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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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ENTER TO WIN
MayMadnessinKetchikan,Alaska: HALIBUT AND COD HEAVEN
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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.
Christmas
SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL. STAY LOCAL.
As the seasons change along our beautiful North Carolina coast, one thing remains constant—our strong local community. From small business owners and local guides to family-run restaurants and homegrown makers, these are the people who make our towns unique.
At Coastal Angler Magazine – Coastal NC Edition, we’re proud to highlight the stories, businesses, and traditions that make our coastal region special. Every page—whether you’re flipping through our printed edition or scrolling our digital magazine online—is dedicated to showcasing the people who live, work, and fish right here at home.
When you shop local, you’re doing more than making a purchase— you’re investing in your neighbors, your community, and the coastal lifestyle we all love.
So next time you’re looking for gear, gifts, or great eats, think local first. Support the shops and services that keep our coastal towns thriving. And keep reading Coastal Angler Magazine—in print or online—to stay connected to what matters most: our local waters, our local people, and our local way of life.
Mike & Krishea Holloway
SOUTHPORT
SOUTHPORT
Southport, NC - Dec 2025
2
1
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As the fall temps start to dip the nearshore game will slow up a bit. With that being said, it’s time to sharpen your hooks and head offshore to find the blistering runs of Wahoo and the tank like pull of the Blackfin tuna. High speed trolling hard baits and big chugged heads can entice some incredible bites. Also pulling rigged ballyhoo on Sea Witch skirts and weighted rigged lures will also produce amazing results. With the temps being in the mid-60s around the Frying Pan tower area, the winter grounds will be full of fast action live baiting King Mackerel. Offshore reefs will produce as well. Concentrate on hard temp breaks in the 80-200’ of water with hard currents and eddies. This time of year also produces some of the biggest Black Sea bass. Use double hook rigs with 6-10oz weights on humps and ledges in the 45-75’ water range for this delicious table fare which can be found from 5 miles to 50 miles out.
Temps will be cool in the mornings and warm throughout the day so dress accordingly and have your safety gear in check. Winter offshore fishing can be fast and furious so be prepared, have a float plan and watch the weather for a good day to go enjoy some great fishing.
Tight lines and heavy stringers!!
CAPT. AARON
Salty Southern Adventure saltysouthernadv@yahoo.com
Broiled Oysters
Ingredients:
2 dozen fresh oysters, shucked and on the half shell
1 stick unsalted butter
Hot sauce, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped fine
3 lemons (1 juiced and 2 sliced for garnish)
Preparation:
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped fine
1 teaspoon old bay or slap ya momma (your choice)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup panko or regular unseasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small sauce pot, combine butter, hot sauce, garlic, seafood seasoning blend and lemon juice and season with salt and ground pepper. Melt the butter mixture over medium-low heat and stir to combine. Taste and adjust with more lemon or hot sauce if needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and parsley. Use a fork to mix breadcrumb mixture and set aside.
Place oysters on the half shell on a cookie sheet. Spoon an even amount of melted butter over each oyster. Next, evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of each buttered oyster. Carefully place the oysters in the preheated oven and switch to broil. During this stage of the cooking, it is important to keep a close eye on the oysters under the broiler; they should only take 2 to 3 minutes to cook. Carefully remove the oysters from the broiler and let cool slightly. Serve broiled oysters with any leftover butter mixture and lemon wedges.
Been droned lately?
You may not be aware of it but believe me you probably have. Welcome to the new era of enforcement offshore and even inshore. These drones have many hours of flight time and hundreds of miles of range. It doesn’t matter where you are, they are absolutely silent and very hard to see. The drone will typically position itself between you and the sun so it’s hard to look directly at the sun and see it. The drones have been seen frequently in Wilmington, Morehead City, and Charleston.
I know the temptation is there to keep Gag grouper or American red snapper because they are so thick. Anyone can catch them now but trust me folks, big brother is watching and you need to stay on your toes. Don’t do anything stupid. The last trip we took was the third time we’ve seen the drones on top of us and for every one time you see them there’s probably another time you don’t. Speaking of how thick the Gags and American red snappers are, I made a video on my last trip right up against the beach in very shallow water. We caught crazy numbers of Gags and seven beautiful red snappers. I know there is growing concern, and or anger, about not being able to keep anything as recreational anglers while the commercial season remains open. I also somewhat understand quotas, but what I really question is the data this being fed into these equations and how they come up with their assessments. I’ve been banging on these grouper and snapper for over 40 years now and I can honestly say the numbers have never been better, yet we are restricted to zero Gags and Americans to keep for dinner.
I’m going to reach out to some of my diver friends up and down the coast to help with the effort to show these non-elected bureaucratic agencies how many Gags and American reds there are on our bottom inshore and offshore. They certainly have no interest in underwater filming simply because it would reveal the truth About how many fish
there are. I think all this is an intentional game of keeping recreational anglers angry at commercial fisherman defending their livelihood and keeping us divided. What we should do is unite against the true enemy. Our enemy is a bureaucratic series of agencies That will not rest until they put a lot of people out of business through bankruptcy so they can buy their land to develop it for commercial use like condos. This is just my personal opinion as a tinfoil hat wearing conspiracy theorist, but I’ve always been told if you want to figure out the problem with anything just follow the money. This is one of the only logical outcomes I see. It certainly isn’t a matter of those two species being endangered because they are not, they are thriving and doing better than I’ve seen in a very long time. I think American red snappers are thriving so much they are affecting other species like the Beeliners, Seabass, pinkies and others. I truly believe these agencies create problems because without problems their jobs are not justified. OK I’ll stop now but I wanted to let you know that big brother is watching, believe me, but I also said all of that to say December is the best offshore fishing month of the year, and it’s a lot of fun to go. Catch these hard pull fish and release them properly.
Dress your kids up in well-fitting waterproof, outer shell clothing, take them offshore and let them experience the trip of a lifetime.
All the best fishing,
Follow us on Youtube: Tim Barefoot Follow us on Facebook:barefootcatsandtackle
Wrightsville Beach, NC - Dec 2025
www.USHarbors.com
Iget asked all the time about the gear I use so I think I will break that down a little this month.
For casting artificial inshore I like a fast action 7’-7’6” Medium and Medium Light rod depending on rod construction and a 2500 or 3000 series Shimano with 12# Fins Windtamer braid. I have found Shimano holds up better than most reels on the market to abuse. I also like Stradic, Sustain and Miraval reels. For my rods I prefer Stillwater Rods built by Jason Dail in Wilmington. I also use Fenwick, St Croix, G Loomis, Star, and 13 Fishing Rods. All these brands are available in different sizes and actions. Middle of the line price points and above will serve you a long time. The lighter the setup the better for fast inshore action.
When I’m bait fishing inshore with clients I have to upsize things a bit. The 12# braid is not going to hold up to tossing a 2oz weight so I like to use 3000 series Shimanos, 30# FINS Sling braid and 7’ Medium and Medium Heavy rods. Again, I stick with the brands already mentioned above. We are usually fishing under docks and other inshore structure so upsizing everything gives you ability to lock down the drag and get fish out of the structure.
When targeting the big bull/old drum you definitely have to step the tackle up. A shorter fight time is also better for survival as these fish are going to be catch and release only. I like Medium Heavy Stillwater Rods, St Croix, 13 Fishing and Fenwick 6’6”-7’2” paired with a 4000 series Shimano. I run 30# FINS Sling Braid on these setups and it is perfect for throwing popping corks and the large baits we use for these fish.
Your LOCAL bait and tackle store can also help you choose the right gear for your style of fishing. Tight Lines.
CAPTAIN ALLEN JERNIGAN
Breadman Ventures Guide Service
910-467-1482
Follow on Facebook: Breadman-Ventures-Guide-Service
New River Inlet, NC - Dec 2025
Supporting Our Coastal Carolina Communities
As the holidays roll in and the salty breeze starts to carry a little chill, there’s something special about spending this season along the North Carolina coast. The lights glimmer across the marinas, local shops are filled with festive charm, and everywhere you look, our coastal businesses are working hard to make gift giving a little more meaningful.
Shopping local isn’t just about checking names off your list — it’s about giving back to the community that gives us so much all year long. Every time you choose a local store or service, you’re helping keep a dream alive, families employed, and our smalltown spirit strong. And the best part? You’ll find some of the best gifts right here at home.
Take Yopp Brothers Marine and The Anchor Gift Shop in Sneads Ferry — a true local treasure where everything you need for the water (and then some) is all under one roof. Whether you’re looking for fishing gear, marine accessories, or the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for boater, Yopp Brothers has it
FREE SHIPPING ON MOST ORDERS OVER $75!
NORTH CAROLINA’S ULTIMATE
On land, College Road Tire & Auto in Wilmington keeps locals safe and rolling through the season. With same-day services, warranty partnerships, and friendly, trustworthy staff, they make auto care easy and stress-free — just what you need before those holiday road trips.
And for those looking to make a statement at home, MNC Metal Design is where craftsmanship meets creativity. Known for their architecturally stunning staircases, railing systems, and custom metal fabrication, they transform raw materials into works of art — each piece built to your specifications, right here in North Carolina.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate the businesses that make our coastal communities so special. From the bait shops and marinas to the fabricators, craftsmen, and familyrun gift stores — these are the folks who keep our coast running strong.
So before you click “add to cart” with a big-box retailer, take a moment to explore what’s right here at home. The perfect gift — and the warm feeling that comes with supporting your neighbors — might be closer than you think.
Shop Local. Give Local. Celebrate Coastal.
Because when we support each other, we all thrive — today, tomorrow, and for many holiday seasons to come.
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From architecturally significant staircases and railing systems to specialized industrial fabrication, we are a fullservice provider with the capability to bring your vision to life. Our team has extensive experience in both metal and wood construction, offering expertise in conventional, curved, spiral, and custom stair systems as well as balconies, railings, and specialty architectural components.
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SALT WATER FISHING
Species Dec Jan
Amberjack Fair Fair
Black Drum Great Great
Bluefish Good Fair
Cobia Poor Out of Season
Flounder Fair Poor
Kingfish Fair Poor
Mahi Mahi Poor Out of Season
Marlin Out of Season Out of Season
Redfish (Red Drum) Great Great
Sailfish Poor Out of Season
Speckled Trout Great Fair
Tarpon Out of Season Out of Season
Tuna (Yellowfin/Blackfin) Great Great Wahoo Great Great
Sheepshead Great Great
Sea Bass Great Great
FRESH WATER FISHING
CRYSTAL COAST
As we move into the very cold Winter months here on the Crystal Coast of NC the steady stream of excited visitors and tourist are long gone, leaving the local die-hard Anglers and Charter Captains with paradise all to themselves. Most would think that fishing is over for the Season but that would be so far from the truth! I call December the “meat season” for a great reason. Let’s talk about the many species available with the how, where and when to catch them up! December brings cold water temps under 65 degrees or even lower. Many great tasting species thrive in this environment, although not as comfy for us Anglers, so bundle up and invest in some quality cold water gear to keep you warm. EJW Outdoors tackle would be a great start. Speckled Sea Trout is the big game in December. You can find these great fighting fish in many areas and water depths but shallow water fishing in the back creeks and rivers will offer big rewards. Pamlico sound, the Neuse River and back areas of Morehead city such as Adams creek and Taylor’s creek will hold Specks. A falling tide will usually produce a better bite. The best attack would be using live shrimp on popping corks but many artificial baits will produce fish. Mirro lures, paddle tails, hard shrimp baits will all be effective using a slow method retrieve. The Red Drum during this time will also be in the same areas with the Cape Lookout Rock Jetty being a favorite destination for an amazing bite of many species. For the Novice or starting Anglers a very easy species to target is Black Drum. They are strong fighters with a high creel limit so filling the cooler with good filets is not a hard task. Use fresh dead shrimp on a fixed Carolina rig and work deep water areas such as bridges, Docks and pilings.
A new species moving into our area in stronger numbers is a delicious fish called a Tautog! They are in the range of 3-8 lbs and can also be found in deep water drops. Shrimp, clams and crabs will entice these decadent fish to eat but prepare for a serious fight, they can surprise you with their strength.
Offshore in December is prime time Black Sea bass season and always worth the trip for these great eats as well. Using squid on “Chicken Rigs” will get your limits. They move in much closer during Winter and can be found as shallow as 50 ft. Just be sure to watch your size minimum of 13” total length. We may find ourselves with a new regulation on these great fish in the near future.
I hope all you great Anglers brave the cold this winter for some of the best fishing you can get your rods on! It will be well worth the effort. Always feel free to contact Top Gun Fishing for direct information or to book a fun trip and let us spoil you with a cooler filling day!
Merry Christmas
CAPTAIN WINKLEMAN
757-761-2167
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Top Gun Fishing | Morehead City NC
BILLY BIRCH
We recognize the tremendous sacrifices our Veterans and Active-duty service members have made to keep us free and secure.
In appreciation, the Onslow Bay Chapter of CCA NC hosts two semi-annual Veterans Fishing Tournaments in the spring and fall. The Billy Burch Wide Open Military Appreciation Fishing Tournament was held Oct 24-25th
Onslow Bay CCA is blessed to have a variety of great boat captains who donate their boats, fuel, tackle, and time to get our Veterans on the water and catching some fish.
Our goal is that the Veterans merely have to show up with what they need to wear for the day and everything else is provided. In our very supportive military friendly community, we continue to grow a network of generous donors who make all of this possible. The donations they provide are used for door prizes, snacks, drinks, and usually a sumptuous North Carolina BBQ dinner.
Speckled Trout 22” Capt Andy Smith
Red Drum 30” Capt Clyde Yancey
Founder 22.5” Capt Shaun Yancey
Inshore Slam 57.5” Capt Luke Jordan
Spanish Mackerel 14.25” Capt Jason Holland
Blue Fish 23.75” Capt James Grady
King Mackerel 31.75” Capt Bruce MacLachlan
False Albacore 23” Capt Chris Hazelton
Lizard Fish 14.25” Capt Jason Holland
Consolation Tournament Awards: BlackDrum 18 1/4” Capt Shaun Yancey
JOIN HELP PRESERVE OUR FISHING HERITAGE TODAY!
For three decades, the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina (CCA NC) has led the fight to rebuild our declining fisheries. Part of our mission is to restore North Carolina’s recreational fishing heritage that made this state a destination for anglers. With your help, we can bring back the Spot runs of the fall, the Doormat Flounder laying in the shallows, and the legendary mornings catching big Gray Trout.
We need your help to make the common-sense reforms to save our fisheries for future generations to enjoy!
To Learn More and Help Us
SCAN THE QR CODE
CONSERVATION MATTERS
CCA NC Hits the Road with Living Reef Action Campaign Trailer
Whether intertidal, shallow, or making up live rock deep in Pamlico Sound, it is clear no other coastal habitat in North Carolina serves as many essential functions as oyster reefs.
Oysters are filter feeders that are unparalleled at improving water quality - a single oyster can help clean 60 gallons of water a day! Oyster reefs are key to ensuring healthy fish populations and offer protection for gamefish such black drum, sheepshead, and redfish.
Decades of overfishing, combined with recent water quality issues, have caused over 90% of our natural oyster reefs to disappear. In response, Coastal Conservation Association North Carolina (CCA NC) is launching the Living Reef Action Campaign (or LRAC).
At the heart of the program is the new LRAC traveling trailer loaded with all of the materials needed to build concrete reef balls, providing a hands-on opportunity to teach our next generation of conservationists
about the vital role oyster reefs play in our coastal ecosystem. Area schools, camps, or other organizations can participate in building new reef structures that will help restore artificial reefs, reclaim eroded zones, and even establish new oyster habitats as needed.
So, keep an eye out for the LRAC trailer, CCA NC will be hitting the road with it soon. To host the LRAC trailer at your school, organization or business, call the CCA NC office at (919)781-3474. Or email us at info@ccanc.org
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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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.
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