Coastal Angler Magazine | August 2025 | Brevard County Edition

FREE

BREVARD EDITION

DRUM UP

@CAMTAMagazine

LOCAL REPORTS & CATCH PHOTOS

BIG UGLIES

GO DEEP

FOR DIVERSITY

BECOME A

PHOTO CREDIT: JENNA SMITH

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

VOLUME 30 • ISSUE 365 AUG 2025 F R A N C H I S E

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

PUBLISHER

Find Out How Inside!

W O R L D W I D E

BECAUSE ONE

JUST ISN’T ENOUGH EXPLORE OUR DUAL PROP OUTBOARDS

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2026.

See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. © 2025 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

You want AI Routing! Let TZ MAPS with AI Routing make route planning a snap. Don’t take our word for it. Scan here to see for yourself how easy it is!

ADVERTISEMENT

navigating peace of mind

B O AT/ P W C

THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE

Unpredictable waters The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you financial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.

Navigational flexibility Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the flexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.

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 specified 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.

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.

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 financing If you financed the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulfills these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your financial interests are safeguarded.

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and affiliates Coverages subject to policy terms and conditions.

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 confidence, 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.

Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes Go to progressive.com to learn more.

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. #1 rating based on 2022 boat market share. Data is sourced from Ratefilings.com.

Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, filled 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.

C

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. #1 rating based on 2022 boat market share. Data is sourced from Ratefilings.com.

Vitamin D-stress

When time on your boat is like medicine for the soul, rest assured that every precious moment is protected by America’s #1 boat insurer—day after day, cast after cast.

1- 800 -PROGRESSIVE

PROGRESSIVE .COM

Get a quote in as little as 4 minutes

GET DOWN AND DIVERSIFY FOR DIFFERENT SPECIES Tim Barefoot

S

ince the endangered, gag grouper and American red snapper are o!-limits this month, it would be a good time to go deeper and/or change up your tactics to target di!erent species. For example, go ahead and catch your three scamp/red grouper combo, then switch over to smaller baits and smaller circle hooks on chicken rigs to target beeliners, triggerfish grunts and seabass.

I would strongly suggest taking live pinfish from the marina for scamps and red grouper.

This will accomplish two things. One, it will weed out a bunch of trash bites from smaller snappers and other bait steelers because only the fish with a mouth large enough to eat the pinfish will give it a go, and two, it will catch the older (larger) fish that often will not bite a chicken rig and cut bait. The chicken rig with a bank sinker, and the bank sinker with a triple swivel, leader and hook have been the industry standard for many decades, but these fish have evolved and have become savvy to this method, in my humble opinion. This is the reason the Decoy Jig system is so e!ective. They’ve never seen anything like it and it’s a clever disguise of what is really happening; the weight and bait are in one clean package, attached by a piece of %uorocarbon.

There is one downfall to fishing live pinfish on the Decoy Jig—it will definitely get the shark bite. Sharks, like many other fish, are hardwired to eat this struggling bait attached to something else they like to eat, like a squid or a crab.

There’s another fish I didn’t mention earlier, but this is a good time of year to target hogfish.

There are many schools of thought when it comes to catching them. Many say the chicken rig is the ultimate and, yes, there have been a lot of hogfish caught on your standard chicken rig.

But this is a pretty wily species, and hard to catch for a number of reasons. Not only are they hard

to get to bite, but they pull HARD! You have to have seriously strong connections because they will test every part of your tackle.

There’s one more fish that is almost as good table fare and that’s the white jolt head porgy.

Same tactics, same everything; you just gotta find them. They are beyond delicious.

You can troll all you want, but I’ll spend my time bottom fishing for the best groceries and keep the light line out back for any wahoo, dolphin, kings or tuna that may cruise by. It pays dividends to jig up live cigar minnows and live sardines on the Sabiki or just purchase them for the light line. August and September are the months that wahoo, yellowfin, dolphin, sailfish— you name it—are everywhere inshore following big schools of bait, and a live cig or sardine will definitely get the bite. I would definitely keep a live pitch bait ready on a circle hook on piece of %uorocarbon for the sailfish that’ll swim by the boat. Keep the thumping music, cooler slamming loud everything to a minimum if you want to have a shot at getting some of these fish to swim up to the boat. Fact: You’ll see more fish near the boat when you’re quiet, otherwise they will keep their distance and you probably won’t see them, and they’ll have their guard up if they do get near the boat.

Go on, get down to the bottom or at least lower in the water column for the best groceries and keep a pretty live bait out back on the lite line for a great day of catching...not fishing.

Check out more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

OUTFIT WITH CONFIDENCE. UPGRADE WITH PURPOSE. SHOP WHERE THE PROS SHOP—AT DEFENDER.

BUILT TO EXPLORE WE ARE THE LARGEST DISTRIBUTOR OF ZODIAC INFLATABLE BOATS WORLDWIDE. THOUSANDS OF INFLATABLE BOATS AND OUTBOARD MOTORS IN STOCK!

SHOP NOW AT

DEFENDER.COM CALL: 800-628-8225

4 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2025

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

ave to e they

s good porgy. gotta

spend oceries wahoo, It pays nd live them are the lfish— owing ne will keep a piece swim cooler if you se fish re fish e they won’t if they

t least oceries he lite g.

12V LITHIUM BATTERY

24V LITHIUM BATTERY

36V LITHIUM BATTERY

Lithium Battery Power offers a versatile selection of high-quality lithium batteries and accessories, specially designed for the fishing industry. Whether you're powering trolling motors, fish finders, or other marine electronics, our batteries provide reliable, long-lasting energy to keep you on the water longer. Built to perform in the toughest conditions, our batteries ensure that your gear runs smoothly, no matter where your fishing takes you.

10-Year Warranty

Free 5-Year Replacement

Lighter Weight

www.lithiumbatterypower.com

Safer Charge

Reliable Power

(727) 223-9831

CAST LURES IN A MITZI TOURNAMENT 17

TO FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU, VISIT

www.mitziskiffs.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2025

NATIONAL 5

Whe e Wild Bes A A McDowell County Fishing Guide to Lake James Linville Gorge AND the Catawba River

,

By Joe Woody

S

omewhere in McDowell County, North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains lean in close and the rivers run clear enough to drink, there’s a place where fish outnumber people, and cell service is more suggestion than fact. It’s a land of steep gorges, sparkling lakes, and waters that curl through the woods like they have secrets to keep. Welcome to the triple-threat fishing grounds of Lake James, the Linville Gorge, and the Catawba River — tucked into a county that doesn’t make much noise but delivers in trout, bass, and backcountry beauty.

If you’ve never heard of McDowell County, don’t worry — that just means the fish haven’t heard of you either, and your odds are still good.

Whether you’re a dry-%y purist with a hip pack and a “River Runs Through It” complex or someone who likes to toss worms near pretty rocks, this corner of the Carolinas has a spot for you. Bass are stout and sassy. Trout are plentiful, and they have attitudes to match. So gas up the truck, tie on something that worked last season, and head for the hills. The fishing is great, the views are even better, and McDowell County is ready to welcome you — even if the trout aren’t.

Lake James is the area’s big-water bu!et. This 6,800-acre reservoir between Burke and McDowell counties o!ers smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, hybrid striped bass, and catfish. Spring and early summer bring aggressive smallmouth to the surface from April to June. Tossing a Pop R or a Zara Spook at dawn can trigger explosive strikes.

Crappie move shallow in May and June, while catfish linger year-round, especially from fall through early spring. Bass fishing is best around rocky points and submerged trees with crankbaits or soft plastics. Walleye respond to trolling or jigging near the dam. If you’re after catfish, bring cut bait and patience. Lake James State Park has public ramps, campgrounds, showers, and picnic shelters — perfect for anglers who like their wild with a touch of comfort.

If Lake James is your comfy recliner, Linville Gorge is the rugged Adirondack chair that bites back. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, this steep gorge is home to the Linville River, one of North Carolina’s best wild trout waters. The upper river holds wild and stocked rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Below Linville Falls, you’ll find a backcountry adventure with native browns lurking in clear pools. Reaching prime spots requires steep descents, with some trails dropping 1,400 feet. The solitude and scenery reward every blister. Bring light tackle, stealthy casts, and plenty of water. Spring hatches bring trout to the surface, and a well-placed dry %y can tempt a wary fish. Remember your headlamp — climbing out in the dark is no fun.

Below Lake James, the Catawba River %ows cool and clear, sheltering rainbow and brown trout that grow large and wary. Float trips are ideal. An eight-mile drift from Bridgewater Dam to Morganton delivers riffles and big fish. The Joseph McDowell Greenway o!ers piers, canoe launches, and bank access perfect for beginners or families. Streamers and weighted nymphs excel in the tailwaters, while warmer sections downstream attract bass and panfish.

Wherever you cast, the fish here don’t come easy — but they come honest. And in this corner of the Blue Ridge, that’s the best kind of bite.

ween

llo a H ’s t d r a h k r u B Skye

H

H

H

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/CAM-GIVEAWAY 6 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2025

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SCAN the CODE!

Experience Watauga River Home of world class fishing on the beautiful Watauga Lake, rugged Doe River and designated trophy trout stream, Watauga River

Watauga Lake Doe River PLAN YOUR TRIP AT TOURCARTERCOUNTY.COM

PRO FISHING TECHNIQUES

HOW TO CATCH BLACK DRUM

Capt. Mike Smith

B

lack drums, aka “Big Uglies,” are a super fun fish to catch. It doesn’t matter if they are 18 inches weighing two pounds or 5 footers weighing 90 pounds. They put up one heck of a dragpulling fight once they figure out that they’re hooked.

Black drum can be found in inlets, saltwater estuaries, bays, river mouths, brackish creeks and especially anywhere in close proximity to oyster beds as they love to eat oysters, clams, crabs, shrimp and bait fish. They are often in huge schools and will stay in one spot for a week or so if there is a lot of food for them and not a lot of predators, which means that you can catch dozens of them when the bite is on.

My favorite way to target “big uglies” is on the incoming tide, in shallow estuaries, less than 3 feet deep. That is when you can see them tailing as they root around oyster clumps for crabs and shrimp. A well-placed shrimp or crab o!ering will get their attention very quickly. Make sure you have enough weight to get it to the bottom so they can find it.

Black drums have four nostrils, and their sense of smell is amazing, so the stinkier the bait, the better when targeting these fish. A great artificial bait is the Berkely Gulp shrimp on a 1/8 ounce jig head. You can just cast it to the fish and let it sit on the bottom and wait for them to find it. However, if you give it a bounce or two you will usually get their attention much more quickly.

Another great place to target “big uglies” is around docks. Dock pilings tend to have lots of oysters, clams, barnacles and sponges growing

8 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2025

on them. Definitely fish the older docks with the most stu! growing on them. These docks pilings will attract the most crabs and shrimp to them.

Old dock pilings are like grocery stores for black drum.

When I fish the docks for black drum I usually have one of two baits with me. Live or frozen shrimp or a scented shrimp jig. Those are my goto baits for drum around the docks. Real shrimp works the best, but the scented jigs are pretty good too. A shrimp rigged with a small split shot is how I usually target black drum. Just cast it to where you think the fish are and wait for the hit. If you are fishing with a scented shrimp jig just bounce it slowly on the bottom as you reel it in. It is similar to the way that you would fish for a %ounder. The slower the better.

For surf fishing anglers, large schools of black drum typically work their way up and down the beaches in the cooler months feeding on crustaceans.

Use a beefed up pompano rig, jig or fish finder rig and place them in front of the schools approaching. Long casts are often needed, so be sure to have plenty of line capacity on your surf fishing reels when targeting the large ones. Not to mention, once you hook into a big drum the drag is going to go screaming! You’ll want anywhere from 20-50 lb. main line for your best opportunity to land one.

Black drum make for a tasty dinnertime treat, but I wouldn’t suggest eating the big ones. They are always full of worms. I find that the best ones for eating are 28 inches or less in length.

I caught the black drum in the picture above on a dead shrimp. It was about a 50 pounder and took 30 minutes to get it in. I saw it tailing next to an oyster bar.

Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass Off Charters, is an inshore fishing guide who has been fishing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass flats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@fishyourassoff.com or visit fishyourassoff.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

S

Permit Pending!

FISHING FOR PERMIT IN ISLAMORADA By A. deGruchy

L

ate spring into early summer is prime time for permit in Islamorada. !ese fish are picky, powerful, and love crabs, so having the right gear and approach can make all the difference in getting one to the boat.

A 7’ to 7’6” medium-heavy spinning rod with a fast action provides the backbone needed to handle their long runs and sudden bursts of speed. Pair that with a high-quality reel in the 4000–5000 size range, spooled with 20–30 lb braid for better sensitivity and hook-setting power. Personally, my go-to is the Fenwick Inshore Elite rod paired with a 4500 PENN Authority reel. Since permit are known for being line-shy, fluoro leaders are a must. 20 lb leader is ideal along with a 2/0 circle hook to increase the chances of a solid hookup.

We rely on the Mustad Demon inline circle hooks and they’ve never let us down.

Finding permit in Islamorada means knowing where and when to look. Flats and channels are •

STEEL BUILDINGS

•

CARPORTS

•

the best spots, as well as some public wrecks. Watch for fish tailing in shallow water or cruising deeper cuts, or schools of permit circling wrecks. A moving tide, whether incoming or outgoing, stirs up crabs and gets permit feeding. When presenting bait, it’s important to cast ahead of where the Permit are heading, let the crab sink naturally, and maintain light tension.

Patience and stealth go a long way when targeting these fish. If a permit is spotted, it’s best not to rush. A smooth cast, a natural bait presentation, and a little patience can make all the difference. Once hooked, steady pressure and a good drag system will help handle their powerful runs. May and June in Islamorada offer some of the best permit fishing of the year. If you’re ready to chase permit in Islamorada, book your trip now at www. beansportfishing.com, spots are limited!

Be sure to follow deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sportfishing on Instagram and YouTube.

METAL GARAGES

•

BOAT PORTS

•

POLE BARNS

•

STORAGE SHEDS

•

RV PORTS

•

SUMMER SAVINGS! BOAT STORAGE, UTILITY CARPORTS, POLE BARNS & MORE

D I Y K I T S I N - S T O C K F O R I M M E D I AT E D E L I V E R Y

FREE GIVEAWAY!

E S AVW! NO ENTER TO WIN LIKE OUR FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/KEENSBUILDINGS

•

STEEL BUILDINGS

•

$0 DOWN FINANCING

HUGE SALE GOING ON NOW SAVE THOUSANDS $$$

UP TO $100,000 AVAILABLE

CALL FOR SPECIAL OFFERS: 386-364-7995 CARPORTS

•

METAL GARAGES

•

BOAT PORTS

•

POLE BARNS

•

STORAGE SHEDS

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

•

RV PORTS

AUGUST 2025

•

FLORIDA 1

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

F

W

S p T b d C N th A b p

Stationed strategically around the East Coast, all Suzuki RePower Centers have achieved the highest level of Suzuki certifications to meet and exceed your repower needs.

Performance Bulletin Available 60 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE! Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales!

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors: • Every Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Center has decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing • With a Mastry Suzuki RePower, owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability

RePower Packages designed to best fit your needs and not stretch your budget.

Financing available.

• Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program* • Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers use authentic Suzuki OEM parts and have factory certified technicians

Rest assured, all Mastry Suzuki RePowers are backed by Suzuki’s industry leading 5-year or 7-year factory warranty.

DF40 - DF140

2 LOCATION

DF150 - DF350

RequestCOASTALANGLERMAG.COM a quote | suzukirepower.com • THEANGLERMAG.COM | 1-800-545-4574

JUNE 2020

FROM THE BAY OF FUNDY TO THE FLORIDA KEYS

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! Since 2014, Mastry Engine Center, has been building the premiere Suzuki Outboard repower network in Florida.

Today, Authorized Mastry Suzuki Outboard Centers have been exceeding expectaions in the Southeast for over two decades. Recently Suzuki Marine requested Mastry Engine Center to expand the network throughout the Northeast.

Now boat owners from Maine to Florida can be assured of the best support for their Suzuki outboard repower project.

All Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers provide the best options, information and package pricing for excellent performance in repower.

t, he and

,

NETWORK *Get with the Program!

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identification card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefits during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

Hooked on Heartbreak & Glory...

BIG SNOOK DREAMS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Chasing Giants on the Gulf Coast When summer rolls around and the tides align, there’s no place I’d rather be than Southwest Florida—with a rod in hand and visions of giant snook dancing in my head. !is year, my buddies and I made the pilgrimage with a simple mission: land a personal best. Big fish only. No compromises.

Dawn Patrol: First Cast, First Heartbreak Our daily rhythm was dialed in: fish at first light, break for lunch and a nap, then hit the water again at dusk. On our first morning, we were thighdeep before sunrise, casting into the mystery of the early light. Within minutes, I hooked a brute. It crushed my lure and made a blistering run—until my line snapped clean. Devastated, but not alone; the others were tight on steady 20–25 inchers.

We spot-hopped the rest of the morning, landing a solid variety of fish, then rested up, ready to tangle with giants again at dusk.

Evening Drama: Three Strikes !at evening, we waded into a legendary snook haunt. I connected again—with something even bigger. After a long, nerve-wracking battle, my

leader snapped. Again. Moments later, John hooked into a monster that nearly emptied his spool… and then his leader failed too.

We were stunned but fired up. !e big girls were here.

I re-rigged and kept casting. Soon enough, another explosion on my paddle tail—this one the biggest yet. She breached once, massive and thick. !en, just like that, gone. My third heartbreak of the day. Lesson learned: if you’re chasing giants, bring the heavy gear.

Turning the Tide Day two brought redemption. Jeff landed his personal best—an impressive 34-inch snook on a 4” Knockin Tail Lure. I was eager to return to the spot that broke us, but a sudden evening storm shut us down.

Final Shot, Forever Fish Our last morning offered solid action—snook to 8 pounds, nothing to complain about. Still, I couldn’t shake the thought of one last chance that evening. No storms. No wind. Just flat, silent water and that final opportunity.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

PHOTO CO

URTESY O

F KNOCKIN

TAIL LURE

S®.

Wading quietly along the sandy shore, every cast felt like it could change everything. And then it happened. A massive strike. !e fish peeled line off like a runaway train, then turned and charged. I cranked fast, heart in my throat. !e fight was clean, intense and unforgettable.

She measured a fat 38 inches, bottoming out my 15-pound scale. Hooked right in the jaw, leader untouched. My new personal best.

The Verdict !is trip was a rollercoaster—equal parts frustration and triumph. But that final evening, under a fading Florida sun, everything came together. And that’s what keeps us coming back: one cast away from glory.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

•A

•SUP •ENH •99%

4 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2025

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

*LIF 16 BREVARD

JA

BOAT SUPER

SALE!

SEPTEMBER 5, 6 & 7, 2025 New & Preowned Boats at Blowout Prices!

Boats from 21 of Central Florida’s Best Dealers Representing Over 90 Manufacturers Fishing Boats Pontoon Boats Ski Boats Bowriders Cruisers Luxury Economical

Boat Show Hours

Friday & Saturday 10am to 8pm Sunday 10am to 5pm

With New Boats Arriving Just In Time for the Show!

Orange County Convention Center West Concourse, Hall A2, A3 & A4

FOR MORE INFO

WWW.ORLANDOBOATSHOW.COM

2 BREVARD

AUGUST 2025

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JULY 2025

CENTRAL FLORIDA 3

DA 3

COASTAL ANGLER BREVARD EDITOR IN CHIEF BEN MARTIN OPERATIONS TRACY PATTERSON ART DIRECTOR LAURA KELLY WEBMASTER RYAN CLAPPER FINANCE & SHIPPING DARLENE TAYLOR DISTRIBUTION JERRY TAYLOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Capt. Glyn Austin

Capt. Scott Goodwin

Capt. Lukas Brickweg

Charlie McCullough

Capt. Chris Cameron

Capt. Troy Perez

INDIAN RIVER LAGOON FORECAST

A

ugust can be one of the best months of the year to fish for redfish. It’s also the hottest, so you want to go early in the morning before first light for the early bite. Sometimes in the middle of a calm day big schools of 50 to 200 redfish can be spotted on the edges of flats between 1- and 3-feet of water in the Indian River or Lagoon. Try using live shrimp, flies or Gulp shrimp with no weight. Use a light action rod and 8 lb. braid with a light leader for best results.

Trout fishing has been good in the morning. Use topwater plugs, or the best technique is to use live pigfish on the flats, best when near bait schools!

The black drum are also still around, usually on the drop offs. I use live shrimp or pieces of crab or Gulp shrimp and throw at the fish and let it sit on the bottom.

Tarpon fishing has been very good and I expect it’s going to continue in August. Sight-fishing in Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, look for fish rolling. The tarpon come back to the same places year after year and they’re usually in 3- to 8-feet of water in the Indian River or cruising near the Jeff March with his personal best channel edge. I typically use spinning spotted sea trout, caught on live tackle with 20- to 40-pound braided finger mullet in the IRL. line with 60 pound fluorocarbon with a 6/0 circle hook, throwing a live mullet or bunker at them or slow trolling them.

Ocean fishing for tarpon has been great! In the ocean, look for the schools of bait just behind the shore-break and throw a cast net on them.

Keep your eyes open as you will see the tarpon rolling or coming up to gulp air; usually they are in packs of several fish or large schools and following the bait. The fish should be in 20- to 40-feet of water. Here you’ll also find schools of jacks, sharks, reds, bonita, etc. feeding near these schools of bait while fishing for tarpon. Use gear heavy enough to get these tarpon to the boat as quick as possible; long fights with light gear usually will mean the predator sharks will have an easy meal when you release them!

Watch out for the afternoon rains and thunderstorms moving in fast and stay safe!

CAPT. TROY PEREZ

Troy Perez Fishing facebook.com/captaintroyfl capt.troyperez@gmail.com (321) 607-2033

Capt. Jim Ross

For advertising inquiries, phone 321.777.2773 or email info@CoastalAnglerMagazine.com 4 BREVARD

AUGUST 2025

Garrett Boykin caught this 37-inch redfish in the North end of Mosquito Lagoon with artificial shrimp.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

al best on live L.

January layout.indd 15

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 202512/13/2019 BREVARD 10:24:28 AM 5

CAPE CANAVERAL East Coast Tide Charts Tide Charts brought to you by these businesses

PORT CANAVERAL NEARSHORE FORECAST

I

5:52

f this August is anything like August was last year, it’s going to be a fantastic month of tarpon fishing here on Florida’s Space Coast. These huge silver fish are one of our top sportfish species, and we should have good numbers of teenage and adult fish in the 60- to 140-pound range for nearshore anglers to pull on.

Most of our tarpon are caught on live baitfish; menhaden, mullet, croakers Miami, Government Cut (Approximate Times) and pilchards are the most prevalent of these that I like to use. During morning Time Time High Tide HHeight igh Tide Low THeight ide LowTime Tide Height SuTime n Sun Height sessions, my clients and I can sometimes get these fish to eat Da te1W 12:23 AM 2.0 10F 1:21 AM -0.5 19Su 3:54 AM 2.2 28Tu 4:17 AM -0.2MMoooonn and Da teDafternoon a te 0.3 PM f t 8:15 ft PM ft6:19 AM AM AftM ft AM AM2.5PM ft 9:41PAM Mft 0.1 Rfitse Ri10:50 seSeAM tSet 2.2 artificial lures like Saltwater Assassin 4- to 5-inch jerk baits or sea shad.

12:46 PM 2.1 1:51 PM 0.0 4:03 PM 2.1 4:42 PM 0.0 Usually I find schools of tarpon just beyond the surf break between Satellite 6:54 11:06 PM 2.7 21:18 Fri 3.2 1:30 PM72.7 :50.33 2:18 0.38:19 3.2 PM7:52.3 38:410.3 10:088:0.8 4PM 1 -0.4 6:43 0.8 6:43 8:14 8:14 2.0 1Beach 1 Fri Fri and Playalinda Beach. Running and gunning the bait pods in our 2Th 1:12 AM 1.9 11Sa 2:07 AM -0.6 20M 4:58 AM 2.3 29W 4:55 AM 0.0 7:11 AM 0.4 9:01 AM 2.6 10:42 AM 0.1 11:25 AM 2.1 near-coastal 2.5 32:13Sat 3.2 2:16 82.5 :36 3:13 0.32:38 3.2 PM8:3-0.1 69:370.3 5:059:0.9 37 6:43 0.9 6:43 8:138:13 2 2 Sat Sat waters is my preferred method for finding pods of feeding fish.

1:30 PM 2.0 PM 2.1 5:21 PM 0.0 The thrill of hooking big tarpon is unmatched. These fish take off on a drag 7:45 PM 0.3 9:08 PM 2.4 11:05 PM -0.4 11:46 PM 2.0 screaming 2.4 43:10Sun 3.3 3 : 1 0 9 2.4 : 2 4 4 : 1 0 0.3 3.3 9 : 2 1 4 0 : 3 0.3 5 1 0 0.9 : 3 5 6:44 0.9 6:44 8:12 8:12 3 3 Sun Sun run that is usually finished with a huge arial jump and gill-rattlin’ 3F 2:06 AM 1.9 12Su 2:55 AM -0.6 21Tu 5:57 AM 2.3 30Th 5:35 AM 0.1 head shake. Tarpon have no problem earning their frequent flyer miles!

8:05 AM 0.5 9:47 AM 2.6 11:38 AM 0.1 12:02 PM 2.0 2.4 54:03Mon 3.4 4:09PM12.4 0:1.9 15 5:03 0.33:26 3.4 PM10:-0.2 1151:20.3 8 6:03110.8 :28 2.1 6:45 0.8 6:45 8:11 8:11 0.0 4 4Mon Monwould like to come experience the thrill of hooking a tarpon, give 2:18 PM 6:01 PM If you 8:37 PM 0.3 9:58 PM 2.4 11:58 PM -0.4 31F 12:30 AM 1.9 me a call 4Sa 3.6 3:02 22W 6:50 AM 2.3 6:45 6:45 6:17 AM 2.5 55:50Tue 5:03 AM12.5 1:1.9 06 5:13M 50 0.23:44 3.6 AM11:-0.6 06 0.2 8:11 8:11 0.2 5 5 Tue Tueor book your trip online and let’s make a plan to go catch your next memory!

9:01 AM 0.5 10:34 AM 2.6 12:29 PM 0.0 12:41 PM 1.9 3:10 6:45 PM 2.6 66:36Wed 3.8 5:52PM12.6 2:1.9 15 6:36 0.74:16 3.8 PM112:-0.3 115:54 0.7 AM 6:55 11:50.1 4PMAM 2.2 6:46 0.1 6:46 8:10 8:10 0.1 6 6Wed Wed CAPT. JIM ROSS

6:40

2.7

7:30

2.9

January 2020

AUGUST Trident Pier,2025 Cape TridentCanaveral, Pier, Cape Canaveral, FL Tides FL Tides - Aug - Aug2025 2025 AM 1:30 2:16 3:10 4:09 5:03

9:27 PM

0.2

10:50 PM 2.4

23Th 12:48 AM -0.5 7:38 AM 2.4 1:17 PM 0.0 7:42 PM 2.2 24F 1:34 AM -0.5 8:21 AM 2.4 2:02 PM -0.1 8:26 PM 2.2 25Sa 2:17 AM -0.4 9:01 AM 2.4 2:44 PM -0.1 9:07 PM 2.2 26Su 2:59 AM -0.4 9:38 AM 2.3 3:25 PM -0.1 9:47 PM 2.2 27M 3:38 AM -0.3 10:14 AM 2.3 4:04 PM -0.1 10:26 PM 2.1

5Su 4:00 AM 2.0 14Tu 4:36 AM -0.5 77:22Thu 3.9 6:40 12.7 :01 7:22 0.611:22 3.9 AM1:02.6 11 2:40.6 2 9:56 AM 0.5

1Sa

1:18 AM

1.8

120.0 :42

7:06 AM 0.3 6:46 0.0 6:46 8:098:09

7 7 Thu Thu

88:06 Fri 4.0 7:30 12.9 :44 8:06 0.411:44 4.0 PM1:42.4 41:300.4 10:16 PM 0.1

1-0.1 :30

6:47 -0.12Su 6:478:088:08

8 8 Fri Fri

4:04 PM

6M

1.9

4:57 AM 2.1 10:46 AM 0.4 4:59 PM 2.0 11:03 PM -0.1 5:50 AM 2.2 11:34 AM 0.3 5:51 PM 2.0 11:49 PM -0.2 6:40 AM 2.3 12:21 PM 0.2 6:42 PM 2.1 12:35 AM -0.4 7:28 AM 2.4 1:06 PM 0.1 7:31 PM 2.2

5:08 PM -0.3

15W

5:31 AM -0.3 12:11 PM 2.5 6:04 PM -0.3 16Th 12:42 AM 2.3 6:30 AM -0.2 1:04 PM 2.4 7:04 PM -0.3 17F 1:43 AM 2.3 7:33 AM 0.0 2:00 PM 2.2 8:05 PM -0.3 18Sa 2:48 AM 2.2 8:37 AM 0.1 3:00 PM 2.2 9:07 PM -0.3

1:24 PM 1.8 7:34 PM 0.1 2:11 AM 1.8 8:02 AM 0.4 2:15 PM 1.7 8:29 PM 0.1 3:12 AM 1.8 9:02 AM 0.4 3:13 PM 1.7 9:27 PM 0.0 4:15 AM 1.9 10:02 AM 0.4 4:16 PM 1.8 10:24 PM -0.1 5:16 AM 2.0 10:59 AM 0.3 5:18 PM 1.9 11:19 PM -0.3

8:19

3.1

89:50Sat 4.18:19 23.1 :24 8:50 0.34.1

2:242:170.3

2-0.2 :17

6:47 -0.2 6:478:078:07

9 9 Sat Sat

9:06

3.3

910:32Sun 4.19:06 33.3 :02 9:32 0.14.1

3:023:030.1

3-0.2 :03

6:48 -0.23M 6:488:078:07

10 10Sun Sun

9:52

3.6

111 0:14Mon 4.09:52 33.6 :41 10:14-0.14.0

3:413:51-0.1

3-0.1 :51

6:48 -0.1 6:488:068:06

11 11Mon Mon

10:40

3.7

112 1:00Tue 3.8 10:40 43.7 :23 11:00-0.13.8

4:234:42-0.1

4:0.0 42

6:49 0.0 6:498:058:05

12 12Tue TueJim Capt.

11:32

3.9

113 1:48Wed 3.6 11:32 53.9 :08 11:48-0.23.6

5:085:41-0.2

5:0.2 41

6:49 0.2 6:498:048:04

13 13Wed Wed respectable

5:58 12:26-0.24.0

5:586:43-0.2

6:0.3 43

6:50 0.3 6:508:038:03

nearshore 14 14Thu Thu tarpon.

7:0.5 46

7Tu

8W

9Th

114 2:26Thu 4.0

4Tu

5W

Ross with a

12:39

3.4

115:23 Fri 4.0 12:39 63.4 :51 1:23-0.24.0

6:517:46-0.2

6:51 0.5 6:518:028:02

15 15 Fri Fri

1:34

3.1

216:24Sat Po4.0 1:34de Leo 73.1 :4n6 Inlet 2:24-0.14.0 nce

7:468:51-0.1Ft. Pie rce 8:0.6 51Inlet, S.6:51 0.6Jetty6:518:018:01

16 16Sat Sat

2:34

3.0

317:32Sun 4.12:34 83.0 :44 3:32-0.14.1

8:414 0:0-0.1 0

17 17Sun Sun

Hig h Ti de -11 min ute s Lo w Ti de +19 min ute s

Po nce Inlet, Halifax Rive r Hig h Ti de +5 min ute s Lo w Ti de +33 min ute s

Hig h Ti de Lo w Ti de

100.6 :00

-31 min ute s -18 min utes

6:52 0.6 6:528:008:00

Jensen Beach Hig h Ti de +2 ho urs, 17 min ute s Lo w Ti de +3 ho urs, 4 min ute s

3:43

2.9

418:41Mon 4.13:43 92.9 :48 4:41-0.14.1

110.6 :06

6:52 0.6 6:527:597:59

18 18Mon Mon

4:52

3.0

519:42Tue Port 4.24:5Canave 2 13.0 0:ral 52 (Tr 5:42i -0.1 4.2 10:52 -0.1Sewell Pt dent Pie r)

6:53 6:537:587:58

19 19Tue Tue

+1 ho urs, 13 min ute s +2 ho urs, 9 min ute s

20 20Wed Wed

5:52

3.1

Daily Pre dictio ns

620:37Wed 4.25:52 13.1 2:05 6:37 0.64.2

9:418 1:0-0.1 6

Hig h Ti de Lo w Ti de

112:105:52 0.6 AM 11:5-0.1 2 AM

6:53 -0.1 6:537:577:57

Patr ick Air Force Base Hig h Ti de -1 ho ur, 4 min ute Lo w Ti de -38 min ute s

Jupite r Inlet, S.Jetty Hig h Ti de -10 min ute s Lo w Ti de -9 min ute s

Sebastian Inlet Br i dge Hig h Ti de -48 min ute s Lo w Ti de -24 min ute s

Port Eve rgla de s - Tur ning Basin Hig h Ti de -31 min ute s Lo w Ti de -13 min ute s

Fineline Fishing Charters www.FinelineFishingCharters.com (321) 636-3728

6:48

3.3

721:28Thu 4.26:48 13.3 2:59 7:28 0.54.2

12:5192:40.5 9

12-0.1 :49

6:54 -0.1 6:547:567:56

21 21Thu Thu

7:42

3.4

822:15 Fri 4.27:42 13.4 :48 8:15 0.44.2

1:481:420.4

1-0.1 :42

6:54 -0.1 6:547:557:55

22 22 Fri Fri

8:31

3.5

823:56Sat 4.18:31 23.5 :31 8:56 0.34.1

2:312:310.3

2:0.0 31

6:55 0.0 6:557:547:54

23 23Sat Sat

9:15

3.7

924:33Sun 3.99:15 33.7 :09 9:33 0.23.9

3:093:150.2

3:0.1 15

6:55 0.1 6:557:537:53

24 24Sun Sun

9:55

3.7

125 0:10Mon 3.79:55 33.7 :45 10:100.33.7

3:453:580.3

3:0.3 58

6:56 0.3 6:567:527:52

25 25Mon Mon

10:35

3.7

126 0:46Tue 3.5 10:35 43.7 :20 10:460.33.5

4:204:410.3

4:0.6 41

6:56 0.6 6:567:517:51

26 26Tue Tue

11:16

3.7

127 1:25Wed 3.3 11:16 43.7 :58 11:250.53.3

4:585:290.5

5:0.8 29

6:57 0.8 6:577:507:50

27 27Wed Wed

128 2:00Thu 3.7

5:38 12:000.63.7

5:386:190.6

6:1.0 19

6:57 1.0 6:577:497:49

28 28Thu Thu

12:07

3.1

129 2:45Fri 3.6 12:07 63.1 :21 12:450.73.6

6:217:100.7

7:1.1 10

6:58 1.1 6:587:487:48

29 29 Fri Fri

12:51

2.9

130:33Sat 3.6 12:51 72.9 :05 1:33 0.83.6

7:058:010.8

8:1.2 01

6:58 1.2 6:587:467:46

30 30Sat Sat

1:37

2.8

231:25Sun 3.61:37 72.8 :51 2:25 0.83.6

7:518:540.8

8:1.3 54

6:59 1.3 6:597:457:45

31 31Sun Sun

A

a fun is usu causin fishing cold w the which so ho Just b bottom mean come a littl and ch cold p try to level. all to and m Pickin for yo run. Th the sh Ma up in your b If you fast th wahoo

www.USHarbors.com www.USHarbors.com © 2025 US HAUGUST arbo©rs20L22025 5LC US AHlalrbroigrCOASTALANGLERMAG.COM shLtLsC rAellsrieghrtvserdeserved 6 BREVARD BREVARD 13 JANUARY 2019 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE• THEANGLERMAG.COM ANGLERMAG.COM The US Harbors tide chart design The USisHarbors protected tide chartbydesign copyright. is protected It may by copyright. be printed It may befor printed personal for personal useuse only. only.

January layout.indd 13

12/13/2019 10:24:07 AM

THE 2025 MAVERICK 18 HPX V

WWW.BOATERSEXCHANGE.COM ROCKLEDGE

321.638.0090

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

386.401.2628

PORT CANAVERAL OFFSHORE FORECAST

A

ugust fishing can sometimes be a challenge, but also a fun time. The cold water is usually still around and causing issues for bottom fishing and finding bait. By cold water, I’m talking about the yearly thermoclinem which came early this year so hopefully its gone early.

Just because you can’t get a bottom bite going doesn’t mean the bottom fish don’t come up in the water column a little. Get on the wrecks and chum. You will find the The 2-day 2025 Atlantic red snapper season came and went, but we made the most of the days cold pushes the fish up. They and managed to get our clients hooked up on some big beauties. Let’s hope for more days next year... try to get to the warm water level. It’s not uncommon at all to see amberjack, snapper, cobia, mangroves Kingfish should continue to do well. Many fish of bunker. If you find them, you will find the fish. and many other species not far from the surface. in the 40 lb. class have been caught recently. Joe Shark fishing is about as good as it gets right Picking out the biggest fish can be fun, especially had three close to 50 the last few weeks. now. If you’re looking for some fun with the kids, for your charters. Almost forgot about the cobia Nearshore beach fishing is going to really be anchor up in 20 feet off the beach and hold on. run. That cold water also pushes them cobes to picking up. The tarpon are there and rolling every Good luck and we hope to see you out there! the shallows. day. You can slow troll them or just drift in the Mahi. Cold water really pushes those mahi mornings with live bait. We have caught them on up in the stream as well. Get out there and put everything—chunk baits, live baits and artificials.

CAPT. CHRIS CAMERON your best baits out. Now is the time to get them. There is not much they won’t eat. Beach fishing in Fired Up Fishing Charters If you have no luck out deep, or go to 8A and troll 20-30 feet is a blast. You’d be amazed how shallow firedupcharters.com fast through the reef. We catch many fish—even all these fish come in. Kings, bonito, crevales and sharkfishingcocoabeach.com (407) 222-3573 wahoo—on 8A. many other fun fighting fish. Look for the schools COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2025

BREVARD 7

ST. JOHNS RIVER FORECAST

T

emperatures are up but our fishing is red hot here on the St. Johns River. Largemouth bass, catfish and panfish are going to bite if you fish where they live and fish when they feed. Summer patterns have set in.

Expect the fish to eat early in the morning, late evening, and at night. (Early means before daylight until around 9:00 a.m.)

Take advantage of schooling bass early at the mouths of the lakes where the St. Johns exits the lakes. Lipless crankbaits like a Rattle Trap, or a shallow suspending slash bait like a Rapala X-Rap will get lots of action. Don’t blind cast or fan cast; the key is to land the bait right on top of the surface-striking fish. Wait to see the fish striking shad on top and then quickly and accurately place the lure. If the fish misses the shad, it will take the lure. If the feeding fish eats the shad, another schoolie will take the lure. The key is a fast, exact presentation. Fishing on a calm night with a big moon and a black-colored topwater jitterbug or a 10-inch black worm dead stuck on the bottom is sure to draw the big strike. Beat the bugs with all-natural repellant that works! Bug Stuff is USA made in Florida and available on Amazon.

Panfish eat crickets and insects on days they have a hatch. Target them on the downstream bends next to deeper water. Fish the moving water, but look for areas where the flow creates eddies and slower water. In the lakes, use red worms over sandy or shell bottom.

Catfish like to feed where the water is moving fast. After a couple days of heavy rain, target them in deep bends with just enough weight to hold bottom and a half a piece of fresh, peeled shrimp. Try an egg sinker to allow the bait to roll slowly. Cast upstream of the deep holes in the river bend and allow it to roll down the drop off.

CHARLIE McCULLOUGH

Coastal Angler Magazine charlie@coastalanglermagazine.com

Your Image Is Our Business

LuxuryOFFICIAL DEALER Sportfishing Charter

Taken underneath a double rainbow on the St. Johns River, this 7-pound largemouth bass was caught using a topwater frog.

at Port Canaveral

csuitecharters.com

Captain Rick Ely USTOM(321) EMBROIDERED HATS 385-8933 RICHARDSON 112 • ONE SIZE FITS MOST rick@csuitecharters.com

SNAPBACKS

8 BREVARD

• 80+ COLOR OPTIONS

AUGUST 2025

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DEALER

SPECIALIZING IN: • Screen Printing • Embroidery • Stickers • Signs • Banners • Laser Engraving

Johns ou fish set in.

(Early

where hallow t blind riking urately eeding , exact olored is sure s! Bug

em on ut look use red

FULL SERVICE HVAC SPECIALISTS • HONEST DIAGNOSTICS & REPAIRS

Residential/Commercial Sales & Installation • HVAC Services for All Makes and Models Lic. # Equipment Retrofit and Replacement • Natural Gas & Electric Furnaces CAC1823406 HVAC Diagnostic and Repair • Central Air Conditioning Mini-Splits • Air Quality Control • Ice Machines Put a stop

e days o hold o allow

g.

IN: ng ery gns ers ng

spacecoastcooling.com

to your money literally flying out the window!

(321) 631-5755 | spacecoastcooling@gmail.com

CALL US FOR AN ENERGY AUDIT

SPACE COAST SURF FISHING FORECAST

S

to the ears. Our guided shark fishing charters ummer surf fishing is in full swing on the thrill our clients with blacktip sharks, sandbar beaches of the Space Coast. August and sharks and nurse sharks.

September are the traditional months For residential pompano and whiting, for providing an opportunity to hook into use live sandfleas, live shrimp, and fresh the fish of a lifetime from the beach. Use live clams, with chartreuse and white pompano bait including croakers, mullet and pinfish to floats. Match the bait with Fishbites in the target snook in the surf. Free-line or slightly clam and crab flavor for your pompano rigs. weighted rigs with 40-60 lb. fluorocarbon Recommended gear for the current climate leader matched with a 3/0-5/0 hook will be of surf fishing has two different approaches, the setup. Always match the size of the bait in my view. Firstly, using the dead stick to the hook. method. I suggest setting up a multitude Giant snook are out of season in August, of surf fishing equipment. Vary the setup so make sure to have a healthy landing and between standard pompano rigs with the clean release. Do not take them out of the above-mentioned baits, while using heavier water for too long and always support their setups for live baits or chunked baits for belly with your other hand. Also, be careful shark, tarpon and snook. of the gill plate on the side of the head which Secondly, skip the setup and cast can function as a serrated blade and cause swim baits, diving plugs and jigs to work deep lacerations if improperly handled. Read the shorelines for snook, tarpon, and the the water conditions for swell and current, occasional flounder. One method keeps and use split shots when needed to attain the you mobile with the advantage of covering correct presentation. ground and skipping the heavy hauling of a Tarpon can sometimes be seen rolling total gear setup, while the other encourages in the first or second trough, within casting a prolonged time period on the beach fishing range of shore anglers. Use large-sized suspending Rapala lures or big swim baits for targeting tarpon in the surf on to acquire the variety of specimens that each rig has the potential to attain.

Get out early, hang on and have fun! artificial. Live baits for snook and chunked bait like ladyfish and mullet will maintain a presentation suitable for either species.

Blacktip sharks may surprise your goal of tarpon and snook when they CAPT. LUKAS BRICKWEG take hold of your live or chunked bait. Be sure to use circle hooks for a better Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters hook set in the corner of the mouth. There is nothing quite like hooking into cocoabeachsurffishingcharters.com (321) 205-4672 a spiraling blacktip. Each acrobatic, contortion and peeling drag is like music COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2025

BREVARD 9

BOATHOUSE Discount Marine Supplies

MELBOURNE SERVICE CENTER

CO

Proud to be a Five Star, Certified Service Department

HHHHH

FULL SERVICE

Engine Service • Trailer Repairs Bottom Jobs • New Engine Repowers Electronics Installation black

red C=0 Y=80 M=94 K=10 Web= #d82e36

SERVICE

MASTER YAMAHA & MERCURY TECHNICIANS

WARRANTY CENTER

Preventative Maintenance • Complete Rebuilds All Trailer Types Serviced

PARTS

Marine Grade Stainless Steel Parts Custom Axles • Accessories Large Parts Inventory For All Trailer Types.

Schedule an appointment today for all your boating needs!

SALES

557 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne

We Have Aluminum Boat, Pontoon, PWC Trailers Available as well as Utility, Equipment, Dump And Enclosed Trailers.

(321) 254-2535

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

“

Maguire’s first work is a compelling, fast read.

His style is like a mix of Hemingway with a sardonic blend of Hunter S. Thompson.

I couldn’t put it down...

400 PLUS TRAILERS IN STOCK READY FOR DELIVERY!

SALES • PARTS • SERVICE 407-892-1100

4820 E. IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HWY. ST. CLOUD, FL 34771

941-575-2214

2851 TAYLOR RD., PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950

Ben Martin

Editor in Chief Coastal Angler Magazine

WWW.ATTRAILERCENTER.COM 10 BREVARD

AUGUST 2025

”

Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences.

You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

B

R E L G N A L A T S COA

D R A O B BRAG Colton Les ter caugh mahi fish ing in appro t this beautiful b ull x. 110 feet of the 8A of R Tom Hoo eef in Port Canaver water east k. al through b It ate a naked bally with Capt. ro hoo skipp ke n w eedlines at that evenin 6 knots. L ed g, Colton ater c le mahi cevic aned the fi he f sh and mad e the boat an or the crew as th ey c d the rest of their c leaned atch! h snook. rst 40-inc nder fi is h n o it u ook set the h and chase e Trottier jump in the water him off. an h S t. ap C e had to ldn’t break He said h so it wou the dock

Jack c bonneth aught this nic e 36 ead It was shark in Coc -inch oa Beac quickly h. pho and rele ased un tographed harmed .

s was Gina Slovak told us thi uper! gro st fir s on’ her grands .

It measured 26 inches

this Jim Devine had a blast catching erway. big red on the Intracoastal Wat

For your chance to get featured on the Brag Board, upload your high-quality photos (at least 1MB) with all of the catch details at:

www.coastalanglermag.com

SEBASTIAN INLET O T BA CK

SCHOOL Sale!

Date

AUGUST 2025

AM

Hig Highh TTide ide Hig Highh TTide ide Date ft PM AM ft ft AM PM

Lo Low w Ti Tide d e Lo Loww Ti Tide de

Su SunnSu Sunn

ft ft AM PMft

PM ft

Rise ft Rise Se SettSe Sett

1

Fri

1:26

1.91

Fri2:14 1:26 1.91.9 8:09 2:14 1.90.3 8:09 8:370.3

8:37 0.7

0.7 6:43 6:438:128:12

2

Sat

2:13

1.92 Sat3:09 2:13 1.91.9 9:01 3:09 1.90.4 9:01 9:330.4

9:33 0.8

0.8 6:44 6:448:118:11

3

Sun

3:06

1.83 Sun4:09 3:06 1.91.8 9:56 4:09 1.90.4 9:5610:29 0.4

10:29 0.8

0.8 6:44 6:448:118:11

4

Mon

4:06

1.84 Mon5:08 4:06 2.01.8 10:50 5:08 2.00.3 10:5011:23 0.3

11:23 0.7

0.7 6:45 6:458:108:10

5

Tue

5:06

1.95 Tue6:04 5:06 2.11.9 11:41 6:04 2.10.3 11:41

6

Wed

6:03

2.06 Wed6:53 6:03 2.22.0 12:13 6:53 2.20.7 12:1312:29 0.7

12:29 0.2

0.2 6:46 6:468:088:08

7

Thu

6:55

2.17 Thu7:39 6:55 2.32.1 12:59 7:39 2.30.5 12:591:140.5

1:14 0.1

0.1 6:46 6:468:088:08

8

Fri

7:43

2.28

Fri8:21 7:43 2.42.2 1:43 8:21 2.40.4 1:43 1:570.4

1:57 0.0

0.0 6:47 6:478:078:07

9

Sat

8:30

2.39 Sat9:03 8:30 2.52.3 2:25 9:03 2.50.3 2:25 2:400.3

2:40 -0.1

-0.1 6:48 6:488:068:06

10

Sun

9:16

2.4 10 Sun9:43 9:16 2.62.4 3:06 9:43 2.60.1 3:06 3:230.1

3:23 -0.1

-0.1 6:48 6:488:058:05

11

Mon

10:02

2.5 11 Mon 10:2410:022.62.5 3:48 10:24 2.60.0 3:48 4:080.0

4:08 -0.1

-0.1 6:49 6:498:048:04

12

Tue

10:50

2.6 12 Tue 11:0610:502.52.6 4:32 11:06 2.5-0.1 4:32 4:54 -0.1

4:54 0.0

0.0 6:49 6:498:038:03

13

Wed

11:39

2.5 13 Wed 11:5111:392.42.5 5:19 11:51 2.4-0.1 5:19 5:44 -0.1

5:44 0.2

0.2 6:50 6:508:038:03

14

Thu

14 Thu 12:32

6:09 12:32 2.5-0.1 6:09 6:38 -0.1

6:38 0.3

0.3 6:50 6:508:028:02

15

Fri

12:40

2.4 15

Fri1:3012:402.42.4 7:05 1:30 2.4-0.1 7:05 7:38 -0.1

7:38 0.5

0.5 6:51 6:518:018:01

16

Sat

1:35

2.3 16 Sat2:34 1:35 2.32.3 8:07 2:34 2.30.0 8:07 8:440.0

8:44 0.6

0.6 6:51 6:518:008:00

17

Sun

2:38

2.2 17 Sun3:43 2:38 2.32.2 9:14 3:43 2.30.1 9:14 9:520.1

9:52 0.6

0.6 6:52 6:527:597:59

18

Mon

3:48

2.2 18 Mon4:52 3:48 2.32.2 10:22 4:52 2.30.1 10:2210:58 0.1

10:58 0.6

0.6 6:52 6:527:587:58

19

Tue

4:58

2.3 19 Tue5:55 4:58 2.42.3 11:25 5:55 2.40.0 11:2511:59 0.0

11:59 0.5

0.5 6:53 6:537:577:57

20

Wed

6:02

2.3 20 Wed6:50 6:02 2.52.3

12:23

12:23 0.0

0.0 6:53 6:537:567:56

21

Thu

6:59

2.4 21 Thu7:38 6:59 2.62.4 12:54 7:38 2.60.4 12:541:160.4

1:16 0.0

0.0 6:54 6:547:557:55

22

Fri

7:50

2.5 22

Fri8:22 7:50 2.62.5 1:43 8:22 2.60.3 1:43 2:040.3

2:04 0.0

0.0 6:54 6:547:547:54

23

Sat

8:36

2.6 23 Sat9:01 8:36 2.62.6 2:29 9:01 2.60.2 2:29 2:480.2

2:48 0.0

0.0 6:55 6:557:537:53

24

Sun

9:19

2.6 24 Sun9:39 9:19 2.62.6 3:12 9:39 2.60.1 3:12 3:310.1

3:31 0.1

0.1 6:55 6:557:527:52

25

Mon

9:59

2.6 25 Mon 10:149:59 2.52.6 3:52 10:14 2.50.1 3:52 4:110.1

4:11 0.2

0.2 6:56 6:567:517:51

26

Tue

10:38

2.5 26 Tue 10:4910:382.42.5 4:31 10:49 2.40.2 4:31 4:500.2

4:50 0.4

0.4 6:56 6:567:507:50

27

Wed

11:17

2.4 27 Wed 11:2411:172.32.4 5:09 11:24 2.30.3 5:09 5:290.3

5:29 0.5

0.5 6:57 6:577:497:49

28

Thu

11:57

2.3 28 Thu

0.4 5:47 6:100.4

6:10 0.7

0.7 6:57 6:577:487:48

29

Fri

12:00

2.2 29

Fri12:4012:002.22.2 6:28 12:40 2.20.5 6:28 6:530.5

6:53 0.8

0.8 6:58 6:587:477:47

30

Sat

12:40

2.1 30 Sat1:2812:402.12.1 7:14 1:28 2.10.6 7:14 7:430.6

7:43 1.0

1.0 6:58 6:587:457:45

321.956.3474 www.strike-zonefishing.com

2.0 31 Sun2:24 1:27 2.12.0 8:08 2:24 2.10.7 8:08 8:430.7

8:43 1.0

1.0 6:59 6:597:447:44

2771 W New Haven Ave, Melbourne,31FLSun32904 1:27

12 BREVARD

AUGUST 2025

2.5

6:50

11:57 2.3 5:47

2.5

0.3

6:45 6:458:098:09

Tidal Data Source: Tidal Data (8722004) Source: (8722004) www.USHarbors.com www.USHarbors.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Moon Moon

SEBASTIAN INLET TO EAU GALLIE CAUSEWAY FORECAST

A

ugust is the beginning of our tropical storm season and it can be a great time to fish the IRL as well as the beaches from Melbourne down to Sebastian Inlet as long as the ocean is calm and the tropical storms aren’t wreaking havoc on us.

I like to focus on bait pods along the beaches for tarpon, jacks and sharks, but if the winds are up I will put in time on the flats, spoil islands or mangrove shorelines loaded with bait in the Indian River Lagoon from Palm Bay to Sebastian. Try to get out early and use topwater baits such as Rapala’s Skitter Walk. The bite will stay solid if you switch to live bait as the sun comes up and the water warms. If the fish wont hit topwater early, go subsurface with the Rapala Twitchin’ Mullet and Twitchin’ Minnow. If soft baits are your preference, D.O.A. Shrimp and C.A.L. 4” jerk baits in the mullet pattern or rainbow trout work well.

Look for bait pods along the beaches from Melbourne down to Sebastian to target tarpon, cobia, snook, kingfish and sharks.

If anglers have live bait, fish the trough for snook and redfish as well as tarpon looking for a meal.

Looking for snook and redfish in the inlet, use live bait along the jetties in the day and fish Rapala Long Cast 14 lures, bucktails and D.O.A. Swimmin’ Mullet at night off the jetties for consistent action.

Focus on the creeks from Melbourne down to

Tarpon and bonito off the beach for Fran and her son!

Sebastian for snook, tarpon, sharks and big jacks. oyster bars for snook, and maybe even find a few After the heavy rains, fish the spillways with live flounder too. baits or fish the D.O.A. CA.L. paddle tails and TerrorEyz in the deeper waters. For a hard bait, CAPT. GLYN AUSTIN use the Rapala Twitchin’ Mullet and Minnow Going Coastal Charters for good success on snook and juvenile tarpon. www.goingcoastalcharters.com Anglers can also target the shorelines, docks and (321) 863-8085

CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR ESSENTIAL LIFT CARE Affordable Pricing • 20-Point Service Service Records for Insurance

MAINTAIN YOUR WARRANTY!

PROFESSIONALISM YOU CAN TRUST!

(407) 955-7835

SerenityDocksLLC@gmail.com

serenitydocksllc.com

Mobile/Dockside Fiberglass & Gelcoat Boat Repair

FINALTOUCHCOMPOSITES.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2025

BREVARD 13

M24 MARINA:

HERE FOR FISHERMEN A

short hop to 1357 South Banana River Drive leads anglers to Marker 24 Marina. The crew at M24 are fishermen as well and we stock a variety of bait, tackle and advice to help one succeed in our local waters. We sell live shrimp, frozen shrimp, cut bait, squid and ballyhoo for both inshore and offshore fishing. We have a selection of inshore and offshore rods and reels, bait buckets, cast nets and many related tackle items, as well as a wall full of hooks and lures that we actually use ourselves in our quests for redfish, snook, trout and tarpon.

Gulp, Z-Man, Yo-Zuri, Rapala, D.O.A. and more are featured on our tackle wall. We have both fluorocarbon and monofilament leaders to offer protection and stealth.

Snacks, drinks and other fishing essentials can be found in the M24 Market as well as sunscreens, hats, sunglasses, performance shirts and other items for fun in the sun. We also have safety equipment and parts for your boat to keep you on the water.

You can come by car or boat and get fuel, bait and ice in one quick stop. The marina is open from 8 to 5, seven days a week.

Marker 24 Marina is located on the Banana River at 1357 S. Banana River Dr., Merritt Island, FL 32952.

For more information, contact them at (321) 453-7888, marker24marina@gmail.com, or visit marker24marina.com.

BOAT AND ENGINE REPAIRS • Boat Service & Repairs • Bottom Painting • New Engine Repower • Electronics Installation MENTION THIS AD FOR A

FREE HAUL OUT

WITH OUTBOARD SERVICE *Limited Time Offer—Call Today!

Marker 24 Marina’s staff of trained experts specializes in helping boaters like you continue to make lasting memories on the water. From the controls and rigging to additional technologies and post-purchase support, we’ll help you every step of the way. Take advantage of our affordable services and enjoy increased performance, reliability and peace of mind on the water.

14 BREVARD

AUGUST 2025

1360 S Banana River Dr., Merritt Island, FL 32952

(321) 453-7888 • marker24marina.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

BANANA RIVER FORECAST

S

ummer rains have finally arrived along with summer heat! I’ve seen water temperatures as high as 92 degrees late mornings, but the rains have helped moderate it to some degree. This often exaggerates the benefits of fishing first light and late evenings. It creates a magical hour on either end of the day when fish are on the hunt and blasting a variety of baits on the flats and around mangroves. Topwater is a fun way to fish during this time and redfish, snook and trout will blast a variety of lures.

Seagrass beds continue to spread and rising waters are giving manatees access to areas that were previously too shallow. Hopefully the river can maintain the balance.

Later in the day does not mean you can’t catch fish, just go subsurface and focus on areas with structure, shade or depth.

CAPT. SCOTT GOODWIN Marker 24 Fishing Charters www.marker24marina.com (321) 536-7597

Be Your Own Boss!

PUBLISH YOUR OWN FISHING MAGAZINE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE!

If you love the outdoors and dream of being in business for yourself, now is the perfect time SPRING SPAWNING to choose a Coastal RUNS Angler or The Angler Magazine Franchise.

FREE

@CAMTAMa

gazine

Good day on the water for Peter and Karl.

• ESTABLISHED BRAND • PROVEN SYSTEMS • LOW STARTUP COSTS & OVERHEAD • COMPLETE TRAINING & ONGOING SUPPORT • CONTROL YOUR OWN TIME & EARNINGS

PHOTO CRED IT: PAUL MACI IG: @RSO NNIS CFISHING VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 324

F R A N

C H I S E

TH EA NG O P P O

R T U N

JURASSIC

BASS!

LE RM AG

I T I E S

A V A I

LOCAL PHOTOS & FORECASTS

.C OM

L A B L

E

MARCH 2022

FREE

W O R L

D W I D

E

EDITION VOLUSIA BREVARD/

The only location in North America to catch Barramundi!

gazine

@CAMTAMa

INSHORE S TRANSITION

SPRING OFFTUSNAHS,OSARILES,

KINGS & MORE!

LOCAL PHOTOS & S FORECAST VOLUME

27 • ISSUE

324

F R A N

TESY OF: PHOTO COUR CHARTERS TFISHING SHING ACTION SPOR EACTIONFI ABSOLUTEM / IG: @ABSOLUT G.CO MARCH 2022

CTIONFISHIN

OM E RM AG .CW O R L D W I D LA NG LEA V A I L A B L E ABSOLUTEA

TAR T U N I T I E S CO AS O P P O

C H I S E

Contact our franchise development specialists about territory availability in your area.

SCAN THE CODE FOR MORE INFO

800 Hennecy Lane St Cloud, FL • 34773

Capt. Byron Hennecy bkhennecy@gmail.com

OSCEOLAOUTBACK.COM | 407.908.3216

321.777.2773 x 1 info@coastalanglermagazine.com

franchise.coastalanglermag.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2025

BREVARD 15

FULL LIQUOUR BAR

OPEN WED-SUN 11:30A-8:30P

FRESH CATCH IS OUR THING. Join us for outdoor, casual dining under the palms. Full menu including fresh fish, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads & so much more.

MIDWEEKN” “WINE-DOW

Thursdays & s y a d s e n Wed PM 4:00 - 6:00

. ictions Apply *Some Restr

NON ETHANOL FUEL & DIESEL AVAILABLE AT OUR MARINA & FUEL DOCK OPEN 7 DAYS 8AM-5PM

LOCATED ON THE BANANA RIVER, COME BY LAND OR BOAT!

1360 S. Banana River Dr., Merritt Island, FL 32952 (321) 453-7888 • MARKER24MARINA.COM

BOATHOUSE

ruhlik

Discount Marine Supplies

Marine Supplies

Jacksonville

Locations Same Low Prices

LURES®.

OEM Marine Parts

Melbourne

Certified Service Department

Authorized OEM Marine Engine & Parts Dealer Trailer Parts

Trailer Sales

• AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

CTX NANO-CERAMIC TINT •SUPERIOR HEAT REJECTION MELBOURNE •ENHANCED STYLE 557 N. HARBOR CITY BLVD •99% UV PROTECTION MELBOURNE, FL 32935

(321) 254-2535

JACKSONVILLE

5615 BLANDING BLVD. JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244

904 7787775

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

*LIFETIME WARRANTY 16 BREVARD

JANUARY 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

Under Deck Boat Lift

Deck Over Boat Lift

Four Piling Boat Lift

RE

Eq Su the on

Durable boat lifts expertly designed with Florida in mind.

ShoreStation hydraulic boat lifts are a reliable choice for coastal residents and boating enthusiasts alike. Their strong construction, made with corrosion-resistant materials, allows them to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including sun, storms, and saltwater damage. ShoreStation provides a steadfast solution for protecting waterfront investments, offering peace of mind to owners in the Sunshine State.

DISCOVER THE SHORESTATION ADVANTAGE

Q Se

Ma qu inn lift saf tod hy ne an wa con an les

ShoreScreen

REVOLUTION™ Canopy

No Piling Required Freestanding Boat Lift

REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy Cover

Solar Battery Charging System

Equipped with exceptional weather resistant fabric and breathable SunTex 80 woven mesh ends for maximum protection and durability, the REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy is the most innovative canopy on the market.

Never miss another moment on the water. Power your lift with clean, free solar power. Our speedy 20 watt charger features solar regulator drainage protection, saving your battery from permanent damage caused by overcharging.

Quickly Secures Boat Made from the highest quality materials, our innovative hydraulic boat lift is one of the fastest and safest lifts on the market today. When you have a hydraulic lift, there’s no need to worry about wind and waves getting in your way. This lift will give you confidence to safely land and secure your boat in less-than-ideal conditions.

Contact us today

& transform your waterfront!

772.247.4774 shorestation.com

FWC Implements New Law to Reduce Derelict Vessels

T

he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing to implement a new law aimed at strengthening vessel accountability and enhancing protections for Florida’s waterways.

Senate Bill 164, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 19, went into effect on July 1, 2025. This legislation is designed to help reduce the number of at-risk and derelict vessels across the state and improve enforcement tools for FWC o!cers and partner agencies. Key provisions of the new law include: • Clarified Ownership Standards: The definition of “vessel owner” is clarified, and a valid vessel title will now serve as prima facie (presumed) evidence of ownership.

• Stronger Requirements for At-Risk Vessels: Vessel owners must now complete an Effective Means of Propulsion (EMP) evaluation upon request by law enforcement. If an o!cer has reason to believe the vessel lacks an effective means of propulsion and the owner is present, the evaluation must be conducted immediately or within 48 hours if notified otherwise.

• Public Nuisance Vessel Designation: A vessel may now be declared a public nuisance — subject to removal like a derelict vessel — if the owner

receives three citations related to any at-risk conditions within a 24-month period, including unpaid citations or failures to appear in court.

• Expanded Noncriminal Infractions: Violations such as expired registration and long-term anchoring may now be addressed through mailed noncriminal citations from law enforcement.

• More Flexible Use of Removal Funds: Derelict Vessel removal funding may now be used not only for removing DVs but also for preventive removals under the Vessel Turn-In Program and for public nuisance vessels.

• Harsher Penalties for Repeat DV Offenders: First offense - First-degree misdemeanor; Second offense - Third-degree felony; Third offense - Seconddegree felony.

• No Liveaboard on Derelict Vessels: It is now a first-degree misdemeanor to live aboard a vessel that has been declared derelict by the court or the owner has not requested an administrative hearing.

“We have seen increasing success in our efforts to combat the ongoing derelict vessel problem in Florida’s waters,” said Capt. Travis Franklin, leader of the FWC Derelict Vessel Removal and Prevention Program. “This new legislation enhances our efforts to not only remove derelict vessels but also prevent at-risk vessels from becoming derelict.”

Derelict vessels remain a priority for the FWC, and the multi-year initiative to reduce the number of derelict vessels on Florida’s waterways is ongoing.

These vessels pose serious risks to seagrass beds, marine life, navigation, public safety and property. The Boating and Waterways Section is leading this statewide effort in partnership with local governments and law enforcement.

Leaving a vessel in a derelict condition is a crime. Derelict vessels, including those that are sinking, grounded, stripped or lacking vital systems, threaten both people and Florida’s natural resources.

FWC has removed nearly 200 vessels through the Vessel Turn-In Program and is actively taking applications from at-risk vessel owners. Vessel owners can call VTIP specialists at the FWC for more information on the program at 850-488-5600 or visit the VTIP website at MyFWC.com/boating and click on “Vessel Turn-In Program” on the second slider at the top of the page.

For more information on derelict or vessels at risk of becoming derelict, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and select “Waterway Management” followed by “Derelict Vessel Removal Program.”

captains license NW FLORIDA ANGLER BREAKS Compare before you sign with any other school

$675 COAST GUARD APPROVED COURSE & EXAM

O.U.P.V. / N.C. (6-PAK)

MASTER UPGRADE 100 TON

Bradenton - Sep 8

Bradenton - Sep 20-22

Crystal River -Sep 29 (Day Class)

Includes: TEST, BOOK and Use of ALL EQUIP

Sanford/Lk Mary - Oct 6

“NO TESTING WITH THE COAST GUARD!” “NO HIDDEN CHARGES”

Crystal River - Oct 11-13 Palm Bay/Melb - Dec 13-15

Tarpon Springs - Oct 27

Call for dates on:

Clearwater/St Pete - Nov 10 (Day Class)

Radar Observer Radar Re-certification Bridge Resource Management Leadership & Teamworking Meteorology

www.adamsmarine.com To Reserve a Spot Call: 352-447-1950 Email: info@adamsmarine.com

TURN YOUR 16 INCH HEAVY DUTY BEACH CART BEACH WHEELS INTO A 4-WHEEL LUNAR ROVER LUNAR ROVER XL CART! WE SHIP ANYWHERE! - Has a Leak-Free Car Tire Valve Stem - 1/4 in. Thick and Extremely Difficult to Puncture - Stainless Steel and Sealed Needle Roller Bearings - Extra Thick, Heavy Duty Blue Hub (requires 20mm axle) - WE SELL 2 WHEEL AND 4 WHEEL PACKAGE DEALS WITH AXLES AND MOUNTING BRACKETS

8 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2025

FREE INSTALLATION IN PALM BAY, FL

40-YEAR-OLD SPOTTED BASS STATE RECORD

F

lorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) O!cer Wil Raker certified a new state record spotted bass, caught by angler Joe Durden from Blountstown.

The fish weighed 3.93 pounds and measured 18.25 inches in length.

Durden was excited to catch his spotted bass on the Apalachicola River during the Fifth Annual Liberty County Bulldog Booster Bass Tournament out of Bristol Landing.

“I knew right away this was potentially a state record,” said Durden.

“This was the biggest spotted bass I had ever seen on the river.”

Durden, an avid bass tournament fisherman, caught his spotted bass on a crankbait while using LiveScope technology. After landing the fish, an FWC freshwater fisheries biologist met with Durden to discuss his catch and verify it was a spotted bass.

“Catching a state record fish is a tremendous accomplishment for any angler,” said Andy Strickland, fisheries biologist with FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “Particularly a record that’s held the test of time for 40 years.”

The previous spotted bass state record was 3.75 pounds, caught by angler Dow Gilmore on June 24, 1985, on the Apalachicola River.

Anglers can check state records by visiting MyFWC.com/Freshwater and clicking on “State Record Fish.”

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

ng on them.

o baits my gout the shot is !sh are ounce at you

black wn the ceans. ig and . Long of line ng the o a big l want ur best

SPEND LESS TIME ON TASKS

g n i h s i F e m e Ti

Mor

ertime he big nd that

It was g next

ore and 2317,

It’s no fish tale when you run with a John Deere. You can get everything done faster and easier, so you get more time on the water. Plus, our special offers make them the catch of the day.

EvergladesFarmEquipment.com

Award Winning Dometic DG3 Gyrostabilizer Featured On New Regulator 35 CC

T

he boating industry is jumping onboard with Dometic’s revolutionary DG3 Gyrostabilizer, due to its groundbreaking spin-up and spin-down times, energy e%ciency and superior performance in all types of sea conditions. This solution has literally taken vessel stabilization to a “Whole New Level,” capturing the attention of boaters and boat builders around the world. The !rst in a planned line of advanced stabilization solutions by Dometic, the new DG3 is targeted at the 35- to 41-foot !shing boat market.

Soon after Dometic won the 2025 NMMA Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show for the DG3, leading American boat builder Regulator Marine announced that its new-for-2025 Regulator 35 Center Console would be offered with Dometic’s DG3. “We are honored to have a respected builder like Regulator come onboard,” said Dometic Marine Segment President Eric Fetchko. “Their latest center console flagship is an ideal match for our system in terms of size, hull performance, overall quality and a wide range of premium features and technology.

It’s also a wonderful platform to showcase our advanced capabilities, including energy e%ciency that enables offshore use without the need for an onboard generator,” added Fetchko.

The DG3 reduces spin-up time by more than 65%, reaching full readiness in just 16 minutes, compared to the typical 50 minutes required by current systems in the market. This means you’ll

get out on the water and out to distant !shing grounds faster. The system’s downtime is equally impressive, fully lowering in just 20 minutes, a signi!cant improvement over the eight or more hours (15X faster) required by current systems.

Dometic also pioneered innovations in energy storage and recapture, enabling the battery to recharge e%ciently. DG3 uses Dometic’s proprietary, industry-proven Inverted Roller Screw technology for true dynamic control and signi!cantly improved roll reduction performance over a wide range of sea sates. In addition, the push-pull motion of Dometic’s all-electric procession actuator is used to create power that contributes to running the system. During spin down, Dometic’s regenerative braking technology recharges the system’s dedicated 48V Lithium-Ion spin-up battery for the next use. Overall, the DG3 reduces power consumption by an impressive 40% compared to other gyros on the market.

DG3’s Inverted Planetary Roller Screw technology and proprietary all-electric procession actuator provide dynamic control of the gyro hemisphere for instant response to vessel movement and superior comfort over a full range of sea states. This allows DG3 to react faster to heavy wave motions, while also smoothing the ride in small and long period waves, where current gyros are less effective.

Durability and reduced maintenance were also key goals for Dometic engineers. Dometic’s

proprietary all-electric procession actuator replaces hydraulic actuators that require fluid and are prone to leaks. The solution enhances long-term durability, minimizes required service, and reduces total cost of ownership. Featuring a slower-spinning flywheel, larger, more robust bearings, patentpending inner race cooling, parallel path cooling, and a titanium heat exchanger, the DG3 is designed to stay cool and operate reliably for the long run.

Dometic designed the DG3 as an easy “dropin” replacement for other comparably sized systems available in the market today. The DG3 !ts within the same footprint and clearance speci!cations and features reversible mounting feet to address common challenges encountered by installers.

To meet the needs of today’s boating market, Dometic’s DG3 is compatible with 12-, 24- and 48volt house battery systems.

To learn more about how Dometic’s DG3 can take your offshore fishing adventure to a whole new level, visit www.dometic.com.

WIN YOUR CUSTOMBUILT MICRO DRAFT SKIFF YOUR ENTRY DIRECTLY SUPPORTS:

BOGO Deal Buy One, Get One Free Micro Draft Entry

Building Living Shorelines & Underwater Habitats Restocking Redfish, Sea Trout & Sport Fish Species Programs Removing Trash & Abandoned Gear

Valued at over $90,000 MSRP, only 3000 tickets will be sold

At 22' in length with a 97" beam, the Microdraft Skiff 22 Extreme is built for versatility across a range of conditions.

60,000 Plus Anglers Strong Promoting Take Action Initiatives For Preserving Our Fisheries And Supporting Our Community.

10 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2025

ENTER NOW at MicroDraftSkiffs.com or SaltStrongAlliance.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

eplaces nd are g-term educes inning patentooling, signed run. “dropystems within cations ddress tallers. market, nd 48-

RUN AGROUND? C O U N T O N US TO G E T YO U U N ST U C K

oa

Boating is unpredictable but you can count on a BoatU.S. Towing Membership to put minor mishaps in the rear view.

Scan the QR Code or visit BoatUS.com/CountOnUs

Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In case of an emergency, contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

ESCAPE IS JUST ONE CAST AWAY. VISITUSVI.COM

THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS: Naturally in Rhythm ~ and No Passport Required!

N

estled in the heart of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands embody a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and laid-back serenity. These islands are more than just a picturesque getaway; they are a living testament to nature’s rhythm and resilience, effortlessly in tune with the world around them.

With no passport required for U.S. citizens, from the moment you arrive, the islands’ natural rhythm is palpable. The gentle sway of palm trees, the soothing sound of surf crashing against sandy shores, and the vibrant melodies of local music all echo the heartbeat of this tropical paradise.

The islands’ lush landscapes, with their verdant hills and crystal-clear waters, mirror the steady pulse of life that sustains the local ecosystems and communities alike.

The US Virgin Islands’ environment is a symphony of biodiversity with world class fishing and diving. These natural elements are not static; they dance in harmony, influenced by the tides, wind, and seasonal changes—further emphasizing the islands’ intrinsic rhythm. This delicate balance underscores the importance of conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations continue to experience the islands’ natural cadence.

Culturally, the US Virgin Islands are equally in tune. The music, dance and festivals reflect a vibrant heritage rooted in African, European and Caribbean traditions. The spirited calypso beats

and reggae rhythms are expressions of life's ongoing dance—celebrating resilience, community and joy.

These cultural expressions are an extension of the islands’ natural rhythm, showcasing how human life here moves seamlessly with nature’s flow.

a blueprint for sustainable living and harmony. As travelers and residents alike continue to embrace this rhythm, they uphold a legacy of balance—one that celebrates life’s natural flow and the enduring spirit of these remarkable islands. In the US Virgin

In a world often dictated by chaos and rapid change, the US Virgin Islands serve as a reminder of the beauty of being in sync with nature’s tempo.

Their natural, cultural and ecological rhythms offer

Islands, being in rhythm isn’t just an ideal; it’s a way of life.

Learn more at www.VisitUSVI.com.

WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?

YOUR GAUGE RESTORATION SPECIALISTS

5049 HWY. 17 SOUTH • GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL 32043 904-701-9726 • GAUGESAVER.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2025

NATIONAL 13

TIPS FROM A PRO

HOW TO FIND AND TARGET THE POST-SPAWN FEED

TYLER WOOLCOTT

I

n some parts of the country the bass spawn is already starting to come to an end like it is down here in Florida and others may not start up for another couple months. Regardless of your phase, this post spawn !shing tip should help you dial in your !shery when the time is right for you! One thing is the same for every !shery and every species of bass after they spawn, they are hungry! This can create some awesome and fun !shing opportunities that have led me to some of my best days on the water.

Typically after the largemouth bass spawn, there are other !sh that will then begin their spawn. I’m not a scientist, but I’m sure this has a lot to do with the speci!c timing of why the bass do their thing when they do. In most areas of the southern United States, I know that the bluegill and often times the shad, if they are in your lakes, will start to spawn very shortly after the bass !nish up. Bass will use every advantage they can when these bait!sh group up to feed back up after a long couple weeks or months protecting their eggs in the shallows and this can make for some fun !shing.

Smallmouth bass and spotted bass are very similar as well in the aspect of taking advantage

14 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2025

of bait schools when they get in that post spawn phase. I have seen them group up and attack shad, perch, alewife schools and any other bait that is readily available to them. Typically I do a lot of my searching for these things with my electronics and forward facing sonar which is a very helpful tool for learning !sh activity and seeing what’s going on under the surface of the water.

Most of the time you can use clues you can visually see with your eyes to help you !nd this feed that is going on. Typically birds feeding on the water is an awesome sign of a feeding frenzy and that is one thing I ALWAYS look for. Also always keep your eyes peeled for !sh blowing up on the surface or shad flickering as well. Sometimes the very smallest clue can lead you to much larger picture. Birds standing on speci!c banks, the sound of bluegill popping around vegetation, anything that clues you in to bait in the area usually means the bass aren’t very far.

Hopefully this tip will help you when the !sh in your area get into the post spawn feed!

Find the bait, you will !nd the bass! I always try to duplicate the bait!sh with whatever kind of lure you are throwing. Bluegill eaters - I will

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

throw a frog or a swimming in bluegill colors, etc. Shad eaters - I will throw white or silver topwaters and crankbaits, etc. Always match the hatch if possible! Good luck out there this season and tight lines!

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

Spirituality

Meets Artistry

colors, silver match re this

ment e at

“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”

S

Impo tauer ssible Only Price

59

— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals

I

n a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. "e opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges.

Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.

Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. "e shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony. "is breathtaking combination of color and

craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of

®

only 930 pieces, making it a rare and treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Plus, when you order today, you’ll receive the gold-!nished sterling silver chain—a $69 value—absolutely free!

Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive tribute to timeless elegance and meaningful symbolism.

Necklace Speci!cations: • 2 ½ ctw. Kyocera lab opals and DiamondAura® accents • Yellow gold-finished .925 sterling silver setting • 18" gold-clad .925 sterling silver chain

Opal Spirit Cross Pendant plus FREE Chain $499 $59* + S & P Save $440

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: OCR186-01

Stauer

®

14091 Southcross Drive W. Dept. OCR186-01, Burnsville, MN 55337

www.stauer.com

www.VisitDixie.com Where the

Suwannee &

Steinhatchee

Rivers Meet the Gulf of Mexi

Scallop Season

OPENS

1823 East State Hwy. 52, Hartford, AL 36344 16 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2025

June 15 on Dixie County Coast

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SPECIAL OFFER

30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

ROSE GOLD & BLUE FINISH

CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT

DRESSED TO KILL & FULLY LOADED Stay Ahead of the Game With the Renegade: The Watch That Defies Convention...

T

he quest to find the ultimate men’s watch has traditionally been a difficult one in the world of fashion. A timepiece with the perfect look and functionality has long been the goal of both watch designers and enthusiasts alike.

The Renegade Blue Chronograph Men’s Watch is the perfect combination of style and function. With a sleek design that features a bold blue dial, rose gold hands and hour markers, and a durable sports silicone band, this timepiece will instantly elevate any outfit.

The three sub-dials provide a precise timekeeping function.

The sports silicone band is durable yet comfortable, providing a secure fit that won’t slide around on your wrist. The band is also easy to clean and maintain, making it perfect for everyday wear. The watch’s 30 Metre Water Resistance rating ensures that it has you covered whatever the occasion.

The Renegade Blue is also built to last, with a sturdy stainless steel caseback and exquisitely detailed bezel. The watch is powered by a super reliable quartz movement, which is covered by our incredible 5 Year Movement Warranty - ensuring accurate timekeeping for many years to come!

At the amazingly low price of just $99 plus S&H, this watch is an absolute steal. Don’t miss out on the chance to own the Renegade Blue and Rose Gold Chronograph Men’s Watch - order yours today!

The Daniel Steiger

RENEGADE BLUE NON-OFFER PRICE $599 (Without Promo Code)

83% OFF NOW ONLY $99

• High Precision Quartz Movement • Comfortable Silicone Sports Band • Bold Blue & Rose Gold Finish

PLUS S&H

• 5 Year Movement Warranty

WITH PROMO: CA5GRN

• 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

ORDER NOW TOLL FREE 24/7 ON: 1-800 733 8463 AND QUOTE PROMO CODE: CA5GRN Or order online at: timepiecesusa.com and enter promo: CA5GRN PAY BY CHECK: Timepieces International Inc. 10701 NW 140th Street, Suite 1, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018

l rs s

eate kes g