Angler & Sportsman Magazine

In This Edition

Tips For Winter Sight Fishing

Winter Fishing With Soft Plastics

One More Cast...Just One More Cast

Redfishing From the Breakers

The New Option to Catching More Fish

Bluefin Tuna...The Story That Lives Forever

Coon Hunting

Hometown Buck!

The Hyde County Experience

Canning Venison

Muzzle Loader And Crossbow Dear

Inshore

Tips For Winter Sight Fishing

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Sight fishing is a great and sometimes challenging way to inshore fish. It can be especially fun in the cooler months, largely due to the increased clearness of the water which makes it easier for the fish to spot your lure. However, it does take patience and planning. In some areas, clear water is easy to find. However, in other areas you have to look for quite some time to find it. On the east coast, there is one constant that you can fall back on in almost every location to find clear water and that is high tide. If you have stained or dirty water in your area, and you have tidal flats with marsh grass, then you have clear enough water to sight the fish. I’ve always found that low tide is the best time. This is when you can usually find clean water at dead low water when the water stops moving.

At the bottom of the low water, when the water stops moving, the silt settles to the bottom and the water considerably cleans up as it gets shallow. It helps to have light winds, but you can also find banks that are in the lee on windier days to ensure cleaner water. When you have found clean water in an area, being stealthy is the name of the game. Getting close enough to see a redfish before he spooks and swims off is a must. Even veteran anglers make the biggest mistake of too much body movement, so being quiet always is a must.

Every noise you make is amplified in shallow water. If a fish is coming at you and you have to put a bait in front of him. I prefer to flip the bait with my wrist than moving the rod overhead or swinging it and your arms to make your favorite cast to the fish. If you can see the fish, he can see you. Limit your movements and you will be far more productive.

With the popularity of trolling motors increasing every year to make accessing the good fishing areas a little quieter, actually can server as a problem. Even the best trolling motors can make a noise that can in some ways spoke the fish. I prefer to pole in to decrease the outside noises. And speaking of noise, I make sure to fish in locations that are free of boat traffic and with little or no fishing activity except for me whenever possible. The worst thing you can do is fish in populated areas where fish see hundreds of boats. Also, when possible, use the wind or current to drift flats and other areas you are trying to sight fish.

When pursuing the Redfish in the short grass, it is easier to get closer to the fish without scaring them on foot. That’s what I said…. on foot. You must make sure you are on a sandy bottom to do this. Make sure to avoid the mud bottoms that be camouflaged with a small amount of sand over the top. This can sink will sink up to your chest before you know it if you are not careful.

Knowing how far to lead the fish can also play a key role in your success. It’s largely based on location and situation. I try to lead the fish farther in clear water but lead less in the vent the water is darker or with obstructions and grasses. It’s also important to keep in mind that the time of day and the sunlight play a key role as well. The brighter the sun means the higher the visibility of the fish. With the bright sunlight, the fish will spook much easier because of their increased visibility. I could go on and on about sight fishing and tips for all types of situations, but I am going to wrap it up. Overall, you must find clean water, be quiet and present as light of bait as possible for that situation to have more success sight fishing for Redfish.

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Inshore

Improving Winter Fishing With Soft Plastic Baits

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Winter fishing with plastic baits can revolutionize your approach to inshore cold-water fishing. Even in warmer regions like the Carolina Coast, adapting your light-tackle methods during the colder months can yield excellent results with species like Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. Winter fishing is gaining popularity for several reasons: Reduced Competition: Fewer anglers mean less pressure on the fishing resource. Clearer Water: Lower plankton levels improve water clarity, helping anglers spot structure and even the fish themselves. Limited Live Baitfish: With fewer live bait options, fish are less selective and more inclined to strike artificial lures.

Simplify Your Tackle

On chilly winter days, I hit the water with just a handful of jig heads and a couple of plastic bait options. I often begin with live bait like mud minnows or shrimp, even though these are harder to come by in winter. Once I start getting bites, I switch to a plastic lure that closely mimics the live bait. This tactic helps me cover more water and present my lure to as many fish as possible. Starting with live bait also helps pinpoint the location of the target fish.

Fine-Tuning Your Approach

Experimenting with the retrieve speed is crucial. Vary your speed to discover what triggers a response from the fish. Once you find the sweet spot, it’s all about fine-tuning. At this stage, your location, gear, and lure selection become critical factors in your success. Winter fishing with plastics is easier than it seems. With limited food in the water, fish are less picky and more likely to strike your lure.

Scent and Presentation

Using plenty of scent is a must during winter. Unlike summer, when fish actively seek out bait, the colder water reduces their movement. Your strategy should focus on presenting the bait directly to the fish. Darker baits with a flash work particularly well, as they resemble a potential food source moving through the water.

T he Benefits of Plastics

Soft plastics save time and effort. You don’t need to cast a net or make a stop at the bait shop—tasks that are often unreliable during the winter months.

People

One More Cast.... Just One More Cast

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The cooler weather of fall, coupled with the coming of Christmas, signals the final days of fishing for many of us. This is confirmed by the arrival of Christmas decorations and the heavy coats emerging from closets.

While we’re glad to see the sweltering heat of summer fade and the holidays approach, many anglers can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness. It’s a feeling that lingers until mid-April, when the Bonito return, and with them, our lifelong fishing passion is rekindled. Now, we find ourselves relying on the occasional warm day to indulge in our fishing passion. But as those days grow scarcer, we’re forced to acknowledge that the last day of fishing for the year has arrived. These final outings come with few expectations. The fishing has slowed to a crawl, and the water feels lonely.

With only a few bites here and there, we’re left to reminisce about the many fishing days we’ve enjoyed over the past months, the thrill of the fish we caught and the sting of those that got away. We also reflect on the special times spent fishing with friends, family, or both. These days remind us that fishing isn’t about the number of fish in the cooler, but the connections formed on the boat or the bank. On that final day, we often think back to years gone by—fishing with our children when they were small, or even further back, to when we were the children with a Zebco rod and reel in hand, fathers or grandfathers nearby, catching Pinfish and Croakers. Those were times we wish we could relive. But we can only carry them forward by taking our sons and grandchildren fishing, hoping they find the same joy we did at that young age.

Many thoughts surface on that last day of fishing. We recall the great times and the not-so-great ones, and together, they define the role fishing has played in our lives. We also think about those we’ve lost over the past year, the ones we once believed we’d always fish with. Now, there’s an empty space on the boat, and the laughter we once took for granted has fallen silent.

Because of all this, I find myself wanting this day to never end, even though I’ve had little to no bites. I keep telling myself, “One more cast, just one more cast.” If I stay, those cherished memories will keep flowing through my mind. It’s a place I revisit every year at this time, unbidden yet unavoidable. As the sun begins to set and the air grows cooler, I keep murmuring, “One more cast, just one more cast.” But eventually, I know it’s time to go. There’s much to prepare for in the weeks ahead. Still, maybe—just one more cast. And then it’s over. The last cast has been made, and the season, as I know it, has come to an end. In the months ahead, I’ll dream of the new season to come. When the Bonito return, it will mark the beginning of a fresh chapter. The calendar will once again tick down the days until the last day of fishing, and more importantly, the final cast. That’s how the life of a fisherman turns —revolving around cycles of hope, memory, and the inevitable farewell.

Story By Captain Tim Wilson Editor & Chief

The Leading Names In Fishing

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Fishing Education....The New Option To Catching More Fish

Offshore

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Fishing has seen remarkable innovations in recent years. Electronics have advanced significantly, as have the design and functionality of today’s fishing boats. It’s a far cry from what seemed possible just a few years ago. The development of lures has also progressed rapidly, with scent formulations becoming a science and offshore tackle evolving into works of art.

At times, these advancements can be overwhelming for any angler, let alone those just entering the sport. With so many choices in lures, tackle, boats, electronics—not to mention fishing tactics—it’s easy to feel lost. Oh, and let’s not forget fishing regulations. Where does one even start? Local guides are a good resource, but most focus on taking you on a fishing trip, not providing in-depth education. This is particularly true for anglers interested in offshore fishing, which can be more complex and, at times, dangerous. Recently, an innovative approach has emerged to meet this need—a hands-on education service that eliminates the costly and risky trial-and-error process of offshore fishing. Captain Rod Bierstedt of Wilmington, North Carolina, is one of the pioneers of this approach. With 40 years of fishing experience as both a recreational angler and a charter captain, Rod is also a sought-after seminar speaker who covers nearly every aspect of offshore fishing.

Now in his 70s, he has stepped away from the daily grind of charters and guiding to focus on providing personalized, hands-on instruction for anglers eager to accelerate their learning curve.

The unique aspect of Rod’s program is that the rookie angler learns on their own boat and with their own gear. He even accompanies clients to local tackle shops to help them select the right equipment for their specific fishing goals, often saving them from costly and regrettable purchases.

Over the years, Rod has amassed thousands of fishing waypoints, and he teaches his students how to begin building their own collection of locations and manage them effectively. He also provides an incredible amount of printed materials, covering countless aspects of offshore fishing—resources that serve not only as a guide today but also as a reference for the future. It’s clear that this approach represents the future of learning to fish effectively. It significantly reduces wasted costs on the wrong gear and fuel spent aimlessly searching for fish. Utilizing an experienced angler and boat captain like Captain Rod Bierstedt is a game- changing investment that is sure to grow in popularity along the Atlantic coast. Even seasoned anglers would likely be surprised by how much they could learn. As for the instructors like Captain Rod, their knowledge is invaluable and should never go to waste.

Nearshore

Red Fishing From the Breakers A Winter Blast

As winter drives water temperatures down in creeks and estuaries, Redfish often migrate out of the inlets, forming both large and small schools. These fish leave shallow waters because temperatures there drop quickly with the changing weather. Instead, they move to deeper areas where water temperatures are more stable. This seasonal movement creates excellent opportunities for exciting fishing adventures.

Considerations for Safety and Success Before You Head Out

This fishing approach requires experience, both in angling and boat operation. Here's what you need to keep in mind:

Familiarity with Underwater Contours 1. Know the underwater layout well to avoid running aground or being overturned by breaking waves. 2. Tide Awareness Pay close attention to the tide. A falling tide can cause your boat to hit bottom, lose power, and leave you vulnerable to losing control. 3. Safety Precautions Never fish alone. Avoid fishing from the bow to prevent falling overboard during stray breakers. Always have someone at the wheel while others fish from the deck.

Follow These Steps For Success

Head Out the Inlet 1. Begin by heading out and running parallel to the beach. Maintain a safe distance from the breakers while looking for baitfish breaking the surface or the telltale golden shimmer of Redfish schools. 2. Use a Depth Finder Ensure there is ample water under your boat for safe navigation. 3. Start Casting Once you spot baitfish or the golden flash of Redfish, cast into the area. Good lure choices include: Curly tail plastics Swimming mullets Jigs tipped with shrimp Keep casting until you get a hit—it’s only a matter of time. 4. Landing Your Catch After hooking a fish, have the boat driver slowly move to deeper, more stable waters to land it. You may find these Redfish are larger than the ones typically caught in the creeks.

Final Tips for a Memorable Winter Fishing Day

Bundle up, choose a low-wind, sunny day, and head out to the inlet for one of the most exciting fishing experiences of the year. With the right preparation and safety measures, winter fishing can be just as rewarding as any other season—if not better!

Bluefin Tuna....The Catch That Lives Forever

Offshore

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The Atlantic bluefin tuna season is a time of year that many anglers dream about, though only a small group of fishermen actually venture out in pursuit

of these massive fish. Fishing for Bluefins demands special tackle,

knowledge, tactics, and grit—it’s not for the faint of heart. I should know. In 1996, I jumped aboard a 42’ Bertram on a cool December morning, heading out of Wrightsville Beach’s Masonboro Inlet with five other fishermen in search of one. That day is etched in my memory— a story I’ve told thousands of times, and you would too if you had been there.

To be honest, I thought we were heading out to fish for the much smaller yellowfin tuna. That assumption was a mistake—but one I’ll always treasure. You know, the kind of mistake you tell your grandkids about, or anyone willing to listen: neighbors, people at church, even the stranger in front of you in the McDonald’s drive- through. Sure, I got my share of eye rolls, but people were impressed once they heard the story. Speaking of the story, let’s get back to it. After a two-hour ride up the North Carolina coast, the boat engines slowed to a crawl. The other anglers emerged from the cabin, rubbing their eyes, ready to set up gear. They began putting out lines, and I waited expectantly for yellowfins to bite and run. Instead, we caught menhaden—and plenty of them. Oily and pungent, these fish weren’t thrown back but rather tossed into the live well. I didn’t get it—at least not until one of the crew started pulling out massive sportfishing rods from the cabin and rigging them with the menhaden. When these rigs went out behind the boat, I was still scratching my head. But then, one of the enormous reels began screaming, and everything changed. One of the crew grabbed me, shoved me into the boat’s fighting chair, stuck the rod between my legs, and yelled, “CRANK!” So I cranked.

As I fought the fish, water started spilling over the transom. It was then I noticed the boat was in reverse, backing down toward what seemed like a creature straight out of Jaws. But it wasn’t a shark—it was a massive Bluefin, thrashing against the line in a furious battle. The crew’s shouts intensified as the fish put up a fight that felt like it lasted a week, though it was only about twenty minutes. At this point, I should mention that I’m from the foothills of North Carolina. The only tuna I’d ever seen came in a can with a cartoon fish named Charlie on the label. This was a whole new world. Eventually, the boat eased up beside the Bluefin, and the crew tagged and released it. We caught three more that day, each as impressive as the first, and all were tagged and released. Later, a plane flew overhead, and one of my fellow anglers remarked that our fishing was about to end. Sure enough, the spotting plane belonged to a commercial fishing company scouting for menhaden. Soon, a large boat appeared half a mile away, hauling massive nets to scoop up the Bluefin’s buffet. With their food source gone, so were the fish. It was time to head home.

Berkley X9 Line Product Review

Over the past few days of fishing in 2024, I had the chance to test Berkley's new X9 braid in multiple situations. I was particularly impressed with the X9 Lo Vis Green braid in both 10lb and 20lb lines. These low-diameter and low-visibility braids were a perfect fit for the crystal-clear water conditions brought by the recent cold weather. The thin diameter also proved advantageous, helping to better conceal the line in the clear winter water.

Casting with the product was exceptional. The distance of each cast exceeded my expectations. The line’s lack of stretch was a game-changer, making it easier to set the hook on timid fish. Its sensitivity brought a new level of precision, which was especially helpful when targeting the shy fish that winter fishing often presents. I could feel every contact the lure made with the bottom, allowing me to identify and capitalize on bites. As a result, I was able to hook over 80% of my strikes. One of the standout features was the lack of tangling, a common issue with braided lines. After several fishing trips, the braid still remained in excellent shape. For me, Berkley's new X9 braid is undoubtedly an upgrade in fishing line quality for today's angler.

On the two-hour ride back, I sat in that fighting chair with a sly grin, replaying the day in my mind. But most of all, I thought about my late grandfather, the man who taught me to fish. I could almost feel him smiling down on me, cheering me on from above. He was like that, you know.

The Hyde County Experience

Hyde County is by far the premier duck hunting destination in North Carolina! Thousands of waterfowlers flock to this sparsely populated county on the coast line of of the Old North State for their chance to witness the fall and winter migrations on the Atlantic Flyway. The ALL OUT Crew heads there with friends Ashly Kite of Mossbend Retrievers and Sam Williams of Champ's Guide Service to burn powder and watch the spectacle of thousands of ducks coming to the impoundments that dot the landscape across this North Carolina tidewater County.

Coon Hunting with Hounds

Carolina ALL OUT heads into the night! Following English Red Tick Coon Hounds in search of the masked bandits of the North Carolina Woods. Rarely will you find a show that puts the houndsment in a positive light but hunting with hounds is a way of life for many people across the state and host Chris Douglas is exploring that with friend Tanner Adams and his Coon hound companions Snooki and Sally.

Hometown Buck!

Head to the woods with the All Out Crew as they cross the beautiful state of North Carolina to hunt deer in the blue Ridge Mountains of Alleghany County! Then head back to Chris' home County of Lee to partake in the Urban Archery season.

Muzzle Loader and Crossbow Deer

CANNING VENISON!

Processing our own meat has been a way of life since I can remember. There were always cows and hogs being put up for the winter at my grandfather's farm and of course there was always a deer or two hanging up in the cooler during the fall.

I'm blessed that he had a vision way back in the 60's to have a building specifically built for processing meat, complete with walk-cooler, industrial sink, cutting tables, meat grinders and saws. I've since inherited that 20'x20' block building and each fall you can find myself and friends in there cutting and processing meat.

Typically we cut roasts and grind burger and sausage from the deer we kill but my neighbor and buddy Scott Thomas has been canning venison for some years now and let me tell you it is excellent! The process is easy! Take pint jars and stuff them tight with venison that's been cubed into 1" squares a tablespoon of salt on top and lightly tighten the lid and place in a pressure canner for 75 minutes! That's it! Once the canner has cooled down, take your jars out to cool and wait for those "pings" to ring out as the lids start to seal and they're ready to go on the shelf for the next couple of years! When you take the meat out it smells wonderful, is tender, and can be used in a number of recipes from tacos to stroganoff! If you're looking for a way to diversify your venison portfolio I highly recommend canning! It needs no refrigeration and you'll have a healthy and delicious pre-cooked meat ready to go in your next dish! Find all your meat processing and cooking needs at https://www.agrisupply.com .

More Than 220,000 Striped Bass Released Into The Cape Fear River

Environment

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The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Edenton National Fish Hatchery have joined together to enhance the Striped Bass population in the lower Cape Fear River in hopes of boosting natural reproduction in the waterway.

With financial support provided by the North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation, 50,000 5- to 8-inch Striped Bass were grown out at the Edenton National Fish Hatchery over the summer and released into the Cape Fear River below Lock and Dam #1 in Bladen County this month. As part of the stocking strategy, more than 170,000 1- to 2- inch Striped Bass were also stocked into the river earlier this spring. Although various numbers and sizes of Striped Bass have been stocked into the Cape Fear River for decades, this year’s stocking is different. For the first time in the Cape Fear system, the source broodfish (spawning adults) used for hatchery production originated from the Cooper River in South Carolina. Why is this unusual? Since 2010, broodfish used to produce Striped Bass for stocking into the Cape Fear River have been taken from within the river to maintain genetic consistency. However, for many years prior, the broodfish used for hatchery production were taken from the Roanoke River. The introduction of Roanoke River fish (and their genetics) likely led to the replacement of the original wild strain of Cape Fear River Striped Bass. Environmental conditions in these two North Carolina rivers are quite different. Additionally, Striped Bass populations south of Cape Hatteras typically remain in their home rivers and do not migrate to the ocean, whereas older Striped Bass from the Roanoke River system have been documented migrating as far north as the Gulf of Maine.

While past stockings of hatchery fish survived and grew in the Cape Fear River, biologists observed little evidence that adult fish present during spring spawning seasons were able to reproduce successfully. In an effort to reverse this trend, newly hatched Striped Bass fry with Cooper River genetics were transferred in April from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to the Edenton National Fish Hatchery, where they were grown to an advanced size and stocked into the Cape Fear River this October and November.

“The goal of using South Carolina genetics in the Cape Fear River Striped Bass population is to see if the hatchery fish will first survive to spawning age, and then to see if they can reproduce naturally,” explained Chris Stewart, biologist supervisor for the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. “The test here is to determine if the differences in egg characteristics will overcome the challenges to spawning in the system.”

A moratorium on all harvest of Striped Bass from the Cape Fear River has been in place for more than 15 years due to the low numbers of spawning adults and limited natural reproduction. The most likely causes of the lack of naturally produced fish are inadequate fish passage at the locks and dams, which block access to historic spawning grounds and reduce flows; poor water quality and pollution from various urban and agricultural sources, as well as storm events; and predation by non-native species, such as Blue Catfish and Flathead Catfish. “The switch to a different strain of Striped Bass is an interesting management approach that will hopefully result in better angling opportunities on the Cape Fear River,” remarked Chad Thomas, Executive Director of the North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation. “We are proud to financially support this year’s stocking efforts and look forward to learning the results from the genetic evaluation that will follow.”

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Lifestyle

Grilled Oysters.... Southern Style

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I prefer big, plump oysters myself. Larger oysters are ideal because you can place them directly on the grill grates without worrying about losing any through the gaps—a single lost oyster is a disaster in my book! To prevent this, I always wear long, sturdy BBQ gloves, which let me handle the oysters by hand. Using tongs, spoons, or a spatula often feels too risky, as they might accidentally cause me to lose one of these precious gems.