August 2024
PENN Introduces New Battery Reel
FISHING OUTSIDE THE BOX... .THINK MORE TO CATCH MORE
THE COMING OF THE FISHING INSTRUCTOR GET IN LINE Facts On Fishing Line You Need To Know
BEST LURES FOR SUMMER REDFISHING
THE BIG BULL DAYS OF THE PAMLICO ARE HER E OFFSHORE TROLLING Finding the Perfect Speed
TABLE OF CONTENTS
06
FISHING OUTSIDE THE BOX 08 Think More to Catch More BEST LURES FOR SUMMER REDFISHING 19
THE COMING OF THE FISHING INSTRUCTOR 10
PENN INTRODUCES NEW BATTERY REEL Learn about the latest in electric reels
Better Fishing Quicker
15
21
THE BIG BULL DAYS OF PAMLICO ARE HERE
GET IN LINE
Facts On Fishing Line You Need To Know
Add a short teaser paragraph here
Fishing The Pamlico Sound Redfish
23
OFFSHORE TROLLING 25
THIS MONTH’S FRESH WATER FISHING 33 Mountain Fishing & Small Mouth Hook Ups
BAITMAST REELS FOR SALTWATER FISHING
Finding the Perfect Speed
A Coming Trend
About Us
Contributing Writers
Captain Tim Wilson Founder, CEO
Publishers
Kathy Wilson Editor, President
Brenda Cooper Offshore Fishing Sneads Ferry, NC
Captain Ozzy Ozbourne Inshore Fishing Topsail Island , NC
Senior Contributing Writers
Captain Lee Parsons Inshore Fishing Instructor Topsail Island, NC
Captain Tanya Dowdy Inshore Fishing Charleston, SC
Captain Rod Bierstedt Offshore Fishing Instructor Wilmington, NC
Captain Jack McGowan Inshore Fishing Savannah, GA
Bob Car Offshore / Inshore Fishing Wilmington, NC
Captain Ethan Bilderback Inshore Fishing Topsail Island, NC
Captain Dennis Barbour Offshore / Inshore Fishing Carolina Beach, NC
Captain Jeff Burnett Inshore Fishing Hilton Head, SC
Captain Eris Jones Offshore Fishing Sneads Ferry, NC
Lannie Conner Destinations Murrells Inlet, SC
Captain Chip Berry Marine Biologist Kure Beach, NC
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PENN Introduces Battery Power Reel
PENN has again fired the first shot in the electric reel battery game. The company has just introduced the first cordless fishing reel. The entry of the the lithium power is sure to take offshore fishing to the next level.
Fathom Electric Reel Kit
Built on the legendary platform of the Fathom II Lever Drag reels, the Fathom Electric powers your game to the next level. Featuring a fully integrated and replaceable Lithium Ion battery pack, you never have to be worried about being tied down with cords or limited to spots with a plug. The Fathom Electric features a true digital line counter based on line diameter inputs, which powers the autostop feature for true hands free retrieval, with override feature if you wish to manually run the speed control. The powerful, brushless motor ensures 30 – 40 lbs of winding power depending on reel size and with speeds capable of running everything from chicken rigs to sailfish kites. Kit includes reel, battery and charger. $799.95- $899.95
Available September
Fishing Outside The“Box”
By Captain Ozzy Osbourne
There are countless factors that play a role in your inshore fishing success. Some anglers consider many of those factors while others only use a few. Guess who catches the most fish? If you said, the fisherman that pays attention to the most factors commonly brings in the most fish, you're probably right. The question is, what are all those factors? Nobody knows for sure. It's too many to count.
But Here's a Few ·Tides position ·Water temp ·Barometric pressure ·Moon phase ·Cloud conditions ·Saline level ·Mating season ·Wind direction and speed ·Type of bottom ·Time of year ·Available food source ·Noise ·Boat traffic
The list can go on and on. However, it’s nearly impossible to monitor these and the many other factors all the time. Besides, we’ve not even started talking about the right lures, line and retrieve speed, and much more. With that in mind, I picked out several fishing factors that I believe are key to catching fish in the species and number I'm shooting for. Many times, this means thinking outside the box. Thinking about tactics that may take the guesswork out of fishing. Try to narrow down the most important thing that makes a difference between a good day and a not-so-good day. I evaluate the strategies that I've been using and make sure they're still working for me the way I need them to. It's important to continually do this since things change like the seasons, bait movement, weather and much more. So, I choose a group of these factors and pursue them because they work for me. Again, some of my tactics can be considered unorthodox by some fishermen and they probably are, but they work.
You can start by developing your own list of "fishing factors". See what works best for you. Take the time to make a list like the ones listed above. Start to try them out and see what works best in your area. Monitor your results, make notes and compare those notes. Look for a combination of factors that result in only a good day to a great day of fishing. The “fishing factor” strategy takes both effort and time, but it pays with positive results. It's a great way to take your inshore fishing to the next level and is guaranteed to be far better than getting your fishing off social media websites or other sources that many times are not very dependable. Customize you "fishing factors" for your type of fishing and location. Most importantly, keep detailed notes on your factors, their successes, and when you used them.
The Coming of the “Fishing Instructor”
Fishing on the Carolina Coast has changed in the past 30 years, to say the least. We’ve seen many interesting changes in fishing gear with braid line taking over most of the fishing line market. Artificial baits are now the trend, along with lures that swim backward in countless colors and scents. The boats are designed where small boats can be found in growing numbers offshore and inshore anglers now depend on stealthy trolling motors that were once a luxury for the wealthier angler. At that same time, vacation and fishing locations like Wrightsville Beach, NC only sported about 20 or so fishing guides and charter boats, whereas today there are over 200.
Only in recent years did a totally new concept in offshore and inshore fishing arrive. It’s the “fishing instructor”. It’s an individual with a high level of fishing skills combined with substantial communication talent and most of all patience. It’s a concept that has already proven to have a lot of interest, especially for those who have recently moved to the Southern coast from other geographic areas such as the Northeast. These “fishing instructors” create a program that targets the student’s needs and level of fishing knowledge. It’s shown to be popular to both the younger, but especially popular to anglers who may be retired or have just moved to the area and want to quickly and effectively gain the knowledge of fishing the Carolina Coast. It's hands-on and covers all aspects of Southeast coastal fishing including knowledge of having the right fishing gear and lures, understanding the best fishing conditions and tactics, casting and retrieving, only to name a few. With all those changes comes yet another change. It comes in the form of becoming a better fisherman. Today’s world is somewhat more impatient than it was years ago. In the past anglers would depend on a friend or family member to teach them the art of fishing. Now this was a great idea if your friend, father, or grandfather was an experienced, or more importantly, a good teacher. Believe me, a fisherman can be a great fisherman but lack the communication skills to be a good teacher. So "want-to-be" anglers would use the fishing guides as their source of education. However, this could be costly, and again not all fishing guides are patient instructors.
Currently, Wilmington, NC has a couple of “fishing instructors” that seem to be having an early success with this new approach to fishing. Captain Rod Bierstedt and Captain Lee Parsons, both well- known fishing guides, have seen substantial growth in the program. Bierstedt’s focus is on offshore fishing. His program not only includes segments on having the right equipment but also on how to plan for a day of fishing. Learning the factors indicating the location of the fish such as water temperature, current movement, and types of fishing bottom are just some of the topics he covers. Parson’s program is very similar; however, his focus is on species such as Redfish, Speckled Trout, and other inshore fish. Both instructors are known not only for their fishing success as guides but also for their ongoing study of the sport. Possibly the best part of this new approach is the ability to tune in to the angler’s personal fishing knowledge, needs, and goals. It also allows the fisherman to take the program in a step-by-step approach, allowing them to move at their own pace. The cost of these programs is far less than you may think. Especially when you consider today's cost of fishing and most importantly the cost of trial and error. The end result is a program that enables the angler to become a successful fisherman quicker and actually with a much lower cost than that of trial- and-error fishing, While fishing seminars are and will remain popular, the hands-on and personalized approach of the "fishing instructor” method is far more effective thanks to being able to create the program for the fisherman’s specific level of knowledge, target species, and goals.
For more information on the “Advanced Fishing Instruction”
program call the numbers below.
Captain Lee Parsons 910-540-2464
Captain Rod Bierstedt 910-352-2719
Adapting To The Changing Water Temps All Year....What You Need To Know
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This month, Lee talks about how he adjusts to the ever changing water temps that have a big impact on how, where and when the fish will bite.
Protecting Your Family and Our Coast
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Get In Line ... Facts On Fishing Line You Need To Know
Story By Bob Carr
Fishing line, especially for the inshore angler, can sometimes be confusing. There are so many options in color, size, and make. Add the leader, and you open another chapter of even more confusion. It gets worse when you start to hear the opinions of other fishermen. Nearly every skilled angler has a rock-solid opinion on which fishing line and leader work best. To sift through all the opinions, options, and confusion, we turned to Saltwater Angler & Sportsman’s contributing angler, Bob Carr, for his perspective. Bob is a former U.S. Open King Mackerel Champion and an accomplished inshore fisherman. He’s best known for his attention to detail and meticulous planning—traits that many of us lack. Bob has graciously shared his detailed knowledge and simplified the topic of “fishing line.” Today, he talks about fishing line for “Speckled Trout Fishing.”
Captain Tim Wilson, Editor & CEO
When Speckled Trout fishing, I start with a simple combination of 10-pound fluorocarbon with a 10- pound braid leader. This is rigged on a medium- sized rod and reel. This line setup offers good casting ability while making it more difficult for the Specs to see the line. There are many debates about whether the targeted fish can see the fluorocarbon or not, but I believe fluoro provides the most invisible presentation. Combined with its castability, it makes for a strong choice. I’m also impressed with how well it moves the baits, allowing them to follow the same movement as a real baitfish. Many anglers agree that fluorocarbon is more abrasion-resistant than other leaders. I feel like it’s a must when fishing around structures such as docks, bulkheads, and other abrasive areas—certainly potential spots you’ll find yourself in when fishing for Specs. This is even more true when fishing for Redfish. A lot of the same factors apply when it comes to fishing with braid. Again, it’s important to have a strong, sturdy line in the environment where you’ll find both Specs and Redfish. A 10-pound test braid is also smaller in diameter than fluorocarbon. It has the same strength as fishing with 30-pound fluoro, and it’s far less likely to be spotted by the fish. Another benefit is that the smaller diameter allows you to spool more line.
I’ve also found that even while fishing for Speckled Trout, I occasionally get a strike from a Bull Redfish under a dock. Had it not been for the braid, I would have certainly lost the fish. It makes for great backup. When using both fluoro and braid, I prefer a Uni-knot. It’s an easy knot to tie and has never failed me. It’s important to always protect your fluoro and braid lines by washing off the salt residue after a day of fishing. This means your reel’s spool, too. Also, keep the lines out of the sunlight.
We Tell You Where To Go. The Rest Is Up To You!
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The Best Lures For Late Summer Redfishing The heat of the summer has been especially brutal this year. This means you must be selective about the kind of baits you use, especially given the conditions we've experienced so far. Redfish can often be sensitive to the hotter days of summer, making them more particular about the lures you choose. So, rather than relying on guesswork, we called in a few of our inshore fishing guides to share their go-to lures for Redfish this summer. Here’s what they had to say.
Captain Jonathon Moss Orlando, FL
Captain Dennis Barbour Carolina Beach, NC
Captain Ozzy Osbourne Topsail, NC
Captain Jot Owens Wrightsville Beach, NC
Captain Lee Parsons Topsail, NC
The Big Bull Days of Pamlico Sound Are Here
By Captain Wilson
You’ll notice when you take your first trip to the Pamlico Sound to fish for the big Bull Redfish is the absence of large crowds. You won’t pass many shopping centers bustling with activity. You’re not likely to see high-rise apartments casting long shadows. Instead, you’re far more likely to encounter small towns that have withstood the test of time in this rural part of North Carolina. The seemingly endless pine trees are a constant reminder that you’re in a place far less traveled. On the way to Pamlico Sound, or "The Pamlico" as many have come to call it, you may start to wonder what’s so special about this place and why you’re drawn to it. First, you’re about to fish in the second-largest estuary in the United States. Next, you’re going to be fishing for some of the largest Redfish found in America today. It’s a sight you’ll always remember and a memory of a lifetime. You are about to fish the Pamlico!
Unlike other areas on the Carolina coast, the Pamlico has only slight tide shifts, which changes the way anglers fish for Reds. I suggest targeting structures like docks, bridges, and other places where baitfish are likely to be found. Grass beds, oyster beds, and river edges should also be on your list of prime areas.
Fishing for the bigger Reds in late summer, like mid-August, can be an angler’s dream, with the big bulls reaching well beyond the slot size. Your best bet for rigs is a good popping cork with a topwater lure. Make sure to beef up the strength of both your line and leader. These fish are huge and have a pull you’ll not soon forget. Stay alert with your drag every minute your lure is in the water, and be ready to work the drag as the fight begins.
Image By: Chris Douglas, Carolina All Out TV
Baitmaster Reels For Saltwater Fishing.... A Coming Trend
Story By Jeff Burnett
Baitcaster reels are commonly used in lakes and other freshwater locations. However, in recent years, they’ve begun to appear more frequently in saltwater fishing areas, especially for inshore fishing. The scarcity of baitcasters in saltwater fishing has been more of a traditional preference than a practical issue. However, their popularity has started to grow, particularly among inshore fishermen. Finding the right saltwater baitcaster reel can be challenging. One reason is that most coastal tackle shops don’t stock baitcaster reels or have substantial knowledge about them. Additionally, due to the limited use of baitcasters in the past, only a few saltwater anglers possess the expertise to help others learn how to use them properly. However, the internet has significantly contributed to the increased use of baitcaster reels in saltwater environments. First, the rise of online shopping exposed baitcaster reels to saltwater anglers as a viable option. Second, the growing popularity of YouTube has provided a wealth of instructional videos on the topic. In the past, learning to effectively use a baitcaster was often taught by a friend or relative. Today, YouTube offers a wide range of tutorials, which, while not as personal as learning from your dad at the local pond, can still be very effective.
Nowadays, baitcaster reels are available in both freshwater and saltwater varieties. While either type can technically be used for saltwater fishing, it’s advisable to choose brands and models specifically designed for saltwater, as they typically offer better durability and resistance to corrosion. Saltwater can quickly corrode your gear, so investing in a baitcaster reel made for saltwater environments will ensure it lasts a long time.
When selecting a baitcaster reel, consider the species and size of the fish you’ll be targeting. This will help determine the appropriate size and power of the reel. Using a reel that’s too small or too large for the fish you’re after can lead to problems. Additionally, the size of the line, choice of leaders, and type of lures you plan to use are important factors to consider. Don’t be afraid to give baitcasters a try, especially if you’ve used them before in freshwater areas. The concept is the same, just with a salty twist. If you grew up using a baitcaster or have fished with one for many years, you may find that you’re more comfortable with it than with a spinning reel. Remember, it’s crucial to purchase a baitcasting reel specifically made for saltwater.
Baitcaster fishing could be your next big adventure.
Offshore Trolling Finding the Perfect Speed
One frequently asked question in offshore trolling is, "What is the ideal trolling speed?" Surprisingly, finding the answer may not be as challenging as it seems. In this article, we will explore the nuances of offshore trolling, revealing the secrets to determining the perfect speed for a successful fishing expedition. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner entering the world of offshore trolling, join us as we unravel the art of trolling and provide insights to enhance your skills. Discovering the optimum trolling speed involves understanding various factors and mastering techniques that increase your chances of a successful catch. From the influencing factors on trolling speed to effective techniques for maximizing your catch, we've got you covered. Whether you're chasing your next offshore trophy or just starting your offshore trolling journey, this article is your guide to success.
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Cocktail of the Month Expresso Martini
Nothing is more perfect than a delicious Espresso Martini after a great day on the boat. It’s easy to make and will be the hit of your next cocktail party or just a relaxing end of a summer day. Espresso Martini 2 oz Port of Entry Vodka 1/2 oz coffee liqueur 1 oz espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate) 1/2 oz simple syrup Garnish: coffee beans Add vodka, liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake for 30 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add 3 coffee beans to garnish.
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Honey Mustard Chicken
The marinade for the chicken is delicious on both breasts and thighs, so you have the freedom to choose or do both if you’re a house divided. This makes an incredibly satisfying family meal with mashed potatoes and garlicky sautéed green beans, or you can double the recipe and have some delicious chicken for the rest of the week to throw in spring salads, slap on sandwiches, or repurpose for rice bowls.
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Take a walk on the wild side when you try the North Carolina Sausage Stir Fry. It’s quick, easy and fun to prepare. Best of all, it’s delicious.
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Feeding Anglers For 30 Years .... Wilmington, NC’s “Saltworks” By: Captain Tim Wilson
Back in 1992, I was new to the Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach area. I was learning to saltwater fish. I had a little 18' center console and the least expensive rods and reels I could find. I was working for Sea Tow as a deckhand while learning to be a "fishing guide". Every day on my way to work I passed by this little café kind of place just a few blocks from Wrightsville Beach and decided to see what it was all about. I stopped in this kind of rustic place and grabbed a menu. Not sure what to order, I asked a passing waitress what she would recommend. Her response was, "Nearly everybody likes the hot dogs and beans". So, taking a walk on the wild side, that's what I ordered. As I waited for my order, I looked around at the other folks dining there. I couldn't help but notice that most of the guys had coon eyes, dark tans, and caps on with sunglasses hanging around their necks. I saw that I was in a crowd of real FISHERMEN!
I tried the hot dog, and it was love at first bite. After sampling the cup of baby lima beans with just the right amount of chopped onions on top, I had to make a small adjustment. A couple of shots of "Texas Pete" hot sauce made life perfect. I was having the greatest lunch of my life in a place filled with fishermen and knew I had found the eating joint of my dreams as I admired the company I was in!
The place I'm talking about is called "Saltworks" and it's still there today. As a matter of fact, I can't tell if it's changed a bit over the years. The menu is packed with great eats like burgers, and all types of sandwiches such as fried bologna ….another favorite of mine. Kinda reminds me of home back in the foothills of North Carolina. After over 30 years, they still have those great dogs and a big bowl of lima beans. And this gets even better. Their breakfast is one that you'll not forget. The omelets are big enough to feed a football team and made to order. The hash browns are always cooked to perfection and seem like they come to your plate by the bushel. Seriously!
Over the past 30-plus years of living in the area, “Saltworks” has changed very little. The rustic interior is the same as it was the first day I ate that great hot dog and bowl of beans. Most of the pictures on the wall have stood the test of time. Over those same years, my life has enjoyed significant changes. I went from a deckhand at the local Sea Tow franchise to the vice president of Sea Tow International and spent my days traveling all over the United States. No matter how far I traveled, I never found another place like "Saltworks". In addition to the great food, it's a comforting place to have a meal. Over time I've had many a business meetings while having a burger or hot dog with some sweet iced tea and of course a bowl of baby lima beans. I gotta have the beans. Recently I took my 11-year-old grandson in for lunch. He holds the Guinness Book of World Records for being "the pickiest eater on the face of the planet”. But “Saltworks” disqualified him. He loved his toasted cheese sandwich and fries and demanded to go back as soon as possible. “Saltworks” has a character all its own. It’s a combination of great food and service and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a place to talk about fishing or anything you want. When you go in to eat, say hello to Bob, the owner. But, he’ll probably say hello to you before you have a chance. He’s the guy that’s always on the grill making it happen. Get there early, because they close at 3:00 pm every day. Nothing's worse than getting there too late to get your favorite.
This Month’s Fresh Water Fishing
Lake James Smallmouth
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The ALL OUT Crew is headed west to target Smallmouths on a state treasure, Lake James! NC Wildlife's Aquatic Fisheries Coordinator Scott Loftis shows Chris tried and true methods for bringing these fish to the boat!
Wilson Creek Trout
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The Wilson Creek is a hot destination for trout anglers around the country and we're taking it all in as NC Wildlife Resources Commission's District 8 Fisheries Biologist Chris Wood shows us what the NC Trout Stocking Program is all about!
Large bodies of water, especially those that are enormous, are highly complex environments. However, they’re extremely vulnerable to the elements of weather. When air masses move across the ocean unimpeded, their strength can impact everything from the fish themselves to every dimension of their surroundings. Fish can survive in this environment because they bare highly sensitive to changes. All fish have lateral line systems—organs that detect even the slightest movements and pressure changes in the water around them. Many species of bony fish also have a swim bladder—a gas-filled chamber that controls buoyancy and helps a fish maintain a particular depth. Air pressure above also affects the air pressure in the swim bladder even though the fish are underwater. To what degree depends on the species. For example, Red Grouper, Black Sea Bass and Gag have large swim bladders. In contrast, Sharks, Flounder, Cobia and Mackerel are examples of fish that don't have a swim bladder and are less vulnerable to air pressure changes. Science gives us a tidy way of layering a body of water by temperature and density. It’s called the thermocline, and it basically defines the boundaries of survivability for various species. How Inclement Weather (Hurricanes & Tropical Storms) Impacts Fishing
Hurricane Season Can Make For Good Fishing
Whether you follow the intricate rules of meteorology or the knowledgeable voice of the experienced angler, the message is the same.
As bad weather approaches, the barometer drops, and the fish want to feed. Once the bad weather passes and the barometer begins to rise, the fish will stop biting—or at least be more challenging to catch. So, how do you know how to time it? As with everything else, it’s nuanced. The barometer typically begins dropping for a hurricane 12 to 24 hours before storm arrival. However, changes in the barometer can happen quickly, slowly or somewhere in between and are measured in millibars or fractional inches of mercury—in Hg. Rapid changes involve increases or decreases of more than 0.18 in Hg in less than three hours. Slow changes involve increases or decreases of 0.003 to 0.04 in Hg within three hours. If changes are less than 0.003 in Hg in that timeframe, the pressure is holding steady. As a rule, the longer it takes the barometer to change, the longer the weather will last. Likewise, the faster and deeper the drop, the stronger the storm will be. In some cases—like a quick cloudburst—the weather event may be so brief that the barometer doesn’t change at all.
Remember....Safety First To be clear, an actual hurricane is no place to be, and even an everyday storm can bring lightning, heavy rains and winds that can grow deadly.
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