| COVER PACKAGE – test The Red States We rounded up the top redfish hunters in every state from Texas to Virginia to find out how they score drum in their home waters. Find out which state truely has the biggest load of bulls during the fall run. By Dave Lear and Bob McNally Mythic Marlin Do 2,000-pound marlin exist? We have the scoop from three top marlin mavens who say “yes”-and claim to know where they swim. By Gary Caputi Rocking the Reefs Catch one black rockfish, and you’ll wonder why you waited so long to hunt the shallows for these overlooked Northwest brawlers. By Andy Martin Beyond the Breakers From the surf to three miles out, this guide pinpoints where to find your favorite gamefish in the waters just off the beach. By Bob McNally The Cow Calendar Call a babysitter, tell the boss you’re sick-just make sure you’re out striper fishing on these four days this month. The blitz is on. By Joe Cermele Going to the Dogs Spiny dogfish have become an Atlantic menace, and anglers are asking if bad management is to blame for all that wasted bait. By Tom Rock Departments NEWSLINES Catches of Note The bluefin that dropped the hammer on the current Virginia state record, and a wahoo that’s three times the fun. Marine Dispatches Just how big is this year’s “dead zone” in the Gulf?; meet a man who escaped a great white bite and other news. What’s Biting Where Dying to bend the rods? Find out where to get a fix with big yellowfin, sneaky snook and nine other top gamefish this October. COLUMNS Tactics + Tackle You can have the best boat and gear on the water, but sometimes it takes more than that to hook up. These five simple steps are sure to put more fish in the box. By George Poveromo Boat Talk If you can’t decide between getting a two- or four-stroke outboard, we’v got the inside scoop on which is best for your style of fishing. By Dave Lear Top Shot When a plague of “striper thumb” breaks out on the beach, follow this guy’s lead: tape up and get back tot he blitz. SHORT CASTS How To Troll like a gentleman; turn rays, mullet and bluefish into high-class cuisine and other tricks. Ask SWS Prevent your bunker from puking in the live well; go from being a blind troller to a kingfish pro and other expert advice. Sportsman’s Tips Catch striped bass with a diamond in the rust; get jiggy with your outriggers and more. FISHABILITY Boat Tests Sea Hunt Triton 290 Jones Bros. Cape Fisherman 26 First Look Luhrs 35 Convertible New Electronics An unbreakable monitoring system computer; clear views for Furuno NavNet users and more electronics. New Gear A popper that makes giant tuna flip their lids; rod holders that really “suck”; comfortable drifting with a wet sock and other cool gear.Regulars EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS CASTS & BLASTS HOW I FISH |
