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fve things you should know about boat insurance
Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are fve things to know about boat insurance.
1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected fnancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.
2. Accidents can happen to anyone
When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to specifed limits. It can also cover lawsuit costs if you’re sued.
3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments
Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you’re in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
4. Most lenders require boat insurance
If you fnanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.
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HOLIDAY FOR ANGLERS GIFTS
Reel in the Perfect Holiday Gifts for Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts!
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by showing the anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in your life that you truly understand their passion? Finding the right gift can feel as tricky as reeling in a trophy fsh, but fear not! We’ve got some fantastic ideas that will have them casting their lines with glee.
As the holiday season rolls around, remember that the best gifts come from the heart. Whether it’s a high-tech fshing gadget, some fshing apparel or even a new boat or motor, these thoughtful presents are sure to delight the anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in your life. So, cast your line into the sea of gift ideas...you’re bound to reel in something special!
LAST CHANCE FOR GROUPER ROMANCE
Depending on where you live, December could be the last month for all grouper harvest. I think red and black grouper will still be available in Florida’s East Coast, while red and scamp grouper will be available in Georgia and the Carolinas. !is is when the bite is the best. I’ve always said that the week of Christmas is the apex of grouper shing and I’ll stand by that statement. !e month of November was on re here in the Carolinas. Even though we can’t keep gag, grouper and American red snapper have been plentiful. !e good news is the light line has been working well.
!e key to nding good bait is a tackle shop that keeps beautiful, frozen cigar minnows and sardines. !ese baits are the ticket to good bottom bites and the light line going o . Needless to say, live cigars and live sardines are extremely e ective on the light line and under the kite, but frozen ones work well also. Live menhaden and pin sh are always a smart play to have in the live well before heading o shore. If you nd live cigar minnows and live sardines, all the better, but if you don’t, at least you have those two for live baits on the bottom and for the light line.
A live sardine or a live cigar on the correct jig has a life expectancy of just a few seconds. !is is where it pays o to nd a shop that carries beautiful (frozen) bait. When you open up a box of frozen cigar minnows and see beautiful, clear eyes and yellow on the tails you’ve got a box of bites in your hands. If you have a frozen box of cloudy-eyed, mushy cigar minnows, then you might not nd what you’re looking for on the bottom or on the light line. If you nd large schools of cigars or sardines, it o en pays to spend a little bit of time to catch them. !is always results in bites, whereas the frozen minnows work most of the time.
!e Sabiki can be the most valuable player of all. Just like you use a dehooker to remove your grouper and snapper from the hook, use a dehooker to remove your cigar, minnows and sardines from the Sabiki hook. !is keeps those small needles and sharp hooks out of your hands and it’s better for the minnows and the live well not to handle them with your hands.
Don’t be surprised if you catch these sh in extremely shallow water this month. !e 66- to 68-degree temperature break can be magical this month for the light line. No telling what you’ll catch. Everything can be there, from kings to wahoo and everything in between.
I said all that to say this: Get out there with some pretty bait and go harvesting some good dinners!
See more from Tim Barefoot at www.barefootcatsandtackle.com and on YouTube @timbarefoot5698.
Tim Barefoot
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If you’ve ever dreamed of hauling in a barn door halibut or tangling with ferocious Paci!c cod in one of the most scenic places on earth, then May is your month to come !shing in Ketchikan, Alaska! e bottom !shing for halibut and cod in May is nothing short of incredible. Paci!c cod by the thousands swarm underwater sand ats and lurking halibut feed on massive bait balls of herring. It is truly is a wild undertaking below based on the amount of life ourishing. It’s primetime for steady actions, freezer!lling fun and unforgettable memories on the water.
One of the best parts about !shing in Ketchikan is just how easy it is to get to this !shing Mecca. Ketchikan services daily ights from all major cities. Just a quick layover in Seattle and your landing in Ketchikan’s international airport the very same day.
Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters makes your trip e ortless from start to !nish. eir multi-day allinclusive packages cover everything: lodging, airport transfer, meals, !shing and !sh processing. In turn, all you have to think about is setting the hook and enjoying the day.
Whether it’s your !rst time !shing Alaska or you’re a seasoned angler chasing your personal best halibut, May in Ketchikan delivers. Nothing beats bottom !shing in Alaska’s !rst city when the bite is on! Book now and join us this spring. is trip makes an amazing holiday gi they will cherish forever.
Visit ketchikan shingtrips.com to learn more.
ALAB MA ALAB MA
WHERE TO FIND
BALDWIN COUNTY BALDWIN COUNTY
ACADEMT FOLEY
BALDWIN WELCOME CENTER
BASS PRO SHOPS
BEACH BUM OUTDOORS
BLUE GILL
BOA/BLUEWATER
BRUNSON’S NET SUPPLY
COASTAL LEADERS GROUP AT THE WHARF
EMERALD COAST MARINE
FELIX’S
GRANDER MARINE
GRANDER MARINE- WHARF
GULF SHORES BOAT SALES
GULF SHORES WALMART
HOOKED UP BAIT & TACKLE
J&M TACKLE
LARTIQUE’S SEAFOOD MARKET
LEGENDARY MARINA
LOST BAY TACKLE
MAGNOLIA BLOSSOM CAFE
MOMENTUM MAINE RV
MOBILE COUNTY MOBILE COUNTY
ACADEMY SPORTS
ACADEMY SPORTS FESTIVAL CENTER
ALABAMA AQUARIUM
BIG BAD BREAKFAST
CAJUN CORNER
CHEVRON
DAUPHIN ISLAND WELCOME CENTER
DIP SEAFOOD MUDBUGS
DOG RIVER MARINA & BOAT WORKS
EZN STORAGE & DETAIL
FULL THROTTLE
GRAND BAY WELCOME CENTER
GREER’S MARKET
JEMISON’S BAIT & TACKLE
LARTIQUE’S ON THE HILL
RECREATIONAL SALES & SERVICES
OBA BOAT SALES
OYSTER HOUSE
PARADISE MARINE CENTER
R&R SEAFOOD
RALPH & KACOO’S
ROBERTSDALE WALMART
SAFE HARBOR MARINA
SAM’S BAIT & TACKLE
SAN ROC CAY MARINA
SAUNDERS YACHTWORKS
WALMART FOLEY
SARALAND WALMART
SHIP & SHORE
SOUTHERN BAIT & TACKLE
UJ CHEVROLET
WEST MARINE
WETLINE APPAREL
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Gulf to Table The Secret Smoked Yellowfin Tuna Dip That Defines Coastal Living
By Shawna Whitsett, Coastal Angler Magazine
Hooked on the Holidays
There’s something magical about the Gulf Coast this time of year — the cooler air, the glittering water, and the promise of big yellowfin tuna running strong offshore. December and January mark prime yellowfin season across the Gulf, and for many local anglers, that means one thing: it’s time to go from Gulf to table with the freshest catch of the year.
Whether you’re reeling them in from the rigs south of Venice, chasing birds off the shelf in Orange Beach, or heading out of Destin for a winter meat run, these sleek, powerful fish are the crown jewel of the Gulf. Their fight is unmatched, their flavor incomparable — and their versatility in the kitchen makes them a holiday favorite among coastal foodies.
But among all the ways to enjoy yellowfin, grilled, seared rare, or sliced sashimi-style, one secret recipe has long held a place of honor at Gulf Coast gatherings: Smoked Yellowfin Tuna Dip.
Ingredients:
• 1 pint white wine
• 1 pint water
• ¼ cup salt
• 2½ lbs fresh yellowfin tuna, cut into ¾-inch steaks
• 1¼ cups Duke’s Mayonnaise (adjust to preferred consistency)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tbsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
• ¼ cup finely chopped green onion
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp Tabasco hot sauce
• ½ tsp light soy sauce
Preparation:
The Story Behind the Dip
Every local has their version, but this recipe — rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced — has been passed quietly between fishermen, dockside chefs, and backyard smoke-masters for decades. It’s not just food; it’s part of the Gulf Coast’s culinary DNA. Served at Christmas parties, tailgates, or New Year’s get-togethers, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and keeps people asking for the recipe (which, until now, was usually a well-kept secret).
Perfect for the Holidays
This smoked tuna dip embodies everything we love about Gulf Coast living — the connection to the water, the camaraderie of a shared catch, and the celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. It’s an elegant yet effortless dish that fits just as well at a casual dock party as it does at a holiday gathering.
Pair it with an ice-cold local craft beer or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and you’ve got the ultimate appetizer that tells a story with every bite.
So the next time you bring home that big yellowfin, remember: the best part of the trip might not be the fight — it’s sharing the flavor of the Gulf with the people you love.
By Shawna Whitsett, Coastal Angler Magazine
1. Brine & Smoke: Combine salt, wine, and water. Soak tuna steaks for one hour, then pat dry. Rub lightly with soy sauce and smoke on indirect heat (around 250°F), turning after one hour, until cooked through but still moist — don’t overdo it.
2. Mix It Up: Rough chop the smoked tuna to your preferred texture. In a stainless mixing bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, cream, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, onion, and Tabasco. Fold gently until blended.
3. Serve: Scoop into a chilled serving dish and surround with lavash, crackers, or sliced cucumbers. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of lemon oil for presentation.
Mastry
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WEEKLY SPECIALS YOU’LL LOVE
Sunday Brunch • 11am–2pm
COME EXPERIENCE WHAT’S NEW.
Come rediscover what made us a favorite in the first place
Come back home to Ralph & Kacoo’s.
NEW WINTER HOURS
Sun: 11am–7pm Mon: Closed Tue–Thu: 11am–9pm Fri & Sat: 11am–9:30pm
Ralph & Kacoo’s has been a Gulf Coast favorite since 1969, known for hearty portions, approachable pricing, and the unmistakable flavor of Louisiana seafood. Today, we’re proud to introduce a new chapter—one filled with renewed energy, refreshed leadership, and a stronger commitment to hospitality than ever before.
NEW MANAGEMENT • NEW ENERGY • NEW EXPERIENCE
A delicious mix of Southern favorites and seafood comforts.
Kids Eat Free Tuesdays • 4pm–Close
Bring the family — we’ll handle dinner Buck-a-Shuck Wednesdays
$1 Raw Oysters • $2 Charbroiled Oysters
Every Wednesday, all day long. Ladies Night Thursdays 2-for-1 Appetizers, Desserts & Specialty Drinks.
THE COMFORT YOU REMEMBER. THE QUALITY YOU DESERVE.
With a completely updated leadership team in both the Front of House and Back of House, we’ve strengthened service, improved consistency, and returned to the quality our community remembers. If you haven’t visited in a while… now is the time to come back.
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We’re elevating your dining experience with ongoing renovations and a refreshed atmosphere—cleaner, brighter, and more inviting, while still keeping the charm you love.
From complimentary hushpuppies to dependable, down-home seafood, Ralph & Kacoo’s still delivers the flavors you grew up loving. But now—with improved service, new leadership, and a renewed commitment to excellence—we’re better than ever.
Whether you’re visiting after a day on the water, reconnecting with family, or giving us another chance after being away, we invite you to come taste the difference.
Hunting with Dogs: Continuing a Coastal Tradition
Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, few traditions capture the connection between people, land, and wildlife like hunting with dogs. At Rising Outdoor Initiative, we’ve recently added a hunting dog to our growing family of outdoor educators, deepening our commitment to teaching heritage skills that tie us to the natural world.
Hunting with dogs is a time-honored practice in Coastal Alabama—rooted in teamwork, trust, and respect. Across the region, retrievers dive eagerly into bay waters to bring back ducks, while pointers and setters sweep through upland fields in graceful pursuit of quail. The excitement of the chase is only part of the experience; the real reward comes from the partnership built through patient training and countless mornings spent outdoors together.
Our newest four-legged team member will help us share that experience with others. Through workshops and community hunts, we aim to introduce participants—especially young or first-time hunters—to the rich traditions and responsible ethics of hunting with dogs. Beyond the field, it’s an opportunity to learn about habitat conservation, stewardship, and the importance of maintaining these coastal ecosystems for future generations.
In a world that moves fast, moments spent in the woods with a loyal dog remind us to slow down, listen, and connect. At Rising Outdoor Initiative, we’re proud to keep these traditions alive, one wagging tail and one sunrise at a time.
Please Visit ROI’s Website (www.risingoutdoorinitiative.org) for more information or to apply for an outdoor experience.
Outdoors Outdoors
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2025 Coastal Angler Gift Guide
The Best Winter Fishing Gifts for Alabama Anglers (Local Picks Only)
COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
ALABAMA GULF COAST EDITION
When December rolls in along the Alabama Gulf Coast, two things show up every year: colder water and a whole lot of people wondering what to buy the angler in their life. Whether they’re a diehard offshore fisherman who runs 100 miles to the rigs or an inshore weekend warrior looking for trout in the rivers, the best gifts don’t come from big-box catalogs—they come from right here on the Gulf.
This year, we rounded up the top local, Gulf-Coast-approved holiday gifts for every kind of angler. Consider this your official 2025 Coastal Angler gift guide.
A Gift Card to a Local Bait & Tackle Shop
Perfect for: Every angler you know
Nothing beats the flexibility of a local tackle shop card. Forget guessing lure colors or which fluorocarbon they prefer—give them the freedom to shop where they already trust:
• J&M Tackle (Orange Beach)
• Sam’s Stop & Shop (Dauphin Island)
• Tackle This Shoot That (Foley)
A $25–$100 gift card here goes a long way and directly supports the community.
A Winter Sheepshead Starter
Kit
Perfect for: Inshore and nearshore anglers
December kicks off sheepshead season in a big way. Put together a “ready-to-fish” kit with:
• 1/0–2/0 live bait hooks
• Fluorocarbon (20–25 lb)
• Sheepshead jigs
• A pack of fiddler crabs or shrimp (toss in a voucher!)
Make it convenient, useful, and seasonal.
Custom Gulf Coast Rods
Perfect for: The angler who already has everything
A hand-crafted rod designed for Alabama waters—whether speckled trout, bull reds, or deep-dropping offshore—never goes out of style.
Local options include:
• Sarge Custom Rods
• Chandler Rods
Add their name or boat name on the blank for a personal touch.
Charter Gift Certificates (Inshore or Offshore)
Perfect for: Your favorite fishing buddy or family member
Give the gift of an experience. December and January offer great inshore bites (trout, drum, redfish), and winter offshore trips often produce giant yellowfin tuna and swords. Charter captains love winter business, and the memories will last longer than any lure ever could.
Cold-Weather Gear That Actually Works Here
Perfect for: Anyone fishing from November through February
Our winter isn’t brutal, but it’s cold on the water—especially running offshore. Look for:
• Waterproof bibs
• Windproof jackets
• Fleece-lined buffs
• Deck boots (Available at EZN Outfitters)
• Aftco Helm Gloves (Available at EZN Outfitters)
Local marine shops and outfitters carry the right gear for our climate.
Supporting local shops keeps Alabama’s fishing community strong—and ensures your gifts actually get used. Whether your angler is wade-fishing for trout in December or chasing tuna offshore this winter, these Gulf-Coast-approved picks will make any fisherman smile on Christmas morning.
Tracking Biodiversity from Alabama Streams to Australian Wetlands
By: Jackie Howell
For Carlos Sankone, M.S., the health of aquatic ecosystems tells a story—one that flows from the shaded creeks of South Alabama to the river valleys of Australia. His research, spanning continents, reveals how subtle shifts in biodiversity can signal much larger environmental changes.
Measuring the Pulse of Alabama’s Streams
While completing his Master’s degree at the University of South Alabama, Sankone worked under Dr. John McCreadie to study the species diversity of aquatic insects in Mobile and Baldwin County streams. His project revisited a 2007 study by Chris Bedwell, offering a rare look at how insect communities have changed over nearly two decades.
Using kick nets, Sankone sampled ten streams, disturbing leaf packs—clusters of decomposing leaves that form vital microhabitats for aquatic life. His team collected and preserved stoneflies, dragonflies, dobsonflies, beetles, and caddisflies, later sorting them by family to assess species richness and abundance.
The results were sobering. Compared to the earlier survey, Sankone found a decline in biodiversity, particularly among the EPT complex—Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies)—a group widely used as an indicator of stream health. When we see EPT numbers drop, it typically means the water quality and surrounding habitat are changing, often due to development, runoff, or climate stress.
From Streams to Frogs Down Under
Today, Sankone’s research focus has shifted south—way south—to Australia, where he’s working with the Australian Museum and researcher Dr. Jodi Rowley. There, he helps analyze data from FrogID, one of the world’s largest citizen science databases for amphibians.
Since 2017, FrogID has collected over 1.3 million verified recordings of frog calls from across Australia. For his study, Sankone analyzed roughly 440,000 of those records, representing 167 frog species—about 65% of all known Australian frogs. Each recording includes GPS coordinates and is cross-checked by experts, allowing researchers to map precisely where frogs are calling in relation to streams, ponds, and wetlands.
Using ArcGIS mapping tools, the team measured how close calling frogs were to ephemeral (seasonal) and perennial (permanent) streams. They found that stream dependence was higher than previously thought, even among species not traditionally considered “stream frogs.” Species such as Uperoleia mahonyi and Platyplectrum spenceri showed unexpectedly strong associations with flowing water.
Their results also revealed that nearly half (49%) of Australia’s stream-dependent frogs are listed as threatened under the country’s federal conservation laws. A phylogenetic analysis showed a weak to moderate evolutionary signal, suggesting that stream reliance tends to cluster among closely related species.
Frogs are incredible indicators of stream health, their presence—or absence—tells us a lot about what’s happening in freshwater ecosystems.
From Alabama’s pine-lined creeks to Australia’s rainforest streams, Sankone’s work underscores a global truth: healthy waterways mean healthy life. Whether studying aquatic insects or frogs, his research reminds us that even the smallest species can reveal the biggest changes in the environments we all depend on.
BRAG BOARD BRAG BOARD DECEMBER 2025
Harry P. Ray
Caught in Fowl River, AL
Josh holmes P.B. Flounder caught in Bon Secour
Reagan Nelson caught in the Mobile Bay todd tait
Caught a Speck in Dog River
catching her first Croaker in the Lagoon, in Gulf Shores!
Brayleigh Bussie catching a white trout in the Lagoon in Gulf Shores.
Dauphin
Alabama
Lela Bussie
Austin Luke
Caught in the Mobile Bay
Josh holmes
Redfish caught in Bon Secour also! caught in Fort Morgan caught a Bull Red in Fish River
Lightweight, Ultra-Portable Roll-Up Fishing Boat
The Sea Eagle® Stealth Stalker™ 10 is now available with a lightweight, super portable, high pressure drop stitch oor. With this new in atable oor, the total weight of the boat is 13 pounds less than the traditional wooden oorboard. The oor rolls up with the boat making transporting and storing a breeze. The seats attach with 4 double d-ring straps for quick & easy set up. Use the STS10 with 1 or 2 anglers in bays, lakes, rivers, salt marshes - wherever the sh are.
STS10 Pro Lite Package includes everything you see below plus a storage bag for the boat, pump and repair kit. Add an electric or gas
LUNA NUEVA BY COSTA DEL MAR
If you’re searching for an ideal holiday gi! for a woman who enjoys spending time on the water, consider Costa Del Mar’s Luna Nueva polarized sunglasses. ese women’s shades use color-enhancing 580 lens technology to reduce haze and boost contrast and clarity. Choose between glass (580G) lenses for outstanding sharpness and scratch resistance, or lightweight polycarbonate (580P) for impact protection—either option o ers a high-de nition viewing experience.
Designed with simplicity in mind, Luna Nueva makes a great companion for anglers, featuring an elegant butter y-shaped frame cra!ed from ultra-thin material. is results in one of the slimmest pro les in Costa’s collection, delivering a sophisticated and distinctive appearance. Adjustable nose pads allow custom t ensuring maximum comfort and retention. costadelmar.com/en-us/sunglasses/6S9127-198537009143
MICRO RODS MAKE
A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT
s the holidays roll around, anglers everywhere are dreaming of that perfect new piece of gear to add to their arsenal. If you are looking for a compact, fun, and travel-friendly rod this holiday season, check out micro rods from Bean Pole. e Bean Pole takes the micro rod concept to the next level. It’s compact, durable, and designed for real anglers who appreciate simplicity with performance. It’s easy to store, fun to use, and rugged enough to handle both saltwater and freshwater adventures. Perfect for impromptu casts or for those who like to keep a rod handy wherever life (or travel) takes them. ey also have a vibrant fun color!
is Holiday season, skip the ordinary gi!s and give something unforgettable, a Bean Pole. Compact, exciting, and travel-ready, it’s more than just a micro rod, it’s an invitation to adventure!
Order at www.beansport shing.com while supplies last.
STOCKING STUFFERS FOR BASS ANGLERS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING
CAPT. TYLER WOOLCOTT
Shopping for a bass sherman isn’t easy.
Most of us already have enough rods and tackle boxes to ll a garage, and we’re picky about every lure we throw. But that’s what makes stocking stu ers the ideal gi!s: they are small, useful gi!s that actually get used on the water.
An absolute can’t miss item is shing line. A spool of Su x line is my recommendation, whether it’s 832 braid or Advance uorocarbon. is is one of those gi!s that every bass sherman truly appreciates. It’s the kind of thing we always need but hate spending money, making it a perfect stocking surprise.
If you want to add some color and action, grab a few packs of CrushCity so! plastics. eir Bronco Bugs, Cleanup Craws, and Freeloader minnows at out catch sh, and you can’t go wrong with their proven colors. Toss a couple of those in a stocking and you will win Christmas morning.
For the gear junkies, think about tools and tackle organization. A pair of Rapala pliers, some hook removers, or one of their waterproof tackle boxes are small but mighty gi!s that make a big di erence on the water. Every angler loves having their gear dialed in, and Rapala makes stu that actually holds up. Don’t forget about gi!ing some comfort on those long, sunny days. Chums makes a ton of great accessories like sunglass retainers, oating keychains, and waterproof phone pouches. es are perfect little add-ons that make life on the boat a little easier and can save a few pair of sunglasses from sinking.
At the end of the day, the best gi!s for a bass sherman aren’t necessarily the biggest or ashiest. Instead, they’re the thoughtful, practical items that make time on the water smoother, easier, and just a little more fun. By throwing a few of these suggestions in a stocking – and maybe adding a gas station co ee card for good measure- you’re sure to have any bass angler smiling wider than a ve-pounder at weigh-in.
Happy Holidays, Y’all!
Capt. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler, as well as owner/operator of Florida Big Fish Adventures, providing bass and saltwater guided shing trips. Reach him at (386) 235-7388 and check out his website: www. oridabig shadventures.com.
IGFA 2025 WORLD RECORDS RECAP
As 2025 winds down, let’s take a minute to honor a few amazing anglers who set IGFA records this year. e International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has recognized several new 2025 world records, including a black n snapper caught by Michael McFadden o the coast of Florida, a cobia by Koby Duncan in Australia, and an Arctic char and common carp length records set by Jay Siemens and Rowan Lytle, respectively in Canada and Connecticut.
Many new U.S. records for freshwater species are also included, such as the landlocked striped bass by Pamela Moss in Georgia and the Alabama bass, also by Moss in Georgia. Some 2025 IGFA US Saltwater Records include a 27 lb. red grouper by Zachary Daniel Murray o Florida, a 31 lb. 3 oz. greater amberjack by Julia Berstein out of Key West, and a 55.9 in. great barracuda by Nick LaBadie on y tackle o Key West. ese were all certi ed and submitted to the IGFA, with the grouper and amberjack being o cial weights and the barracuda being an all-tackle length record. e IGFA is publishing its 2025 World Record Book and has also added two new species—barred sand bass and spotted sand bass—to its catch-and-release All-Tackle Length World Record Category.
Will you be among these elite anglers in 2026?
For a complete database of 2025 record holders, visit igfa.org.
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On Our Wish List...
AN EPIC TRIP TO FISH AND ATTEND THE CRUCIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IN THE USVI
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.
SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing
It’s no fsh tale when you run with a John Deere. You can get everything done faster and easier, so you get more time on the water. Plus, our special offers make them the catch of the day.
