandmother’s, and my paternal grandmother’s name was Mae. May is the last month of moderate temps, before the South begins to bake in the heat of summer. I love days of no heat/no air, and my open French doors. My beloved Suwannee is high right now and we are keeping a close watch on rain north of us, primarily the Okefenokee in S. GA. We haven’t had a real flood in several years. May is usually a semi-dry month, so we should be okay. (Fingers crossed!)

See page 8 for new advertising partner Kathi’s Krabs in Steinhatchee. From personal experience, I can tell you that they are an excellent seafood restaurant, and they serve our gator. You may want to spend the night in Steinhatchee, (Scalloping season is coming soon!) and The Steinhatchee River Inn and Marina, page 9, is a perfect choice.

See page 2 for this month’s recipe, Grouper Oscar with Shrimp. This dish is great for company because all the prep can be done ahead, you can stick it in the oven as your guests arrive and it is very impressive.

Mother’s Day is May 12th this year. How about a guided fishing trip for Mom with one of our experienced guides? (I am mother of two, grandmother of three and as of December 2023, great grandmother of one!)

Our guides love to hear from you. Please thank them for taking their time to write our forecasts and share their expertise. Also thank our distribution locations and advertisers. It takes a lot of cooperation to bring you the world’s greatest FREE fishing magazine.

GROUPER OSCAR WITH SHRIMP (SERVES 4)

Thank you to The Crab Plant for the shrimp. Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. You are welcome to sit at their table and view

beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, Fri-Sat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.

DIRECTIONS

Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus, Steam or microwave the tender ends until crisp tender. Set side

COOKING DIRECTIONS

Season grouper with salt and pepper and dredge in flour.

Heat oil in heavy skillet on medium heat. Cook grouper for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove to baking dish. Salt shrimp and sauté in same skillet for a couple minutes on each side.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 Grouper fillets (or fish of your choice)

• ½ cup flour

• Salt and Pepper

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 16 to 20 (depending on size) fresh asparagus spears

• 12 Jumbo shrimp shelled and deveined

Hollandaise Sauce

• 4 large egg yolks

Make Hollandaise by whisking 4 egg yolks with lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in blender or processor. While blender or processor is running, SLOWLY drizzle melted butter into egg mixture. (Isn’t it beautiful!)

• 1 cup melted butter

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and Pepper

Top each grouper fillet with 3 shrimp, 4 or 5 asparagus spears and a generous drizzle of Hollandaise sauce.

Bake in 375-degree oven for about 5 minutes and serve immediately.

I added a simple side of buttered new red potatoes.

Same recipe that I gave you last year using chicken and blue crab..

FLORIDA WATERWAYS

Pirate Treasure along the Suwannee River

When I was a youngster growing up on an island off New Jersey, my friends and I once discovered, buried deep in the sand, a long wooden plank from a sunken ship. With visions of pirates and sunken treasure, we spent the whole night digging deep into the dunes and ended up excavating a plank that was over twenty feet long. We didn’t find any treasure, but the adventure was memorable and long remembered, even after the high tide buried the beam again.

When I came down to Gainesville, Florida, in 1969, I learned of another possible link to pirate treasure, this time along the Suwannee River. The site was at the sleepy little hamlet of Fowler(‘s) Bluff on the east side of the river about fifteen miles southwest of Chiefland on highways 345 and then 347.

The long-lasting rumor was that pirate Jean Lafitte or Laffite (c. 1780 – c. 1823) and his henchmen roamed up and down the Gulf of Mexico, capturing ships and collecting much treasure (gold, silver, jewelry, etc.). Lafitte had a very colorful career and may have been involved in helping American troops against the Spanish in and around New Orleans. There is in fact a Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve in Barataria Preserve in Louisiana’s Mississippi River Delta region.

Legend says that on one of his trips off the west coast of Florida, Lafitte and his fellow pirates buried treasure up the Suwannee River where Fowler’s Bluff is today. The pirates may have been using the very accessible riverbank to careen their boats, i.e. clean the bottom of the vessels by beaching the ship, leaning it to one side, and then cleaning each side of the barnacles and debris that would slow the ships in the open water. Many treasure seekers have spent a great deal of time and money fruitlessly searching for the treasure, but rumors persist that one seeker, Emmett Baird, found some

of it, went to Gainesville, and used the loot to establish a bank, a hardware store and built a beautiful Queen Ann, Victorian home. Today the home serves as a popular B&B.

Today, next to Treasure Camp Restaurant at Fowler’s Bluff along the Suwannee, one can see the workings of a shaft dug deep into the sand bank. It’s possible that those digging there have found treasure, but they are tight-lipped about the well. I had a friend show me what he claimed was some silver coins found at the site, but many people are dubious that the pirates would have rowed or sailed so far up the Suwannee, maybe as much as fifteen miles, to bury their treasure rather than finding a high riverbank down near the Gulf.

I think the adventurous side of me hopes that the diggers do find a lot of treasure there. My teenage friends and I

never found such a treasure on the New Jersey island, but we sure had high hopes.

Kevin

HOMOSASSA

May fishing in Homosassa is a great month for variety. Water temps are on the upward trend and the fish are getting happy! Hopefully, the wind will calm down some! Haha.

Look for trout to start moving to the near shore rocks in the 6-to-8foot ranges. I like jigging with the watermelon red flake MirrOLure Little Johns on a DOA 1/8th ounce jig head around rocky bottoms. Around those rock piles, you will find a plethora of fish, willing to eat a shrimp rigged on that same jig head. Grunts, mackerel, snapper and blue fish will keep the rods bent. While you’re offshore, keep a lookout for cobia. They should be in this time of the year. Live pin fish on a heavier rod will work well for a cobia swimming at the surface!

Inshore will still be holding some trout. Look for the yellow bottom areas on the incoming tides. Redfish will be on the outside points. I like using free-lined live pin fish this time of the year. Snook will also eat pin fish as well. For the artificial guys, nose hooked DOA CAL will produce solid Snook and

trout bites.

For the fly anglers, I like to pole the St. Martin Keys this time of the year, on the last hour of the outgoing tide. Once the water gets low enough you will find tailing red fish on the middle of the flat up to 100 plus yards from any shoreline. These fish are super spooky, so stealth and patience is key. I like to throw really small shrimp pattern flys. Near shore rock piles, will produce great action on the long rods. I like to tie clouser flys on long shanked J hooks for the rocks. The long-shanked hooks, limits the break offs on mackerel. Use shrimp or a chum block or get them fired up, and then its game on!

June 1st is the Florida Cracker Ladies fishing tournament.

Stay safe,

– Capt. Stump

Capt. Jonathan Hamilton www.stumpnation.us 352-424-3260

FLORIDA SUWANNEE RIVER WATERFRONT FOR SALE

Cary

43

May is the time for migration here on Florida’s Nature Coast! Cobia, triple tail and tarpon all come to mind during this time of the year. As the water warms, these fish begin moving north along the Gulf Coast.

Cobia will be found along the shallow water grass flats and near structure, wrecks and rock piles. Often a free lined pinfish makes a great bait for these fish. I always have a stealthier rod rigged and ready, should I see a cobia swimming across the top of the water.

Triple tail are seen floating along buoys and weed lines. I typically target these fish during the slack and slower moving tide. I use a shrimp on a 1/16-ounce jig, pitched in front of their face, and allow it to sink down for the fish to see it, follow it then eat it.

Tarpon are migrating in large schools and are found rolling across the top of the water near the deeper channels, mangrove islands and rivers. A live mullet attached to a long leader freely swimming into the school is very attractive to these fish. The more natural the bait appears, the more likely the tarpon

As for our other inshore fish, seatrout will continue to school along the grass flats and waters that are holding lots of bait fish. Redfish are holding on rocky points, especially on the high incoming tides. I typically will switch to mud minnows under a float to avoid hanging up in the rocks this time of

Hey anglers, I gotta ask, “Can you believe all these black drum?!” As many of you probably know, this is the time the drum move in thick to our area, and if you didn't know, you know now. So let's talk targeting them.

The great thing about targeting drums is you can find them essentially anywhere. You'll find schools of them on the flats and around structure on the keys and creeks. I personally keep it simple, a shrimp under a popping cork, but don't let that stop you from trying knocker rigs with crabs.

When rigging for drum, I don't go super heavy. I use 15 to 20 lb. braid on a 3 to 4000 reel. I like 25 lb. leader (mono) and I top it off with a 3 foot O jighead if I'm under a cork, or a 5 foot O circle hook if I'm using a knocker rig with crab.

So I hope this helps y'all out with catching drum, and until next month, stay safe out there.

Capt. Jason Clark

In The Slot Fishing Charters 352-639-3209 www.intheslotfishing.com

City, FL Fine Dining. Fabulous Steaks. BeautifulDiningRoom. Open for dinner, Thurs., Fri. and Sat , 5 to 9 Lunch or Dinner Monday through Wednesday for Private parties of 15 or more. Call for details. Special Events, DestinationWeddings, and CorporateRetreats

Hugh Cain Allstate 800-882-9304

Based on coverage selected. Subject to terms, conditions, availability & qualifications. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.

SEAFOOD AT ITS BEST!

$1 OFF Fresh Clam Strips Basket or Appetizer

50¢ OFF Cup of New England Clam Chowder

$1 OFF Bowl of New England Clam Chowder

2315 N. Sunshine Path

Crystal River, FL 34429

352-795-9081

15066848

May Is the month for monsters!

Inshore and nearshore heats up big time for us here on the Nature Coast.

Inshore, the redfish and snook will make their final migrations and settle into their summertime hideouts. Working the oyster bars and islands with your favorite gold spoon or topwater, will keep the line tight all month, as long as you don’t mind the casting.

Nearshore the cobia migration will be in full swing and the nearshore rockpiles will heat up big time. With a legal cobia now being 36 inches to the fork before you can harvest, the keeper to catch ratio will continue to be low, but they are a ton of fun on light tackle and a keeper cobia is definitely possible. I recommend keeping a very large net, because judging a fish you’re going to gaff and kill is not a smart move and just kills the fish or damages him for future recapture. The tripletail bite will finally kick off into full swing with water temperatures in the right degree, and we will see more and more of these guys showing up over the next few months! A live shrimp under a short popping cork or a gulp shrimp, is a sure thing for that tripletail you’re after! Good luck out there and tight lines guys. Capt.

May

is the beginning of the summer fishing season here along the Suwannee River Estuary and adjacent Coastal waters. Warm nights combined with hot days and the water temps will approach 80 degrees by mid-month. This is the time of the year when all of the pelagic species will be showing up! On any given day, you have the chance to hook a cobia, a shark, a mackerel or maybe even a tarpon!

Inshore the Redfish are hungry and on the prowl! There has been a migration of offshore redfish into the Suwannee Reef and Lone Cabbage Reef. Some fish are over slot size. With the river level rising for the last couple weeks, and significant rainfall this week, you can expect the redfish to move away from the mouths of the river. Best bait this time of the year is something you can cast far and fish quickly! A gold or silver ⅝ or ¾ ounce spoon is hard to beat! I will always have another couple of rods rigged with jigs and FishBites Fight Club Lures, I really like a 5/16 or ⅜ ounce jig head combined with a 5-inch Brawler Jerkbait or 4-inch Butt Kicker Paddle Tail. I will use all of the colors, depending on water clarity and if it's sunny or overcast.

As I mentioned earlier the Suwannee River is on the rise and is considered to be high in most locations. For the speckled trout angler, this means the fish will move away from the river. Over the last couple of decades, we have seen a dramatic decrease in coastal marine seagrass. Within the cone of influence of the Suwannee River, once productive areas are now just sand bars!

During the same time period, we have seen an increase in the inshore grass known as rock grass. As the name indicates, this grass is found on hard bottom like rocks and oyster bars. It looks very similar to moss, but it's a dark brown to black color. The rock grass has now become the trout magnet for the inshore waters of the estuary. My favorite baits will again be FishBites, silver spoons and suspending jerkbaits.

If offshore is your thing, then May is one of the better months. Granted, the largest portion of the king mackerel run may have passed by, but there are still plenty of smokers out there. The red grouper are open now, but it looks like they will be closing in a few weeks.

The spotty bottom will continue to be a good choice for a mixed bag of mackerel and trout. I like a ⅜ ounce jig head with FishBites and a 5-inch Jerkbait in the bright colors. If you are getting cut off add a 4-inch piece of 20 to 30 lb. steel leader.

Captain Tony Johns | 352-221-2510

www.lowersuwanneriverfishing.com

Instagram: captaintonyjohns

Facebook: Lower Suwannee River Fishing Adventures

Captain Tony

KEATON BEACH

Wouldlove to tell you it was grand here at Keaton, but the fishing has been unpredictable at best due to--the weather? the fresh water? (Got that one from the shrimpers.) lack of bait? or a combination of all of it, but “weird” is the way I see it. We haven’t really been able to fish many days (rescheduled three, this week, alone) but hit or miss is the way one would describe it. As if you are ready when the “bite” occurs, you might limit out in an hour, but if you are moving when that magic time hits, you might come up empty.

May should see all the pelagics present, which includes white bait schools; glaringly absent so far (today is April 12) except for a few ballyhoo which have been spotty then at best, and of course, all the other species ladyfish, blues. Jacks, Spanish and sharks etc. Let me not forget cobia, which should be here in numbers in May. Plan your trips around the moons and expect some of the best fishing of the year to occur in May.

Redfish will also show up in schools, if the bait comes up the

coast like it traditionally did in the past. We will rig up as follows: live bait outfit: Penn Battle IIi 2500 reels spooled with TrikFish GameFish Green ten pond test monofilament on Bert Deener’s “Trout Tamer” 7 foot 10 inch rods. We will have 30 lb. test leaders under a Back Bay Thunder Float with a live pinfish on a 5/0 XPS round bend straight shank worm hook.

For my artificials I rig up same Battle reels spooled with 12-pound test TrikFish x-rated copolymer line with a lighter action “TroutTamer” rod but still 7 feet 10 inches in length. I will have the Original Oval Cajun Thunder with a 32-inch leader (TrikFish) 30 pound test tied to an Assassin spinlock 1/16 oz. jighead. Assassins New lil P&V in the Laguna Shrimp has been awesome as the kids say.

Meanwhile, Let's Go Fishing!

Pat McGriff dba One More Cast guide service for 30 years!

www.onemorecast.net

onemorecast@gtcom.net cell: 850.838.7541

HORSESHOE BEACH

Whata beautiful start to the spring we have had. Fishing has been phenomenal as well and with turkey season coming to a end, it’s time to start thinking about tarpon and snook

With all the wind we’ve been

having, we have been doing a lot of redfishing, mainly throwing shrimp under cork or on the bottom. When I rig on the bottom, I usually use a quarter ounce jig head tied to a 25 lb. flouro leader.

When the wind is calm enough, we can kick it out and try for trout, and when we can, the trout bite is good. Hoping with May the wind will lay down. March and April are always our windy months. Popping corks and hotheads with your favorite soft plastic should do the trick.

With the warmer months, we should start to see our first good push of the migration fish. Spanish, blues, and triple tail are the most common ones we catch. The bigger blues and Spanish, a lot of the time, be found right there with the redfish. When you catch one, bleed it out properly and the fish is perfectly edible.

Well guys, hope to see y’all out there soon. The bite will continue to get better, so go ahead and get on the books. So until next time, keep it Reel Native!!

Captain Brent Woodard Reel Native Fishing Charters ReelNativeFishing.com 352-284-5514

El Nino has causes and effects.

The effect this year, is an early arrival of bait pods, and along with the bait are the predators. The attached picture is of a Jack Cravalle that ate a sand flea in Flagler County, on April 14th. We have also had blacktip sharks and big bluefish ripping through the surf. The pompano came early also. We have been catching them as far north as Fernandina Beach since mid-March! This month should be incredible, because there are a lot more pomps still coming this way from south Florida.

North of Jacksonville all the way to Ft Clinch, has produced better than average catches of black drum and redfish, The preferred bait has been blue crab knuckles. Mixed in with those two, have also been big whiting and keeper pomps, up to four pounds. The Mortician rig with 2/0 circle hooks adorned with small floats has been kicking butt!

If you want to do battle with a blacktip, aka Beach Marlin, May is your month. I nick-named them Beach Marlin because they

almost always go airborne as soon as they are hooked. Almost anything you catch in the surf makes great bait. My go- to baits are half of a big whiting or ladyfish. However, anything will work, even a hardhead catfish will get eaten. Just make sure you have enough line which would be 300 yards of 30-pound test. My big Penn Spinfishers have 400 yards of 50-pound braid. With that, I still get spooled by some unseen sea monster about once a year!

May is a wonderful month to surf fish. It is not too hot, yet. Also, the fish are on the move northward and they are hungry. So go now and go often, before the dog days of Summer are here.

Tight lines!

Noel Kuhn

43 years of surf fishing experience, surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. Founding member of Florida Surf Casters club. 904-945-0660

www.TheSurfAngler.com

May is such an awesome time for fishing in Northeast Florida. The inshore fish (redfish, trout, flounder, drum, bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, etc.) will be on the feed with the influx of baitfish (finger mullet and pogies). With warming air and water temps, the nearshore fishing should be firing up as well, with huge jacks, cobia, and maybe even a tarpon or two-all waiting to put up that fight of a lifetime.

Inshore, the redfish will be crushing the finger mullet, and that means a top-water plug like the Berkley J-Walker 120, especially at first and last light, will be the go-to lure of choice. Look for schools of finger mullet and toss your plugs around them. There's sure to be a redfish or trout around the bait looking for an easy snack. Once the sun gets up a bit, I like to switch to a search bait this time of year. The water will become murky and a lure that makes some noise will be a good way to get the redfishs’ attention. Some of my favorites are spoons, twitchbaits, paddle tails, or even a spinner bait. Something that has some flash and thump will be a great way to go, as the fish can hunt it down much easier in the murky water.

May has always been a “gator” trout month for me. A top-water plug will account for some of the

bigger trout catches. The outgoing tide along the ICW banks should be loaded with trout, especially if the baitfish are around. Once the day heats up a bit, I like to fish a 1/4-ounce jighead paired with a Saltwater Assassin paddle tail for the trout. Use a twitch- twitch-pause method, and most of the time they'll hit it on the pause. A free-lined live shrimp with a small pinch weight, a few inches above it, is a great way to catch some trout too.

The flounder bite has been consistent all year and will be a good bet this month. Some of the bigger springtime flatties will start to show in the inlets. Use a finger mullet or big mud minnow pinned to a jighead or fish-finder rig. Bounce the minnow (or mullet) along the rocks at the area inlets to find some of the big "doormats".

May could be a good month to get out and look for the cobia. (Let’s hope it was a better season this year!). Even if the manta rays have moved on, the cobia will be on the pogy pods along with quite a few heavy hitters like big jacks, sharks, and maybe even a tarpon or two, if the water warms up enough. The weather is so nice this time of year! Get out there and catch ‘em up!

PASCO COUNTY GETS 40 DAYS FOR BAY SCALLOPS

Pasco County scallopers will get a 40-day season in 2024 afer the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a change to the management region during a February meeting. Te season for the Pasco County Zone will begin July 10 and run through Aug. 18, annually.

Tese long-term season dates were informed by the 2023 post-season monitoring results by FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute as well as input received from stakeholders at virtual public workshops, in-person meetings and public comments.

“Along with moving away from the Independence Day holiday, the longer season will increase both the public’s safety and access to one of our state’s most fun family resources,” said FWC Commissioner Preston Farrier. “ Tere will be many positive impacts for the local communities.”

Te Pasco Zone bay scallop region includes all state waters between the Hernando/Pasco county line and the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River. For complete regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Scallops.

THE RETURN OF THE GOLIATH GROUPER

You’ll fnd some real giants lurking in Florida waters, ofen hanging out near wrecks, structures and mangrove roots. Te notorious Goliath grouper is a massive, territorial and iconic Florida fsh that has experienced a remarkable comeback in recent years, prompting the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to introduce a lottery system for limited harvest.

It’s been quite the journey for these giants of the sea. Back in the 1990s, they were critically endangered, and conservation eforts swung into action

to protect them. Trough the 2000s, Goliath grouper started reappearing in South Florida’s coastal waters in greater numbers. Some saw this as a positive thing, while others focused on the negative potential impact on the marine ecosystem.

With their enormous size, reaching lengths of over 8 feet and weighing up to 800 pounds, these beasts could easily throw of the delicate balance of fsh populations and reef habitats. Despite the initial concerns, strict conservation measures and protective regulations led to a remarkable population rebound. Tey once again rule as apex predators; some would even call them bullies!

We were lucky to receive one of the tags to harvest a Goliath this year. Tere were specifc protocols to follow. Te FWC divided it into Category I and Category II, restricting the fshing areas. Additionally, there was a stipulation to use non-ofset, non-stainless steel hooks to improve survival chances. Tere was also a research element involved. We were issued a kit for taking samples and instructions on where to drop of the carcass afer our fsh was cleaned.

Goliath grouper have big appetites, eating large quantities of food to sustain their massive size. Tese underwater monsters can consume up to 5 percent of their body weight in a single feeding, so an average adult weighing around 400 pounds might eat 20 pounds. Tat’s a hefy meal by any standard. Tey also eat pretty much anything that moves, and they love crustaceans, especially stone crabs.

With our tag, we managed to catch one that fell within the slot size of 24 to 36 inches set by the lottery. We gave it a try, and to our surprise, it tasted great, like a meatier version of traditional grouper: white, faky and juicy, probably due to their diet.

Goliaths are a lesson in how tricky the balance can be between preserving our marine life and using it responsibly. From nearly disappearing to bouncing back in a big way, these amazing creatures keep us hooked on their journey. Tey remind us how everything in the ocean is connected and how important balance is. Whether we’re rallying to protect them or frying them up for dinner, Goliath grouper are a signifcant part of what makes Florida’s marine ecosystem so unique.

To see the episode of our Goliath Grouper Catch & Cook, go to “Bean Sportfshing TV” on YouTube. For more information about FWC’s Goliath Grouper harvest program, visit: www.myfwc.com.

Jigging or Baiting for Big Amberjacks

Amberjacks are powerful fsh with a never-quit attitude that makes them prized among anglers who live for the battle. Tey are a widespread species, with a pretty much worldwide range and prefer depths from 60 to 250 feet. Typically, they live near reefs and shipwrecks in small schools. Tis is due to their diet being mostly smaller fsh, crustaceans and squid that live around these structures.

An amberjack might live its whole life around these structures and only move due to lack of prey or for spawning. Amberjacks broadcast spawn, but usually in smaller groups. A single female can produce anywhere between 20 and 50 million eggs. Afer spawning, these fsh participate in some sort of courting and will stay in pairs. Adults can weigh up to 200 pounds and grow to 6 feet in length with a lifespan of more than 15 years. Most angler encounters are with fsh up into the 40-pound range.

Ofshore and nearshore in appropriate depths, you’ll want to look for AJs around structure. Most depthfnders identify structure as dark red patches that jut up from the baseline of the ocean foor. Good structure will have plenty of life around it, which will be represented on the screen as yellow and green blotches of bait and baitfsh.

Once you fnd your spot, use a typical bottom rig with enough weight to keep your bait on bottom in the current. Both live and dead baits work. It’s a good idea to butterfy larger baits, which is cutting the spine and ribs out while leaving the head and skin-on flets intact. For live baits, fsh any baitfsh in the 3- to 5-inch range.

Jigging is another fun way to target these monsters. My friend Nick DeGannaro recently caught a giant AJ on a jig, and here are a few tips he provided.

“Dropping a slim-profled jigging spoon and ripping it back up towards the surface usually elicits the bite, which will stop all motion you had going as the rod doubles over and line starts disappearing of the spool,” he said. “It really is a thrilling fshery, but one you have to show up prepared for, as it will push your tackle to the limits.”

DeGannaro’s go-to outft for speed jigging is an 8000-sized reel flled with 30-lb. braid paired with an E-Fish-Ent Custom Rods Phantom Jigger 250. He fshes a 40- to 60-lb. fuorocarbon leader, depending on water clarity, and either a glow or shiny jig.

Amberjack regulations vary on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, so check the regs before you go. While some enjoy the buttery favor of amberjack, others are turned of by the tapeworms most AJs have in their meat. Whether you plan to keep one or not, these reef bullies sure are a lot of fun to do battle with.

Emily Rose Hanzlik has caught more than 60 IGFA world records in various categories. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

TIPS TRICKS SURF FISHING AND WADING

&

Surf casting is a great and inexpensive way to catch quality fsh. I’ve landed big tarpon and snook from the beach and small panfsh like whiting and croaker. You can catch dinner or experience the thrill of battling some the top sportfsh in the world.

GEAR: I carry two rods, one for big fsh and one for smaller fsh, so I’ll be prepared for whatever I encounter. My lighter set-up is an 8-foot mediumaction rod with a spinning reel flled with 10- to 20-lb. braid attached to 12 inches of clear 30-lb. fuorocarbon leader.

For tarpon, big snook, sharks and big jacks, you need 40- to 60-lb. braid (200-300 yards) with a 60- to 80-lb. clear fuorocarbon leader. For big fsh, you need a heavier rod and 6000-8000 reel with a bigger spool for more line.

LURES: Tie your lures to your leaders with a loop knot. My favorite lures include 4-inch DOA paddletail (pearl white or silver sparkle) rigged on a 3/8oz. chartreuse jig head; a 1- or 2-oz. spoon (silver Krocodile or gold Johnson); topwater plugs (Skitterwalk, Zara Spook, or various chug plugs); and shallow running crankbaits. If it’s windy or rough, you might need to fsh heavier jigs or spoons.

BEST TIMES TO FISH: First light and an hour before dark are the best times to fsh. Te best tides are early incoming and early outgoing. Avoid slack tides. I also use moon phases, which regulate the amount of rise and fall during each tide.

FIND THE FISH: Find the bait, and you’ll fnd the fsh. Bird activity is the most obvious sign of bait in an area. Tis could be pelicans, gulls or even small terns nipping at baitfsh. You also need to be able to spot baitfsh. Identifying the little splashes or dark mass of a school is critical.

I walk the beach looking for bait. When I see bait, I stop and fsh. Birds aren’t always there, and the bait just pops up for a few seconds and you need to be ready. Go to a beach access, get out of the car and scan for birds. If you don’t see any birds, it might be worth going to another beach access, but remember that fnding bait is sometimes just a matter of moving down the beach a hundred yards.

TECHNIQUE: Identify the feeders. Bluefsh, jacks, mackerel, ladyfsh, kingfsh and barracuda are all aggressive feeders that like fashy lures and fast retrieves. If you’re fshing for tarpon, a slow steady retrieve is better. Snook will hit a slow retrieve and can also be caught in shallower water by jigging of the bottom around the frst cut. Whiting, pompano and croakers are all easily caught twitching a lure of the bottom, but you must get it out to them.

Richard L. Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who reports for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440.

Out Here

The fight for an unforgettable catch begins here, where 100,000 square miles of deep blue waters play home to speedy blue marlin and wahoo, massive tuna and brawny mahi mahi. Deep sea fishing in The Out Islands is a battle of wits, a test of perseverance, and a chance to prove your angler’s instinct. See what could be waiting on the other side of your line.

Boating is unpredictable but with a BoatU.S. Unlimited Towing Membership, it’s easy to keep your cool if something goes wrong. With more than 600+ red boats on the water, TowBoatU.S. will have your back.

Anglers

CAST LURES IN A MITZI TOURNAMENT 17

TIPS FROM A PRO

OPTIMIZE YOUR USE OF FORWARD FACING SONAR

The year is 2024, and technology is getting better and better. Whether it be the retail tech business or the fshing industry, there are tools now available that a few years ago we would have never thought were even possible. One of those technologies is forward-facing sonar (FFS). Tere’s a lot of debate about FFS in the fshing these days, but there’s no denying it’s an amazing tool when used correctly.

I have been using this technology since its earliest stages, and catching fsh while looking at my screens has become one of my favorite ways to fsh. It is extremely cool to watch a fsh eat your lure in real time, and it can also teach you a tremendous amount about what is happening under the water. Not only do I use this tech to fnd and catch fsh, I use it to pinpoint bait and areas with life, fnd sweet spots and diferentiations in an area, and eliminate dead water much faster ever before.

Figuring out how to use this new technology can be a little frustrating at frst if you don’t quite understand what’s going on. Spending time on the water, doing as much research as possible or getting someone experienced to teach you are the best ways to get an upper

hand. Fishing lakes where catching fsh isn’t very hard in general helped

me tremendously with deciphering what I saw using FFS. Smallmouth fshing in the north country was a big helper, as these fsh are aggressive and you get many opportunities to present baits and dial in your skills.

Another thing that helps you understand the picture on your screen is objects that are visible above the water. Point your transducer at a bridge, dock, tree or grass, and picture in your head what should be under the water while also watching your screen. Tis will help beginners dial in settings and get a better understanding of what is displayed. It takes time, patience and dedication to learn, but don’t get frustrated and try to have fun with it.

Tere are varied opinions on forwardfacing sonar and its place in the fshing industry, but it isn’t going away, it will only get better! Some of the coolest things I’ve witnessed and some of my best fshing days were due to the electronics on my boat.

Spending the time to learn how to use FFS is well worth the efort. Te technology is dominating pretty much every tournament right now, and it absolutely revolutionized the way I break down a body of water.

Tere are many resources out there to help you in your learning process and people like me who are always willing to answer questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out, tight lines!

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.

HOOKED ON HARDWARE

It’s well known that some of the best kingfsh fshing starts with a livewell full of frisky baits. Unfortunately, catching them can eat up much of your fshing time. Afer that, it can be hours of bump trolling waiting for a fsh to hit. Fortunately, for those who just want to head out for a couple hours of fun and blistering runs, it can be accomplished with artifcials. Besides getting you straight to the fshing, you can cover a lot more ground by pulling hardware, and it is not nearly as tedious.

Like using live bait, wire leader is crucial. Kingfsh have razor sharp teeth that will go through even stout mono with little efort. I prefer single-strand wire and usually opt for at least #7 (80-lb.). Single strand tends to kink afer just one fsh, but that’s not always a problem when pulling big plugs, as they will pull the wire straight. Also, watch your split rings. Tey can weaken the loop where it attaches to the lure, so be sure to constantly inspect your connections. I like to cover many diferent depths in the water column when trolling. I

start with a shallow runner like the Nomad 190 AT that runs 3 to 5 feet deep, which I set way back. I also like the Nomad Madmacs that run just slightly deeper. I run it 30 to 50 feet in front of my shallow long-bait to facilitate turning. Ten I like to go deeper with a DTX Minnow 165. I run that close to the boat and right under the prop wash. Tis is hands down my most productive bait. I fnd speeds of 6 to 8 knots usually work well. Tis allows me to cover a lot of ground and is fast enough to elicit a strike. I ofen fnd any slower and the fsh don’t seem interested. Te other great thing about these lures is the hooks are very large, and they stick once they make contact.

When you’re trolling the deeper-diving DTX 165s, you will need a reel with some signifcant drag, as these big-lipped plugs take a lot to hold in place. Te Accurate BV600, with its dual drag system, is a great reel for the job. Te BV X76H matches perfectly with it and is a great multi-duty trolling rig that doubles as an awesome grouper rod. Even though you don’t need a super-light tip, like with live bait, a rod that gives is a plus with these sof-mouthed fsh.

As for spots, look for hard bottom that holds bait. Wrecks and reefs are great, too. It sometimes pays to make wider circles around these structures to get away from the barracudas.

With a few lures and some know-how, you can easily head out and catch some kings without dedicating an entire day to your eforts.

The Return of a

Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament anglers who has been writing about fshing for more than three decades.

The heritage of American Silver Dollars is rich and diverse, marked by stunningly beautiful designs, leading to an enduring desirability in the hearts of collectors around the world. In this iconic U.S. Silver Dollar set, spanning nearly 150 years, you’re getting FIVE American Silver Dollars issued over the last 15 decades that each reflect the history, culture and economic aspects of the United States.

We’ve Done the Work for You with this Extraordinary 5-Pc. U.S. Silver Dollar Set

Each of these U.S. Silver Dollars is sought-after by collectors individually, but this set includes every design of U.S. Silver Dollar in American history, issued from 1878 to 2024!

Morgan Silver Dollar: First struck 146 years ago in 1878, the Morgan has a historic legacy as the coin that helped build the American West. Minted until 1904, then again in 1921, this 90% silver coin with its iconic Lady Liberty design is the most collected vintage Silver Dollar in the world. Extremely Fine (XF) condition coin included in set.

Peace Silver Dollar: With a beautiful design memorializing peace following the end of World War I, the 90% silver Peace Dollar was intended as a one-year only release struck in 1921—but it proved so popular with the American people, it was struck until 1928, then again in 1934-35. Extremely Fine (XF) condition coin included in set.

Eisenhower Dollar: The last circulating U.S. dollar coin, the Eisenhower Dollar, aka the “Ike Dollar,” was prized by Americans, with its design featuring war hero President Dwight D. Eisenhower, backed by an image symbolizing the Apollo II moon landing. First struck with silver 1971-1976, the Eisenhower Dollar in this set was struck in 40% silver for collectors, and you will receive a coin in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition.

Silver Eagle Type 1: The first-ever U.S. Silver Dollar minted in 99.9% silver, these coins were first minted in 1986 following President Ronald Reagan’s signing of the Liberty Coin Act into law on July 9, 1985, which authorized the U.S. Mint to strike America’s new silver bullion coin. This gorgeous Silver Dollar features the original, revered Type 1 “Heraldic Eagle” reverse design by John Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition coin included in set.

Silver Eagle Type 2: In honor of the popular 99.9% silver coin’s 35th anniversary in 2021, the Silver Eagle received a new, esteemed Type 2 “Eagle Landing” reverse design. This is the current issued coin by the U.S. Mint. Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition coin included in set.

SAVE with this Ultimate U.S. Silver Dollar Set! You’ll save both time and money on this 150 Year U.S. Silver Dollar Set, with FREE SHIPPING and a BONUS presentation case, plus a new and informative 150 Years U.S. Silver Dollars booklet! Call right now to get yours before they’re gone!

Ultimate U.S. Silver Dollars Set — Regular Price $249 - $199

Save $50.00 (over 20%) + FREE SHIPPING For fastest service call