Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2016 i Salt Water Sportsman

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Second String

In his Conservation column, Rip Cunningham details the mechanics of NOAA moving toward ecosystem- based management (EBM) of fisheries, with menhaden in the spotlight. We also uncovered news regarding redfish as bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico commercial menhaden fishery. Nobody fishes for menhaden, but as a forage species, they’re vital to our angling, converting plankton to usable protein for the predators we fish for. This species makes up the highest commercial landings on the east coast. NOAA reports it is not overfished. But give it a little time. When you put a price on the head of wildlife, it’s doomed. What’s really at stake is the importance of a strong food chain, from bottom to top, and while there are political reasons for approaching this from a socioeconomic standpoint,…

2 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Striped Reward

YOUR CATCH To send in your catch photo, email us at catches@saltwatersportsman.com. DROP US A LINE Got a piece of good news to share? Want to gripe? Like to see your thoughts on the pages of Salt Water Sportsman? Send your letters, manuscripts and any relevant comments to editor@salt water sports man.com or via U.S. mail: SWS Editor, 460 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 200, Winter Park, FL32789. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcomed but will not be acknowledged or returned unless accompanied by an SASE. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: saltwatersportsman.com/cs or 800-759-2127. Outside the United States: 800-979-6828; Back Issues: 800-464-2819; Bulk Reprints: 877-652-5295, ext. 117.…

1 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Bottom Up

Sometimes I am convinced that managers look at fisheries from the wrong perspective. It is my feeling that ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) would change this, yet the old way of looking at things from the top down seems to prevail. There is not a lot of discussion about the ecological value of the menhaden resource. Looking at fisheries resources from the bottom up (no pun intended) makes a lot more sense from an ecological standpoint, as well as a socioeconomic standpoint, but changing old ways is harder than anticipated. Menhaden Revisited As this is written, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is once again looking at the menhaden fishery. Much of this is being prompted by a positive trend in the menhaden spawning-stock biomass, which in turn prompts a desire…

4 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Organized Tackle To Go

You never know what opportunities a day on the water will present, so I’m always ready for a variety of fishing situations. I hate limiting myself to lures and terminal tackle for only one target species or fishing location. If you are like me, you probably lug around a giant tackle box or bag. Unfortunately, not every boat has a compartment large enough to fit a big piece of luggage overstuffed with artificials, hooks, swivels, leaders and such. If yours does, you still have to pull out that tackle carryall every time you need access to items inside. And if limited storage forces you to leave it on deck, it becomes an obstacle to hurdle every time you or a crew member fights a fish or moves around the boat.…

3 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Invincible 42 Center Cabin

The latest addition to the Invincible Boats fleet pairs the proven performance qualities of the Michael Peters-designed Stepped-Vee Ventilated Hull with onboard accommodations to satisfy the most demanding weekender or extended-trip island cruiser. The well-appointed cabin lacks nothing in creature comforts, while walk-around fish-fighting capability and serious competitive fishing features remain front and center. The 580-gallon fuel capacity offers extensive range, with either triple or quad outboards. Triple Yamaha 350s push this serious fishing machine to speeds topping 68 mph. LENGTH: 42'9" | BEAM: 11'7" | DRAFT: 24" WEIGHT: 13,700 lb. w/power | FUEL: 580 gal. MAX HP: 1,671 | PRICE: Available upon request…

1 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

NATURAL ATTRACTION

SWS Planner: Florida tarpon on live bait What: Tarpon Where: Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts When: Yearround; different locations based on seasonal movements Who: Boating anglers. The following guides can show you how it’s done: Capt. Daniel Andrews Fort Myers, Florida andrewscharters.com 239-989-9352 Capt. Dave Kostyo Miami, Florida nkostyo@bellsouth.net 305-965-9454 Capt. Pete Rapps Big Pine Key, Florida captainrapps.com 239-571-1756 Fast Facts For Success PREVALENT PREY: Be it a baitfish or crustacean, the prey species that is most abundant is likely to yield more tarpon strikes. AMBUSH SPOTS: Channel bottlenecks, shoreline points, inlets, passes and river mouths are all prime spots to find feeding fish. FIRST IMPRESSION: Tarpon rarely give a bait a second look. Rig it so it looks and acts natural to improve your odds. The anchored boat sat…

8 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

SKINNY WATER CHOPPERS

SWS Planner: Northeast trophy bluefish What: Large bluefish on the flats When: Early May to late June Where: New York through Massachusetts Who: Anglers with flats skiffs or similar shallow-draft boats. The following guides take the guesswork out of the equation: Capt. David Blinken East Hampton, New York northflats.com Capt. John McMurray Jamaica Bay, New York onemorecast charters.net Capt. Doug Jowett Cape Cod, Massachusetts mainestriped bassfishing.com Fast Facts For Success GO SKINNY: Bluefish roam shallow flats in spring, so your boat should draft no more than 18 inches fully loaded. SPOT OR FAIL: Spotting the fish is essential. Look for splashes, shadows, wakes, or fins breaking the surface. QUIET PLEASE: Cast small poppers or flies a safe distance away and reel or strip into position to avoid spooking fish. The…

7 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Day Trip

1. Ke’ehi Lagoon/Mokuoeo Island: Best accessed by kayak from Ke’ehi Lagoon Beach Park, the flats and mangroves are some of the island’s most productive, and they hold big bones. 2. Sand Island State Recreational Area: This has easy beach access to flats just off Honolulu Channel. Look for bones along the channel edge, especially at lower tide stages. 3. Ala Moana Beach Park: Whitesand beach within walking distance of the Waikiki resort areas. The area has several flats and a small reef just off the beach where bonefish travel back and forth between flats and the reef. 4. Waikiki: This is a primary tourist destination on Oahu. Productive flats are steps away from hotels, like the Hilton Waikiki Village, and Fort DeRussy Beach Park. The fish here are often especially…

2 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Top Priority

The 56-foot Viking Legacy is a beast of a boat built to catch giant fish far off shore. It was aboard that boat that the Texas state-record blue marlin, a 972-pound monster, was caught in 2014. Cameron Plaag was there. He wired that beast from the same place he has occupied on countless days between tournaments when Legacy hosts charter clients fishing for fun instead of calcutta purses. During one of those charter trips, on a rough fall morning, Legacy was anchored on the edge of a hump between the Galveston jetties. The dozen customers on board were getting their fills of spawning-class red drum from 25 to 40-plus pounds. Plaag’s steady chumming with menhaden chunks had pulled the drum (and several smaller boats) close to Legacy’s broad stern. Soon…

3 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Casts + Blasts

READER’S CATCH Fly-rodder rewarded with trophy striper SALT WATER KIDS Pat on the back for three avid little anglers CONSERVATION Concerns about menhaden-fishery management NEWS LINES Florida Water Crisis Following record-breaking rainfall in January, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released millions of gallons of water from Lake Okeechobee through the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers, flushing large amounts of pollutants into coastal areas. The release of lake water stopped upon request from Florida Governor Rick Scott on February 15, but not before the water quality across major east- and Gulf-coast estuaries was affected. After public outcry prompted the governor to step in and halt the discharge of nutrient-filled water, the angling community is calling for long-term measures to stop the cyclical poisoning of productive fishery habitat. This is not…

11 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Salt Water Kids

1 Luke Meller 6, California An avid reader of Salt Water Sportsman with his father, Luke has been hooked on fishing ever since he reeled in his first white sea bass last year, a whopping 35-pounder. When he can’t be on a boat with his dad, Luke fishes off the Redondo Beach Sportfishing Pier after kindergarten and on weekends. 2 Cassidy Phillips 10, New York From an early age, Cassidy has enjoyed fishing in any type of water, but annual trips to Florida have turned her into an avid saltwater angler. She is extremely competitive and strives to out-fish even the most experienced anglers. Her passion drives her to catch a variety of species when fishing offshore with her family. 3 Nick Scott 9, Florida A Florida fisherman since the…

1 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Circle-Hook Reset

TACTICS + TACKLE Revisiting the basics of circlehook rigging RIGGER’S NOTEBOOK Easy storage; zip bridling; balling chum PRO PICKS Organized tackle storage to go Circle hooks dominated the commercial fishery long before they crossed over to the recreational sector. Th eir main purpose is to provide unwanted fish and those fish that must be released the best possible chance of survival. ON THE FLY ONLINE Fly-fishing creates its own demands on boat layout and organization. With a few simple precautions and alterations, you can turn your boat into a snagfree fly-fishing platform. George Poveromo With circle hooks, the fish essentially hook themselves. The proper setting is a matter of timing and feel. Unlike J hooks, circle hooks rarely lodge deep in the throat or stomach. If swallowed, they are designed…

7 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Stop And Go

Hovering right over a reef or wreck typically means more fish in the box. Inshore, staying put in a creek mouth or channel, or within casting range of a trough or pothole also improves an angler’s chances for success. A releaseanchor system is a useful tool for anglers who target big fish on light tackle inshore or offshore. Traditional anchors do the job, but they’re cumbersome, noisy, and can damage sensitive coral and sea grass. In addition, the scope of the rode connecting your boat to the anchor leaves room for potentially significant position changes caused by wind and current. Modern technology now makes other options available, and we weighed their benefits against those of time-proven anchoring methods. Virtual Anchors Mercury Marine’s Joystick Piloting, which utilizes a computer to steer…

6 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Radar Revolution

My son, Joshua, and I were outbound, cruising at 14 knots on a moonless night with the goal of arriving at the off shore fishing grounds at first light. Boat traffic was light, but we remained vigilant. Joshua was paying particular attention to a flickering green light about 2 miles to our port side. It appeared that we were passing it, but, moments later, the radar guard-zone alarm began squawking. A target had penetrated the half-mile perimeter and was closing fast; it was that green light. I pulled back the throttle just as a 20-foot center-console crossed no more than 100 feet in front of us doing about 24 knots. That boat had no white light, and it never slowed down. We continued our night passage, shaken but thankful for…

5 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

BEST BETS FOR TOP TARPON ACTION

SPECIES: AVAILABILITY AND RECOMMENDED SIZE: Mullet are easily caught with a cast net along shallow shorelines, in residential canals, or in marinas and boat basins. They are available year-round along both Florida coasts, but two migrations make mullet most abundant in spring and fall. Note: Best size for tarpon is 7 to 9 inches, except during fall, when 10- to 12-inchers are preferred. Spring through fall, pilchards abound along both Florida coasts and herring mostly gulfside. Both gather on shallow grass flats, in canal mouths and boat basins, around channel markers, buoys, inlets, passes and beaches. They respond well to chum and can be caught with a cast net, sabiki or gold-hook rig. Note: Best size for tarpon is 4 inches and up. These hardy saltwater piranhas, spread widely along…

2 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

MOTORMOOCHING MAGIC

SWS Planner: Northern California halibut What: California halibut When: Summer and fall Where: Bodega Bay to Monterey Bay; San Francisco Bay Limits: 22-inch minimum size; three fish per angler north of Point Sur, five fish south of Point Sur Who: Boating anglers. These guides can put you on the fish: Capt. Jay Lopes 916-417-5670 righthooksport fishing.com Capt. Chris Smith 510-322-0493 captainhooksport fishing.net Fast Facts For Success HALIBUT HABITAT: Start your search for fish over nearshore bars and shoals in depths ranging from 30 to 60 feet. BOUNCE BOTTOM: Take into consideration depth, boat speed, and weight to keep baits on the bottom within the strike zone. LOCATION, LOCATION: Generally, where you find one halibut you’ll find more, so work productive spots thoroughly. RIG IT RIGHT Everything is just right. Set…

6 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

WORLD CAT 320DC

Purchasing a new boat is rarely a solo decision. Family members usually weigh in on the desired style, features and options, which is why a model like the World Cat 320 Dual Console strikes such a positive chord. Based on the proven 32-foot catamaran hull, this latest iteration offers comfort and relaxation in addition to angling capability. In many cases, that works out to be a win-win situation for all. LENGTH: 32'2" BEAM: 10'6" DRAFT: 16" FUEL: 279 gal. WATER: 45 gal. WEIGHT: 11,600 lb MAX HP: 600 PRICE: $342,963 w/ twin Yamaha F300s and Command Link+ system WORLD CAT BOATS: worldcat.com TEST CONDITIONS WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY LOCATION: SARASOTA, FLORIDA WIND: SOUTHEAST 10 KNOTS SEA STATE: LIGHT CHOP TEST LOAD: TWO ADULTS, 70 GALLONS OF FUEL The port lounge seating…

4 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Differing Opinions

LETTERS Taking Issue Rip Cunningham is correct: It can be hard to find data that compares the economic impacts of the commercial and recreational fishing sectors. And when you do find it, as in the National Marine Fisheries Report “Fisheries Economics of the U.S. 2011,” it is often dated and difficult to interpret. The 2011 report, however, shows that the commercial and recreational fisheries have comparable economic impacts, if the economic effects of commercial imports are excluded. In 2011, the recreational fishery contributed $29 billion to gross domestic product (GDP), while the commercial industry contributed $27.5 billion. The recreational industry supports 364,000 jobs, while the commercial industry supports 786,505 jobs. Imports add another $27.8 billion in GDP and 446,699 jobs. These statistics do not support the claim that the economic…

1 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

New Gear

TIME FOR TOOLS AND SHARP SHADES! 1. Multipurpose To meet the demands of anglers everywhere, Rapala launched its new Fisherman’s Multi-Tool, which includes the essential tools most commonly used on the water, like retractable line scissors, a retractable jig-eye buster, multisize line threader and a beverage wrench. All the tools combine into a convenient package with a die-cast metal frame and soft-grip handle. The Multi-Tool also incorporates a built-in carabiner to keep it handy. $19.99; rapala.com 2. New Vision BlobFish polarized fishing sunglasses bring versatility, top UV protection and polarized optics for superb visibility to anglers on a budget. They are currently available in four different styles featuring exciting colors for the new generation of anglers. Also, 3 percent of every pair of BlobFish sunglasses sold benefits Project Healing Waters…

1 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Rigger’s Notebook

1 ZIP BRIDLING When trolling live baits, have zip ties handy to avoid the hassle of using a rigging needle and floss or rubber bands to bridle baitfish. Push a zip tie through the eye socket of the baitfish, tighten the zip tie over the bend of the hook so it remains securely in place, then snip off the remaining tag of the zip tie, and your bridled live bait is ready to fish. Joseph May Collinsville, Virginia 2 BALLING CHUM Sand balling is a messy but often necessary part of catching fish. The chum-and-sand mixture is not a pleasant handling experience, but with a snowball maker, both the boat deck and your hands get a little relief. Just fill the snowball maker with the mixture and squeeze to make…

1 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

Cobia 261 CC

The new 261 CC, a second-generation Cobia model, replaces the 256 CC, the first boat built after Cobia joined the Maverick Boats family of brands. This stylish center console packs a wealth of smart and practical features for the serious angler and the rest of the family in a spacious layout with tons of cockpit room and storage. Integrated rod racks under the covering boards, a deluxe tackle station with premium helm seating, a 29-gallon livewell, twin 45-gallon fish boxes, a huge step-down head area, split-bow seating with optional forward-facing backrests, and a rear bench-style seat that lifts electronically to provide ample access to the bilge are among the amenities bound to make this Cobia a standout in its class. LENGTH: 26'1" | BEAM: 9'3" | DRAFT: 17" WEIGHT: 4,000…

1 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

New Electronics

New Elite The new Lowrance Elite-5 and Elite-7 Ti touch-screen fish finder/chart plotters combine performance and value. Both models feature touch-screen operation, CHIRP sonar, StructureScan HD and DownScan Imaging. These 5- or 7-inch-screen models also have built-in GPS antennas and detailed U.S. base maps that show detailed coastal contours to 1,000 feet, with chart upgrades available. Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Filet you connect wirelessly to accessories, such as a Power-Pole and the GoFree Controller app, to display and operate functions for an iPad or Android tablet. $599 and $799, respectively; lowrance.com Watch and Learn Garmin touts its new Quatix 3 as the next generation in marine GPS. More than a smart wristwatch, the Quatix 3 streams NMEA 2000 data from compatible onboard Garmin marine electronics to a high-resolution, daylightviewable, color LED…

1 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

CHESAPEAKE BULLFIGHTS

SWS Planner: Virginia bull red drum When: Spring through fall Where: Virginia coast and lower Chesapeake Bay Who: Boating anglers. The following guides can improve your chances and help you gain firsthand experience: Capt. Zach Hoffman salttreatedfishing.com 757-817-1388 Capt. Ben Shepherd Above Average Sportfishing 757-621-5094 Capt. Craig Paige paige2charters.com 757-672-9381 Fast Facts For Success Full Moon: The best bite usually takes place five days on either side of the full moon. Between Tides: The action tends to peak during the tide changes when current slackens. Sunny Delight: Sight-casting and trolling produce best during bright, sunny conditions. I WAS STANDING ON THE BOW OF MY 20-FOOT CENTERCONSOLE, HOLDING MY ROD, STARING I NTO THE HORIZON, WHEN A SPLASH IN THE DISTANCE BROUGHT ME OUT OF MY TRANCE. FOCUSING ON THE AREA…

7 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

TAILS OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

Fast Facts For Success MIND YOUR FEET: With lots of coral and lava rock on the bottom, wear wading shoes with thick soles. TRICK ’EM WITH LESS: A small lure or baited hook and 2 or 3 feet of fluorocarbon are the top rig. LEAD THE FISH: Bones are naturally skittish, so cast 10 to 15 feet ahead of the fish for best results. SWS Planner: Oahu bonefish From Waikiki’s resort beaches along the island’s shallows on the southern and eastern shores, easily accessible flats are lightly fished and boast healthy populations of sizable bonefish. What: Bonefish When: Year-round, but strong winds and large waves hinder the fishing at times. Where: Flats adjacent to Honolulu along Oahu’s southern and eastern shores. Who: This is DIY flats fishing. A rental car,…

6 min

Salt Water Sportsman|April 2016

WELLCRAFT 221 FISHERMAN

Wellcraft knows a thing or two about building serious fishing boats. So it’s no surprise the company’s latest edition, the 221 Fisherman, is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of today’s multitasking coastal anglers. This hybrid bay hull floats shallow, yet its aggressive deadrise and the higher freeboard offer enough security and comfort for off shore jaunts. LENGTH: 22'4" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: 1'2" DEADRISE: 15 degrees FUEL: 52 gal. WEIGHT: 3,900 lb. MAX HP: 250 PRICE: $48,077 w/ 150 hp and trailer WELLCRAFT BOATS: wellcraft.com TEST CONDITIONS WEATHER: OVERCAST LOCATION: SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA WIND: NORTHEAST 5 TO 10 KNOTS SEA STATE: LIGHT CHOP TEST LOAD: TWO ADULTS, 52 GALLONS OF FUEL The large bow casting deck includes twin oversize fish boxes, a centerline storage compartment and a pitch well. The leaning…

4 min