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Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, protecting your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
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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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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Suzuki Marine USA has announced that its re-launched V6 200HP 4-stroke outboard motor has earned a 2025 Top Products Award from Boating Industry Magazine Boating Industry unveiled its 2025 Award Winners to the world’s recreational boating industry in May and will feature all the winning products in an upcoming issue of the popular magazine.
“On behalf of Suzuki Marine USA and the Suzuki factory in Japan, we are grateful for this recognition from Boating Industry,” said Brandon Cerka, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Suzuki Marine USA. “We have always focused on listening to our customers, dealers and boatbuilder partners, and it was clear from our conversations there was a need for V6 200 to be offered alongside our popular inline 4-cylinder 200HP. With both these motors in our 2025 line-up, boaters can now choose the 200 that best suits their type of vessel and boating lifestyle,” Cerka added.
Suzuki’s V6 200HP is an ideal fit for boaters and anglers who want the torque, powerful hole shot, and strong acceleration of Suzuki’s 3.6-liter, 24-valve V6 powerhead for single and multiple engine installations. This 2025 model is a great choice for today’s heavy center consoles, large pontoon boats, and other popular vessels that can benefit from a little extra “kick in the rear.” Suzuki’s 2025 V6 200 is packed with proven Suzuki technology, along with some new features not previously found on earlier V6 models. Among these new-to-the-class features are easy integration with Suzuki’s new CANbus system for easier and more reliable rigging, Suzuki’s easy start system, automatic trim, keyless starting and
troll mode.
“This is Suzuki’s 60th Anniversary in the outboard motor business, something we are very proud of,” said Cerka. “A big part of our success over these many years has been keeping our finger on the pulse of the market and coming out with the right products at the right time. Receiving this recognition from a publication like Boating Industry demonstrates that we are on the right track.”
Captain Daniel of Rare Breed Charters is based out of Ponce Inlet, Florida. As a 100ton USCG Master Captain, Daniel brings a deep passion for adventure, precision, and the culture of the outdoors. Specializing in nearshore and offshore premium private fishing charters, Rare Breed offers more than just a day on the water—it delivers unforgettable experiences, led by a true outdoorsman.
Born and raised in Key West, Captain Daniel is a self-taught fisherman and lifelong archery enthusiast who has spent decades mastering his craft—both on land and at sea. His deep respect for nature, combined with his ability to teach, guide, and inspire, sets him apart from the average charter captain. Through Rare Breed Charters, he shares his expertise with anglers of all levels, creating experiences that blend high-level fishing with
a genuine love for the water and what it means to be part of the great outdoors.
Daniel is also the owner of Gobblers Lodge 3D Archery Range & Pro Shop, one of Florida’s top destinations for archery enthusiasts. With both Rare Breed Charters and Gobblers Lodge under Rare Breed Outdoors, his mission is clear: to live, teach, and pass on the heritage of the outdoors.
Rare Breed Outdoors is more than just a brand—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about embracing something authentic, adventurous, and unapologetically different. Rare Breed isn’t just a name—it’s a legacy. A legacy built on the belief that being unique in a world that values conformity is something to be proud of. It’s about doing things the right way, sharing knowledge, and elevating the outdoor experience for those who are called to the hunt or the water.
“We are not just hunters and fishermen. We are true purveyors of a culture that is most prestigious. Our greatest accomplishments come from sharing those passions and professions with others. We are Rare Breed.”
FISHING www.solfishing.com
Inshore, Nearshore, Offshore
CAPTAIN NICK SICILIANO
386-405-7786
Beast Coast Fishing Charters beastcoastfishingcharters.com Inshore/ Offshore
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Snapper, Grouper, Sharks, Cobia, Grouper, Pompano, Mahi, Triggerfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish
CAPTAIN DANIEL LEVESQUE
386-295-4581
Rare Breed Charters rarebreedcharters.com
Offshore/ Nearshore
Target Species: Grouper, Red Snapper, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, African Pompano, Alligator, Deer, Hog, Elk, & Wild Turkey
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Trout, Cobia, Tarpon, Snapper, Triggerfish, Mahi, Kingfish, & Wahoo. CAPTAIN TIM RUSSELL
SRC Adventures srcadventures.com
Nearshore/Offshore
Target Species: Wahoo, Mahi, Tuna, Cobia, Sailfish, Kingfish, Tuna, Amberjack, Pompano, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish
Sheephead, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Cobia,Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, Shark, Golden Tilefish CAPTAIN MARTY GOLDYS 386-679-0317
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters reelharmonyfishing.com Inshore/Nearshore
Target Species: Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Cobia, Tripletail & Shark
386-846-1675
Captain Daddy’s Fishing Charters captaindaddysfishing.com Inshore/Offshore
Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Snook, Tarpon, Cobia, Grouper, Wahoo, Snapper, Seabass, Kingfish, Mahi, Sailfish Captain Sean 386-318-1036Smith
CAPTAIN MARSHALL WALLOT
386-214-9595
New Legacy Fishing Charters newlegacyfishing.com Inshore/Nearshore
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Snapper, & Weakfish
Say hello to the Dog Days of Summer— we're into the hottest month of the year, but that shouldn’t stop you from catching fish. Best times are early morning, late afternoon, and nighttime. The most bites come on a free-lined live shrimp—no weight or swivels, just a fluorocarbon leader tied to your line and a hook. Also try small-sized lures. The lights are great for fly fishing, too.
Snapper have been growing larger all year in our inshore waters, with more keeper-size fish in the Intracoastal Waterway, Edgewater Backcountry, Mosquito Lagoon, and Ponce de Leon Inlet. These structure-oriented fish school around docks, jetties, underwater rocks, and drop-offs in the backwaters. Shrimp is always a go-to bait for river mangos, but if you're targeting the bigger ones, use small live baitfish or cut bait. The minimum size is 10" with a pinched tail, and the bag limit is five per person.
The late summer means Bull Redfish are prepping for the fall spawn at the inlet. Look for them in the channels from the inlet south into the ICW at New Smyrna, the bridges in Edgewater, and Haulover Canal. You can drift the channels or anchor. To drift, ride the tide—bait with small or halved blue crabs, live pinfish, pigfish, croakers, spots, or mullet. Outgoing tide is often best, mimicking
the natural drift of crabs. Use heavier tackle to shorten the fight—these fish range from 20 to 35+ lbs. In summer, warm water and low dissolved oxygen levels mean long battles can hurt the fish. Never hold a big fish vertically by the jaw with a gripper for photos. Always support it horizontally for the best chance at healthy release and future baby redfish.
Lagoon and backcountry fishing stays good in August. Free-line pigfish, croakers, and shrimp near drop-offs, docks, oyster bars, flats edges, and island shorelines for Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, Snapper, and Jack Crevalle. Twitch your rod often to keep the bait active and off the bottom. For rolling Tarpon in open water, try live baitfish on the surface or with a small weight down deeper. Shallow-water Redfish are year-round targets. In summer, start early with topwater lures—walk-the-dog styles and soft plastics. After the sun’s been up an hour or so, switch to subsurface: weedless soft plastics, spoons, or bait like tail-hooked shrimp, finger mullet, mud minnows, or cut bait. Look for tailing or waking fish near mullet schools in skinny water.
Night fishing under dock and bridge lights continues to produce. From Ponce Inlet to Ormond Beach on the Halifax River and south to Oak Hill and Bethune Beach on the Indian River,
lights attract shrimp, baitfish, Trout, Snook, and more. Late evening through early morning is best with less traffic. By the end of the month the early signs of the mullet run. The first “scout” mullet arrives from the north, traveling the surf line and entering the inlet area.
New Smyrna Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear. Along with carrying all of the equipment you need, NSO offers services like rod/ reel repair, line spooling, splicing, rigging, outrigger setup, and much more. If you are not looking for fishing tackle, that’s ok, NSO also offers the best in apparel, eyewear, drinkware, and more. Some of the quality brands include but aren’t limited to Costa, Bajio, Olukai, Free Fly, Marshwear, Aftco, Anetik, Yeti, Stanley, Hemlock, Salty Crew. New Smyrna Outfitters strives to carry the best brands and offer the best customer service.
NSB Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle, as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel and accessories. New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience to guide through whatever type of fishing you’re looking to do. SAME STREET, NEW LOCATION!
223a Canal St. | NewSmyrnaOutfitters.com (386) 402-8853 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday Closed Winter Caught Bally Hoo
Captain & The Kids strives to always promote youth anglers both at the local level as well as nationally through our “Youth Angler Program.” If it was not for passing down techniques, traditions, and the love for the water, it would slowly fade away. It is our mission to always instill conservation and ethical fishing to our youth!
Capt. Evan started the Youth Angler Program after finding out how many kids in the New Smyrna Beach area had never been fishing, never been on a boat, and was born and raised in the area. Since that day Capt. Evan strives to getting more and more youth anglers on the water each and every year! Sol Fishing will do everything possible to make every young man or ladies fishing dreams come true. It does not matter if the kids want to go offshore or inshore, Sol Fishing will target whichever species they want to catch. Some of the most recent species that the youth anglers have been wanting to target are red snapper, lane snapper, cobia, amberjack, sharks, barracuda, redfish, and snook.
The Youth Angler Program is made possible by all our retailers who stock Sol Fishing’s gear such as our Hats, Decals, and Performance shirts and many more products. Stop by New Smyrna Beach Outfitters Outriggers, Donald’s Bait & Tackle, 38 Live Bait & Tackle, E & J Bait & Tackle Sunglass Cabana, Shades of New Smyrna Beach, Boaters Exchange, and Pedego of NSB to get your Sol Fishing gear to help support the Youth Angler Program! Sol Fishing’s amazing sponsors such as Tidewater Boats, Legacy Marine, Black Oak LED, Penn, Plano, Fenwick, and many more all make this amazing program possible!
August is a hot and rainy month, but the water is warm typically (hopefully this upwelling subsides) and if everything aligns right the fishing should be good or even great! The fall mullet run is also right around the corner. Basically if I were you, I’d go fishing! As I suggested in the previous few months early morning is the key. Reds, snook and tarpon will be on patrol at the inlet. I’d get a variety of bait as every day seems to be different, but shrimp, pinfish, crackers, and mullet should be a good mix to get your lines tight. We use side scan to mark fish then go up current and drop bait back to where they are sitting. You can use 3-4 oz egg sinkers in ripping current to get bait down to the bottom, pinch weights to fish the middle water column, and free line to cover the surface. Pitch your lighter rigs up current ahead the boat in between your boat and the rocks, I’d say 15 yards is a good distance to sit to avoid snagging and let the bait just keep drifting back and repeat. I suggest 20-40 lb fluorocarbon with at least a 3 ft leader and a 4/0 circle hook. There should
be a good bite at the inlet and the nearshore reefs for flounder most of August, if you can find mud minnows you should get rewarded for getting a line wet. I’d also recommend spending some time throwing larger paddle tails at rolling tarpon early in the morning, there’s nothing like hooking
into 80+ lb fish before you finish your coffee! As always good luck and if you see is in the water say hello!!
CAPT. JAMIE THRAPPAS Yellow Dawg Fishing www.yellowdawgfishing.com (386) 366-3424
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Ihad surf fishers from South Africa, Turkey, Brazil, Canada, Argentina, and U.S. states like Georgia, Michigan, New York, and North Carolina. Come from all over the place to surf fish with me on the beach in Wilbur by the Sea (Florida) this month. It’s the end of our season, with the pompano leaving, the water warming up, and these people, from all points of the compass, showed up to try surf fishing.
Needless to say, the dwindling fish made me very nervous. I am always hoping to get these people some fish, because there’s nowhere on the beach to hide when you don’t catch. My mind is blown by all these people showing up in little Wilbur By the Sea and believe me when I tell you they all have a great time here.
We caught fish! Most of them took fillets home. Pompano, whiting and black drum. Things are turning very international! Ya, mon!
Most people had a few skills for fishing, but the beach is different. The poles are longer. You need to cast far and accurately. They learn how to bait, hook the correct way, use the drag, shut the bail, and reel them, in also. I show them the little crazy dance I do when I catch a fish, but they could do their own moves.
Right now it’s pretty slow. There’s an upwelling in the ocean. This is a phenomenon that happens when the water starts to warm up. All of a sudden you get a surge of bottom cold water, the warm water gets pushed down by the
plankton, making the cold water from the bottom reach the top, which turns the water 15° colder, from 80° down to 60° to 70°. Brrr! Setting up this morning with four poles. The sand fleas are out in full force—five minutes and I’ve got enough for the day. I use my sand flea rake, though some people scoop them by hand. Still cutting up a few crab knuckles, just in case a big permit shows up. But mostly, I’m using sand fleas, and they’re working great this morning.
I’ve got a group from nearby Orlando here to surf fish. They don’t know much yet, but I’m gonna fix them up good. I set up four poles—anyone that gets a bite is theirs. Right now, something’s tap, tap, tapping on the one all the way at the end (as usual). I’ve got a father, son, and grandfather with me today, and they’re champing at the bit. They didn’t have to wait long.
One of my students grabs the pole and yanks back hard like it’s National Geographic— exactly what you shouldn’t do. My hooks are self-setting; no need to horse the rod, just reel and it hooks itself.
Just as the old drum sets in, my left-hand rod with the crab knuckles goes off. Nice hit! It’s starting to Bamba—All on board!
I send one of my trusted students, and he reels in a beautiful, 15-inch, to-the-tail pompano. Ya, mon!
Hi! I’m Dawson Kai McMahon. This might be your first time seeing me, but I’ve actually been featured in this magazine a couple of times before. And right now I’m going to tell you about the day I caught that huge snook!
So first, my stepdad and I decided to go kayaking. I used my special blue kayak. Why is it special? Because my Pappy made it for me, and on the back it says “Kai-yak” instead of “kayak” because my middle name is Kai. Cool, right?
Anyway, we went out into the flats and headed to one of my favorite fishing spots, near high bridge. On the way, we saw tons of fish jumping, and a few even jumped right in front of my Kai-yak!
Before we left, I threw the cast net and caught a crab and some bait, which was awesome. Then, when we got to Stomach Lake, I just knew we were going to catch something.
And then BOOM! My bobber shot underwater faster than a bullet! I couldn’t believe it because it was only my first cast! But we didn’t start celebrating yet, because that snook had a good fight in him. He pulled me back and forth on my Kai-yak and it took about two minutes before we finally got him up to the boat.
We didn’t catch anything else the rest of the day, but I didn’t even care. I was still super happy that I caught that snook!
Dawson Kai McMahon
Captain Daniel here with Rare Breed Charters, where we run both private fishing trips and do commercial fishing. As someone who spends countless hours on the water, I’ve got a front-row seat to what’s really going on out there — and right now, all eyes has been on Red Snapper season.
The truth is, there’s an incredible abundance of Red Snapper offshore along our coast. These fish are thriving in numbers and size, making for some unforgettable
trips lately. We've been seeing consistent action over reefs and structure, with plenty of opportunities for anglers to reel in solid fish.
But with that success comes responsibility. Proper handling and smart fisheries management are absolutely key to sustaining not just the Red Snapper population, but all species in our fishery. When we follow best practices—like quick de-hooking, venting or descending when needed, and respecting limits—we ensure these fish remain healthy and continue to thrive for years to come.
At Rare Breed Charters, we're proud to operate with conservation in mind, whether it’s a private family trip or a commercial outing. It’s about preserving the experience for the next generation while still enjoying the incredible fishing we have right now.
“If you ain’t tight, you ain’t right”
rarebreedcharters.com
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BRICE APPLEGARTH (Captain Daddy's fishing charters)
GRASSO (Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters)
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TIFFANY FORELL (SRC Adventures)
DYLAN GATZ (Ferg’s Guide Service) Scan the QR code to submit your photo for a chance to be showcased on our Brag Board! Your submission automatically enters you into our monthly random drawing for a $50 Gift Card!
RYAN & JADE (Reel Harmony Fishing Charters)
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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.”
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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The 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. is solution has literally taken vessel stabilization to a “Whole New Level,” capturing the attention of boaters and boat builders around the world. e !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 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
get out on the water and out to distant !shing grounds faster. e 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. 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.
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
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.
“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”
— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals
In 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
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• 2 ½ ctw. Kyocera lab opals and DiamondAura® accents
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