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3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments
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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.
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FISHING FORECAST
Folly Beach Pier
by Jacob Cynar, Contributing Writer
Just because the weather has cooled down, that doesn’t mean the fishing at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier has. Fishing for redfish at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier in December can be a rewarding experience for anglers willing to brave the cooler temperatures. During this time of year, larger redfish are typically found in deeper waters, moving closer to the shoreline as they seek warmer spots. The water temperatures at Folly Beach in December generally range from the mid-50s to low 60s, which is the cooler side for reds. Anglers often target them in deeper pockets near the pier where the bait fish tend to hang out. While smaller reds are somewhat still around, larger bull reds are often caught during this time, making December a prime opportunity for anglers seeking bull reds.
The Folly Beach Pier offers a great vantage point for targeting reds during the winter months. At over 1,000 feet long, the pier allows anglers to access deeper waters that are less reachable from shore. Fishing from the pier increases the chances of catching reds, particularly when using live or cut bait such as mullet, shrimp, or menhaden. Reds are known for their strong fighting ability, and during the colder months, they can be especially aggressive when they bite. Many anglers also have success with artificial lures like jigs and soft plastics that mimic the movement of small fish. The pier’s structure also provides additional cover for reds, creating a perfect environment for these fish to linger in search of food.
December fishing for reds at the Folly Beach Pier can be highly productive, but it does require some preparation due to the cooler weather conditions. The winter months bring a quiet atmosphere and calmer waters, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable fishing experience. However, anglers should be prepared for potential chilly mornings and winds, which can make fishing from the pier a bit more challenging. Make sure you bundle up and bring your coffee or hot cocoa!
by Coastal Angler Magazine Lowcountry
The REEL Difference…at Haddrell’s
Captain Steve Baysinger – 30 Years Behind the Bench - A Master Craftsman in the Heart of Lowcountry
For more than three decades, anglers throughout the Lowcountry and across the U.S. have trusted one man to keep their favorite fishing gear alive: Captain Steve Baysinger, Repair Shop Manager at Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply. Known for his deep mechanical knowledge and his calm, puzzle-solving approach, Captain Steve has built a reputation as one of the most respected reel technicians in the country.
“If you’re not good at puzzles, this isn’t the job for you.”
From Hurricane Hugo to High-Tech Reels
Steve joined Haddrell’s shortly after Hurricane Hugo, when two or three reels a week was the norm. Today, nine to fifteen reels a day land on his bench, many shipped in from around the nation. His background as a Navy sonar technician shaped his mechanical instincts, but his passion for fixing gear began in his rural Michigan childhood—where if something broke, you fixed it or you didn’t have it. “We were like 10 miles away from anything, it was just easier to try to fix something than walk to get a new one.”
A Full-Service Repair Center
Haddrell’s Point is a certified warranty center for Penn, Quantum, Zebco, Abu Garcia, Fin-Nor, Daiwa, Mitchell, and Shimano. Whether it’s a blown levelwind, seized line roller, or full-system overhaul, Steve handles everything from simple repairs to complete disassembly, cleaning, and rebuilding.
“I can dump a reel out of a plastic bag and tell you what part is missing.”
Customers bring in reels for two main services: spot repairs and full services. Spot repairs are often quick turnarounds, while full services involve total disassembly, degreasing, freshwater rinse, air drying, inspection, lubrication, and reassembly.
Many customers unintentionally damage their reels by blasting them with high-pressure water, using Dawn dish soap, while a great degreaser on baby ducks in oil spills, (not so great for maintaining lubrication in your reels), overtightening drags, or spooling old reels with modern braid they weren’t engineered for. With today’s premium reels running between $250 and $700, proper care is more important than ever.
“The expensive reels have more bearings—and they need more care.”
Restoration: Preserving Family History
Beyond repairs, one of the repair shop at Haddrell’s most valued services is rod and reel restoration. Anglers often bring in their heirloom rods like, their grandfather’s classic Penn or an old Abu Garcia that hasn’t seen daylight in decades. Steve can turn those sentimental heirlooms into fully functional, display-worthy showpieces. For me, I can relate to this, as I have on display in my office several of my father’s Ambassador reels, from his tournament days, that I had rebuilt.
Looking Toward the Future
With over 30 years behind the workbench, Steve knows the day will come when he’ll need to pass the torch. He hopes to find an apprentice—someone mechanically minded, curious, and patient enough to learn the craft from the ground up.
“If you can’t take something apart and put it back together, you shouldn’t be doing this.”
The Right Reel for the Job
by Jiggin’ Jerry, Contributing Writer
Every year as the holidays roll around, those of us who live and breathe fishing start dropping not-so-subtle hints about the gear we’d love to unwrap. And while our friends and family mean well, most of them don’t actually know much about fishing equipment. That’s why so many seasoned anglers end up receiving rods and reels that look nice in the package but won’t survive a month of real use on the water.
Now, don’t get me wrong—we’re grateful. But anglers also know the truth: if you want the right equipment for the right technique, you usually end up becoming your own Santa Claus. After a few years, our loved ones catch on and skip the guesswork, opting instead for the safe gift card or crisp bills tucked into a Christmas card. It works for everybody.
With that in mind, let’s break down the foundation of choosing the right reel for the job. Before shopping, ask yourself a simple question: What technique am I planning to use this reel for? Every method—bottom fishing, working live baits, or casting artificials—places different demands on a reel.
Understanding those differences helps you match your equipment to your style of fishing and makes every trip more enjoyable.
Reels for Bottom Fishing: The Sleeper Rod Setup
Let’s start with one of the simplest—but most misunderstood — techniques: bottom fishing with what I call a sleeper rod. This is the
rod you cast out with cut bait or a big chunk of live bait, place in the rod holder, and let the fish make the next move. The rod isn’t active; it’s waiting. It “sleeps.” And sometimes, the angler does too.
Because this rod isn’t meant for constant casting or retrieving, you don’t need a reel with a dozen ball bearings or a magnesium frame. What you do need is something tough, reliable and built to handle a strong bite without failing.
Two types of reels excel here:
1. Round Reels A round-style conventional reel that holds at least 200 yards of 20-lb monofilament and includes a functional clicker is excellent for sleeper-rod duty. These reels have oldschool toughness and provide great leverage on bigger fish.
2. Medium Spinning Reels Spinning reels are just as effective as long as they can hold 150 yards of 12-lb mono or 150–200 yards of 20–30 lb braid. This usually means choosing a 3000 to 5000 series reel.
You don’t need lightweight materials or a high number of bearings. You do need a solid drag system, corrosion resistance and a frame that won’t flex under pressure.
A prime example is the Penn Battle series—metal frame, durable coating and that trusty HT-100 drag system. It’s a bulldog of a reel and perfect for letting bait soak all day without worry. Any reel in that same class of strength and durability will get the job done.
Reels for Live Bait Techniques: The Baitrunner Advantage
The next category includes setups for throwing live bait on light rigs, drifting baits with little or no weight or free-lining in current or tide flows. These methods require a reel that allows your bait to swim naturally without tension yet instantly switches into fighting mode when a fish strikes.
That’s where baitrunner-style spinning reels shine. These reels come with two drag systems:
1. Main (Fighting) Drag Located at the top of the spool, this works just like a traditional spinning reel. You set it where you want it before you ever cast.
2. Running Drag (Baitrunner Drag) Controlled by a lever at the back of the reel and adjusted with a rear knob, this drag allows a baitfish to take line freely with minimal pressure. Your bait swims naturally, giving off every vibration and movement a predator expects from the real thing.
When a game fish strikes, you’ll hear or see the running drag light up. At that moment:
- You can manually disengage it, or
- Simply start reeling. On most modern models, reeling automatically switches you into the fighting drag.
A respected example is the Shimano Baitrunner OC Series.
Reels Designed for Casting Artificial Lures
Reels designed for artificial-lure
fishing are the sports cars of the fishing world. Working artificials requires constant casting, retrieving, twitching and repeating— sometimes hundreds of times in a single day. That repetitive motion creates fatigue, and a poorly engineered reel will fall apart long before the season ends.
Characteristics of these reels include:
- Lightweight frame materials such as magnesium or carbon composites
- High-quality gearing
- Numerous stainless or sealed bearings
- Durable, sensitive bail systems
- Smooth drag systems
A reel I personally trust is the Quantum Smoke, which features 10 stainless steel bearings, ceramic drag, a metal frame, aluminum spool and titanium bail.
Final Thoughts
Matching the right reel to the right job is one of the best investments you can make as an angler.
Whether you’re soaking bait, drifting live baits or casting artificials all day, the correct reel will make every technique more effective and every fishing trip more enjoyable.
As always, good luck out there— and have fun fishing!
YouTube Channel - Fishing With Jiggin Jerry or follow me on Facebook @fwjigginjerry
What do you need?
By BeBe Dalton Harrison, Angling Women
You have been seeing the amazing photos, watching YouTube videos on fishing techniques, and daydreaming about catching fish. And you have finally decided that now is the time to go try it! Now what? What do I need?
Every angler has their favorite pieces of equipment, lures, etc, but here are some of the necessities for building your tackle box from the beginning. Whether you are building this for yourself or a loved one, these are suggestions to help set you up for success on the water.
For the tackle box we will build, let’s focus on fishing with artificial lures. The suggestions are going to be recommendations for new anglers to use to gain confidence in catching. Not everyone starts with these types of artificial lures, but this is what works for me. And you should definitely try baits that you like, but these will certainly help you get started.
Here are 3 artificial lures that I recommend in every new tackle box:
Rooster tail-This lure is easy to work. All you do is tie it on the end of your line, cast, and retrieve in a steady manner, making the blade spin as it comes through the water. This is a very light set up and since it is light, it does not typically allow you to cast it very far. This is an excellent bait for pan fish and small largemouth bass.
Beetle spin-A beetle spin is another great bait for learning. This one is a little different and how you tie it on because sometimes there is no actual eyelet. For a beetle spin, you tie this one in the “V” of the lure. Most of these are designed at a 90° angle and at the center of the angle is where you would tie it on your line. You will also work this bait with a steady retrieve, allowing the attached blade to spin as it moves through the water. This is also a great bait for bluegill and small bass. These two types of baits can build your confidence in catching before moving to something larger.
Senko worm “wacky rigged” on a short shank, wide gap hook-after building your confidence with some of the smaller profiles of artificial Bates, this is a good first step to targeting larger fish. This is what I first began using to catch bigger largemouth bass. I wanted something easy to start, and this was definitely it! I chose a soft plastic, Senko worm in the color “pumpkin seed” and hooked it right in the center of the worm with the short shank, wide gap hook. You can use a nail weight to put inside the worm to give it a little bit of weight, but you do not have to. When casting this out, both sides
of the worm flutter as it sinks, and that action grabs the attention of the fish. Many times the fish will hit this rig on the way down. It is a great technique and I still use it a lot.
When it comes to saltwater fishing, here are three Artificial lures to put in your tackle box:
Paddle tail on a jig head-There are an infinite number of colors and styles of soft plastics, but one of my favorites is a paddle tail. The colors I select are sometimes based on the water conditions. It is important to buy your equipment from local tackle shops as they are knowledgeable about which colors are “hot” right now. I also take note of which colors on the wall have the lowest inventory! Make sure to pair your paddle tail with an appropriate sized jig head.
Shrimp body on a jig head-There are several different types of shrimp profiles available. Some of these have hooks already and them when you buy them and some of them, you can rig on a jig head. During certain times of the year, these are very effectively fished under a popping cork.
Topwater-The topwater lure is a little different “beast”. This hard plastic bait floats on the surface and is retrieved in a specific way. As you retrieve this bait, you twitch the rod tip, and it makes the bait react in a zigzag fashion as you retrieve it. This bait takes a little more practice, but is super effective at daylight and dusk, especially for spotted sea trout. My favorite color for this is a white or bone color and I have caught some of my largest trout on these. These are just a few recommendations for people who want to get started building their tackle box. As you probably know, fishing can be an art, and everyone has their favorite colors and shapes and styles. Try these, explore some more, and find what works for you. And remember, if you want to see how to work certain baits, online videos can be a great resource for this information. Now go fill that tackle box!
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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
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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.
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.
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