The Best Fishing Lures

Top anglers spill the beans on the best fishing lures

Just about every serious saltwater angler carries around a tackle box or lure bag full of artificials. Some haul several to and from their boat on every trip. Simply put, fishermen want the best fishing lures. I’m no exception.

I want big ones, small ones, surface poppers, deep divers, and anything that wiggles, wobbles or rattles in between. But what if you could only choose one lure with which to fish? Which would it be? Here’s what a quartet of expert anglers with reputations for hooking the big ones have to offer.

Poppers on the Net

Hard fishing Nick Honachefsky is the host of the new hit Internet fishing show Saltwater Underground. For boat action with stripers, he’s addicted to topwater poppers, with a Stillwater Smack It, Tactical Anglers Crossover Popper and Creek Chub Knucklehead seeing roughly equal time.

“I’ll throw poppers as a search lure just about anywhere,” he says. “Off the New Jersey coast, they’ll raise stripers and gorilla blues. In tropical or southern waters, they draw strikes from virtually any large predator. If I could only choose one of the best fishing lures, it would be the Crossover Popper from tacticalanglers.com. At four and a half inches, it’s a size anything can eat.”

Top anglers claim that Tactical Anglers Cross Over Stalker is the alluring-est lure.

Matching the retrieve speed to the type of fish you target makes a big difference in hook-up ratio, explains this frequent flier. “For bass and snook, you want to work nice and slow. With jacks and little tunny, you need to almost rip the lure away from the fish. I like a seven and a half-foot St. Croix spinning rod rated eight to seventeen-pound test for this fishing. It’s light, for sure, but it can handle anything up to twenty pounds. For bigger fish, I’ll grab something more sturdy.”

Catch Honachefsky’s new show at tackledirect.com and follow him on Instagram at @nickhonachefsky. The show features everything from anglers on the docks to the top offshore pros, and each segment is only 12 minutes long.

Skitter Me This

Capt. Gary Dubiel of Speck Fever Guide Service in Oriental, North Carolina, is known as

Skitter done! A top fisherman swears by this lure.

one of the country’s premier guides for redfish and speckled trout. He works the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound and puts patrons on big fish using a variety of techniques. But when he just wants to have fun, out comes the new Rapala Skitter V. It’s an all-around, outstanding, inshore surface plug that catches a ton of stripers, speckled trout and redfish.

Dubiel favors a walk-the-dog retrieve, typically in shallow areas over wood structures, grass flats or extensive marsh edges, which he approaches quietly in his K2 Marie Frontier 210 Bay Boat.

“Every day can be a little different in terms of what the fish want,” notes Dubiel. “I tend to fish this lure a little slower than most anglers. That really lets the fish hear the rattle inside. If strikes come up short, you can slow it down even more or speed it up a little bit to elicit that bite.”

With lure color, Dubiel prefers a white belly and he doesn’t stress much over the top pattern. He will, however, opt for orange in tannin-stained water or for a black underbelly in especially clear water on bright days. Attaching the lure with a loop knot, he advises, allows for more side-to-side motion. “This lure will raise fish of all sizes,” he says. “You’ll catch anything from school bass to forty-inch redfish on it.”

A Tactical Approach

“Just one lure?” chuckles Alberto Knie. “Are you kidding me?” Knie is well known in the fishing industry as the head of Tactical Anglers. He’s also one of the most highly skilled and innovative fishermen I’ve ever met. From stripers to snook, clownfish to roosterfish, blackfish to summer flounder and even peacock bass, he’s mastered them all.

“For a combination of thrills and versatility, I’d have to go with the Tactical Anglers Crossover Stalker,” reveals this super sharpie. “It’s just a great inshore choice. I’ve used it for peacock bass, largemouths, smallmouths, stripers, snook, and even redfish. Some of the snook and stripers I’ve caught on it have surpassed the 40-inch mark.”

Knie works the Stalker using a simple walk-the-dog motion to drive predator species wild, and he loves that it casts a country mile, comes through-wired and sports 3X VMC hooks and a low-frequency rattle. “It’s indestructible, and the bone color wreaks havoc along the southwestern coast of Florida, especially in the mangrove stretches around Estero Bay,” he says. “Use a small, shallow-draft boat to probe backbay areas, and you can really clean up on the redfish during an evening bite.”

Vary your retrieve based on water temperature and species pursued, advises this trophy-catching guru. If chasing springtime snook or summer stripers, a slow retrieve around serious structure works best. As the water warms or the fish grow more aggressive, don’t be afraid to speed things up.

Make ’em Mad

Some claim the MirrODean is king in the quest for the top fishing lures.

A former game warden, Capt. Jason Semeyn of Shallow Water Escapes knows the Sunshine State’s waters better than most, especially Tampa Bay. One artificial he always carries along is a MirrOlure MirrOdine. It’s a hard bait he believes works on everything in inshore waters.

“This is a suspending lure,” says Semeyn. “Let it settle a few inches below the surface and retrieve it steadily with a few twitches mixed. One of the first times I used this lure, I drilled a 34-inch snook, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Fish just slam it.”

Semeyn likes to get his 23-foot Hanson Bay boat in tight to mangrove edges on the flats.

Snook in those shallows, he explains, act a little like largemouth bass. “If you know where they are, you can keep casting to the same spot until they get mad enough to strike. It’s a ton of fun hooking angry fish.”

A New Entry

As for me, I love Spro bucktails for summer flounder and stripers, topwater poppers for shallow water action anywhere, and soft plastic jerk baits for a gentle approach when predators seem spooky. Last fall, however, I got hooked on a new lure I helped Panther Martin design. Called the BigFin, it’s slender like a sand eel but sports a high dorsal fin that doubles as a weed guard.

I like the seven-inch, two-ounce size for big stripers, weakfish and large snook, and the five-inch, one-ounce version for school bass, redfish and slot-sized snook. Simply cast out and retrieve with an occasional twitch. The smaller size also slams false albacore when reeled fast enough to stay just below the surface.

By Tom Schlichter, Southern Boating June 2018

Photos Courtesy of Saltwater Underground, Shallow Water Escapes, and Tactical Anglers

Red Drum at Night, Fishing Delight

Red Drum takeover the Pamlico Sound

North Carolina’s Pamlico Sound draws anglers from throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic in August. Why? For a fishing experience like no other. It’s that time of year when adult red drum migrate into Pamlico Sound in large numbers to spawn.

Red drum, also known as channel bass, include the nicknames “old drum” and “bull drum” because they can live to be 50 years in age, grow to lengths of more than 40 inches and weigh from 35 to 90 pounds. The bull red drum is one of the most exciting fish to catch, and many of the fishing guides believe the best time to catch bull drum is after the sun sets.

Guides around Pamlico Sound launch late in the evening for an unforgettable nighttime fishing experience. Red drum actively spawn in the Sound in August, so care is required in gear selection and catch-and-release techniques (especially with the largest bulls) to ensure they live to spawn another generation.

An important note for anglers in South Carolina is to be aware that the State has instituted new catch limits that took effect July 1, 2018: “A person may not have in possession more than two red drum in any one day, not to exceed six red drum in any one day on any boat.”

Always consult local fishing regulations in the area where you fish. Coastal conservation associations provide valuable information about red drum fishing in the southeast coastal states.

In North Carolina, check online at ccanc.org, and in South Carolina, check ccasouthcarolina.com

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating August 2018

More about Pamlico Sound:

The Pamlico Sound is the largest sound on the East Coast. A “sound” is a regional term for a saltwater lagoon. Approximately 80 miles long and a 20 miles wide, the Pamlico Sound comprises the majority of the western Outer Banks coastline. That includes Whalehead Junction at the edge of Bodie Island all the way to Portsmouth Island.

How to Install Rod Holders

Most boat owners have experienced moments when that one missing thing on board would help make boating easier. Take, for instance, an extra rod holder in the gunwale. wouldn’t that be nice? That’s why you should learn how to install rod holders.

It could improve the chance of landing a trophy, provide a place to insert a pole to tie up a canopy on a hot, sunny day, or it’s a convenient place to attach a barbecue. Many boats are outfitted with a couple of rod holders in the gunwale at the boat’s stern, but unless your boat is already rigged for tournament fishing with rocket launchers, outriggers and additional rod holders installed at the factory, short of the pain of drilling holes in your boat, to install rod holders for a multitude of functions is relatively simple and straightforward.

Besides the rod holders used for storage or those that allow easy access to a variety of rods set up for particular fish or techniques, having a few along the rail offers more options for the style of fishing preferred on any given day. There are a number of rod holders available with a variety of purposes, such as fixed, removable and adjustable. It is vital to know size and type when you install rod holders.

Each has three main mounting systems: side, clamp-on, and flush. They also are made from various materials such as nylon, fiberglass, and aluminum, but stainless steel is recommended due to its durability and rigidity for handling rough water. It’s also recommended to use stainless steel hardware no matter which material you choose for the holder. So, let’s install a flush-mount rod holder in the gunwale.

Select the Appropriate Holder

Flush mount receptacles generally are available in three fixed angles: 0, 15 and 30 degrees. For your barbecue or if setting up a canopy (with the use of poles), the 0-degree, straight angle holder most likely will be the choice. For kite fishing, 15-degree holders are typically used and are set at 90 degrees to the gunwale with three or four holders required for the kite and the lines.

In that setup, having the holders within arm’s reach is advisable, but another option is to use a trident holder that will convert one receptacle into three. When trolling, 15-and 30-degree holders are used with the angle to the gunwale set between 22.5 and 45 degrees.

Choose Placement Wisely

Carefully analyze where you want to install rod holders before making any cuts in your boat. Take into account how many you plan to install so they are mounted where you want and within reach. Be aware of the angle to the gunwale as you don’t want rods to interfere with each other. As the saying goes, “Measure twice, cut once.” Working with fiberglass and patching a big hole is a different kind of beast.

Installation

Check the proposed location for the rod holder and make adjustments for wiring, plumbing, and other equipment. When the exact location is decided, tape the area. This helps avoid splintering or cracking the surrounding gelcoat. If taped, be sure to mark the hole’s center on the tape. Some holders will include a template to make the cut outline.

Ensure your hole saw matches the diameter of the rod holder. For a straight, zero-degree holder, the cut is a basic straight-in circle. But for the angled holders, you will cut a somewhat elongated hole. Free cutting the hole is fine, but the hole saw is round, so you will need extra cuts to accept the angle of the receptacle.

Try these tips for simpler and more accurate cuts when you install rod holders:

Take the holder, flip it upside down and hold it next to the marked spot matching the angle you want the holder to face, and use it to free guide the drill as you saw the hole; or
Take a small piece of wood (an inch or so thick), use the process just mentioned and cut a hole that matches the angle of the holder. Test the cut by inserting the holder in the piece of wood and make sure it mounts flush. (This will guide the saw more accurately as you cut the gunwale.) Clamp the piece of wood over the marked spot and make the cut.
If you’re satisfied with the cut, and the holder mounts flush in the gunwale and the angle of the holder to the gunwale fits, mark the screw holes by drilling pilot holes. This will depend on the location, a 30-degree holder may not fit at a 90-degree angle.
Remove the holder and finish drilling the screw holes.
Remove the tape and use sandpaper or a Dremel with a burring bit to smooth the edges and prevent cracking. Include a gasket for the receptacle’s flange and, if feasible, include a backing plate to attach the flange bolts, and recheck the holder’s alignment in the hole.
Once you’re sure it fits properly, remove the holder. Apply a bead of adhesive sealant around the main cut. Also, seal the screw holes (especially if you’re not using a backing plate). This ensures a permanent, watertight seal. Replace the holder and tighten everything in place. You now have a new flush-mount rod holder along with another chance to stock the fridge with a fresh catch.

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating June 2018

Fishing tournaments support cancer research

Two fishing tournaments support cancer research events in the Mid-Atlantic raise money to support cancer awareness.

Fish for Cancer! Female anglers raise money to fight cancer at two events this month in the Mid-Atlantic.

Alice Kelly Tournament

The Alice Kelly Memorial Tournament on August 11-12 has been a nearly 30-year tradition on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to honor Alice’s memory and financially assist the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group.

The event launches from Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo and offers offshore Gulf Stream fishing, cash prizes, and a chance to kick off your boat shoes and party at the end of the day. Heather Maxwell, who grew up fishing out of Lynnhaven Inlet in Virginia Beach, serves as the tournament director. If you don’t have your own boat, anglers can join in the fun on a shared charter.

For more information email info@shareafishingcharter.com or visit pcbgt.com

Poor Girls Catch Fish for Cancer

The 25th Annual Capt. Steve Harman’s Poor Girls Open, August 16-18 at Bahia Marina in Ocean City, Maryland, is a ladies-only billfish release tournament benefiting breast cancer research.

With added entry levels for tuna, dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) and wahoo, the tournament continues to grow; more than 100 boats are expected this year. Anglers aboard Rhonda’s Osprey caught and released eight white marlin to win last year’s tournament, good for $113,270 in prize money.

Loren Manzione aboard Playmate caught the heaviest mahi-mahi at 19.1 pounds, and Hillary Mozeik, aboard No Quarter reeled in a 68.7-pound tuna. Shantel Willey brought in a 62.6-pound wahoo aboard Haulin ’n Ballin. A record 765 anglers fished and $222,935 was awarded.

The incredible participation allowed organizers to present a check for $125,000 to the American Cancer Society.

bahiamarina.com

By Chris Knauss, Southern Boating August 2018

Want more fishing in the mid-Atlantic?

Fishing with Kids

When you go fishing with kids, there’s more to it than grabbing the tackle box, rod, and reel.

Selma Radoncic grinned from ear to ear as she gently stroked the dorsal fin of a fat bluegill before we carefully released it back into the water. At the tender age of five, she was out fishing and loved every second of it. Only minutes earlier, Selma had caught her first fish, a six-inch largemouth bass, and celebrated with high-fives all around.

Now, she was on her fourth fish and would go on to deck some 20 more. It was a carefully orchestrated morning trip that saw us leave the fish biting. Even before we returned to the dock, it was apparent the young angler would be forever hooked. There was little doubt that her dad, Emir Radoncic, and grandfather, John Kurtz, would have a new fishing partner for life.

Industry surveys show that most anglers get their start in fishing as youngsters. In fact, studies reveal that very few people pick up the sport as adults. Thus, those first few trips fishing with kids need to be fun and successful if your child is ever going to see fishing as a favorite pastime. Unfortunately, indoctrination into the fishing world for many youngsters consists of a spur-of-the-moment trip with the minimal preparation. That may end in boredom or even frustration for both child and adult. That’s a shame because all it takes is a little insightful planning and success can be assured, even if the fish don’t bite.

Short Trips and Fast Action

One key point to remember is that kids have limited and varied attention spans. Thus, it’s generally best to keep first trips brief. One hour of fishing can offer enough fun for most kids. Two or three hours is plenty even if the fish are hungry. Remember that, to children (and most adults), the day’s last impression is often more important than the first. For example, an hour of good fishing followed by three hours of waiting for one last bite can undo a productive start. Quit while you’re ahead and your kids will beg for more.

It’s also important to realize that children need action and success when they go fishing. Although the promise of catching a big one may provide a grown-up challenge, it pales in comparison to the reality of a small fish actually tugging at the end of the line. Tuna and six-year-olds don’t mix very well, but a day spent catching scup or perch can be delightful.

In general, it’s a good idea to avoid large, overpowering or elusive species like cow stripers, large drum, tackle-busting blues, wary bonefish, or finicky trout. Instead, key on small, fast-biting and abundant quarry; you can always increase the challenge on subsequent trips. For the novice angler, summer flounder, croaker, porgies, snapper, grunt, catfish, perch, and panfish are ideal targets, as are many so-called “trash fish.”

Take sea robins, for example. These oft-maligned scavengers are perfect for getting kids started. While adults tend to consider them little more than bait-stealing pests, sea robins are really neat from a kid’s perspective. They are abundant and colorful, feed with abandon, have wing-like fins, make loud croaking sounds, sport a gaping, toothless mouth, and strike both lures and bait. They also fight hard. Fry ‘em up and they taste enough like summer flounder that few will know the difference. Call them “dragon fish” and they suddenly take on a mysterious aura. Just watch out for the spines that surround their head when you’re fishing with kids.

As a youngster, I loved to catch sea robins. I also fished with abandon for bluegill, perch, bergalls, and porgies (scup). I spent countless hours at a local tidal creek enticing spearing and killies (mumichugs) to bite on tiny beads of Wonder Bread. I’ll let you in on a little secret: Learn to hook a dainty minnow and you can catch anything that swims.

Homework is Key

Time is precious, but an investment in scouting goes a long way when it comes to scoring a successful first fishing outing. Before you bring the kids along, head out and make sure the fish are actually biting. Are the fish where you expect? Can you actually catch one? If not, do a little more prospecting before your protégé joins you.

As for fishing instruction, give a hands-on demonstration. Most kids can figure out how to cast and retrieve any basic fishing setup in about 15 minutes. Provide casting demonstrations and practice at the dock or in the yard before heading out. Learning to cast while the fish are jumping can be especially exasperating. With younger kids, grown-ups should bait the hook and unhook the catch for obvious reasons. Appropriate flotation devices should always be mandatory. Lay down the safety ground rules ahead of time. “Look before you cast” should especially be reinforced before allowing any fishing to commence.

As for actual tackle, start out with light gear that kids can handle and balance with ease. But choose a sturdier rod and reel over the inexpensive kid’s push-button spin-cast set-up commonly found in big box stores. As a rule, these cast poorly and don’t hold up well, which can lead to more disappointment than joy. Besides, you’ll be amazed at how quickly kids pick up the mechanics needed to use more grown-up gear if the fish start to bite.

Catch, Release and Have Fun

Fishing trips provide a great opportunity to introduce the topics of conservation and outdoors ethics to children. Long before anyone places a bait in the water, explain that some of the smaller fish will be released and discuss the techniques for letting fish go.

Of course, no matter how much you plan, there are going to be days when the fish just refuse to bite. If that happens, it’s okay to admit defeat. Fish for a bit, then switch gears and try some other fun activity. Rather than end the trip on a sour note, sample a little shellfishing, go crabbing, catch frogs or crayfish. You could fly a kite, collect driftwood and seashells, skip stones, explore a cove, swim in the shallows, have a picnic, or play tag on the beach. It’s all good, and associating these fun activities with going fishing is always a smart move.

To be certain, you really want to catch something on that first outing. But failing to score doesn’t doom the day. Most youngsters are simply happy to be out on the water spending time with you. Realize this one simple fact, and you’ll understand what many adults have forgotten but most kids already know: Catching fish is just a bonus.

Story and photos by Tom Schlichter, Southern Boating June 2018

Band the Billfish Tournament

Sport fishing tournaments are some of the most generous supporters of conservation efforts aimed at maintaining healthy oceans and sustaining fish species populations. None represents this better than North Carolina Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Tournament held in Morehead City, North Carolina.

The tournament worked with the National Marine Fisheries to establish minimum catch weights for Blue Marlin to allow younger fish not yet of breeding age to grow into maturity. The tournament is proud to report a 100 percent release rate over the last 15 years and in 24 of the tournament’s 30- year history. The previous years had a release rate of 99 percent.

This year’s tournament, held July 18-21, begins with a Captains’ Party. Fishing days will be July 19-21, and teams fish any two of the three days. More than $100,000 is up for grabs in prize money with special categories for Lady Anglers and Greenwing Anglers.

ncdubillfish.com

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating July 2018
Photo courtesy of Point Click Ducks Unlimited

More on the Southeastern Seaboard

Mel Fisher Days

Bugfest

Freedom Boat Club

Freedom Boat Club enables anglers to go where the giants freely feed.

For anglers who don’t own a boat but dream of landing a record-worthy trophy, fishing can quickly become frustrating. Freedom Boat Club bridges the gap for not only active anglers but also nearly any type of water activity. With more than 150 club locations—both corporately owned and franchises—in 30 states and Canada, Freedom Boat Club services 16,000-plus memberships. That’s more than 30,000 individual members with a fleet of 1,600-plus late-model boats.

How it Works

According to Freedom Boat Club President and CEO John Giglio, similar to belonging to a golf or health club. Boat club members pay a one-time entry fee and a fixed monthly payment based on their choice of membership plan. Fuel is the only additional cost. Entry and monthly fees vary across the country based on marina fees and local market conditions.

Reservations are made through the proprietary online reservation system or Android mobile app. Book up to four reservations in advance, along with spur-of-the-moment availability options. Freedom has built its reputation on a proven 10:1 membership to boat ratio to ensure accessibility.

Members have access to a fleet of national boat brands, traditionally bowriders, deck boats, pontoons, inshore/ offshore fishing boats, and in some locations, wake/surf boats, sailboats, small cruisers, kayaks, and paddleboards. Franchise owners choose and purchase boats according to local market preferences.

“It’s fun to load up the family on the pontoon for an afternoon cruise and swim at the sandbar, and the next day, enjoy an action-packed inshore or offshore fishing adventure or a wake surfing or tubing session with the kids,” says Giglio. “Our members appreciate that they aren’t limited to one boat or boating activity.

Plenty of Training

Freedom Boat Club Members receive free, unlimited training conducted by U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, involving both classroom and one-on-one on-water training. Initial mandatory training ensures members are proficient and confident enough to operate on local waterways. Some clubs also provide free advanced offshore training and the popular ladies-only courses.

Freedom Boat Club has a special training program designed for its female members, the Freedom Boating Diva. Corporate clubs offer twice-monthly Diva training sessions. The training rotates to different club locations and features four boats with four captains and four “divas.” Classes include on-water beginner or intermediate training.

Ladies first! Check out some members of the “Diva Group” from Freedom Boat Club.

“In southwest Florida alone, we have trained more than 300 women in the past year,” says Chelsea Smith, Freedom Boat Club’s corporate events and marketing coordinator. “The ladies really enjoy getting to know one another and many have since partnered up and go boating together.”

Take Lori Jett of Englewood, Florida, for example, who signed up for a free Diva training class. Not only did she improve her skills, but she made fast friends in the process. “I participated in Diva training last summer to improve my personal boat handling skills,” says Jett, a nine-year member who boats primarily from Cape Haze Marina.

Divas Stick Together

“During my training, I met a few other women, including Sheila Cloonan, Sally Rob and Vanessa Tinsley, who shared my same goals. The four of us now go boating together regularly a few times each month. The Diva training program is very empowering and has boosted our confidence tremendously and allowed us to more fully enjoy the boating experience.”

Capt. Marti Wagley and Capt. Elaine Devito head up the corporate Diva training initiative. Having two highly skilled female experts serves as a motivator to many. “The Diva program is very fulfilling to operate because we see so many women gain skills and confidence from the small group training program we offer,” says Wagley. “The best thing though, is seeing them take a more active role in boating. We know many who now boat together on a regular basis, while others share how they now participate in both driving and docking activities with their husbands.”

“Some women are perfectly content not to assume a more active boating role, but we believe they still need to understand the basics of operation in case of an emergency,” adds DeVito. “Knowing how to communicate on the VHF radio and how to safely return to the boat to the dock just makes smart sense.”

Expanded Access

Another key attraction to join the club is its reciprocal access to the Freedom Boat Club fleet at all locations. Members boat on an unlimited basis at their local club and can access other locations up to four times each per year.

Michael and Tina Campbell of Fort Pierce, Florida, moved to the Treasure Coast three years ago and decided to pursue the boating lifestyle. Campbell, a passionate angler, consulted with a yacht broker to help assess the best value for his boating investment. He originally considered buying a used boat, but couldn’t find the right fit for his budget. After seeing Freedom Boat Club TV ads, he explored the club option and determined it offered the ideal solution.

“Besides using boats throughout this area, I’ve boated in New Smyrna Beach as well as in the Florida Keys through the reciprocal program,” he says. “This summer, we’re visiting our children in Los Angeles and have already planned to go boating at the Freedom Boat Club there.”

Besides the national reciprocity, Freedom Boat Club plans an international launch in France this year. It has partnered with Jeanneau dealers in Europe under the Groupe Beneteau umbrella and is in the process of developing franchise clubs in cooperation with several retail dealerships.

“Our members will soon enjoy reciprocal access throughout Europe and elsewhere around the world,” says COO Louis Chemi, who oversees the franchise business. “The club concept is a proven business model for franchise owners and members alike, and we’re responding to dozens of inquiries from multiple continents.”

Boating is a Social Activity

Sharing the boating lifestyle with family and friends is fun. To show that, clubs host social events and additional programs afforded by national and local business partnerships. Smith says the Club plans more than 100 events per year. Events range from monthly socials to open houses, fishing seminars, Diva parties, and charitable activities. “Our social calendar is very full as our members really enjoy the camaraderie and love meeting others who share the same interests and lifestyle,” she says.

Social events include restaurant parties with live music, club dockside gatherings and group outings to local attractions and sporting events. In Smith’s market, upward of 100 members often sign up to attend.

Richard and Cynthia Royd relocated from New Jersey to Southwest Florida and joined Freedom Boat Club in 2012. “We tell people that the best thing we ever did was move to Florida, and the second best thing was joining Freedom Boat Club,” says Cynthia. “My husband and I love boating. Also, we really love the monthly social events and meeting other members.” Monthly open houses are also on tap and feature free boat rides for prospective members, while fishing seminars are held in partnership with West Marine or local bait and tackle shops. Some of the clubs post a private “buddy list” so that members can connect with others to share boating activities.

Not Only for Beginners

While the club offers obvious advantages to boating newbies, the concept is also gaining fans among seasoned skippers. John Allen of Lake Park, Florida, has owned multiple boats in his lifetime. He was ready to trade his 22-foot center console for a new boat when he learned about Freedom Boat Club.

“When I first heard about the club, it sounded too good to be true. I had to check it out,” he says. “Two years in and we have nothing but praise for the organization and the business model. Being able to utilize any style boat that aligns with your plans on the water is a huge value. As is paying one very low payment monthly to have access to the fleet of boats. All without having to worry about depreciation, storage, trailering, maintenance, engine services, etc.”

The boats are meticulous, gassed up and waiting for you when you get to the dock. The dock attendants greet you by name and couldn’t be more helpful and thoughtful as you load your gear aboard. Every friend we take boating remarks about the seamless arrival and departure process and experience. The Freedom Boat Club clearly represents the greatest boating value on the waterways today, bar none.”

Dial Up the Boating Fun

“From the minute of our arrival to our return, being a member of Freedom Boat Club has really dialed up the fun in our life,” says Campbell of Fort Pierce, Florida. He appreciates the freedom the club offers. “I have gone offshore fishing on several occasions on a Sunday. When we return to the dock and get into a deck boat to go to the sandbar and swim with friends in the afternoon. What a great life!”

By Kent Smith, Southern Boating June 2018

Freedomboatclub.com

Connley Fishing Rods

Connley Fishing’s Platinum Series Custom Fishing Rods start with a Calstar rod blank and feature Winthrop roller guides (or Fuji SIC carbine guides) with hand-shaped finger-notched grips and Winthrop adjustable terminator butts.

They’re the newest models Connley’s “when only the best will do” fishing rods.

MSRP $500-$700

connleyfishing.com

Get caught up with more fishing.

Dolphinfish Tagging in the Caribbean

Participate in the Caribbean Dolphinfish Tagging Initiative

The Dolphinfish Research Program (DRP) is running the latest study of Dolphinfish, sometimes known as Mahi-Mahi. DRP is the largest private research program aimed specifically at better understanding the movements, population dynamics and life history of dolphin fish around the world. They will be doing so with a dolphinfish tagging initiative.

In the U.S. waters of the Caribbean Sea, namely Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the program has been active since 2008 and deployed seven satellites and nine acoustic tags and has had 150 participants tag and release 742 dolphinfish. Since 2016, twenty vessels have contributed detailed catch information from more than 697 offshore fishing trips.

“The northeast Caribbean Sea is a key location to continue to expand the DRP to further describe local movements and regional connectivity with not only northern Caribbean Islands and the United States, but within the Caribbean Sea as a whole, which is largely unknown,” says Wessley Merten, Ph.D., director and president of the DRP, based in Rockville, MD.

Anglers who catch dolphinfish in U.S. Caribbean waters can participate in the dolphinfish tagging initiative. Send a photo and a brief description to Merten at wess@beyondourshores.org, on Facebook @tagdolphinfish or Twitter @dolphintagging. He and his team will incorporate the report into the DRP’s bi-monthly posts. Anglers who want to tag and release small dolphin can also request a tagging kit by emailing Merten or calling (787) 436-8300.

dolphintagging.com

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating May 2018

More Caribbean Updates:

Sport Fishing Tournaments in the Caribbean

Back to Back Sport fishing Tournaments in Antigua & Barbuda

Big boat, little boat, sportfish or billfish, there is something for everyone at back-to-back sport fishing tournaments hosted by the Antigua & Barbuda Sport Fishing Club in May.

For those who like marlin fishing, there’s the Mikie Pigott Jr. Memorial Classic on May 18th. This is followed by the 52nd Annual Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament (ABSFT) May 19-20, which offers both billfish and sports fish divisions.

“The chance to win the US $100,000 is a big attraction. It should be awarded when more boats take part in the Marlin Division,” says Tournament Director Robert Hall. “They will attempt to break our blue marlin record of 771.25 pounds.”

On land, spectators can watch the fish weighed, mix with anglers, buy from food and drink vendors, and join in nightly parties complete with live bands hosted in the Nelson’s Dockyard venue. The ABSFT is a qualifying event for the Offshore World Championship held each April in Costa Rica.

antiguabarbudasportsfishing.com

Photo courtesy of the Antigua and Barbuda Sport Fishing Club

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating May 2018

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Yellowfin Tuna in the Gulf

Let’s go fishing! Yellowfin Tuna are abundant in the Gulf Stream.

It’s prime yellowfin tuna month in the Gulf Stream off the North Carolina coast. If you only looked at the ads for North Carolina sportfishing or the fishing tournament schedule, you may assume billfishing is the best in fishing action.

But yellowfin tuna is the most popular catch for offshore North Carolina anglers, and for good reason—yellowfins are great tasting.

Put your drag setting to good use because catch restrictions allow anglers to take home a generous amount. Sport fishing enthusiasts are not limited to going out with the big boys; anglers can bring home a decent size catch in center consoles, too.

#fishon

fishing-nc.com

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating May 2018

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License-Free Fishing

On Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8, Keep Florida Fishing invites Florida residents and visitors to take part in a weekend of license-free fishing in state freshwater fisheries.

The two-day event is part of a total of eight license-free fishing days offered each year by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and approved by Gov. Rick Scott.

“The license-free fishing weekend is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the next generation of anglers to Florida’s waters while also giving families the chance to make lasting memories on Florida’s beautiful lakes, rivers or ponds. Thank you to Gov. Scott and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for opening the door for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy a weekend of fishing in Florida,” said Gary Jennings, Director of Keep Florida Fishing.

“Florida is known as the ‘Fishing Capital of the World’ and we encourage everyone to take advantage of the license-free fishing weekend in the Sunshine State. There’s no better way to spend your weekend than fishing on the water with family and friends,” said Kellie Ralston, Florida Fisheries Policy Director of the American Sportfishing Association.

According to FWC, while the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers (residents and non-residents), all other rules apply.

Floridians should mark their calendars with the following 2018 license-free fishing dates:

License-Free Freshwater Days

Saturday/Sunday, April 7-8

Saturday/Sunday, June 9-10

License-Free Saltwater Days

Saturday/Sunday, June 2-3

Saturday, Sept. 1

Saturday, Nov. 24

Keep Florida Fishing, an advocacy arm of the American Sportfishing Association, represents the interests of the recreational fishing community. Florida has more than 3 million anglers who generate $9.6 billion in economic impact, support more than 128,000 jobs and contribute $53.3 million to Florida conservation efforts through license fees and special taxes on motorboat fuel and equipment.

Quest for the Crest ends in Key West

Quest for the Crest: It all ends in Key West, Florida.

The final leg of the famed Quest for the Crest Sailfish event takes place April 17-21 at the Margaritaville Resort & Marina. The Quest for the Crest tournament series is the peak of tournament sailfishing. Fishing teams in this four-leg series compete for an estimated purse of $3 million.

Celebrate with the top fishing teams when the last lines are called out of the water and one lucky team gets to don the burgundy jackets as the top sailfishing team in the world. Don’t miss what promises to be the greatest sailfish tournament in the Southeast. bluewatermovements.com

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating April 2018

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Blessing of the Fleet

Simrad Products

Anglers can count on better fishing fortunes with technologically advanced Simrad Products.

Never in the history of man have there been so many advances in technology that enhance our lives and the activities we enjoy, including fishing. The world’s most active sportfishing enthusiasts demand products that give them the competitive edge, and Simrad® has consistently responded to the call with marine electronics that outperform the competition. Now, with Simrad’s latest multifunction display (MFD), anglers benefit from a new generation of functionality and ease of use for offshore performance.

Simrad NSS evo3
The NSS evo3 series combines styling, technology and performance with an unprecedented level of built-in functionality. Features include advanced SolarMAX™ HD screens, dual channel CHIRP, glass-helm design, and refined user interface, plus a host of premium features and direct connections. “Simrad NSS evo3 multifunction displays add another chapter to our rich heritage of producing the best recreational navigation systems,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO of Navico. “With premium SolarMAX HD displays, dual channel CHIRP and Network Dual Sounder technology, we are confident NSS evo3 displays will be the first choice of boaters and sport fishermen worldwide.”

NSS evo3 series’ models are offered in 16-, 12-, 9-, and 7-inch TouchSensible™ touchscreens, with keypad and rotary-control knobs, making the units simpler to operate when the boat is moving and in all weather conditions. The precise and reliable interface offers expanded scrolling functionality for quicker access to networked technologies; restyled Exit, Power and MOB buttons that are moved to the corners of the keypad for easier access in darkness; a menu button and cursor-scrolling keypad grouping for simple and fast operation when users lock-out the touchscreen; and a programmable WheelKey button that can be customized to serve a variety of personalized functions or direct autopilot control. The new touchscreen software adds easy-to-understand, modernized bridge-control modes and panel access, a unique press-and hold cursor function and a simple sonar improvement that allows the user to always see the most recent sonar data.

Furthermore, Simrad SolarMAX HD display technology provides exceptional clarity in direct sunlight as well as low-light environments. The NSS evo3 displays feature the
most advanced in-plane switching (IPS) screens in the marine industry for superior color accuracy and enhanced viewing, and optimized LED backlighting and contrast levels further improve the boater’s ability to see clearly in virtually all on-the-water conditions. Perhaps even more important, the touchscreen performs accurately under constant sea spray and foul weather; even when covered in fresh or salt water, the touchscreen responds, a factor that is most reassuring whether near or offshore.

CHIRP enables wide-angle and deep-view sonar images from the same transducer (with a dual channel CHIRP sonar transducer installed on the boat) or from multiple installed transducers. The NSS evo3 built-in dual channel CHIRP sonar is the evolution of practicality, purpose-built to equip charter captains, tournament anglers and recreational fishing enthusiasts with unprecedented views of both low and high CHIRP channels at the same time so that fish targets are marked more clearly.

Non-fishing cruisers also benefit from the NSS evo3 technology since it provides next-generation connected vessels with a fast, 10 Hz internal GPS antenna, full autopilot
integration, engine monitoring interfaces, and TripIntel™ trip computer, which simplify journey planning. Built-in Wi-Fi enables access to GoFree® online services to download software updates and purchase a wide choice of global cartography solutions, and delivers smartphone monitoring and tablet control to extend the display’s reach well beyond the helm. With GoFree® wireless capabilities and the new Simrad Network Analyzer Service Assistant, users easily update their entire system automatically.

NSS Evo3 is compatible with the most expansive selection of optional cartography on the market, including Insight Genesis™ custom mapping, Insight PRO by C-MAP, Lake
Insight HD by C-MAP, C-MAP MAX-N+, Navionics®, and more. Charts can be downloaded over Wi-Fi or installed using the unit’s dual microSD card slots.

Simrad® S5100 High-Performance CHIRP Sonar Module

Simrad delivers high-resolution sonar across multiple depth ranges in its new S5100 High-Performance CHIRP Sonar Module, making it a perfect fit for offshore sportfishing anglers. The S5100 delivers true simultaneous coverage of up to three different depth ranges, whether connected to three single-channel transducers or one dual-channel and one single-channel transducer.

Simultaneous split-screen viewing capability puts anglers in complete control of the water column, and advanced processing technology allows fishing with noise-free clarity at all depth ranges without ever losing bottom depth tracking. Users can customize their viewing to mix and match favorite transducer coverage and transmit power for wide and narrow beamwidths to reveal more fish, detect small and tightly-spaced fish and identify thermoclines.

Using the Simrad S5100 with Airmar® wide-angle CHIRP transducers provides enhanced coverage of the upper water column, a perfect set up for targeting pelagic species. Wide-angle transducers are also useful in shallow water, where traditional narrow beam angles offer limited bottom coverage. A wider coverage area speeds searches and makes individual fish targets easier to see.

“The Simrad S5100 sonar module brings a new level of high-performance sonar to offshore sportfishing anglers with greater detail and resolution,” said Ottosson. “We are excited to add this serious fishing tool to integrate with Halo Radar, our new autopilot line and the NSS evo3 for when your living depends on finding fish.”

The S5100 features high-speed Ethernet connectivity, making it easy to install anywhere on board and is compatible with Simrad NSS evo3 and NSS evo2 multifunction displays, NSO evo2 glass-bridge systems and the S2000 series of fishfinders.

Go to simrad-yachting.com for a list of authorized dealers and distributors of Simrad products.

By LN Evans, Southern Boating, November 2017

Fishing Florida in February

Fishing Florida in February is fantastic

If you are a fan of tournament fishing, plan to be in the Florida Keys this February since four different fishing tournaments throughout the Keys hold something for every type of angler. If you’re going to be fishing Florida in February, you are sure to find the right type of tournament.

February 1–3
Cuda Bowl
Shallow water adventure for Barracuda, Stock Island.
cudabowl.com

February 2–3
Swamp Guides Ball
All release event for bonefish, redfish and snook, Islamorada. fkfga.org

February 2-4
Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament
Light-tackle challenge, with proceeds benefiting the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys, Islamorada.
fishnbully@msn.com

February 23-24
Costa Backcountry Fly Championship Series
Snook and redfish on fly-tackle competition, where every inch of fish equals one tournament point, Islamorada.
bfctournament.com

By Bob Arrington Southern Boating February 2018

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