We would be remiss if we didn’t talk about fishing. These days, it seems almost any boat can be customized for fishing. Be it new gear, tournaments, events, or a featured angler story—Southern Boating knows that fishing is an essential piece of the boating lifestyle.
Red snapper, delicious, but also heavily fished, is the now the focus of an innovative federal and state collaboration.
Since 2018, all five Gulf states manage red snapper fishing for private vessels not just in state waters, but also federal.
NOAA Fisheries has issued Exempted Fishing Permits for each state to set its own private vessel angler season dates, collect landings data, and then close the season if and when its red snapper quota is reached.
Tasty red snapper is one of the most sought-after fish in the Gulf of Mexico, so fisheries managers carefully watch the populations of this deep water reef fish. NOAA Fisheries has set the 2019 red snapper season for recreational charter boats fishing federal waters 12 miles out.
The “For Hire” season starts June 1st and lasts for 62 days. You can only keep two, and they have to be at least 16 inches long. If you want to be in the loop, sign up for text message alerts.
For recreational anglers, individual states manage the red snapper seasons and other regulations for both state and federal waters. Each state is different.
Increasingly vocal pushback, especially from recreational anglers, has led to the award of
an in-depth, $12-million research initiative to accurately determine the abundance of red snapper in U.S. waters of the Gulf of Mexico with a red snapper count.
An independent review panel convened by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium has picked a team of 21 scientists from universities in all five Gulf states. Their research will be coordinated by Greg Stunz, Marine Biology Professor at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and a voting member of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.
The project has enthusiastic support from the person on top of the federal fisheries management pyramid, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. It is also supported by Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama who chairs the appropriations subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. Shelby said he hoped an accurate red snapper count in the Gulf could be determined “once and for all.”
Anglers will tag red snappers and report numbers and locations of previously-tagged snappers that they catch. Commercial fishing vessels will host observers to count fish brought aboard and their locations. Other on-the-water research tools will include remote-operated vehicles, camera sleds, scuba divers, and acoustics.
Many boaters and waterfront communities could use a salve applied to the wounds left from this year’s destructive hurricanes—something to help them realize all they love about their lives and that recreation is not lost. This year’s Florida Keys Gold Cup Fishing Tournament Series could do just that beginning with the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament December 1st through the 3rd. Each angler will compete individually, with combined team
results as well. Competition is for the Gold Cup Trophy awarded at the completion of the series. Complete tournament information is available at islamoradasailfishtournament.com.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: winter Chesapeake fishing!
Anglers can enjoy fishing for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and on the Atlantic Coast year-round, and December is typically one of the best months to catch large fish.
Striped bass, known locally as rockfish, tend to congregate in locations where the rivers and tributaries come into the Chesapeake. Jigging with heavy sinker lures such as Stingsilvers and large plastics is typically the best tactic to reach down and catch them, and it’s also a fun and active method. When a large rockfish hits your lure, there’s no doubt about it, especially when using braided line. Trolling large lures down deep is another effective tactic. As the water temperatures drop into the 40s, the fish get a little sluggish, but they need to eat all year long.
A fully heated cabin will keep you warm for the run to the fishing grounds. Hiring a professional charter is also an option, and many captains continue to run their boats until the end of the month. Under current regulations, the season in Maryland turns into catch-and-release only beginning January 1st until the opening of the spring trophy season in mid-April. The spring trophy season on the Chesapeake for stripers in Virginia usually begins in mid-May. The season is open all year on the coast with a 28-inch minimum size.
The Chesapeake is the largest striped bass nursery area on the Atlantic coast. Seventy to 90 percent of the Atlantic striped bass population uses the bay to spawn, which occurs from April to early June. After spawning in the spring, most large stripers move to coastal waters. They spend the summer along the New England coast and the winter near the mouth of the Chesapeake near Virginia Beach and on down to North Carolina.
A 73-pound striped bass caught January 23, 2008, by Frederick Barnes of Chesapeake is the Virginia state record. Barnes made the record-setting catch in the Atlantic about a half mile north of the 4A buoy located north of Rudee Inlet and off Fishermen’s Island. The fish hit a trolled red and white Stretch 30 lure.
The North Carolina striped bass record is a 64-pound fish caught by Keith Angel off Oregon Inlet in 2011. The Maryland state record fish of 67.5 pounds was caught by Devin Nolan in 1995 Bloody Point just south of Kent Island.
The 15th annual Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout hosted by the Virginia Beach Fishing Center is December 7-9. Weigh-in will be available at the fishing center at Rudee Inlet and at King’s Creek Marina in Cape Charles. The Oyster Farm at King’s Creek Resort and Marina in Cape Charles is offering a 10 percent discount for anglers and 20 percent for captains. Slips are $1.25 per foot per night. All fish caught are cleaned and donated to area food banks in the Virginia Beach area and on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. A portion of the money raised through registration fees is donated to local causes such as the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Team Matador won last year’s tournament weighing in their three largest rockfish for a total weight of 138.3 pounds. With Capt. Jake Hiles of Virginia Beach, the team caught its fish on the first day of the three-day tournament and collected $48,000 out of the $94,500 total purse.
More than $100,000 in prizes, plus entry into the world-famous Offshore World Championships in Costa Rica, are two good reasons to hook up at the St. Lucia International Billfish Tournament. Set for November 7-11 and hosted out of IGY’s
Rodney Bay Marina, it’s the waters just north of the island and south of neighboring Martinique that are hot for single- and doubleheader blue marlin bites in the fall.
Last year, 19 tournament boats from the Caribbean, U.S. and Canada released more than 50 billfish during three days of competition. “Rodney Bay Marina has great nightlife for socializing after each day of fishing,” says Sean Devaux, marina general manager. “Plus, the tournament…features some of the best anglers in the southern Caribbean.”
Charter boats are available. Captain Mike’s, run by brothers Bruce and Andrew Hackshaw, operates a fleet of 31- to 46-foot Bertrams and hold bragging rights for catching a 940-pound blue marlin in 2003, the St. Lucia record. Exodus Boat Charters and Reel Irie are two other sportfishing charters.
As one of the oldest sportfishing clubs in the country, the Stuart Sailfish Club—founded in 1941—has worked hard to encourage and support sustainable game fishing. On October 13th and 14th, it continues that tradition with the 32nd Annual Saltwater Sisters Lady Angler Tournament at Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina in Stuart, Florida. Fishing categories
include dolphin, kingfish, bluefish, and wahoo. Awards will be given for Top Boat, Billfish Releases as well as for Best Costumes and Best Boat Décor to keep things fun.
Proceeds from the Saltwater Sisters Tournament go to organizations involved in breast cancer research and to patient support groups. A schedule of the activities can be found on the Club’s website: stuartsailfishclub.com.
Late-night forays into dark waters provide an increased opportunity to catch “the big one.”
It was pitch-black and so quiet you could hear a plug drop, which is exactly what I was listening for as I sent a 5-inch Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow hurtling into the darkness. Instead of the light splash I was expecting, I heard the lure clang as it landed on a small dock. With a gentle twitch of the rod tip, I tumbled it over the edge and began a slow retrieve. Three cranks of the reel handle later a furious striper weighing more than 30 pounds exploded on the swimmer.
Sometimes, things that go bump in the night are really big fish. That’s a lesson that comes with night fishing.
There’s something about late- night fishing I find irresistible. Certainly, there is an intriguing eeriness about midnight forays, and the quiet, calm time for reflection is inviting.
So, too, is the opportunity to have a favorite flat, rip or hardened shoreline all to myself. Oh, but who am I kidding? The big ones come out to play after dark and, in the end, the increased chance to encounter a true trophy is what really puts me on the prowl. In any case, the mystique of not being able to clearly see your target, or the take, serves to make things even more tempting.
“That’s when trophy fish are most vulnerable,” says Captain Ryan Kane (Southern Instinct Fishing Charters, 239-896-2341, southerninstinct.com), a Fort Myers, Florida, charter skipper who makes no bones about why he likes to night fish into the dark hours,
“There’s a lot of fishing pressure on the waters around here so the biggest snook, redfish and other game fish species hang back and wait for the sun to go down before moving up onto the flats. Fishing on the graveyard shift allows me to target those bigger fish with minimal competition.”
Indeed, for many inshore game fish species, the summer months are a stressful period. From snook, redfish, sea trout, and shark in southern waters to striped bass, bluefish, drum, and weakfish in mid-Atlantic and Northeast areas, water temperatures approach the upper limits of the comfort zone.
In addition, vacation-crazed tourists patrol the shores, and boaters, parasailers and Jet Ski jockeys crisscross channels and flats. To the fish, it must be maddening mayhem.
For the subaqueous inhabitants of such high-traffic areas, respite comes on rainy days or after the sun sets beneath the horizon. It’s then, when water temperatures decline and human interference retreats, that lunkers go on a feeding binge.
To be sure, nighttime fishing isn’t that much different from the daytime brand, but there are a few points to keep in mind if you want to make it worth the effort. First is pinpointing the most productive time to fish. Many late-night novices head out at 6 or 7PM and just keep on casting as the sun goes down. What they fail to realize, however, is that the nighttime bite is a factor of time. Following a hot, muggy day, the water must have a couple of hours to cool off, big fish need a while to unnerve, and baitfish require the cover of full darkness to move about more recklessly. Waiting until 10 PM or later before embarking on night fishing resolves most of these issues.
As important as fishing in the right time slot is keying on appropriate tides. Just like during the day, late-eating predators favor specific tides. Sea trout and weakfish, for example, are notorious for firing up on the slower stages of water movement. For both, the last quarter of incoming and first quarter of outgoing water usually produce best.
Bass and Blues, in contrast, will sometimes move up onto shallow flats with the first advance of incoming water, and their shallow-water feeding activity often peaks as the current picks up strength. Snook and redfish show a preference for dropping tides that drain shrimp, crabs and baitfish from expansive flats toward deeper water. As the tide starts to recede, they’ll often encroach on sandbars to meet their prey, retreating back to deeper water an hour or two before the tide bottoms out.
Like Kane, Captain Rich Jensen—a full-time charter skipper since 1970 running the Nancy Ann IV out of Orient, New York (631-477-2337, nancyanncharters.com)—has long been hooked on night fishing. He has a reputation for catching big bass year after year. His largest cow so far tipped the scales at 67 pounds, and he’s caught dozens topping 50 pounds on the late shift.
Jensen and his fares hook a lot of their bass on live eels and dark-colored bucktails while drifting through serious rips far off the beach. Still, given the choice, he’d rather troll a big plug in shallower water closer to home if he’s looking for one large bruiser.
“Since the fish aren’t seeing your lures as much as sensing them,” he says, “you can get away with more after dark.
Credit Ryan Kane, Southern Instince Fishing Charters_
That’s not to say big fish don’t bite during daylight hours, just that for as good as it is during the daylight, it can be better in the darkness as trophy-caliber fish slide into the shallows and drop their guard.” Jensen notes that big bass move around a lot at night while feeding more freely, which increases the odds of hooking up. He favors full moon and new moon tides when intent on scoring with linesiders of double-take proportions.
While nighttime baitfishing varies little from the daytime routine, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to score consistently if using artificials. The most frequent mistake anglers make is retrieving lures too quickly. It’s vital to slow things down to a crawl, and then let up even more. I like to work quiet, subsurface plugs with a wide, wiggling action or large straight-tailed soft plastics.
Kane, by comparison, prefers to make a lot of noise with big Zara Spook surface lures. “If I’m missing sleep, I’m chasing lunkers,” he laughs. “I like a lure that makes a lot of noise and commotion.
With sight limited after dark, fish depend on other senses like vibration and scent to hone in on their meals. If they won’t hit the poppers and plugs, try cut mullet or bunker bait. Cast them up on a flat and let them just sit on the bottom. That oily scent draws predator species from quite a distance.”
As for where to go night fishing on the late shift, start with areas that produce during the day while adjusting for the likelihood that predator species will slide into shallower water nearby. Also, the cutting edge where nighttime and man-made lighting intersect draws its share of game fish. Don’t pass on the chance to work shadow lines along bridges and docks. Approach with stealth and drift into casting range if possible to avoid spooking your quarry.
Of course, there are some commonsense rules to heed should you head out after dark. Most important is to not venture into unfamiliar waters as rocks, navigational aids, sandbars and other late-night boaters are real hazards. Be sure to check out any area you might fish under daylight conditions before making a night run.
“Late-night adventures are not the time to experiment,” cautions Kane. “Fish areas you already know using techniques you’ve already mastered in broad daylight. No fish is worth risking your safety.”
It’s also a good idea before leaving the dock to make sure you are well-organized and to tell someone when you expect to return. Last, be sure to bring along plenty of bug spray if you plan to work back-bay waters. Monster snook, redfish and stripers aren’t the only things that feed after dark.
Tom Schlichter Southern Boating June 2016 Schlichter is a columnist for Newsday.
Anglers can test their luck in a couple of fishing tournaments this month on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The Kitty Hawk Surf Company Kayak Fishing Tournament is Saturday, September 16th. Fishing is allowed anywhere between Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk to the north, Hatteras Inlet to the south, up to one mile offshore to the east, and west to the Currituck and Manns Harbor shorelines.
Tournament species include flounder, speckled trout, and red drum. All fish must be caught from a watercraft, and wading is not allowed. It’s a photo catch-and-release tournament, and all pictures must include a custom badge that will be distributed at a Captain’s Meeting the night before the event.
The Hatteras Island Surf Fishing Challenge, Friday, September 22nd to Sunday, September 24th, features four divisions: bluefish, sea mullet, flounder/black drum, and Spanish mackerel/pompano (species chosen depending on fishing reports). Five weigh-in spots are located throughout the islands.
The cost to enter is $60 per angler before September 12th and $70 thereafter, with more than $8,000 in cash and prizes going to the winners. The tournament ends with an awards ceremony at Camp Hatteras. fishermanspost.com
The International Billfish Tournament (IBT) turns 65.
The IBT is the longest consecutively held big game fishing tournament in the world.
The tournament is hosted by Club Nautico de San Juan in Puerto Rico, takes place October 15-21. Longevity is far from the IBT’s only claim to fame.
Over the past decade alone, organizers have maintained a cutting-edge vibe to this event by introducing elements like hotspot metrics to identify water qualities consistent with a good bite, critter cams in coordination with the National Geographic Society for research purposes, conservation conscious rules for 30-pound test line only, and most recently, a mobile app to track real-time bites, hook-ups and releases during the tournament.
This year, the new twist is a date change. The October IBT dates were purposely chosen to take advantage of a trio of plusses. Those include a perfectly full moon, warm water temperatures and a diversity of billfish. This time of year, fish swim through the world famous “Marlin Alley,” a mile-and-a-half deep trench located off the island’s north coast.
“In October, anglers will be able to hook different billfish species such as blues, whites, and sails, rather than just blue marlin, which are more prevalent in September,” says Salvador Egea, Jr. He’s the IBT chairman for the third year. Visiting anglers have a unique opportunity to fly in and fish on a different boat each day. There are also nightly parties, all for one set price.
FOR A 10-YEAR-OLD BOY ON VACATION FROM OHIO, the offshore fishing trip with his grandfather was enough of a treat. Heading out from the New Pass Inlet in Sarasota, Florida, day boats didn’t have to travel far for tourists to have a successful day of Goliath Grouper fishing in the 1960s.
I can still remember the high pitched noise as line played out and deckhands came running to help Gramps as he struggled to land a 321-pound goliath grouper. The battle lasted nearly an hour, and for the retired bank messenger who had moved from Cleveland to Siesta Key, it was the catch of a lifetime.
Since 1990, it’s been illegal to land the goliath groupers. Overfished in the ’70s and ’80s, these beasts can top 800 pounds, measure over 8 feet in length and have been known to live at least 35 years—some marine biologists believe up to 50 years.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting 15 workshops across the state from the Panhandle to Naples through October to gather public input on goliath grouper management, including the possibility of a limited harvest season in Florida state waters.
Goliath grouper populations have substantially recovered since the harvest prohibition took effect. According to the FWC, “There have been increases in abundance in certain areas (Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor and the Ten Thousand Islands), and the distribution of goliath grouper populations has extended into areas of its former range throughout Florida, including the Big Bend and Panhandle regions.”
Continued regulation may be focused on areas where the species spawns and the young mature. The Ten Thousand Islands off southwest Florida is of particular interest where young goliath grouper spend up to six years in mangrove habitat—a nursery of sorts.
Interestingly, they have been known to form spawning groups of 100 or more. Courtship behavior is regularly observed at chartered wrecks or rock ledges in the eastern Gulf during the full moons of August and September. For boaters and anglers interested in attending one of the workshops, a list of dates and locations is on the FWC website myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/rulemaking/workshops.
Hi-Tech Your Boat for Fishing
Boost your electronics for better results on the bite.
Lowrance High-Definition Screen
A world-leading brand in fishing electronics since 1957 and the longest-running sponsor of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), Lowrance now offers its HDS CarbonTM 16, a new high-performance fishfinder/chartplotter with a 16-inch screen—its largest yet. The high-definition screen on HDS Carbon 16 displays showcases the clarity, high resolution and superior target separation of SolarMAX™ HD technology, exclusive to the HDS Carbon series. Setting up a four-panel split on the HDS Carbon 16 gives anglers the equivalent of four 7-inch screens on a single display.
Anglers in the market for a do-it-all, integrated system need a processor that can smoothly drive high-tech features like StructureScan® 3D with SideScan and DownScan Imaging™, StructureMap™, Broadband Radar™, and SiriusXM® Weather Chart Overlay. HDS Carbon 16 delivers with a dual-core processor that allows anglers to switch between applications and simultaneously view independent sonar feeds.
Lowrance SolarMAX HD display technology features high-definition views and clear visibility with a wide range of viewing angles even when wearing polarized sunglasses. The new displays are engineered to withstand higher temperatures than conventional units, offering enhanced reliability in warmer climates. The secret behind the new SolarMAX HD displays come from the implementation of the most advanced IPS (in-plane switching) screens in fishing electronics. With superior color accuracy and boosted high-definition reproduction, IPS screens are perfectly designed for viewing picture-like sonar images.
With Live Network Sonar, HDS Carbon 16 gives anglers the capability to view and control two independent, live sonar sources at different locations—like the front and the back of the boat— from a single display. This powerful feature provides anglers with a comprehensive picture of underwater activity with convenient and complete control.
In addition to integrated wireless connectivity, HDS Carbon 16 offers Bluetooth® control of multiple Power-Pole® shallow water anchors and Bluetooth audio streaming from the SonicHub®2 marine entertainment system. Anglers can navigate with ease behind proven Lowrance navigation technology, high-resolution mapping with enhanced coverage of coastal and inland waters, a 10 Hz internal GPS antenna, and a multitude of mapping options accessible from the unit’s dual microSD card slots. HDS Carbon 16 is compatible with the most expansive selection of optional cartography on the market, including Insight Genesis™ custom mapping, C-MAP Insight PRO, C-MAP Lake Insight HD, C-MAP MAX-N+, Navionics® and more.
Owners of select Garmin products now have access to high-quality waterproof housings specially designed to protect their electronics. NavPod, manufacturer of housings for marine electronics, offers PowerPods that are compatible with the recently released Garmin GPSMAP® 722/742, 922/942, 1022/1042 and 1222/1242 chartplotters. The units are available in high-gloss white or the new Carbon Series and are ideal for any powerboat installation, including inland fishing and offshore powerboats. PowerPods are sturdy and safe, yet clean and attractive, and the secure mount protects fishfinder/chartplotters from harsh boating conditions. PowerPods feature a swivel base while also providing added security from theft.
“As chartplotters are released from top manufacturers of marine electronics,we continually expand our product line to accommodate the new models,” says Rob Walsh, president and owner of Ocean Equipment, known for its NavPod series. “PowerPods offer boat owners the security and convenience they need to ensure their investment is well taken care of for years to come.”
MSRP $299-$529; navpod.com
NavStar MFDs
SI-TEX Marine Electronics recently introduced its NavStar Series Multifunction Displays (MFDs) for 2017 —the 10-inch display NavStar 10 and the 12-inch NavStar 12.
The new NavStar Series is the fi rst SI-TEX MFD to allow navigators to access all of the unit’s advanced features via simple touchscreen or traditional controls. NavStar’s versatility is further enhanced by built-in Bluetooth connectivity and wireless LAN, providing fast Internet connection, automatic chart and software updating, and video and music entertainment. NavStar’s powerful 4kW dual-range radar capability enables viewing both close-in and far-away targets simultaneously for heightened safety and situational awareness in all conditions. The built-in chartplotter provides radar/chart overlay capabilities with all the latest navigation features and content-rich detail of trusted C-MAP 4D cartography.
The NavStar series is also equipped for optional Skymate satellite communications for access to up-to-date weather forecasts, Nexrad radar and sea surface temperatures, as well as the ability to transmit texts, emails and faxes via Skymate. Coastal and offshore anglers will appreciate NavStar’s dual-frequency 50/200kHz sonar for advanced detail of bottom composition, structure and suspended fish schools.
Whether it’s used for safety, effi cient navigation, fishfinding, or entertainment, NavStar’s high-brightness, high-resolution color display provides excellent sharpness and clarity, even in full sunlight for superior visibility in real-world conditions.
The design is easy to bracket or flush mount on any bridge, helm and console, and it’s backed by the company’s two-year warranty.
NavStar 10 MSRP starts at $2,199; NavStar 12 MSRP starts at $2,999. si-tex.com
Get ready to go fishing, because Florida’s recreational harvest season for snook begins on September 1st. Snook are prized by anglers for their aggressive, go-for-broke fighting style, and their popularity is one of the many reasons Florida is a prime fishing destination. Snook fishing involves a fair amount of luck as well as a lot of hunting, and landing a big fish is truly a noteworthy achievement.
Snook are a subtropical species and very sensitive to temperature. Because snook populations in the Gulf were negatively impacted by a 2010 cold kill, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is encouraging anglers to use discretion when determining whether or not to take the popular sportfish home. Both a snook permit and a recreational saltwater license are required to catch these fish. The bag limit during open season is limited to one snook per person, which must measure between 28-32 inches in length in the Atlantic and 28-33 inches in the Gulf in order to keep it.
The sun rises over the waters of Panama City. Taken on a tagging trip, April 3, 2012, by Amanda Nalley.
When releasing snook it’s crucial to handle the fish properly. By adopting a few simple habits you can easily increase the survival rate of the fish you catch. Positively influence the future of Florida’s saltwater fish populations by deciding beforehand which fish you want to keep, and release all others immediately. Snook will be closed to harvest on December 1st through the end of February 2017 as well as from May 1st through August 31st in federal and state waters.
Additionally, the 2016 recreational red snapper season will reopen September 2nd in Gulf of Mexico state waters. The season will remain open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October, as well as on Labor Day. The minimum size limit for red snapper is 16 inches in length.
For avid anglers, stalking “phantoms” aka bonefishing in The Bahamas is one of the most challenging and rewarding of all fishing adventures.
Bonefishing is an experience The Bahamas intends to protect and preserve for generations to come.
It was 45 years ago, when Jerry Lavenstein, a Virginia Beach sportsman, and his Bahamian guide Ansil Saunders headed out on the Bimini mud flats to cast their luck and chase some bonefish. Waiting silently in the gin-clear waters were small schools of the wily Grey Ghosts that have long frustrated saltwater light tackle and fly fishermen with their stealth, smarts, and speed from Grand Bahama to Abaco and Great Inagua.
Stalking bones in “skinny water” is an art—part patience mixed with technique and an eagle-eyed guide that can pole the angler close and not spook the prey. The rest is up to the fishing gods and some good luck.
Lavenstein and Saunders hooked onto immortality that day in 1971 with a record catch, a 16-pound monster, caught just 300 yards from the docks of the historic Big Game Club in Alice Town on Bimini—the largest ever landed in The Bahamas and Florida and still a species in the all tackle and men’s 12-pound line test world record.
Anytime’s a Good Time
Steve Riely, managing director at the Bimini Big Game Club, describes the island’s bonefishing as “good the year-around,” drawing both individuals and groups, many returning over the course of decades to fish with a cadre of veteran, independent local guides.
Anglers primarily from the U.S., Canada and Europe are drawn by the tens of thousands for the unique, heart-pounding challenge of hooking into a silvery fish that can reach nearly three feet and weigh in at a dozen pounds or larger.
The larger and Family Islands along with hundreds of smaller cays are good hunting grounds for the elusive bonefish, which represents an estimated $160-plus million annual economic impact to The Bahamas, providing fly fishing lodges, independent guides, local businesses, and tourism travel agents with a growing cottage industry that features a viable trickle-down benefit for the local communities.
Vaughn Cochran, co-owner of the Blackfly Lodge in Southern Abaco
Old Bahama Bay at Sunrise
Bonefish being released. Photo: Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
BBBG CLUB
Ansil Saunders’ World Record from the Int’l Game Fish Association
Bonefish fin-clipped for tagging
The Green Turtle Club
(Left-to-Right) Bonefish Tommy Sewell, Eagle Eyes Fred Rolle and Ansil Saunders. (Photo courtesy Big Game Club)
The Black Fly Lodge
Economic Importance
For the Bahamian economy, with an estimated GDP of about $8.4 billion, tourism accounts for some 60 percent, and the bonefishing industry segment in some cases can represent 60 to 70 percent GDP of some of the smaller out islands that rely on flats fishing and diving.
How valuable is a bonefish? Well, the market price will fetch you approximately $10, however, some experts say that same fish’s tourism value weighs in at a hefty $10,000 for the economy—as long as you catch and release.
Since 2009, The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust has been researching bonefish in Bahamian waters having tagged 11,000 of which 600 were recaptured and released, providing important data on spawning and migratory habits. “We were surprised to learn that 72 percent of those tagged bonefish that were recaptured were caught less than a mile [from] where they were originally caught,” said Justin Lewis, Bahamas initiative manager for The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. “With that said, we have also found that some bonefish have traveled long distances for spawning—one in particular swimming from south Abaco to north Grand Bahama, a 146-mile one-way trip.”
Researchers have identified five spawning sites around The Bahamas near deepwater drop-offs. These full moon mating gatherings continue to replenish what Lewis calls a “healthy fishery” that offers anglers year-round fishing. “The goal of our long-standing research effort is to provide the information about bonefish and their habitats that is necessary to formulate an effective, comprehensive conservation strategy that focuses on habitat conservation, education, and appropriate regulation,” added Lewis.
Conservation
Vaughn Cochran, co-owner of the Blackfly Lodge in Southern Abaco, concurs. “Our waters are clean, healthy with great water flow, and the schools of various species are benefiting from the nearly pristine state of the habitat. But that didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of good conservation practices and active research,” said Cochran. “Bonefishing the flats may be described as a unique business platform but certainly one that’s full of adventure and adrenalin for everyone involved.”
One of The Bahamas most productive bonefish habitats, the Abaco flats fishing is big business for lodges and their employees and a good living for some 50 guides. In some locations, the business passes down from father to son.
Tom Folley and his brothers grew up working the waters off Grand Bahamas’ West End with their legendary dad, Israel “Bonefish Folley,” who fished and guided the flats for 67 years. “As a family, we have well over 100 years guiding,” said Folley, an independent, who also guides regularly for Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour. “The habitat in the West End is very productive for larger bonefish, which prefer deep waters being so close to shallow.”
Does the industry require some government tweaking? Folley would agree that education for new guides and the local citizenry would be wise. “There are so many in The Bahamas, especially the school-age students, who would benefit,” he said.
Ronnie Sawyer’s father, Joe Sawyer, was the first bonefish guide in the Abacos. Ronnie found a sweet spot near Green Turtle Cay, where he guides for the Green Turtle Club. The man that Captain George Poveromo described as “knowing more about bonefish than bonefish themselves” is these days, working two boats depending on where the customer would like to fish. “Business is good, the habitat is good and my clients are catching fish,” said Sawyer. His business is 70 percent of return customers.
Regulations
With business seeming to be doing well, the bonefishing industry stakeholders are wondering why bonefishing has been targeted for new government regulations. In 2015, the industry took sides and became embroiled in proposed government legislation—the Fisheries Resources (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Act that some saw as a surreptitious bid to remove non-native fishing lodge management, to overregulate the bonefish industry and to create a seemingly endless pool of operating cash funded by foreign anglers.
Supporters of the act, such as the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA) say through the legislation they are seeking to establish professional standards for all Bahamian guides, to become more involved in conservation interests and to establish a conservation fund, with a percentage underwriting the BFFIA. Many guides and lodge owners call the legislation a shortsighted path to destruction.
When will the contentious Fisheries Resources Act come before the Bahamian Legislature for formal review? According to Rena Glinton, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources in Nassau, a date has yet to be set. “The proposed regulations are still under review as we seek to address concerns of all stakeholders,” she said. There will be no great impediment to persons who currently travel to angle in our beautiful waters. The focus of this ministry is to ensure the sustainable management of the fisheries and the protection of the environment. Additionally, any licensing proposal will be in keeping with current industry standards.”
Shallow Waters, Deep Roots
Clint Kemp, whose Bahamian roots date back to 1690, has fly fished the flats since age 12 and has guided for the last 10 years. Like many of his contemporaries, he agrees that change is coming. “The industry does need regulations with licenses, protection from overfishing, and enforcement of current laws that ban netting and commercial sale of bonefish,” said Kemp. “Some of the more extreme proposals to ban DIY fishing and forcing anglers to use guides should be deleted.”
“The bonefish population in The Bahamas is healthy,” says Benjamin Pratt, senior manager at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. However, he acknowledges some areas are fished more frequently than others.” Pratt says the BTT had collaborated with guides on Abaco, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, and other islands and are “doing a great service to help preserve the flats habitat for bonefishing and other flats sports fishing species.”
Fishing guides by regulation must be Bahamian citizens and carry a Class B Captain’s License. That designation, however, stops so-called guides with neither skills nor knowledge from providing services.
In response, the BTT and the Fisheries Resources Act have called for an education program that would require new guides to attend a comprehensive training program. That program would include marketing, business planning, fishing etiquette, safety, and equipment maintenance. For established guides, training and refresher courses on proper handling techniques would be required. Also recommended is a comprehensive curriculum for Bahamas schools.
The Bahamas does not currently require a fishing license, “a bone of contention” for activists and conservation groups. They’d like to implement a program where license fees would be applied toward conservation of bonefish habitats, education, fishery and habitat management, and enforcement of regulations. The center of concern is exactly how those conservation funds will be managed and dispersed.
Flats Forever
Both Bahamian-owned bonefish lodges and those with foreign investors and partners are, according to the BTT, “the strongest stewards of the resource, going to great lengths to protect their fishing areas, the gamefish and the ecosystem as a whole.”
The bonefish fishery in The Bahamas, based on years of collaborative input from lodge owners and guides, is similar to the success of flat fisheries in other locations, including Belize, Mexico and Cuba. Many say the future of the fishery is dependent upon following this model.
With some 250-300 licensed guides in The Bahamas, the industry seems to be able to produce a decent livelihood for both independents and lodge-affiliated. Typical guide rates run from $400-plus for half-a-day to $600-plus for a full day.
“I can’t really see myself doing anything else,” said 59-year-old Sawyer after a morning of poling a customer along the expansive Abaco flats along the Marls on a windy February day. “I’ll be out there on the water until I can’t do it anymore. It’s in the blood.”
Bypass the hassle of drilling or hardware, protect your gear and transport your fishing rods securely in the bed of your pickup truck with the Portarod. Easily installed, the Portarod can be removed just as quickly. Created with truck-owning fishermen in mind, the Portarod is fully adjustable, fits nearly every truck and is available with three, four or five rod holders—individual rod holders are available for a custom fit. The adjustable ratcheting crossbar expands from 53 to 84 inches to fit most make or truck models, doesn’t require drilling and prevents from causing permanent damage to the bed of your truck. The angle of the rods while in transit can be altered to allow access to low ceiling entryways such as garages, tunnels or a restaurant drive-through. Portarod locks can also be added to protect the rods from theft. MSRP starts at $115; portarod.com
Take your hobby to the next level and battle monster fish—for monster payouts!
Some of the world’s best offshore fishing is found in Southern Boating waters—the deep Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, where monster game fish are the apex predators of the ocean and prized for their aggression, power and speed. Three major types of offshore tournaments run year-round across coastal regions—billfish, meatfish and king mackerel—and can have jackpots that range from $20,000 to $1.5 million. Billfish tournaments target blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish, while meatfish tournaments target dolphin, tuna and wahoo, and king mackerel tournaments generally only target kingfish. If you want to take your angling skills to the next level but don’t know how, these eight simple steps can turn anyone into a tournament angler.
1. Offshore boat prep
Your boat must be able to handle offshore waters—sportfish, express and center consoles are popular in tournaments due to their practical, durable fishability. Consider installing outriggers, which are extremely helpful to keep your trolling spread tangle free. Your fuel levels need to handle a distance of 120 miles round-trip plus trolling at the fishing spots.
2. Properly sized tackle and equipment
Load at least six big game reels on board (suggested size is Shimano Tiagra 50W or Penn International 50), and a few smaller trolling reels in the TLD30 size range for smaller fish. You will need a good spread of trolling lures, a couple of teasers, a few squid chains, and a variety of dead bait rigs. For first timers, trolling lures are the simplest because they don’t require a lot of experience with rigging bait, plus they are extremely effective in offshore fishing.
3. Consider a captain or mate.
During a tournament, a mate will help rig tackle, coach anglers on reeling in a fish, handle fish when you get them close to the boat, and clean up. A good mate could make the difference between getting a fish on the line or not, by picking the right lures and knowing the best areas to fish. If you go without a captain, research the inlets and waterways where the tournament takes place. Freelance mates are available on a part-time basis for tournaments; ask your dock master for a referral.
4. Location, location, location
For your first tournament, choose one near your closest port with a simple format. Some of the larger, big-money tournaments have the strictest rules and the most competitive teams (often professional teams that do a circuit of competitions each season). To get started in tournament fishing, have fun and meet people in a smaller tournament setting. Also, select a tournament where the fishing grounds aren’t too far off shore. Some Mid-Atlantic and Gulf tournaments have a range of 60+ miles to reach the fishing sites, whereas Hatteras inlet is close to the Gulf Stream at a range of 25 miles. Some Florida tournaments have shorter distances of 10-30 miles depending on the inlet.
5. Detailed preparation
The difference between a good team and a mediocre team is in the details. Professionals ensure they have sharp hooks, clean leaders free from knicks and chafes, solid snap swivels, and maintained lures before every event. Make sure your reels are in good condition and drag settings are correct. For guidance, call a tournament outfitter who can provide tips along with pre-rigged, tournament-quality trolling packs.
6. Research is key.
Visit your local tackle shops and ask what and where people have been catching big fish, and with what baits. Online charting services provide sea surface temperature, chlorophyll charts and bottom topography as aids. For a small fee, Roffs Charts, Fish Track and Frying Pan Tower will personally call you with suggested hot spots. Research is invaluable for giving you a starting edge in the right direction so that you don’t waste time once you’re in the water. Also, be familiar with one of the weather buoy websites for reliable weather info.
7. Budgeting for the tournament
Most tournament entries range from $1,500 to $5,000 per team, but don’t be shocked if the first-place cash prize is $20,000. The payout varies with the size of the tournament and the different entry levels inside the tournament, but be sure to figure in the cost of fuel, dockage, bait, lodging (if you don’t stay on your boat), food, and potentially a captain or mate.
8. Choose your team wisely.
The competition will be much smoother with a team that has some fishing experience, isn’t easily seasick, loves fishing, doesn’t get too upset if you don’t win, and is willing to split costs. These guidelines may sound simple, but they make all the difference. Tournament fishing can be hours of silence followed by immediate heart pumping chaos. Be sure everyone knows his or her job when the line gets tight—who is the angler, who clears what lines, who is handling the fish when it gets to the boat, etc., to get the job done right.
The charm of tournaments comes from the camaraderie with other sportsmen and the adrenaline when you battle a fish three times your size; however most tournaments benefit a community fundraising effort. Regardless of winning, your time on the water assists non-profit community organizations such as Boy Scouts, at-risk youth programs, cancer facilities, and community centers. The mission of most events is to promote sportfishing in their area, promote conservation in sportfishing, raise money for such charities, and promote maritime culture, heritage and education. With only a few winners in each tournament, the continuous turnout proves the fun, competitive, bonding experience of offshore fishing tournaments keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Brandon Carter is the co-founder of Fathom Offshore—a provider of professional lures, rigging supplies and accessories for offshore fishing, handmade in Wilmington, North Carolina. Fathom Offshore partners with successful tournament captains to create lure and rigging designs for everyday use, and they promote offshore tournaments in the Carolinas. Brandon has been an avid saltwater fisherman for the past 18 years primarily fishing along the East Coast. He has entered offshore tournaments and fished in Bermuda, Costa Rica, Mexico, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic. “I believe in promoting the outdoors to kids, creating jobs by making fishing tackle in the U.S., and using my resources to inspire and help people.” His favorite part of owning a tackle company is testing lures on a weekday and calling it work, and being able to make anglers’ tournament dreams come true with his gear.
