Hooked Up Designs Magazine May/June 2017 | Page 4

HOOKED ON THOUGHTS Well folks, May is upon us. And you know what that means… it’s about to get hot up in here. We’re still a few months away from the summer doldrums, but you’ll be able to feel it coming. May also signifies the start of our rainy season, where air mass thundershow- ers that build in the heat of the day drop very heavy, albeit brief, rainfall. The wintertime holidays are the most popular time to travel, but this summer might actually be the smartest time of the year to hit the road. Traffic flows and you need to pack fewer clothes. If my rea- soning makes sense to you, you’re in luck. Because this is Hooked Up’s annual Destination Issue. Our distinguished writers have com- piled some of their favorite fishing haunts away from home, both near and far, and you might just end up in the record books. For starters, Joe Piscus takes us to the crappie capital of the country. Hmm… that sentence might confuse some of you, depending on what side of the aisle you’re on. I’m talking about a huge lake in Mississippi that consistently produces record-size speckled perch, or crappie. Then Dustin Catrett invites us into an absolute wonderland for large- mouth bass anglers; a sprawling facility in Texas determined to grow the largest bass in the world. It’s truly an eye-popping piece. Getting a little further from home, Capt. Phil Thompson takes us behind the scenes in Cuba to show just how easy it has become to slip on down there and take advantage of their genuine hospitality and incredible fishing opportunities. President John Robert ____ Consulting Editor & Advisor Matt Draper Art Director John Theriault ____ Advertising Sales Consultants Brain Turner Bob Theriault Sue Redford Alex Rice Adam Nolin Carolyn Papak Brent Theriault Thadeus Simpson ____ Associate Editor Sue Redford Associate Designer Kalin Riley ____ Accounting Carolyn Papak ____ Cover Photo by Riley Love, MD., using a Nikon D300 camera and a Nikkor f2.8 24-70 AVR lens. ____ Further away still, Riley Love explores the paradise that is Panama. From whipping flies at yellowfin tuna to trolling up massive marlin within earshot of land, Panama is every angler’s dream destination. But… for how much longer? Love loves to make us think. Contributing Writers Dustin Catrett John N. Felsher Joe Piscus Riley Love, MD Matt Draper Phil Thompson Peter Miller And while you’re thinking, if you think you’re in the market for a new boat, one that the whole family can get excited about, but still has the features to keep you competitive in any nearshore tourna- ment, then check out my piece on Sea Hunt’s new RZR 24. This stepped-hull beauty is going to be in high demand. ____ Of course, there’s much more. So get clicking, make a plan and travel safe. Cheers, HOOKED UP ADVERTISING Please direct advertising inquiries to: Bob Theriault at [email protected] For rates and other information, visit: hookedupdesigns.com ___ © 2016, Hooked Up Designs is published bimonthly and welcomes articles and photography about saltwater fishing throughout the State of Florida. Hooked Up reserves the right to edit in consideration of content and space available. Article and content herein represent observations and opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of publishers. The use of excerpts or reproduction of this material is prohibited. Articles, questions, opinions and address changes should be directed to Hooked Up Designs by visiting the website at hookedupdesigns.com. All submitted articles, photos and other materials become the sole property of Hooked Up Designs, can be used at the editor’s discretion and will not be returned. Matt Draper 4 Hooked Up is published bimonthly. Subscriptions available for FREE. Sign up online at hookedupdesigns.com ____ M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 7 hookedupdesigns.com