navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, protecting your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
Unpredictable waters
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Damage and injury
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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THE TIME HAS COME TO RAMP UP AMERICA’S FISH STOCKING PROGRAM
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
The non-pro!t Protect Our Waters reports that, “Fish stocking has been a vital tool for maintaining healthy !sh populations in America’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. However, in recent years, most of our waterways have su ered from declining !sh stocks due to habitat destruction, over!shing, pollution, and climate change. If we’re going to combat these challenges, we’re going to need to ramp up our !sh stocking e orts to ensure the sustainability of recreational !shing, and food security.”
Fishing is one of America’s most popular outdoor activities, with millions of anglers heading to the water each year. e recreational !shing industry contributes over $125 billion to the economy annually and supports nearly a million jobs. Unfortunately, declining !sh populations threaten our industry, leading to fewer opportunities for anglers and reduced economic bene!ts for communities that rely on !shing tourism.
but also sustains the businesses like as bait shops, tackle manufacturers, and guide services that depend on a thriving !shery. Additionally, if we’re going to
can lead to an imbalance in the food chain. Stocking e orts can help restore native species in waters where they have declined, preventing the dominance of invasive species that may outcompete them.
While recreational !shing is the primary focus of most stocking programs, increased stocking can also support food security. Stocked !sh provide a renewable source of protein for both commercial !sheries and subsistence anglers.
Enhanced !sh stocking e orts can help mitigate the negative impacts that we’re seeing by introducing hybrid climate-resilient strains of !sh, e technology is there, we just have to use it. Without proactive stocking and conservation e of our favorite species of dramatic declines in the coming decades.
By increasing !sh stocking e orts, states could easily replenish popular game !sh species like red!sh, $ounder bass, trout, walleye, and crappie, ensuring that anglers have plenty of !sh to catch. is not only keeps !shing enthusiasts engaged
encourage a younger generation of anglers to be passionate about this wonderful pastime, they’ve gotta be able to catch !sh.
Many ecosystems are under constant pressure from habitat degradation, invasive species, and pollution. In some cases, native !sh populations struggle to maintain healthy numbers, which
America’s !sh stocking programs could and should play a critical role in maintaining healthy !sh populations, supporting the economy, preserving ecosystems, and enhancing food security. With increasing environmental and economic pressures threatening it’s time for a signi!cant investment in stocking e orts. By expanding hatcheries, improving stocking strategies, and integrating habitat conservation e orts, America can ensure that its waters remain abundant with !sh for generations to come.
Protect Our Waters is an angler-sponsored, nonpro!t organization with it’s primary focus on the sustainability and enhancement of recreational !shing. Learn more at ProtectOurWaters.com.
Smooth Sailing
There are many reasons why the beautiful, deep-water queen snapper has made its way to the top of many anglers’ bucket lists. Not only is this !sh unique and stunning in appearance, but the quality of !llets it produces tops the scale of other snappers.
Most !sh that are harvested from the deeper, cooler waters, as with queen snapper, tend to yield higher quality table-fare. With the thick white meat on these !sh, that can grow over twenty pounds, targeting this species is a foodie’s delight.
Queen snapper can be found from 400 to 1,600 feet of water, spawning year round, with schools constantly on the move. Although they can be targeted over ledges and deep-sea coral beds within these depths, it’s not common to catch one as bycatch while not speci!cally intending to target them. As with most !sh with a penchant for these depths, research is scarce, with !shermen providing the majority of information on their observed behavior. at being said, targeting this species will be more productive with an experienced guide, rather than going it alone and winging it.
If you are a part of the DIY deep-dropping explorers club, and looking to add queen snapper to your hunt, you’re probably going to want to make a few di erent rigs for them.
An electric reel setup is recommended for this type of !shing. Not only due to the depths you are trying to reach, but you may only get short
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
dri%s over where you need to be before its time to reset.
e standard drop LEDs and lights should be used the same as with other deep-drop methods. Utilizing a heavy mono!lament leader line of approximately 300 pounds, a x your !ve drop lines at varying distances from each other. You may !nd you get bites higher up in the water column on certain days, making an extremely long leader more productive in !nding the !sh, especially on a !rst dri%. e drop lines should be decorated with your choice of glowing fandangles, whether it be glow wraps, rubber squids or the simple glow beads. Circle hooks ranging from 7/0 to 10/0 are e ective, and if you choose to put a variety of sizes on a single rig, the larger hooks should be at the bottom of the line.
this type of !shing is new to you, pepper in a few chunks of skin-on bonita in your presentation.
If you happen upon your queen snapper territory and !nd yourself in conditions without much current, you can also attempt to catch them with a heavy slow pitch jig. As long as you have light braid and a heavy jig to get to the bottom, and the energy and tenacity to retrieve it again, this is a productive method in extremely light current.
Once you start catching !sh, you may !nd they are consistently eating the bottom hook or the top hook, you can then play around with switching your rig to a longer or shorter leader.
e ideal go-to bait for queens is squid, but since this is a so%er bait, its easier to miss the bite. If
FISHING IS BETTER IN
Queen snapper can be found deep in the gulf, and in the Atlantic from North Carolina to Brazil. While they have hot spots in the Bahamas and deep within the Gulf, e Atlantic waters of e Florida Keys o ers the best opportunity to target these within the United States and with the most minimal travel time. With mahi season around the corner in the Florida Keys, this is a great time to start heading o shore for queen snapper, as it provides a chance to target mahi to and from the deep-drop spots. Give me a call to get out there!
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, e Florida Keys. (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
MUD HOLE CUSTOM TACKLE ALL-IN-ONE ROD BUILDING KITS
For anyone looking to build the best rod you’ll ever !sh, All-In-One Rod Building Kits from Mud Hole Custom Tackle are the ideal starting point. All-In-One kits take all the guesswork out of building a !shing rod, making it easy and enjoyable. Whether casting, spinning, y, or even ice, Mud Hole has everything you need for the perfect performance !shing rod and to start a lifetime of custom building.
Mud Hole’s All-In-One Rod Building Kits make it simple. Each kit includes everything you need—rod blank, guides, reel seat, grips, thread, and even the tools and supplies for assembly. With everything already preselected and packaged together, beginners don’t have to worry about picking out matching components and determining which supplies and tools are needed—all the work has been done by their professional builders.
Plus, Mud Hole provides all of the instruction required to build your !rst !shing rod. Kits include an easy-to-follow instruction book, and Mud Hole is the world’s largest source of free online rod building education material and content. ere’s nothing like catching a !sh on a rod you built. And All-In-One Rod Building Kits from Mud Hole Custom Tackle are the perfect way to get started in this time-honored cra$.
Performance Bulletin Available
Repower
The weather is warming, and the winterchallenged !shermen are pulling their boats out of storage. is undoubtedly will lead to more tra#c on the water. With the added tra#c and high southern winds, this is a perfect time for me to avoid both by swapping the kayak for the boat for a few weeks and going deep into the marsh.
Springs’ rising tides will $ood new water over the once-dry marsh, encouraging more !sh to explore the new terrain in a quest for a good meal. Little do they know, I will be waiting there with my trustworthy rattling paddle tail.
Red!sh will be my primary target since I spent the winter targeting trophy trout. As always, bait will be the key to a successful outing. Since the size of the bait will be small, I like to have two characteristics in my lure. ey are small, roughly 3”, and have a clear sparkling color. is helps produce in most situations because the bait is tiny, maybe smaller than my lure. at is why I like the transparent re$ective colors; they disguise the lure’s size, making it appear smaller.
I like to work irregular shorelines since they have more areas for the bait to hide. I also feel it slows the reds down. When they have a straight shore, they tend to cover more water rather than hang around, allowing you more opportunities. If the water is o -color, I like to add a popping
cork rather than changing color. Known for their e ectiveness when using live shrimp, popping corks also improve the performance of so plastics. Depending on the situation and preference, these can be used on a jig head, weedless weighted hook, or with just a hook. When choosing a popping cork, I like a deep cup, which is hard to !nd on most corks in today’s market, but there are a few. Most manufacturers went away from the actual reason for the name, popping. e original, and a few out there today, still have the deep concave top, which produces the slurping sound and splash mimicking a !sh feeding on the surface. I !nd that sound is what attracts the !sh more than a clack. I’ll dedicate an entire article to cork !shing and the many ways to use them soon. While targeting reds, use a stout hook on your jig head. A hook you can $ex with your !nger is better suited for trout than reds. is is not where you want to skimp on quality. Not only do the hooks need to stand up to the hookset into the thick skin of a red, but they also need to hold up to the torque of removing the hook from the their jaw. I see many hooks get destroyed at this point. ank you for reading my words and don’t forget to take a kid !shing! e time is right.
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.
The Benefts of Having a Bait Pen for Spring Fishing
Spring !shing is one of the most exciting times of the year. As water temperatures rise, !sh become more active, making live bait one of the best ways to trigger bites. A bait pen—a oating or submerged enclosure for keeping bait!sh alive— can be a game-changer for any angler.
One major advantage of a bait pen is ensuring a steady supply of live bait. Instead of relying on bait shops or spending time catching bait before each trip, you can stockpile bait in advance. #is allows you to head straight to your !shing spot with fresh, lively bait ready to go.
A bait pen also saves time and money. Buying live bait regularly can be expensive, especially during peak !shing season when demand is high. Catching fresh bait every time you !sh also takes up valuable time. By storing bait in a pen, you reduce costs and eliminate the hassle of searching for bait before every outing.
Healthy bait is crucial for successful !shing, and a bait pen helps keep bait!sh strong and active. With proper water ow and oxygen levels, bait stays in peak condition for days or even weeks. #is means your bait will swim naturally and attract more strikes compared to weak or dying bait!sh.
Another key bene!t is exibility. Spring weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in wind and tide conditions. If a !shing trip gets postponed, a bait pen allows you to keep your bait alive until conditions improve. Instead of scrambling for fresh bait when the opportunity arises,
you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Using a bait pen is also more sustainable. Instead of constantly netting fresh bait and impacting local !sh populations, you can responsibly store what you need and reduce unnecessary waste. #is helps preserve bait!sh stocks while still giving you an e$ective !shing strategy.
For tournament anglers and !shing guides, a bait pen is an essential tool. Having premium live bait ready before a trip provides a competitive edge and enhances client experiences. Instead of spending time chasing bait, anglers can focus on putting more !sh in the boat.
A bait pen is a simple but invaluable tool for any serious angler. It ensures you always have quality live bait on hand, saves time and money, and provides exibility for unpredictable !shing conditions. Whether you !sh recreationally or professionally, investing in a bait pen will make your trips more e cient and successful.
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For more information on future contests, visit
We’ve all heard it, and most of us have said it at one time or another, but on March 3rd, 2025 George Poemer of Robbinsville, NC, received his Coastal Angler Magazine contest prize: a brand new Suzuki Marine DF2.5 Portable Outboard Motor! Now, at least one of us out there can never say, “ I never win anything,” again. Congratulations to George for being chosen the winner, and a special shout out to our friends at Suzuki for making this really cool contest possible. www.coastalanglermag.com
Florida Keys
FILL THE LIVEWELL
By: Capt. Greg Poland
Fishing in the Everglades has been absolutely on fire lately! With tons of quality bait moving along the shorelines, the gamefish have been feeding like crazy. On a recent trip, we got into an incredible snook bite, releasing over 20, along with a few red and black drum. We were using light spinning outfits with half a shrimp on a jig, and the action was nonstop, my clients had an absolute blast out in the Glades.
The local bridges have been producing some great fishing as well, and the silver kings are starting to show up. I don’t think there’s any fish I’d rather target than tarpon, and I’ll be giving a full tarpon report next month. For this kind of action, I like to use a slightly heavier outfit and live pilchards or mullet to really get things going.
Prefer the patch reefs? You’re in luck as the bite out there has also been consistently solid. I always try to bring some pilchards if I can find them because the bigger snappers just can’t resist them. If you’re not into throwing a cast net, the Ballyhoop net is a game-changer and it’s easier on the body and deadly effective for catching live bait.
Once you anchor up on a good patch in the 20–40 ft range and put the chum out, you’ll start seeing cigar minnows and ballyhoo show up. When they do, slip the Ballyhoop net over and let it sit behind the chum bag. As the baitfish gather, slowly retrieve the net until the live bait is between the net and the chum bag, then make your move and get them into the live well.
With a well-stocked live well, your fishing options open up big time. Drop one to the bottom for snapper or grouper, or set one out on a flatline for a shot at sailfish or blackfin tuna.
If our type of fishing sounds like an adventure you would like to experience, give me a call, and let’s plan a half-day or longer trip to explore the bridges and backcountry. We can head out on my new 26ft. Bay Boat, or if you’d rather, I can hop on your boat and help you get it rigged up right for fishing in this area. Either way, be sure to fill those live wells with plenty of bait fish! Tight lines, and catch you next month, Capt. Greg.
The Magnificent MANATEE
By: Capt. Angelia Swanson
Some people think that manatees are only in the Florida Keys waters in the winter, but that is not the case! We have resident manatees that live here yearround. Manatees are very big. They can grow to over 13 feet in length and weigh as much as 1,300 pounds, which is why they are often referred to as “sea cows”.
Manatees are mostly known as herbivores and eat over 60 varieties of saltwater and freshwater plants. But don’t let them fool you! I was shocked when they would show up beside my fish cleaning table and as I tossed the carcasses in the water they would literally suck the meat that was left right off of the skeleton, so I have chosen to call them “opportunistic eaters” because they obviously love some fresh fish.
Manatees have no natural predators except humans. Habitat destruction, human objects, and boats are their main cause of death. Their slow movements, desire for fresh water, and curious nature leads to horrible prop scars from boats. I have hardly ever seen a manatee without at least one prop scar and I have seen some of the worst prop scars ever, even leading to their death.
I actually used to identify and name the manatees in my canal for their prop scars, so boaters please use caution! These gentle giants only swim about 3-5 miles per hour, even though they’ve been known to do short bursts of up
to 20 miles per hour.
Manatees are also very smart like other marine mammals. They show signs of complex associative learning and they have good long-term memory. They even emit a wide range of sounds used to communicate, especially with their calves. Florida manatees are still an endangered species due to changes in the climate and loss of habitats.
They are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These Acts made it illegal to touch, feed, harass, pursue, hunt, wound, kill, or annoy them in any way. They are a beautiful sight to see, but keep your distance and watch them peacefully.
They are super curious. So curious that they have bumped into my kayak just checking me out. Not much you can do about that!
There are many conservation programs created to help manatees. If you would like to get involved, Save the Manatee Club is a nonprofit group and membership organization. They work to protect manatees and their aquatic ecosystems.
It was founded by former Florida governor, Bob Graham, and a local legend here in the keys, Jimmy Buffet (God bless his soul). This is today’s leading manatee conservation club.
Come down to the beautiful clear waters of the Florida Keys and hope to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, but don’t touch!!
HIT THE REEF
By: Capt. Bruce Andersen
There are always plenty to fish for in the Florida Keys in the spring. One fishery that really heats up and one of my favorite things to do is to take advantage of the red-hot yellowtail snapper bite. Every spring as the water temperatures on the reef warm up, the yellowtail bite comes alive as these fish begin to spawn.
One of the things about reef fishing in the Florida Keys is that it’s not just yellowtail that you’ll catch. Although yellowtail are the main target species you’ll also catch a variety of other snappers including mutton and mangrove snapper. A variety of grouper, yellow bar jack, pelagics like king and cero mack erel, and sometimes even tuna and sailfish and a whole lot more.
A great example would be a trip I had last April with my good customer Scott from North Carolina. Scott and his party come down every spring and they usually like to load up on a bunch of good eating fish to get cooked up at some of the local restaurants. On this trip, Scott had a few new friends with him that had never been saltwater fishing before and had never caught anything big. Scott asked me about the possibility of catching something really big on our trip this year, but he still wanted to catch some meat for the week. We headed out to the edge of the reef in about 80 feet of water, anchored and started chum ming. The yellowtail snapper fishing didn’t disappoint. We had a huge school of yellowtail right behind the boat and were able to catch all the guys needed in a couple of hours. There had been a lot of action on the Reef so we decided to put some heavy tackle on the bottom to see if we could catch something big. It didn’t take long to get a bite and after about a half hour we had a 300-pound bull shark next to the boat. Some of these guys had never seen a shark so it was really exciting for them. Once we released the shark, we put the rod back down and immediately hooked something else. This time the fight seemed different. The fish was pretty much staying straight down. I had a feeling it wasn’t a shark. About 15 minutes later a 200-pound goliath grouper came up. I think the guys were even more excited about catching the grouper than the shark. After releasing the grouper, we headed home with smiling faces and a full fish box. Every day is different and there is a whole variety of different things that can happen out there. The best way to increase your chances is to get out there as often as you can. Call me if you would like to experience how we get it done!
— www.captaineasycharters.com | You can reach Captain Bruce Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120 or email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net
Capt. Joel’s
FISHIN’ HOLES
By: Capt. Joel Brandenburg
Did you know that according to Google, spring starts March 20th and ends June 20th. Spring has sprung, and the Florida Keys is the place to be in Spring.
I’d say Spring is the best time to catch quantity, quality, and variety of fish in the Florida Keys. Since we charter offshore, near shore and inshore, and have several boats to match the occasion, and we have clients who want to spend the whole day fishing offshore, big game, deep sea for mahi, tuna, wahoo, bill fish, etc.
We also have clients who want to spend the whole day nearshore fishing reefs, wrecks, and ledges for a variety of snapper, grouper, amberjack, sailfish, african pompano, permit, cobia, etc. and then there are other clients that want to fish flats, backcountry and bridges for a variety of snapper, grouper, permit, snook, redfish, trout, cobia, jacks and tarpon. Some clients choose to go offshore deep, dropping with electric reels after swordfish, black bellied rosie’s, tile fish, queen, snapper, snowy grouper, wreck fish, etc. Springtime is the time to do it all!
It’s hard to target all in one day and it’s best to pick one each day and book multiple days if you want to experience all the variety of species that the Florida Keys has to offer. Spring time is all about the food chain. In the spring, the bait fish migrate in schools up in certain areas. The small fish come in to eat the baitfish, medium fish come in to eat a small fish, big fish come in to eat a medium fish and so on, the food chain is in full swing in spring.
One of our main goals as full-time anglers and Fishing Captains, is to keep up with the right bait. Matching the hatch as they say and presenting the correct bait to the game fish at any given time. In other words, use the bait that they are presently eating.
Some good examples are use mullet or crab for tarpon. Sometimes in spring, the mullet run is happening and that’s what tarpon are feeding on and sometimes in spring the crab run is happening and the tarpon won’t hardly eat a mullet and vice versa.
Another example is when schools of squid pour into the 1700-foot column and swordfish are feeding on squid, it’s not the best time to use a mahi or hound fish bait, it’s best to use squid. When the snapper spawn happens, and the big snapper are eating on pinfish that just migrated inside the reef, use live pinfish, don’t use shrimp, squid or ballyhoo. Or when the flying fish start appearing in large schools offshore, that’s the best time to troll ballyhoo which emulate flying fish.
In the charter world most captains agree that March, April and May is probably the best three months of the year for quantity, quality and variety of game fish in the Florida Keys.
If you’re after a world class trophy tarpon, April or May is the time. It’s the best time to catch a trophy bull mahi, wahoo, or billfish. Springtime is the best time to fill your cooler with good table fare.
We are prepared to take you on whatever adventure you choose, but at the end of the day, mother nature dictates where we could and should take you each day. A client who books for a Tuesday and Thursday in April for example, might have their heart set on going offshore on Tuesday and inshore on Thursday.
Mother nature may dictate that it needs to be switched because Tuesday is blowing 25 mph out of the north and Thursday is calm seas! No Trip is worth getting beat up and wet for 8 to 10 hours, so when booking multiple days keep in mind, mother nature will dictate what we should do on any given day. We hope to see you down in the beautiful Florida Keys this spring! Safe travels. For a charter with Captain Joel or Jojo Brandenburg with Ana Banana Fishing company call 305-395-4212 office or 813-267-4401 cell or visit marathonkeyfishingcharters.com
— For a charter with Ana Banana Fishing Company call Captain Joel Brandenburg at office 305-395-4212 cell 813-267-4401 or visit us in person at Ana Banana Marina 11699 Overseas Hwy Marathon or at our other location at Poncho’s Fuel Dock 1280 Oceanview Av Marathon
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BASSING THROUGH LIFE
By: Jessica Hendrie
Bass fishing isn’t just about the catch, it’s about the moments in between. It’s in the slow and quiet mornings when the world is calm and cool and the connection to something bigger than ourselves. As we cast our lines in hopes of a big bass, we’re reminded that life, much like fishing, is a series of beautiful moments. Each one as precious as the last. So, with that being said, when’s the last time you went bass fishing? It sure takes a special skill to lure them out for that big slam.
My family and I spend a few days every month bass fishing at our favorite spots. It’s the ultimate kind of fishing to start kiddos on to get them certainly hooked. We went last weekend and had the best time. We caught a few fish but two of them were so big! That’s the beauty of bass fishing, the small ones are just as fun as the big ones and it’s usually a mix of them all. You may even have a little bycatch such as a gar, bluegill or catfish but all just as fun. If you get lucky, you can even take a few home to fry up for a yummy bass dinner.
I grew up fishing with my dad and taking home the fish to my mom who would fry the bass and make hush puppies, cheese grits, baked beans and cornbread to go with it. A southern delicacy to say the least. Now that I’m grown, my son gets to experience all these fun things and fun foods now, too. He may even tell you that his favorite food are bass nuggets.
I also get to show my husband a few fun traditions that my parents and grandparents passed on to me when it comes to fishing. There will always be a place in my heart for fishing and I always have my family to thank for that, especially my dad and grandpa. I challenge you to go catch a bass or two and feed your family with it. You won’t be disappointed! Happy fishing!
DOUBLE DAY SWORD
By Beth Steele
The ocean has been rough this past month making it nearly impossible to fish, and the most important agenda out on the water is safety. When the seas have calmed down for a day or so, opening up a small window to fish, I have taken full advantage of the rare opportunities. Even with the recent circumstances, I refused to give up! Sword fishing is my passion and a little wind isn’t going to stop me what from doing what I love! The waters have been so choppy, it’s put a damper on my normal Saturday fishing schedule.
This trip, I set out before sunrise hoping the wind didn’t pick up. The waves were rocking but I kept hopeful. Then it happened. The first drop, Fish On! That was my first sword of the day. I was so excited to see him thrashing on the side of the boat. After what felt like forever, the shimmering swordfish was on the deck. Two hours later, my line slacks and it was all I could do to pull my second swordfish on the day.
Landing one sword in rough seas is challenging enough, however, getting two swords in one trip always makes for a great day! Today was a win and I can’t wait for my next trip.
Here Fishy Fishy!s
— Beth Steele CEO of Hooker Booker fishing@thehookerbooker.com
FB/IG/TW: @hookerbookerllc
FOR THE BIRDS
By: Capt. Rob Modys
Seabirds and their association with fishing have long been acknowledged by anglers, both offshore and inshore. It’s often said that if you find the birds you’ll find the fish, and finding them has become a bit easier with new electronics via radar.
When I first started my career as a fishing guide I mostly focused on only three seabirds, the magnificent frigate bird, ospreys, and brown pelicans. I knew from experience that all three of these species could very easily lead an angler to schools of fish as well as much needed live baitfish. However, as I spent more time on the water the inevitable question would arise, what kind of bird is that?
Admittedly, I could identify quite a few water birds such as rosette
spoonbills, ibis, white pelicans, bald eagles, gulls and terns, but certainly not all of them, so a personal education was the only way to answer all these questions. I made it a rule when asked about one that I had no idea what it might be, to take a photo, look it up and reconnect to the person that asked the question with an answer.
Over the years I learned that ibis come in a lot of different colors. The adult white ibis are brown when they are young. There’s also the glossy, and the scarlet, one of the most beautiful reddish orange birds I’ve ever seen.
There are a ton of egrets and herons, where quite a few of them look very much like one another. And then there’s the shore birds. What I typically called sandpipers are actually in a group called charadriiformes. There are 390 species in this one group! Good luck trying to identify all of them.
Many years ago, my father gave me a navigation tip related to the shallow waters of back bays. He said, use crab trap floats to find your way across shallow areas. Crabbers want the traps covered with water at all times so during low tides it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll have enough water to navigate through.
And then there was this. If you see birds walking in the water, don’t go there. Pretty simple, and something I’ve never forgotten.
For me offshore fishing comes in two categories, bottom and trolling. In my opinion, bottom fishing doesn’t need the engagement of birds showing the way, however trolling is a whole different ballgame. If you can locate birds, especially frigates or terns, working over the water, there will most likely be fish present.
This also holds true in the backcountry. Frigates almost always cruise over tarpon. If you watch their movement you’ll soon see they are heading in the same direction as the school of fish. This enables an angler to move ahead, set up, and intercept the tarpon as they approach.
Osprey love to ambush seatrout on the open flats. Granted, they also love mullet and ladyfish too, but at least when found you can be pretty much guaranteed a bite.
The next time you head out for a day of fishing, be sure to check the tides, the moon phase and the weather, but also do your best to locate birds. They are one of the best fish finders an angler can have.
FloridaKeys
If you have a catch to brag about send your picture and caption to: flkeys@coastalanglermagazine.com
Dave with a stud Wahoo, caught while kite fishing with Captain Alex Lewis.
Shaun landed this beautiful Queen Snapper offshore with the Main Attraction crew.
Amie with a nice Yellow Jack caught aboard the Main Attraction.
Plenty of Sheepshead fishing with Capt. Billy Norris
Yellow Tail Snapper brought up fishing with Capt. Bruce Andersen
Suncoast Boat Show
Partners Again with Mote Marine Lab to Raise Funds April 25-27
internationally and domestically in the destinations where they host each show.
In Sarasota, Informa’s U.S. Boat Show division partners with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in a fundraising e#ort and opportunity to put leading-edge ocean conservation science into action today. Donations to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium can be made with ticket purchases for the Suncoast Boat Show.
Tickets for this year’s Suncoast Boat Show must be purchased in advance via the website https://www.suncoastboatshow.com/en/home.html Tickets are $20 and children ages 15 and under are free. Veterans and active-duty military show proof of military service for a free ticket. !e show opens on Friday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., continuing Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Marina Jack, #2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, Florida.
April 25-27, 2025 and presents an extraordinary selection of sport power boats and motor yachts in water and on land along Sarasota’s luxurious
e Suncoast Boat Show is hosted by the U.S. Boat Show division of Informa Markets, the exhibitions organizer that owns and operates the world’s leading international boat and yacht events. Integral to a corporate culture of sustainability, Informa U.S. Boat Shows has donated thousands of dollars to support multiple initiatives advocating for environmental preservation,
Established in 1955 by Dr. Eugenie Clark, Mote Marine Laboratory is a nonpro t organization working to protect and conserve marine resources. With over
On Saturday and Sunday, well known Sportsman Channel host Captain gives each participant a free rod and reel. Captain Dingman is an expert angler other parents how important it is to spend quality time with their own kids. suncoastboatshow.com. Follow as details are updated on facebook.com/ SuncoastBoatShow; Twitter and Instagram: @suncoastboatshow.
APRIL 25-27
By atch Maguire
&CatchRelease THE VIRTUES OF
Fishing has long been a cherished pastime for millions around the world, o#ering a unique blend of relaxation, excitement, and connection to nature. However, with increasing pressure on aquatic ecosystems, ethical anglers are turning to catch and release shing as a means to enjoy the sport while safeguarding sh populations for future generations. !is practice, when done correctly, provides ecological, educational, and recreational bene ts that extend well beyond the individual angler.
One of the most signi cant advantages of catch and release shing is its role in conserving sh populations. Many popular sh species face threats from over shing, habitat loss, and climate change. By releasing sh back into their natural habitats, anglers help maintain healthy population levels, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the sport.
To maximize the survival rate of released sh, it is essential to handle them properly. Techniques such as using barbless hooks, minimizing handling
time, and avoiding contact with the sh’s gills or slime coat are critical. Tools like rubberized landing nets and sh-friendly dehooking devices further reduce stress and injury, allowing the sh to recover and thrive.
Fish play integral roles in aquatic ecosystems, o$en serving as both predators and prey. Removing too many individuals from a population can disrupt these delicate balances, leading to cascading e#ects throughout the ecosystem. Catch and release shing helps mitigate this risk by allowing sh to return to their environment and continue ful lling their ecological roles. Healthy sh populations contribute to water quality, biodiversity, and the overall stability of aquatic habitats.
Catch and release shing also promotes a deeper sense of ethical responsibility and stewardship among anglers. It encourages a shi$ from viewing shing as purely extractive to appreciating it as an opportunity to engage with nature in a more sustainable way. !is perspective aligns with the principles of conservation-minded organizations, inspiring individuals to advocate for clean water, habitat restoration, and responsible shing practices.
Beyond the ecological bene ts, catch and release shing enriches the overall experience for anglers. Knowing that their actions contribute to conservation can provide a sense of ful llment and purpose. Additionally, the challenge of landing a sh, observing its beauty, and releasing it unharmed adds a layer of skill and respect to the sport. Many anglers report that the act of releasing a sh is as rewarding as catching it, if not more so.
Catch and release shing serves as a powerful teaching tool for younger generations. By involving children and new anglers in this practice, seasoned anglers can instill values of conservation and respect for nature. !ese lessons foster a lifelong appreciation for the environment and encourage responsible outdoor recreation.
In an era where human activities increasingly impact natural ecosystems, catch and release shing stands out as a practice that balances enjoyment with responsibility. By embracing this approach, anglers contribute to the preservation of sh populations, the stability of aquatic ecosystems, and the cultivation of ethical outdoor traditions. Whether shing for sport or relaxation, choosing to release your catch ensures that the thrill of the ght, the joy of connection, and the beauty of nature remain accessible for generations to come.
May 9th & 10th, 2025
Online Registration: MothersDayDolphinTournament.com
Captain’s Meeting
Liechty Marine
Friday May 9th - 6pm to 7pm
Lines In: Saturday, May 10 - 7:30am
Lines Out: Saturday, May 10 - 3:30pm
Weigh-In
Curly’s Co ee
Saturday, May 10th - 3:30pm to 6pm
Awards Banquet
Marathon Yacht Club
Saturday, May 10th - 7pm
Sunday Honor
Reeling in Change:CELEBRATING WOMEN ON THE WATER
By A. deGruchy
with lessons about life, responsibility, and the pure joy of shing, as well as expecting the unexpected. Fast forward to today, and I nd myself shing alongside my husband, a charter captain in the Florida Keys.
Fishing here isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life. From pulling in powerful Snook to chasing Sail sh on the edge of the reef, every trip o#ers new adventures. My husband and I share a love for shing, and I’ve learned so much about professionalism from watching him do his thing. Whether guiding seasoned anglers or teaching rst-timers, his patience, expertise, and enthusiasm shine. It’s a reminder that professionalism isn’t just about skill, it’s about how you treat people and create unforgettable experiences.
It’s been amazing to see more women embracing shing, from young girls joining family trips to seasoned anglers outpacing the boys on the boat. Even more inspiring is the rise of female captains and mates, rewriting the narrative and proving that grit, determination, and passion know no gender.
Fishing has always been about more than just the catch, it’s about family, adventure, and forging connections, both with the people you’re with and the water itself. Watching women claim their space on the water, competing and winning in major tournaments, and stepping into categories once dominated by men is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come. Women are now sharing the joy of shing with their partners, landing incredible catches together, and showing that this sport is for everyone. !e waves we’re making are just getting started, and it’s inspiring to see skill and love for the ocean take center stage.
Fishing has long been a tradition passed down through generations, o$en painted as a male-dominated pursuit.
But like the tides, things are changing. Women are stepping aboard boats, rigging lines, and reeling in trophies, proving that the waters are open to everyone. As someone who grew up with a shing rod in hand, I’ve seen this transformation rsthand, and it’s inspiring.
My journey into shing began thanks to my dad. He was the one who introduced me to shing. !ose early days were lled
So here’s to the women who sh, lead, and inspire. May your lines be tight, your horizons wide, and your stories endless.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a rst-time sher, let’s create memories together. Book your trip now at www.beansport shing.com and experience the thrill for yourself!
Be sure to follow Astrid’s adventures on Instagram, @catching_astrid and @bean_sport shing.
By
THE FUTURE OF AUTONOMOUS BOATING
intheRecreationalBoatingandFishingIndustry
The recreational shing industry is on the brink of a technological revolution, with autonomous boating emerging as a transformative force. While self-driving cars have dominated headlines, the development of autonomous boats is quietly reshaping how anglers approach their favorite pastime. !ese advancements promise to enhance safety, e ciency, and accessibility, potentially changing the way people experience shing forever.
One of the most signi cant bene ts of autonomous boating in recreational shing is the ability to optimize navigation. Advanced GPS and AI-driven systems can analyze weather patterns, water conditions, and sh activity to chart the best possible routes. Instead of relying solely on experience or guesswork, anglers could have boats that take them to the most promising shing spots with precision. !is technology reduces the time spent searching for sh and maximizes the chances of a successful outing.
captains license
Bradenton - May 12
Clearwater - Jun 2
Tampa/Brandon - Jun 16
Crystal River - July 7 Palm Bay - July 7
Crystal River - May 10-12
Bradenton - May 24-26
Palm Bay - July 19 – 21
Safety is another critical aspect that autonomous boats could improve. Many shing accidents occur due to human error, whether it’s navigating unfamiliar waters, dealing with sudden weather changes, or simply losing focus. With AI-driven controls, boats could automatically adjust speed, avoid obstacles, and even return to shore if conditions become too dangerous. !is level of automation provides an added layer of security, especially for solo anglers who might face emergencies without immediate help.
Accessibility is another area where autonomous boats could make a profound impact. For many, operating a traditional shing boat requires skill, physical e#ort, and extensive knowledge. !ose with limited mobility or minimal boating experience o$en face challenges when trying to enjoy shing on the water. Autonomous technology could allow more people to participate by simplifying the boating experience. With user-friendly controls or even remote operation via a smartphone app, individuals of all backgrounds and abilities could enjoy shing without the steep learning curve associated with traditional boating.
!e integration of smart shing technology into autonomous boats could further enhance the angling experience. Innovations like underwater imaging, automated bait deployment, and real-time sh tracking are already making their way into modern shing gear. When combined with an autonomous vessel, these tools could provide an unprecedented level of e ciency. Imagine a boat that not only takes you to the ideal shing location but also adjusts its position based on sh movement, current ow, and water depth. Such advancements could make shing more productive and enjoyable than ever before.
Despite the promising future of autonomous boating in recreational shing, challenges remain. !e cost of developing and maintaining this technology is still high, potentially limiting accessibility for the average angler. Regulatory concerns also pose hurdles, as governments and maritime authorities must determine how autonomous boats t within existing laws. Additionally, traditionalists in the shing community may resist the shi$ toward automation, arguing that it takes away the skill and personal connection that make shing special.
As technology continues to evolve, autonomous boats will likely become more sophisticated, a#ordable, and widely accepted. Just as GPS revolutionized navigation and sh nders improved catch rates, AI-driven boats have the potential to rede ne the recreational shing experience. While the transition may take time, the possibilities are endless, and the future of autonomous boating in shing looks
e Boat Geek
National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
“Fishing
Funds the Cure” Tournaments Raise Awareness
and Funds for Crucial Research
The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) created “Fishing Funds the Cure” to raise awareness and funds for crucial research. Each year, they unite corporate partners, passionate anglers, and dedicated supporters for Fishing Funds the Cure Tournaments through an activity that everyone loves. ese exciting inshore and freshwater shing tournaments are held in beautiful locations like St. Pete Beach and Sarasota, Florida, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and more. Each event, thoughtfully designed to engage supporters, features a kick-o celebration, angler swag bags, an awards dinner and a silent auction, all dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
NPCF organizes these events to blend the universal love for shing with an important cause. eir mission is to conduct research leading to less toxic and more therapeutic treatments for children with cancer, and are committed to making a di erence in a system that o$en neglects our children. Despite their bright futures, only 4% of government funding for cancer research supports pediatric initiatives, highlighting the urgent need for advocacy.
NPCF has made remarkable progress and is recognized as the nation’s leading solution, delivering rapid, innovative, and e%cient science
through a collaborative network of 40 hospitals. Operating independently of pharmaceutical and government funding, with eight institutions noted in the “Top 20” by US News, they have invested over $40 million in translational studies and clinical trials. NPCF currently have 30 studies and 11 active trials:
• A new drug compound – which could be the 11th drug utilized to treat children
• Blood bio-marker study – which could be a prevention indicator for relapse patients
• A rare disease trial addressing “rhabdomyosarcoma”
• Multiple combined immunotherapy trials to include a potential vaccine
• NPCF has also authorized the “ rst-ever” education toolkit – provided to pediatric cancer families
• ey are also developing treatment guidelines for relapse patients
If shing is your passion, NPCF invites you to channel that enthusiasm toward a worthy cause. Join them at one of their tournaments, organize your own fundraising event, or take on their “43 Challenge” to honor the 43 children diagnosed
with cancer every day. You can easily start by using NPCF’s online fundraising tool, challenging 43 friends to sh, and encouraging them to donate $43.
e National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is proud to be a top-rated charity, with 89% of every dollar donated directly supporting research. To learn more, visit NationalPCF.org.
THE SABIKI: MVP OF THE TACKLE BOX
The month of April is when the real change comes around. For a number of reasons, April can be a game changer. Just for starters, we have made it out of the month of March and the “Gales of March.” !e temperatures will rise, the daylight hours will be longer, and the urge to spawn will get stronger for a lot of species.
!e pelagics will be on the march up the coast headed north, and I have taken a much di erent approach to shing in general, but especially for the pelagics. Sure, we may troll for a short period in the morning to mark some bait and/or productive bottom holding sh like African pompano, big snapper and grouper, but trolling will quickly stop and dri$ing and/ or %ying the kite will begin as the sun rises in the sky. As the title of the article suggests, we have either stopped on the way out or will start to work with the Sabiki right away.
!is is the key: when you have the live bait, you get the bites. Don’t hesitate to bring bait from the dock like pin sh, menhaden, etc. to use as light-line kite bait or bottom bait. Sometimes it’s just easier to pull up beside the bait barge and exchange some green for sardines, cigar minnows, goggle eyes, etc., so you can just get on with getting to where
Tim Barefoot
you’re going and start shing right o the bat. When you nd a good mark of bait, and hopefully bottom structure, the stage is set. Put the kite %oats, tackle or freelines out and start sending the jigs to the mid or lower water
column, and even to the bottom. Of course, I like a natural looking squid jig you can cast to breaking sh that’s heavy enough to sh in the mid to lower water column or a few hundred feet deep when needed on the bottom. the
entire time you were harvesting sh on the jig pay attention to the free line or %oat baits and keep some chum going if possible. !is is a great way to bring the sh to you. !ey will de nitely come to the chum.
As always, I would pay attention to the amount of noise you make. Don’t let cooler lids slam down or hard objects hit the deck; this will send a soundwave hundreds of yards away from the boat telling the sh something isn’t right. If you’re dri$ing quietly with a chum slick out and beautiful live baits, you have a recipe for success!
!is is a great time of year to catch that African pompano of a lifetime in 150- to 250foot range as they are ready to break up into smaller schools for spawning. Again, I like a squid-type jig because it is the primary food source for the African pompano. It is the bulk of their diet according to the experts. And it’s not just African pompano; everything out there, without exception, eats a squid. !is is a great way to catch big snappers as well. Pull up to where the marks are, make a dri$ and repeat as o$en as needed. A trolling motor upfront can slow the dri$ nicely, keeping your boat forward in the wind with the kite bait or %oat, and baits behind the boat very manageable.
And be sure to keep an eye on the recorder to know where to keep the jig in front of sh.
For more info on the squid jig and dri ing, check out Tim Barefoot’s YouTube channel and website, barefootcatsandtackle.com.
1920s Style for a 1920s Price
It was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.
Never ones to miss an opportunity, we carefully steadied our glasses of bubbly and climbed into the car’s long front seat. Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology.
With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean? Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.
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By Don Norton
FISHING THE BLUEGILL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Most anglers think of Lake Okeechobee, Florida, and many other great shing lakes as a destination for largemouth bass. And they truly are. But for those in the know, “Lake O” boasts some of the greatest bluegill shing you’ll nd anywhere in the country.
!is is the time of the year—April and May—that bluegill anglers look forward to all year long. !is is when the feisty, hard- ghting pan sh begin their annual spawn. !eir popularity is unmatched with young and experienced anglers looking to test their light line and tackle.
While bluegill is a single species (Lepomis macrochirus), it is sometimes categorized into three subspecies: the northern bluegill, the coppernose
bluegill, and the southwestern bluegill.
To add to the confusion, redear sun sh and bluegills, both belonging to the sun sh family, are easily confused, but can be distinguished by the red or orange coloration around the redear’s operculum (gill %ap), while bluegills have a dark blue to black operculum. Redear sun sh typically grow larger than bluegills, but are o$en caught in the same area, as are coppernose bluegill.
Bluegills are so plentiful that many anglers come to Lake Okeechobee every year just for them and go home with coolers full of their tasty lets. !e daily limit is $y pan sh per angler, and that’s not a hard number to reach when the season is in full swing.
Bluegills can be caught year-round, but when they come into the shallows to spawn, they become a much easier target. Many anglers will test their skills with a %yrod and small popper, while others will use live bait, light line, and tackle—and even bamboo cane poles!
On average, bluegill typically range from six to eight inches in length, although some can grow up to 10 to 15 inches. Nine inches is considered a decent keeper in the “Big O.”
To rig for bluegill, use a small hook (size 8-10) with a light line, a small split shot a few inches above the hook, and a bobber set to suspend your bait near the bottom; commonly used live baits include small worms, waxworms, or crickets, and you can also try small jigs or tiny so$ plastic baits depending on the situation and water depth.
When it comes to the time of day that produces the best bluegill shing, many anglers recommend early evening. As the sun begins to set, waters tend to calm down and %ying insects quickly become a big part of the menu.
But during the spawn, bluegills can be caught all day long.
Finding the beds is relatively easy. Just look in shallow water, 5-foot deep or less for small circular divots in the sandy bottom. !ese “beds” will o$en be close together and will sometimes number in the hundreds.
!e world record bluegill—a sh weighing 4 pounds, 12 ounces— was caught in 1950 in Ketona Lake, Alabama with a cane pole and common worms.
Don Norton is Co-Publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Okeechobee edition. Contact him at (863) 273-4998 or don@theanglermagazine.com.
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OTIPS FROM A PRO FROG FISHING FOR SPRINGTIME GIANTS
TYLER WOOLCOTT
ne of my all time favorite times of year to fish with one of the most fun ways to catch a bass. The spawn and post spawn feed is here for most of us in the south and it won’t be long for many others in the other parts of the country. There is a plethora of ways to catch these bass, but my all time favorite for getting bit and drawing in a big one is a hollow body popping frog.
A popping frog can be used as an incredible search bait, duplicating many different baitfish depending on where you throw it and what color you tie on. There are many different options out there, but I try to duplicate the baitfish forage in the particular lake I am fishing on. Sometimes I will stick to a frog that may imitate a bluegill, and sometimes I throw a color that would imitate a shad. Finding a frog that pops well, has good colors, and a big hook is a few things that need to check the boxes for me. The Gambler popping frog is good and so is the Spro.
When I throw a frog as a search bait, I like to work it faster than most. Cover as much water as possible until you put a pattern together on what exactly the fish are focusing on. That’s the magic of a frog; you can literally throw it around everything! Docks, lay downs, grass and down banks are just a few of the targets I would look for. Once you locate a group of fish or find that right area that they are using you can slow down and pick them off a little slower. I have noticed sometimes there isn’t a “too fast” while working a popping frog.
A couple things that I look for this time of year are areas with active fish spawning, fry guarding bass, and also fish roaming the banks feeding on bluegill. This is something that is very predictable and an awesome way to catch big ones when you get around it. Typically, if you know of a few areas that the fish had previously spawned, these patterns will be occurring in the same areas. I throw a bluegill pattern popping frog because the bluegill will typically be a fish that chase their fry and a fish that drives them crazy this time of year.
Another pattern that you might want to keep your eyes out for is a shad spawn. This usually occurs in the mornings and in the evenings and can be a way to catch a bunch of fish in a hurry. We typically look for birds feeding on banks while running down the lake; you find the birds, you find the bait! A white popping frog or a baitfish color is typically my choice in this situation as a lot of times these fish are so keyed in on the baitfish that you’ll want to match the hatch.
A popping frog can work all year long, but this time of year I think it excels the greatest. It’s an incredible search bait that really drives these fish crazy, and who doesn’t like catching fish on a topwater with heavy line and a heavy rod? Grab a popping frog and go catch some big bass! Frog Fishing Gear: Typically when throwing a popping frog you will be around some heavy cover and need to have some big hooks to get through the fish’s mouth. This calls for a heavy rod, some big line and a fast-geared reel. I like to throw a 13 Fishing 7’4H Myth rod paired with a Concept A 8.3 reel spooled up with Sufix 832 50 lb. braid. This setup will allow you to get the fish out of the heavy cover and into the boat.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.
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