Coastal Angler Magazine | December 2025 | Florida Keys Edition

Page 1


TRUST BR AND MARINERS

Ever see a commercial harbor full of Furuno Marine Electronics and wonder why the pros rely on us?

See why here

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.

5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages

Ever worry about getting stuck on the water?

Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.

Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your voyage. Cruise with confdence thanks to Progressive Boat insurance. Because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.

Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes.

to learn more.

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

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

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

RePower Packages designed to best ft your needs and not stretch your budget. Financing available.

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

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors:

•Every Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Center has decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing

•With a Mastry Suzuki RePower, owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability

•Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program*

•Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers use authentic Suzuki OEM parts and have factory certifed technicians

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Since 2014, Mastry Engine Center, has been building the premiere Suzuki Outboard repower network in Florida. Today, Authorized Mastry Suzuki Outboard Centers have been exceeding expectaions in the Southeast for over two decades. Recently Suzuki Marine requested Mastry Engine Center to expand the network throughout the Northeast. Now boat owners from Maine to Florida can be assured of the best support for their Suzuki outboard repower project. All Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers provide the best options, information and package pricing for excellent performance in repower.

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

ENTER TO WIN

MayMadnessinKetchikan,Alaska: HALIBUT AND COD HEAVEN

NONE OF THE DEAD WEIGHT, ALL OF THE TORQUE.

Suzuki Marine USA’s DF6A revolutionizes portable outboards with unparalleled four-stroke performance and e ciency. Compact and lightweight, the DF6A is easy to transport and delivers surprising low- and mid- range torque for quick acceleration.

Random drawing to be held 12/19/25. Winner will be announced on Facebook. Winner will be notifed by email • Please allow up to 90 days for delivery. TO ENTER, SCAN THE CODE OR VISIT:

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.

Florida Keys

COOLER TEMPS Happy Holidays

Winter has settled into the Florida Keys, and with it comes one of my favorite fisheries of the year. The spanish mackerel bite in Florida Bay has been nothing short of on fire. This is the stretch of the season when the action stays steady and the rods rarely rest. On a good day, I look around the boat and everyone is hooked up at once, it’s fast-paced, fun fishing that simply never gets old.

To keep the fish active, I hang a chum bag off each side of the boat and fish live shrimp on a lite trace of wire. Once the mackerel really fire up, you can start conserving bait by cutting shrimp in half or switching to artificials. And if you’re a fly angler, or have been thinking about becoming one now is the right time. A 9-weight rod paired with a red-and-white Lefty Deceiver is all you need. Make a cast behind the boat and hold on.

I had the privilege of fishing with Lefty for many years, and although he was known worldwide for the “glamour species,” these simple winter mackerel days here in the Florida Keys were something he always made time for. He loved the speed, the chaos, and the pure joy it brought.

For those wanting to fish the oceanside of the island, the sailfish bite has been picking up along the reef line. When the weather allows, I’ll sneak my boat out there, pull out the Ballyhoop net, and load the baitwell with fresh ballyhoo. My go-to setup is a 20-lb spinning outfit spooled with Beyond Braid hi-vis line and a 15-foot section of 40-lb fluorocarbon finished with a circle hook. Rigged this way, you can either fly the kite or slow troll, depending on the conditions. Early mornings and late afternoons have been the most productive, and we’ve already released some great fish this season.

Don’t be surprised if your chum while catching bait draws in yellowtail snapper. Keep a 10-lb spinning rod ready with a piece of shrimp or squid, you may just end up with dinner while you’re waiting for a sailfish to show!

If you’re thinking about getting out on the water, I have some open dates coming up and would love to take you fishing. Winter is here, the bite is strong, and it’s one of the best times of the year to be in Islamorada. — Contact Capt. Greg at 305.393.3327 or email gregpoland@icloud.com | Instagram: gregpoland Facebook: Fishing in the Florida Keys with Capt. Greg Poland

THE GREAT FRIGATEBIRD

All of us anglers know about the Great Frigatebird. I know that I have been chasing and following them for years, and when they are circling low and hitting things at the surface, we know the fish are there. I even had an extraordinary experience in Isla Mujeras, Mexico where you didn’t even have to hunt for the Frigates. The sky was black with them and it was an amazing sight. But what do we really know about these extraordinary birds? Well, that’s where I come in! The Frigates are truly amazing birds. They boast the highest wingspan to body weight ratio, making them master fliers. This allows them to soar and float for extended periods of time with minimal effort. They can perform astonishing aerial feats on their wandering and hunting flights. Believe it or not, they can stay aloft for up to two months with no land or water stops. Unlike other seabirds, they can not land on water. Their wings would become waterlogged and not only could they not take flight again, they would actually drown. Scientists have done much research on their sleeping habits due to their extended flights. A high tech device that measures brain activity was actually implanted into some of the Frigates and it was found that they can actually sleep while flying, using only half of their brain. These sleeping moments are in short ten second bursts and total only about forty five minutes a day.

Conversely, on land they will sleep about twelve hours a day. They have no natural predators in the sky, so they also have some crafty ways of feeding. Most of us know that they skim the water’s surface for flying fish, small bait like jellyfish and crabs, and anything else they can find without ever getting their precious feathers wet. They also use a well known behavior called kleptoparasitism, where they chase other birds, forcing them to drop their catch which the Frigate steals midair. They will even grab the tail of another bird to make it release its prey. They also thrive on opportunistic feeding from boats, cleaning tables, and garbage cans. They’ve even been known to steal food directly from humans! And don’t leave an unguarded nest around a Frigate as they will not only eat the eggs, but they will also eat the small chicks in an unguarded nest and may even take over the nest entirely for himself.

There is an amazing video done by BBC that you can find on YouTube called “Flying Fish Picked Off From Above and Below” that is a stellar video showing just how agile and aggressive the Frigates can be. I’m glad I’m not a flying fish! So the next time you are out on the water watching for the Great Frigatebird to show you the way, know what a complex and amazing seabird it really is!

DDECEMBER’S OPPORTUNITIES

we see plenty of other pelagics too. Blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and king mackerel all make appearances. This keeps things interesting and you never know what’s going to bite next.

Closer to the reef, the snapper bite has been excellent. The patch reefs are full of mutton snapper, yellowtail, and a mix of other reef fish that keep rods bending all day. It’s a great way to put some tasty fillets in the box. For those who like dropping deep, yelloweye and vermilion snapper have been steady as well. Both are unbelievably beautiful fish, excellent eating, and a ton of fun to catch.

ecember is one of my favorite months to fish here in the Florida Keys. The weather’s beautiful, the crowds are down, and the fishing can be absolutely fantastic. In many ways, December marks the start of our busy season here in the Keys. Early in the month things are still pretty quiet, making it a great time to enjoy the islands without the crowds. As we move toward the holidays, the pace picks up quickly and by the end of the month, the tourist season is in full swing. It’s a fun time to be here, with great energy around town and even better fishing offshore.

Offshore, December means sailfish season. These fish are one of the most exciting catches around. In my opinion, nothing beats watching a sailfish light up behind the bait and then take off, tail-walking across the surface. Most days we’re live baiting and kite fishing for sails, and while they’re the main target,

December also marks the start of the sailfish tournament season here in the Keys. I don’t fish many tournaments myself since I’m usually busy running charters, but the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament will kick things off December 5th through 7th. It’s a great event and an important fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, which supports local scholarships and other good causes around the Upper Keys.

All in all, December is a fantastic month to get out on the water. Whether you’re after a trophy sailfish or just looking for steady action and good-eating fish, you can’t beat fishing in the Florida Keys this time of year. If you’d like to get in on the fun, give me a call and book a trip aboard The Captain Easy. Let’s go catch ’em up!

— www.captaineasycharters.com | You can reach Captain Bruce Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120 or email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net

WINTER FISHING

After a nearly unbearable hot summer, we are ready for cooler weather and the game fish that come with it!  Most notably, we made it through a hurricane season without a storm hitting our area.  This makes a big difference not only because we avoided disaster cleanup, but also because typically following a hurricane is a red tide.  As we have seen the last few years, a red tide bloom can make fishing extremely challenging.  Its absence this season means that the wintertime fishing should be on fire!

The backwaters have been very productive as of late.  There have been plenty of snook actively taking baits, as well as big jacks and even a solid number of trout.  The redfish bite has been excellent also, making days fishing the backwater a lot of fun!  The last run of tarpon is going on right now as they get fired up during the fall mullet run but come the first cold front the adult tarpon will migrate out of our area until the spring.

The beaches are absolutely loaded with bait right now.  On most trips, it has been ‘one and done’ when throwing the net, blacking out both live wells with large pilchards.  There have also been plenty of pinfish and blue runners around if you’re targeting bigger species of gamefish.  With the presence of so much bait, the nearshore bite has been on fire.  There are Spanish mackerel everywhere, which means that we should see a big migration of kingfish in our area after the first cold front.  With the kings will come cobia and XL sharks like sandbars, tigers and hammers.

The offshore bite has been great as well.  The warmer temperatures through the first few weeks of November have kept the wreck snook chewing, but they will very shortly make their way up the rivers.  The predators on the nearshore wrecks and reefs have been the stars of the show lately, with barracudas, jewfish and sharks keeping everyone’s drags screaming.  In addition, we have been loading up on mangrove snapper and even some nice permit.  As the temperatures cool down, we should see the arrival of our wintertime staples like kings, cobia, tripletail, and the big offshore sheepshead.

The fishing has been great, and we are

9

5

2

1

9

6

5

2

1

20

21

23

24

26

27

HOW FISHING SHAPES BEHAVIOR IN YOUTH

In a world that’s taken over by screens and instant gratification, the simple act of casting a line has become one of the most powerful tools to shape the minds of our youth. Fishing, as we once viewed as just a fun pastime, is now being recognized for its large impact on youth behavior building patience, responsibility, and emotional resilience that many new activities fail to deliver.

When a child picks up a fishing pole, they’re learning way more than just how to catch fish. They’re mastering self-control. Waiting on that bite requires focus and calmness, two traits that help counter the short attention spans created by phones.

Every moment spent beside the water, listening, observing, and waiting teaches them to slow down, reflect and appreciate what nature has to offer.

Fishing also introduces accountability in a tangible way. Young anglers must learn to respect the regulations, care for their fishing gear, and handle fish with respect and empathy. Those lessons tend to go far beyond the water. Kids who learn to handle nature with care tend to approach people and other animals with that same sense of respect.

The best influence of fishing is its ability to build character even through failure and persistence. Every missed fish becomes a chance to problem solve and practice perseverance. Parents, mentors, and youth leaders who fish with children often witness how these small frustrations evolve into teachable moments that strengthen confidence and independence. The pride of finally landing a fish after a dozen attempts becomes a quiet metaphor for life’s larger goal, work hard, be patient, and success will come.

For many families, fishing is also a bridge. It opens space for conversations that might not happen otherwise. Away from Wi-Fi and distractions, children open up about school, friends, and emotions. The calmness of the outdoors encourages connection, grounding both kids and parents in a shared experience that builds trust and emotional well-being.

At its heart, fishing is more than a sport, it’s a life lesson wrapped in fresh air and quiet water. Each cast gives our youth a little more patience, a little more purpose, and a much-needed sense of peace in an often-chaotic world.

A Change in TEMPERATURE

NoPavement

Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in the Hook ‘Em in the Glades fishing tournament again up in Everglades City, thanks to sponsorship by Coastal Angler Magazine! Each year as I prepare for the tournament, my team and I go fishing some days before to get an idea on what’s going on in the area and to make sure we know where the fish and bait are at! I got the perfect idea for this article as I was participating in one of my practice days.

While Florida doesn’t have much seasonal change down here, there’s still a way to feel a change in the air. Going boating and fishing is actually one of the biggest ways I can feel that change. For one I’m usually covered in sweats because it can get quite chilly out there! Especially if you’re driving fast or you’re out during dawn and dusk hours. The air feels crisper and cooler, the water splashes are colder and skin crawling, and the gorgeous scenery still shines, almost more golden and colorful. And of course, the main takeaway this time of year is we now have those early sunrises and earlier sunsets.

In the backcountry and in the Glades’, some species come out to play more and others we aren’t seeing as much. Redfish for example, they definitely have been seen and hooked up to more recently, and the same goes for trout. We even still see our big game fish like tarpon rolling around, but they have been a little harder to get to bite. Overall, it’s a great time of the year to do fishing tournaments that focus on reds and trout.

In addition, it’s prime camping season for us while up there! I’ve written more in-depth articles on island camping, but with cooler temperatures and less mosquitoes being out, it’s an excellent time to go. We typically set up our camp and then go fishing, and once it gets dark we head back to the campsite. And then repeat the next day. It is pretty cool to be sitting in your chair by the fire, with your rod in the holder when you hear it go off and get ready to jump into action

Peak winter can be a little rough out there because it’s usually pretty chilly and sometimes it can be windy. And sometimes the fish seem to hide a little bit. But there still are fish to be found and adventures to be made, even if you just get out for a joy ride.  A lot of the wildlife also is out & about at times, so you can really be immersed in nature. It truly is natural beauty!

It’s December, which means the holiday season is most certainly upon us. It’s time to make a list and check it twice for family and friends and that very special angler.

I often get emails and texts this time of year about this subject. Most come from the significant others of charter fishing folks I’ve had the pleasure of having on my boat. I retired from guiding almost ten years ago, but I guess I’m still trusted with serious gift questions when it comes to fishing gear. So here goes.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

First things first. Don’t be afraid to ask what’s on their wish list. It might make purchase decisions a lot easier. If they say a boat, motor and trailer, you can probably skip on down the list. However, be sure to lookout for a request for a new trolling motor, a set of powered anchor poles or GPS electronics. All would make really nice gifts, but the prices might shock you.

I’ve found that almost all anglers would love a hodgepodge of fishing related gear. Perhaps calling this “stocking stuffers” would be appropriate.

Fishing line, leader line, hooks, weights, swivels and the like are something that every anglers burns through while fishing. The trick is buying items that they can actually use. Best bet is to raid their tackle box without them knowing it. Pilfer a few items and write down line and leader sizes and then take that to a tackle shop. It will make buying those items a lot easier.

While at the shop ask the sales folks what the latest new items are for fishing. Perhaps a pair of pliers, a line cutter or even a new lure. You’ll only need to know if your angler likes offshore our inshore fishing.

Purchasing clothing as a gift is also fairly easy. Most guys and gals have something they wear on almost every outing. All you have to do is get the brand name and size and away you go!

How about a gift certificate for a fishing charter? You might have to do some undercover research to set up just the right captain, but some basic questions might help with the selection. This is also a great way to get several family members involved in the gift. Fishing charters are not cheap, but they’re something that most anglers would love to do.

Fishing rods and reels are always appreciated. This again requires research with the easiest approach being a look-see at what your angler is already using. Rods and reels are updated by the manufacturer almost every year, so this would give you a chance to upgrade one of his or her favorites.

How about a custom fishing rod? The Florida Keys has a lot of quality custom rod builders. Speaking from experience, I have purchased quite a few over the years and there’s really nothing like a rod that’s built just for you. They can be made for any type of fishing with custom colors and handles that fit just right. This again might be best as a gift certificate, but I can assure you that any angler would be thrilled with the gift of a custom fishing rod.

Have fun with your shopping adventures and remember, the time and thought you put into selecting gifts for your favorite angler is sure to increase the holiday smiles.

FloridaKeys

The Main Attraction Sportfishing team with a large wahoo.

If you have a catch to brag about send your picture and caption to: flkeys@coastalanglermagazine.com

Mahi Mahi Time fishing with Capt. Bruce Andersen of Capt. Easy Charters
Charters out of Marathon
Captain Marty, of the Main Attraction Sportfishing team, holding up a stud swordfish.
Betty Trueba landed this 26” Redfish in the Backcountry off Key Largo
Andy Cheezum with a haul fishing w/Capt. Lucas out of Capt. Hooks Marina & Dive Center in Marathon

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

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.

(1)

Durable boat lifts expertly designed with Florida in mind.

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

Under Deck Boat Lift
Four Piling Boat Lift
Deck Over Boat Lift

REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy Cover

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

Quickly Secures Boat

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

Solar Battery Charging System

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

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.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.