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GET DOWN AND DIVERSIFY FOR DIFFERENT SPECIES
Tim Barefoot
Since 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, trigger sh grunts and seabass.
I would strongly suggest taking live pin sh from the marina for scamps and red grouper. is will accomplish two things. One, it will weed out a bunch of trash bites from smaller snappers and other bait steelers because only the sh with a mouth large enough to eat the pin sh will give it a go, and two, it will catch the older (larger) sh that o en will not bite a chicken rig and cut bait. e 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 sh have evolved and have become savvy to this method, in my humble opinion. is is the reason the Decoy Jig system is so e!ective. ey’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.
ere is one downfall to shing live pin sh on the Decoy Jig—it will de nitely get the shark bite. Sharks, like many other sh, are hardwired to eat this struggling bait attached to something else they like to eat, like a squid or a crab.
ere’s another sh I didn’t mention earlier, but this is a good time of year to target hog sh. ere 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 hog sh 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. ere’s one more sh that is almost as good table fare and that’s the white jolt head porgy. Same tactics, same everything; you just gotta nd them. ey are beyond delicious. You can troll all you want, but I’ll spend my time bottom shing 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, yellow n, dolphin, sail sh— you name it—are everywhere inshore following big schools of bait, and a live cig or sardine will de nitely get the bite. I would de nitely keep a live pitch bait ready on a circle hook on piece of %uorocarbon for the sail sh 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 sh to swim up to the boat. Fact: You’ll see more sh 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 shing.
Check out more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
Whe e Wild Bes A A McDowell County Fishing Guide to Lake James, Linville Gorge AND the Catawba River
By Joe Woody
Somewhere 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 sh 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 shing 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 sh 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 rough 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. e shing 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. is 6,800-acre reservoir between Burke and McDowell counties o!ers smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, hybrid striped bass, and cat sh. 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 cat sh linger year-round, especially from fall through early spring. Bass shing is best around rocky points and submerged trees with crankbaits or so plastics. Walleye respond to trolling or jigging near the dam. If you’re a er cat sh, 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. e upper river holds wild and stocked rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Below Linville Falls, you’ll nd a backcountry adventure with native browns lurking in clear pools. Reaching prime spots requires steep descents, with some trails dropping 1,400 feet. e 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 sh. 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 dri from Bridgewater Dam to Morganton delivers ri sh. e 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 pan sh.
Wherever you cast, the sh here don’t come easy — but they come honest. And in this corner of the Blue Ridge, that’s the best kind of bite.
HOW TO CATCH BLACK DRUM
Capt. Mike Smith
Black drums, aka “Big Uglies,” are a super fun sh to catch. It doesn’t matter if they are 18 inches weighing two pounds or 5 footers weighing 90 pounds. ey put up one heck of a dragpulling ght once they gure 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 sh. ey are o en 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. at 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 nd it.
on them. De nitely sh the older docks with the most stu! growing on them. ese docks pilings will attract the most crabs and shrimp to them. Old dock pilings are like grocery stores for black drum. When I sh the docks for black drum I usually have one of two baits with me. Live or frozen shrimp or a scented shrimp jig. ose 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 sh are and wait for the hit. If you are shing 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 sh for a %ounder. e slower the better.
Black drums have four nostrils, and their sense of smell is amazing, so the stinkier the bait, the better when targeting these sh. A great arti cial bait is the Berkely Gulp shrimp on a 1/8 ounce jig head. You can just cast it to the sh and let it sit on the bottom and wait for them to nd 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
For surf shing 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 sh nder rig and place them in front of the schools approaching. Long casts are o en needed, so be sure to have plenty of line capacity on your surf shing 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. ey are always full of worms. I nd 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 O Charters, is an inshore shing guide who has been shing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass ats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@ shyourasso .com or visit shyourasso .com.
Permit Pending!
FISHING
FOR PERMIT IN ISLAMORADA
By A. deGruchy
Late spring into early summer is prime time for permit in Islamorada. !ese sh are picky, powerful, and love crabs, so having the right gear and approach can make all the di erence 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, uoro 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
the best spots, as well as some public wrecks. Watch for sh 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 sh. 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 di erence. Once hooked, steady pressure and a good drag system will help handle their powerful runs. May and June in Islamorada o er some of the best permit shing of the year. If you’re ready to chase permit in Islamorada, book your trip now at www. beansport shing.com, spots are limited!
Be sure to follow deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sport shing on Instagram and YouTube.
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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 sh only. No compromises.
Dawn Patrol: First Cast, First Heartbreak
Our daily rhythm was dialed in: sh at rst light, break for lunch and a nap, then hit the water again at dusk. On our rst 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 sh, 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. A er 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 red 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
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
massive strike. !e sh peeled line o like a runaway train, then turned and charged. I cranked fast, heart in my throat. !e ght was clean, intense and unforgettable.
Day two brought redemption. Je 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 o ered 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 at, silent water and that nal opportunity.
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 nal 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.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.
KAYAK Fishing Forecast
BRIAN NELLI
Mike with a nice sailfish.
Inshore
Snook fishing should be your target this month. Fishing dock lights and bridge shadow lines at night are a great way to catch one and avoid the heat of the day. If daylight is more your thing try fishing seawalls and docks with good water currents. Launching at Sawfish Park in Jupiter will allow you to access some good areas. Don’t overlook fishing the beach for snook as well as tarpon. Get out early and launch at places like the south side of Jupiter Inlet. Fish the beach south and look for rolling fish and snook in the surf.
Offshore
Fishing offshore should produce plenty of bonita, kingfish, tuna, sailfish, and some wahoo in the mix. Slow trolling a live bait like a goggle eye or pilchard will be your best bet. Try trolling 80-250’ of water looking for weed lines or current breaks along reefs and ledges. Vertical jigging 200300’ should produce a variety of species as well of tuna, bonita, and kingfish being the likely catches midwater column. Try dropping a jig to the bottom for mutton snapper and amberjack.
Freshwater
Clown knifefish and peacock bass should be in their summer patterns. Look to find weed edges near deeper water and free line live shiners or shad. Try to get them back into the water quickly to ensure a good release in the warmer water temps.
Check out Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for all the latest adventures my clients and I get into.
Bullet Proof Your Kayak
MBy Mark Ambert
y weapon of choice is a well laid out kayak when I only have a few hours to hit the water. To be successful with fishing everything must be in its place and purposeful. There is limited real estate on a kayak – even worse than a boat. We are space constrained in what we can float so thought and care must be given to how things get rigged and what we bring. Safety first! Focus only on practical things that will help maximize your day and increase your ability to catch fish. Let’s explore how best to approach this fun but sometimes daunting task.
I’ve been kayak fishing hard core for thirteen years and have made many revisions over time. I’ve done everything wrong at least once. I’m a one-time learner. After getting dumped out of a kayak by a sixty-class fish I have a newfound respect for safety. With regards to this, everything must be tied down in the event of rolling a kayak. I should have prepared better but didn’t. This led to the loss of some great gear. Lessons learned. Also, make sure you can flip your kayak upright and reboard when fully loaded! Not an easy thing to do especially in rough water. To facilitate this, they sell kayak rescue stirrups – I suggest purchasing one specific to your rig and needs.
Do not be tempted to load up on gear. Only bring what you need. Be confident in bringing what you know works for the conditions at hand and leave the thirty-pound tackle bag at home. This is not a boat. Every extra piece of gear will weigh you down or get in your way – often at the most inopportune time. It usually leads to a lost fish – maybe the fish of a lifetime.
When purchasing and rigging rod holders, make sure they can be angled properly. While it looks impressive heading out with multiple rods standing tall in the rod holders, this is a recipe for trouble. You will tangle every one of those stationary rods trying to troll, cast, or land a fish, so don’t say I didn’t warn you! I also use fishing lure wraps to keep hooks safely out of harm’s way when not in use. I bring one backup and sometimes a specialty rod rigged to cast favorite top waters. That’s it. Keep them strapped alongside lengthwise or at least angled sufficiently in the rod holders so as not to interfere when fighting a big fish.
I cannot stress enough – have everything you’re not using strapped or tethered. Rods, gear, phones, etc. This will be a blessing when the time comes, and you don’t have to worry. Some of the safety gear I carry and in no order; anchoring system, rubber reusable twist ties like Gear Ties, Boom fishing lanyards, fishing rod leash, Belt Pack PFD with safety leash from West Marine, folding knife and fishing pliers, medical kit, electric tape, and a small portable LED stern light and a good headlamp when fishing after dark.
I additionally bring a Boga Grip – ideal for catch and release. I use a fish finder every single trip and have a battery and charger installed on the kayak. I also highly recommend a flexible rail mount system like RailBlaza for ancillaries including extra rods and a GoPro camera system.
Above everything else, remember you are dealing with limited space and tradeoffs are necessary. Fine tune as you go along and above all else –have fun and catch fish!
Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefishing_™ Equipment Used - Coastal Fishing https://www.coastalfishing.com/
Fishing the Palm Beaches Fishing Forecast
DARCIZZLE
Please be sure to check out my YouTube Channel “Darcizzle Offshore” for fishing videos every week! www.youtube.com/DarcizzleOffshore
August will bring light south and southeast winds and calm seas to South Florida. The air temps in the upper 80’s and low-90’s with humidity making it feel like 100-105 degrees and afternoon thunderstorms is what August will surely bring. What does this mean for fishing?
Offshore fishing is generally slow in South Florida during the warm summer months, but there is certainly opportunity! I suggest you get out there early before the hot sun sends the fish down deep. Mahi are typically on the small side in August, but if you search for those weed lines and debris up to 20 miles out you can still catch dinner on most days. This is the time for all the small boat owners to take advantage of calm seas and keep running out searching for fish and covering water. Closer to shore, there should be a decent king bite but be sure you target them in the early morning. Using live goggle eyes on a “kingfish rig” or trolling spoons will do the trick to catch kings. Bonita are thick and should remain so through August, they are lots of fun on light tackle, but if you are not a fan of this fish simply save them up for bait; chunks and strips—they usually get scarce as soon as you need them!
Summer also brings the best wahoo bite, especially around the full moons. We like to troll homemade baits include a bonita strip under a pink sea witch on a planer rod, a split-tail double-hook rigged mullet (with or without the sea witch) and the always popular ballyhoo under a blue/white or black/red Ilander lure. Don’t forget to do some bottom fishing before you go in, the snapper bite should be good, and you can catch dinner.
Inshore and at the inlets it’s snook spawn time! Live baits such as pilchards, greenies, sardines, and croakers will catch snook at the inlets. Be certain to go fishing when the water/current is moving fast as this gets the bait moving so plan your trip accordingly. Snook fishing is a lot of fun and does not take a lot of gas, money, or time. Of course, next month we will all be looking for the start of the annual mullet run of bait fish, it’s a very exciting time both inshore and along the beach.
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ECO TOURISM
with Chris Thalmann
It’s been nearly 25 years since my wife and I decided to move to Florida and the time has absolutely flown by! We’ve lived here longer than anywhere else, and though we’ll never be “natives”, we’re ok just being “locals”. It’s hard for us to imagine living anywhere else!
I often get asked what made us choose Florida. And truthfully, beyond career choices and the climate, what really tipped the scales for us was a random drawbridge lift.
We were house hunting back in 2000 and it wasn’t going well at all. It was much more affordable to live out west in those days. But we didn’t want to live-west, work-east, and endure the same hour-plus commutes that we had in Charlotte, NC.
SOUTH COUNTY
INSHORE & FRESHWATER
Fishing Forecast with
CAPT. PATRICK SMITH
www.swamptosea.com • 561-503-0848
AWe also did not want to build new. Renovating an older home was appealing, but there’s a big difference between “renovations” and “RENOVATIONS”. And everything we’d looked at in our price range needed big-time RENOVATIONS!
Knowing ice cream has never, ever made any situation worse, we stopped for two cones before exploring north of Jupiter.
The bridge at Jupiter Inlet opened as we approached, so we hopped out to take a look around. Just quietly taking it all in - the sunny Saturday afternoon, the lighthouse, the inlet, the boats, and of course the sparkling, clear blue water. We were blown away.
And then, like an on-cue extra, a giant manta ray swam westward toward the bridge. Its black outline was impossible to mistake, and we watched as it swam under the bridge, then turned around to swim east under the bridge again, then west, then east, over and over and over. It was feeding, back and forth, very methodically.
To anyone who saw us on that bridge many years ago, I apologize. Two sunburned, sweaty lunatics running from one side of the bridge to the other with ice cream? No wonder people stayed in their cars! We got back in the rental before anyone called the police.
But those moments with the manta were the magic we needed that day. We both love wildlife and nature and immediately agreed we could see ourselves living here. We also realized we had a lot more to learn about living in Florida!
We’re still learning. Though the manta that day looked enormous, it wasn’t until years later that I learned it was likely a young manta. Researchers from The Florida Manta Project believe our local waters are a nursery for giant manta rays.
Young mantas frequent shallow areas close to shore, near piers, and jetties. They often feed at the surface and can be very curious, which makes them vulnerable to boat strikes. If you’re lucky enough to see one this summer, please slow down, alter your course, or just stop to enjoy the experience. And, also check out the Florida Manta Project website to learn more.
Hope to see you on the water!
ugust fishing needs to be done early in the morning and the last few hours of daylight. I have had great luck with tarpon on the beach early in the morning. There seems to be no wind, so I can spot the schools cruising. Snook will be on the bridges, inlets, and on the beach depending on the moon and tide, big live bait and big artificials will be the key. More goliaths will also be around in August with juveniles on inshore seawalls and rock piles, and full-sized groupers out on wrecks and deeper structures. In freshwater, peacock bass will be biting early, where the largemouth bass bite will be a little slower than usual. If you want some good action and to avoid some of the heat, clown knifefish tend to be nocturnal and will turn on once the sun has gone down. Dusk and dawn can also produce decent hybrid striper bites, but as soon as the sun comes up, it’s over. There’s plenty of live shad that you can net at the lakes and all the local tackle shops will carry domestic shiners. A little tip, when it comes to the shiners is making sure you acclimate them to the water you will be fishing by adding a little bit to your live well. If not, the shiners will go into shock and die from the temperature difference. Good luck out there!
Ready for some fun in the sun? Dive into adventure at the Boynton Harbor Marina—your go-to spot for fishing charters, scuba diving, watercraft rentals, and waterfront dining!
We are blessed to have some of the biggest snook on the planet right here locally.
Summertime peacock bass fishing is hard to beat.
ROADTRIPFISHING
Bahamas Crossings
Buddy Banana Kibosh
By Keith Lozott Contributing Writer
Is it Safe to Go?
It’s that time of year! Summer is here, bringing calmer seas and lighter winds, making a boat run from the U.S. to the Bahamas more accessible. However, even in ideal weather, a crossing is not something to take lightly. Whether you’re headed to West End, Bimini, or the Abacos, preparation is everything.
ROADTRIPFISHING
Typically, I don’t believe in superstitions, but a er a recent shing trip with my buddy Neil, I may be a believer!!! e morning started slow; I caught a small snapper and small snook. Neil was in skunk mode, so we decided to try a spoil island where I’ve caught some trout, snook, and a gag grouper on a prior trip. To our dismay it was dead as well. Just as we were about to exit stage le , Neil was working a topwater lure back to the boat when what appeared to be a large bull shark came up from the bottom and tried to hammer the lure. Unbelievably it totally missed the lure and disappeared. It was impressive to witness such a big specimen of a sh take a swipe at the lure.
recent crossing to Freeport, we were prepared to pull into West End if we needed to wait out a storm. The same goes for the ride home, don’t be afraid to adjust your route. You can always enter through a different inlet, refuel, and take the ICW to your final destination. These trips don’t have to be linear!
Buddy Banana Kibosh
By Keith Lozott Contributing Writer
TheGaleForce Twins USCGLicensedCaptains
Always check the weather — not just at your departure point and destination, but also along your route, especially the Gulf Stream. We use BarometerBob.org to monitor Gulf Stream activity. Just because it’s calm near shore doesn’t mean it’ll be smooth offshore.
A er the “Shark Week” experience, we continued to struggle so I decided to implement Plan C and move from the east side of the Indian River to the west side. I’ve had some nice shing on the west side with trout, reds, and snook. We made our way across the river stopping at another spoil island only to be greeted with a jack attack. I landed several jacks and Neil hooked one that got o . His skunk was still intact but with jacks around I gured that would change. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
Offshore communication is critical. Make sure someone on land knows your float plan and can act if needed. Keep your VHF on channel 16 and know how to make a proper MAYDAY call because that’s not something you want to figure out in the moment.
Typically, I don’t believe in superstitions, but a er a recent shing trip with my buddy Neil, I may be a believer!!! e morning started slow; I caught a small snapper and small snook. Neil was in skunk mode, so we decided to try a spoil island where I’ve caught some trout, snook, and a gag grouper on a prior trip. To our dismay it was dead as well. Just as we were about to exit stage le , Neil was working a topwater lure back to the boat when what appeared to be a large bull shark came up from the bottom and tried to hammer the lure. Unbelievably it totally missed the lure and disappeared. It was impressive to witness such a big specimen of a sh take a swipe at the lure.
There’s more to consider than just wind speed and wave height. One often overlooked factor is wind and wave direction, which can truly make or break a crossing, especially in smaller boats. We recently made the 170-mile run from the Berry Islands back to West Palm Beach in our 29’ Caymas. The forecast called for 3-foot seas and 10-15 knots of wind. We usually avoid conditions like that, but with the wind out of the southeast, we had a following and quartering sea, which made for a much smoother ride.
A er the “Shark Week” experience, we continued to struggle so I decided to implement Plan C and move from the east side of the Indian River to the west side. I’ve had some nice shing on the west side with trout, reds, and snook. We made our way across the river stopping at another spoil island only to be greeted with a jack attack. I landed several jacks and Neil hooked one that got o . His skunk was still intact but with jacks around I gured that would change. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
Know your fuel! Don’t rely solely on electronics. Understand your burn rate. Ask yourself: How many miles will this run take? What’s my average MPG? Do I have enough fuel to reroute if needed?
Finally, consider your vessel setup. Twin engines are ideal. If you’re running a single engine, buddy boating with a support vessel is highly recommended for peace of mind.
We used the trolling motor to quietly make our way towards the mangroves hoping to get a glimpse of a red, snook, trout, ounder, or any inshore species willing to bite. As we approached the shore, we noticed another bull shark working the shore and of course I had to make a cast or two at him, but he had no interest in my o ering. We kept working the shore and nally it happened for Neil!!! He made a long cast and almost as soon as the lure hit the water, he was on with a nice sh, but we couldn’t see what it was. He started gaining ground getting it closer; enjoying the ght and then it happened! e sh came unbuttoned and at this point I was like dude, what did you do in a previous life to deserve this??? We made our way toward a dock that I know holds snook. I made a long cast and right then I was hooked up with a huge sh. It was a big snook; I got her to the boat, revived her, and released her to ght another day.
Flexibility is key! Know your options along the way. Have a plan for fuel stops or safe harbors in case the weather changes. On a
We used the trolling motor to quietly make our way towards the mangroves hoping to get a glimpse of a red, snook, trout, ounder, or any inshore species willing to bite. As we approached the shore, we noticed another bull shark working the shore and of course I had to make a cast or two at him, but he had no interest in my o ering. We kept working the shore and nally it happened for Neil!!! He made a long cast and almost as soon as the lure hit the water, he was on with a nice sh, but we couldn’t see what it was. He started gaining ground getting it closer; enjoying the ght and then it happened! e sh came unbuttoned and at this point I was like dude, what did you do in a previous life to deserve this??? We made our way toward a dock that I know holds snook. I made a long cast and right then I was hooked up with a huge sh. It was a big snook; I got her to the boat, revived her, and released her to ght another day.
The crossing to the Bahamas is an incredible experience and one that rewards preparation and respect for the sea. Plan wisely, check conditions thoroughly, and you’ll be in paradise before you know it.
Success! I said, “let’s go to lunch and call it a day”. I asked Neil if he was hungry and then he disclosed to me that he ate a banana for breakfast! Neil knows not to bring bananas on the boat (it’s bad luck), but it didn’t occur to him that the curse would remain in e ect with it digesting in his stomach. Myth con rmed or was it bad luck? He should’ve brought his lucky rabbit foot!!!
Keith Lozott The Fishing Realtor
Success! I said, “let’s go to lunch and call it a day”. I asked Neil if he was hungry and then he disclosed to me that he ate a banana for breakfast! Neil knows not to bring bananas on the boat (it’s bad luck), but it didn’t occur to him that the curse would remain in e ect with it digesting in his stomach. Myth con rmed or was it bad luck? He should’ve brought his lucky rabbit foot!!!
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Fishing Forecast with Freshwater
August heat is like no other weather. This time of year, I prefer to start fishing early and be off the water by 11 a.m. The mornings are cooler, the fish are active, and you can avoid the most intense sun. However, if you’re not an early bird and don’t mind the chance of getting rained on, late afternoon is my second favorite time to fish. Let those afternoon storms roll through and cool everything off for an hour or so, and you’ll often find the fish ready to feed again once the clouds break.
Aside from all the talk about the heat, the fishing right now is excellent on the Lake Ida chain. Peacock bass thrive in our tropical climate, and summer is when they really put on weight in preparation for their next spawn. They’re aggressive, willing to chase baits, and often congregate in predictable areas if you know what to look for.
One important factor to pay close attention to when targeting peacocks during the summer months is the water level. Water levels on the Lake Ida chain can fluctuate by about a foot from the “normal” mark. When the level drops, the fish will often move out of the canals into the main lake or deeper stretches of water. When the level rises, you’ll typically find them in the canals under docks and around any kind of artificial structure that offers shade and ambush points.
Another fantastic summertime fishery, and one of my favorite species to target, is the bullseye snakehead. The ideal conditions for chasing snakeheads are overcast skies and rainy days that get all the aquatic life moving. Snakehead fishing has exploded in popularity over the last three to five years, and it’s no surprise why. These fish are some of the hardest fighting you’ll ever encounter in freshwater, and they’re just plain fun to catch, especially when you see them explode on topwater lures.
This time of year is prime for getting multiple blowups and catches in a single afternoon of fishing. Areas like Coral Springs and several canal systems in western Broward County are ground zero for this species. The gear you use makes a big difference with snakeheads. Heavy casting tackle is a must. My go-to setup is a Shimano Curado 200M (or the 201M if you prefer a left-hand retrieve like I do), paired with a Shimano Expride 7’2” Heavy rod, spooled with 50-pound braid, and rigged with an American Snakehead Customs frog. That combination has never let me down.
It’s an easy fishery to tackle whether you’re fishing by land or by boat, and there are plenty of publicly accessible spots across Broward and Palm Beach counties. If you’ve never tried it, this summer is the perfect time to see why so many anglers have become addicted to chasing these powerful, exotic fish.
PALM BEACH IN & OFFSHORE
August in Palm Beach offers some of the most dynamic saltwater fishing opportunities of the year. The warm waters, influenced by the Gulf Stream’s proximity, create ideal conditions for a variety of species.
Wahoo makes for some great table fair. Look at the smile on these guys faces.
Inshore - August marks the peak of snook season, especially around inlets of Palm Beach and Jupiter. Snook are often found near docks, bridges, and mangroves during early morning and late evening hours. Live bait such as pilchards, mullet, and pinfish yield the best results. The silver kings are active during early mornings and dusk. Look for rolling tarpon along the beaches and around the Lake Worth Inlet. Live crabs or large threadfin herring are effective baits. You can find yellowtail snapper around structure, they bite well on small live baits and cut bait. Light tackle enhances the fight and makes for an exciting catch.
Offshore - August remains a productive month for mahi-mahi, especially after afternoon thunderstorms push floating debris offshore. Troll brightly colored skirted baits or rigged ballyhoo in depths ranging from 200-600’. With the full moon cycles, wahoo fishing peaks. High-speed trolling with darkcolored lures along the drop-offs yields excellent results, particularly at dawn and dusk. Kingfish are abundant near wrecks and reefs by slow troll live baits like goggle eyes or blue runners along the 80-120’ drop.
With the right strategy and preparation, you’ll enjoy a fruitful day on the water. Tight lines!
August has arrived! August brings the heat and stellar rod bending action. The kids are back to school, our local waters have less traffic and pressure, which all makes for great fishing.
Snook will be abundant along beaches, passes, docks, seawalls, and mangrove shorelines. Working these areas with live bait, Rapala X-Raps, and DOA 3” shad tails will get the strike. Snook can be sight fished at times making for spectacular hook ups as anglers witness the strikes.
Cheyenne and Lea with a
Tarpon, a.k.a. the Silver King, are an angler favorite as they always put on a show. These acrobatic fish are willing to take live baits free lined with the tide or a DOA Terror Eyz worked in their vicinity. Tarpon offer great drag screaming runs bringing smiles and excitement to anglers engaged in battle. Tarpon can be found roaming beach shorelines, deep passes, seawalls, and mangrove shorelines.
Anglers looking for a good variety of species can also target the local snapper, jacks, mackerel, drum, blue fish, and plenty of sharks. Sharks are always a favorite for anglers as they put up a great fight, and people are fascinated with these toothy creatures.
Well, that is the forecast for August fishing in our local area. Remember, you can’t catch them from the couch, so get out there and get hooked up. Tight lines!
are making a strong showing offshore, with schools popping up frequently. Blackfin tuna have been feeding aggressively, offering great fun on lighter tackle. Big sharks have been making their presence known too, putting anglers to the test with long, powerful fights. And, don’t forget the kingfish, they’ve been thick and active, striking hard and making explosive runs.
Whether you’re drifting the reef or chasing pelagics offshore, now is the time to get out and fish. The variety and volume of action lately has been some of the best we’ve seen all season.
Drift fishing has been red-hot lately, delivering nonstop action for anglers of all skill levels. The reefs and wrecks are producing excellent numbers of mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Red grouper are also showing up in strong numbers, keeping rods bent and coolers full. The weather has been incredibly cooperative, with calm seas and clear skies making for ideal conditions on the water.
On the sportfishing side, the bite has been just as exciting. Mahi-mahi
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FWC Implements
New Law to Reduce Derelict Vessels
The 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 e ect on July 1, 2025. is 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:
• Clari ed Ownership Standards: e de nition of “vessel owner” is clari ed, 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 E ective Means of Propulsion (EMP) evaluation upon request by law enforcement. If an o!cer has reason to believe the vessel lacks an e ective means of propulsion and the owner is present, the evaluation must be conducted immediately or within 48 hours if noti ed 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 O enders: First o ense - First-degree misdemeanor; Second o ense - ird-degree felony; ird o ense - Seconddegree felony.
• No Liveaboard on Derelict Vessels: It is now a rst-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 e orts 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. “ is new legislation enhances our e orts 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. ese vessels pose serious risks to seagrass beds, marine life, navigation, public safety and property. e Boating and Waterways Section is leading this statewide e ort 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.”
NW FLORIDA ANGLER BREAKS 40-YEAR-OLD SPOTTED BASS STATE RECORD
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC)
O!cer Wil Raker certi ed a new state record spotted bass, caught by angler Joe Durden from Blountstown.
e sh 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 Fi h Annual Liberty County Bulldog Booster Bass Tournament out of Bristol Landing.
“I knew right away this was potentially a state record,” said Durden. “ is was the biggest spotted bass I had ever seen on the river.”
Durden, an avid bass tournament sherman, caught his spotted bass on a crankbait while using LiveScope technology. A er landing the sh, an FWC freshwater sheries biologist met with Durden to discuss his catch and verify it was a spotted bass.
“Catching a state record sh is a tremendous accomplishment for any angler,” said Andy Strickland, sheries biologist with FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “Particularly a record that’s held the test of time for 40 years.”
e 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.”
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Soon a er 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 o ered with Dometic’s DG3. “We are honored to have a respected builder like Regulator come onboard,” said Dometic Marine Segment President Eric Fetchko. “ eir latest center console agship 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 o shore use without the need for an onboard generator,” added Fetchko.
e 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. is means you’ll
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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. is 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 e ective.
Durability and reduced maintenance were also key goals for Dometic engineers. Dometic’s
durability, minimizes required service, and reduces total cost of ownership. Featuring a slower-spinning ywheel, 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. e 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 o shore shing adventure to a whole new level, visit www.dometic.com.
THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS: Naturally in Rhythm ~
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands embody a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and laid-back serenity. ese islands are more than just a picturesque getaway; they are a living testament to nature’s rhythm and resilience, e ortlessly 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. e 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. e 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.
e US Virgin Islands’ environment is a symphony of biodiversity with world class shing and diving. ese natural elements are not static; they dance in harmony, in uenced by the tides, wind, and seasonal changes—further emphasizing the islands’ intrinsic rhythm. is delicate balance underscores the importance of conservation e orts, ensuring that future generations continue to experience the islands’ natural cadence.
Culturally, the US Virgin Islands are equally in tune. e music, dance and festivals re ect a vibrant heritage rooted in African, European and Caribbean traditions. e spirited calypso beats
and reggae rhythms are expressions of life's ongoing dance—celebrating resilience, community and joy. ese cultural expressions are an extension of the islands’ natural rhythm, showcasing how human life here moves seamlessly with nature’s ow.
In a world o en 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. eir natural, cultural and ecological rhythms o er
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 ow and the enduring spirit of these remarkable islands. In the US Virgin Islands, being in rhythm isn’t just an ideal; it’s a way of life.
In 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 a er they spawn, they are hungry! is can create some awesome and fun !shing opportunities that have led me to some of my best days on the water.
Typically a er 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 o en times the shad, if they are in your lakes, will start to spawn very shortly a er the bass !nish up. Bass will use every advantage they can when these bait!sh group up to feed back up a er 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
TYLER WOOLCOTT
TIPS FROM A PRO HOW TO FIND AND TARGET THE POST-SPAWN FEED
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 ickering 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
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.tylerwoolcott shing.com.
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