Coastal Angler Magazine | January 2026 Volusia County Edition

VOLUSIA COUNTY EDITION

TROPHY TROUT

@CAMTAMagazine

LOCAL REPORTS & PICS

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FEBRUARY 11-15, 2026

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VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 370

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Nearshore Grocery Shopping TIM BAREFOOT

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anuary marks a shi! in fishing targets, with a focus on species ideal for winter meals. This month traditionally finds anglers pursuing seabass and other nearshore fish, following a tradition passed down from my dad, who favored seabass and flounder for their taste and suitability for freezing. Seabass are not only delicious but also keep well in the freezer, providing a reliable food source throughout the colder months. Flounder, prized for its flavor, remains a favorite for many.

While seeking black seabass close to shore, anglers o!en encounter gag grouper, grey trout, and flounder. However, many of these species have strict creel limits, with retention o!en prohibited in regions like North Carolina.

To avoid catching undersized or barely legal seabass, using larger bait on a jig is recommended. Live pinfish—ideally the size of a tennis ball or baseball—make exceptional bait. If you have access to a marina’s fish cleaning table, pay attention to discarded scraps, as these can help attract

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pinfish. Setting a pinfish trap or using finely cut scraps to chum and cast net for pinfish are effective methods for securing live bait. This technique is not only excellent for larger seabass but also irresistible to gag grouper. The same structures that attract seabass also hold baitfish such as cigar minnows, sardines, and small snapper.

When anchored or spot-locked over structure, keeping a Sabiki rig ready can be invaluable. Keep one person in the boat constantly on the Sabiki providing live baits for the rest of the boat. This will certainly pay dividends.

Be mindful of state and federal regulations of what you can and cannot keep, but this tactic catches everything on the reef without exception. The thing I like about pinfish is everything down there will give a live sardine and a live cigar minnow a fatal attack, but only the critters with a large enough mouth and a bold nature will go a!er pinfish or small snapper.

The goal is not to catch a hundred fish, but to land a dozen high-quality bites—those worth taking home for dinner. Anywhere south and north of North Carolina, flounder is still on the menu for dinner, and a jig paired with a live cigar minnow is the ultimate flounder catching instrument.

Don’t say I didn’t tell you so, but if you take light tackle to some of these nearshore seabass holes, you will lose fish to powerful gags. For nearshore flounder and grouper, opt for heavier tackle—a grouper stick equipped with a four-ounce jig and live cigar minnows or sardines.

The other byproduct of this style fishing will be large drum, which tend to congregate on nearshore structure. Don’t be surprised to catch seabass, flounder, gags, and drum in the same spot. Also don’t hesitate to take chunks of crab or sand fleas for sheepshead. January is a winter wonderland, so make the most out of your nearshore grocery shopping by being prepared for all the possibilities.

Learn more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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he flat was silent.

No birds. No bait popping. Only the crunch of frost under my boots and the faint ripple of tide against the shoreline.

Every sensible voice in my PHO TO COURT ESY OF KN head said the fish wouldn’t OCKIN TA IL LURES® feed. Then the line jumped—just once— and everything changed.

For those who chase speckled trout of larger proportions, one truth becomes painfully clear: big winter trout do not give themselves up easily. Cold water slows their metabolism, feeding windows shrink, and mistakes multiply. Most anglers default to the winter mantra—slow everything down. It’s solid advice… but it isn’t the whole story.

Winter trophy trout live in a world of conserving energy. They don’t want to chase far, but they will react violently to the right movement at the right moment. That’s where two tools come together: erratic presentation and precise timing.

Let’s start with timing.

Like many anglers, I once dismissed solunar tables as folklore. As a kid, I’d scan the fish symbols on the calendar before every trip. More fish meant higher hopes. Fewer fish meant lower expectations. Over time, I saw no real correlation and abandoned the idea. But as I matured into a better saltwater angler—and began truly hunting trophy trout—I returned to solunar tables, this time paired with tides and conditions. The difference was undeniable.

These tables aren’t magic. They won’t put fish where they don’t exist. But if you are on fish, they o!en reveal when those fish are most willing to feed.

Many anglers assume the “major” bite is always better than the “minor.” Not true. The difference is duration, not intensity. The major typically lasts about two hours, the minor closer to ninety minutes. Either can be explosive.

One rule I never break: don’t relocate during a feeding window. On a recent trip, I was grinding through a slow morning and nearly moved on. I checked the time—ten minutes before the bite. I stayed. What followed was an aggressive feed that turned a dead stretch into a trophy-class opportunity. Big trout don’t feed o!en. When they do, you’d better be ready.

That brings us to presentation.

In winter, I rely on suspending and slow-sinking lures with erratic, nervous action. When I say “slow,” I mean forward movement—not motion. With a so!, whippy rod, I shake the lure in place with almost no forward travel, then let it pause. Shake. Pause. Repeat. This technique works best with braided line, which transmits every movement without stretch.

Winter trout may be cold—but when timing and motion align, they don’t just bite… they attack. The strike comes without warning. No tap. No thump.

Just sudden, heavy weight and the slow, head-shaking surge of a true gator. In that moment, frozen fingers, long quiet hours, and doubt all vanish. There is only tension in the line and the knowledge that patience, timing, and the right dance delivered the fish you came for.

And that’s why we brave the winter.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures,® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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Pro Tips for Inshore Fishing This Winter

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paddle tails this time of year. Small bucktail jigs and ned rigs are also great choices this time of year.

Pro Tip #3 - Slow down your retrieve. Cold fish can’t move as quickly as warm fish can. It’s really that simple. Whatever retrieve you like to use in the summer months, slow it by 50% and that will probably be just about right for winter.

CAPT. MIKE SMITH Make sure to bounce your jigs, ned rigs and shrimp will most likely be the shrimp off of the bottom. Fish tend to stay near main forage for these fish in the coldest months. the bottom in winter months.

Because fish are cold blooded it is harder Pro Tip #4 - Use longer leaders. Often, for them to digest food when they are cold. It is the water gets gin clear in the winter months. easier on their metabolism to digest a 2-inch fish Because you are retrieving your lures more than a 6-inch fish. slowly, the fish will get a better look at your lines and lures. %is is when a long fluorocarbon leader is the way to go. I like an 8 ft. leader married to a braided line with an FG knot. If you don’t know how to tie an FG knot, then learn. It is a must have part of your fishing arsenal.

Why Fluorocarbon? %e benefits of fluoro over monofilament are no stretching and it sinks. Mono stretches and floats.

Cold water can be a problem for inshore lure fishermen but it doesn’t have to be. Follow the pro tips above and you will catch more wintertime fish.

anuary and February are the coldest months for humans and for inshore game fish. Both species are moving a little slower and are looking for warmth. Fish have it worse because they are cold blooded.

Pro Tip #1 - Find warmer water. Just a couple of degrees can make all the difference between catching and not catching fish during the cold months. Focus on the southern facing shorelines that receive the most hours of sunlight each day.

Conversely, avoid fishing shady spots.

Start fishing later in the day to allow the sun’s power to heat the water. An especially good time to fish is when low tide coincides with the middle of the day. Shallow water is easier to heat up and it concentrates the fish.

If you are fishing during the higher parts of the tide, then you should look for shallow flats that are adjacent to deeper water (8 to 10 ft).

Fish seek out shallow water to warm up after spending the night down deep where the water Capt. Bucky Goldman caught this black temperatures are more stable. drum sight casting a live shrimp.

Pro Tip #2 - Fish with smaller baits. Most of the prey items available to snook, redfish, Use lures 3 inches or smaller this time of speckled trout, flounder and other predatory fish are small this time of year. Small minnows and year. I love to use 2.75-inch shrimp and 3-inch

Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass Off Charters, is an inshore fishing guide who has been fishing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass flats of Florida for more than 40 years.

Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@ fishyourassoff.com or visit fishyourassoff.com.

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mastering the local waters.

Over the decades, he has built an exceptional understanding Tim Russell of offshore Captain Daddy’s conditions, Fishing Charters seasonal patterns, aptain Tim Russell, owner and and fish behavior, operator of Captain Daddy’s earning a Fishing Charters, is a U.S. Coast reputation as one Guard–licensed captain with more than of the area’s most 34 years of fishing experience on the knowledgeable waters surrounding Daytona Beach, and trusted Florida. Born and raised in this coastal offshore captains. region, Tim developed a deep connection Through enthusiasm, patience, and local insight to fishing at an early age, spending his Captain Daddy’s Fishing Charters, ensure every trip is both memorable and childhood exploring local waterways Captain Tim is passionate about sharing rewarding. while others focused on traditional his expertise with anglers of all ages and sports. It quickly became clear to his experience levels. He prides himself on CAPTAIN family that fishing was more than a creating safe, educational, and exciting TIM RUSSELL Captain Daddy’s pastime for him, it was his calling! trips while fostering a genuine love for Fishing Charters At just the age of 14 years old, Tim the sport.

386-846-1675 purchased his first boat, marking the Whether guiding first-time anglers captaindaddysfishing.com Inshore / Offshore beginning of a lifelong commitment to or seasoned fishermen, Captain Tim’s

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CAPTAIN CHAD KNIGHT 386-853-4814

C A PTA IN T IM R U S S E LL 386-846-1675 Captain Daddy’s Fishing Charters captaindaddysfishing.com Inshore/Offshore

Reel Deal Fishin Charters

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Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Snook, Tarpon, Cobia, Grouper, Wahoo, Snapper, Seabass, Kingfish, Mahi, Sailfish

Target Species: Redfish, trout, flounder, shark, kingfish, cobia, and tarpon

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Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Snapper, Grouper, Sharks, Cobia, Grouper, Pompano, Mahi, Triggerfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish

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407-314-3355 Sudden Strike Offshore Adventures Suddenstrikeoffshore.com Nearshore/offshore Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Sheephead, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Cobia,Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, Shark, Golden Tilefish

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JANUARY 2026

VOLUSIA COUNTY 5

PONCE INLET & BACKWATERS FORECAST

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anuary is the start to a new year and the start of the best sheepshead fishing you will see all year.

January through April is the target window for the big spawning fish. I've seen them caught over 12 lbs this time of the year. For the most success, structure is key and depth usually has to be 8 ft or so to find the big females. As far as bait goes I prefer fiddler crabs when they are available, but sand fleas always work as a close second. Sheepshead will also eat shrimp or blue crabs knuckles however

is by chumming up the water. However if you can find them schooled up you won’t need to get them going as you will quickly burn through a ton of bait.

I also catch a ton of good eating sized black drum in January with live shrimp and 1/4 blue crab being my go to for getting these fish in the boat. If you pick and choose your days you can easily have some great days to be had in January. I I’ve also seen videos of people catching personally welcome the cooler weather them on peas, blood worms, and as I know spring is right around the beyond. corner.

As always give us a holler if you You want to use a short leader see us out there and if you want to get with just enough weight to touch the on the water give me a call! bottom. These fish will bite extremely light and many times you won’t even feel it!! There are also a ton of jig heads out there designed to catch these fish like bottom sweepers and football jigs.

An effective way to get them fired up

6 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2026

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CAPT. JAMIE THRAPPAS

Yellow Dawg Fishing www.yellowdawgfishing.com (386) 366-3424

Central Florida Favorites Best Boat Dealership & Best Boat Service & Repair 2025 Winner

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JANUARY 2026

VOLUSIA COUNTY 7

EDGEWATER BACKCOUNTRY FORECAST

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elcome to 2026, New Years is my favorite holiday of the year as it begins all the different fishing seasons of the year to come.

January can bring the coldest temperatures of the season both air and water, cold means clearer water in the Edgewater Backcountry.

This is the best time to drop live shrimp, small live finger mullet, mud minnow, or a 1/16 or 1/8 oz. jig head with a small light colored tail to the bottom of holes and channels. Trout, Reds, Snook, Drum, Sheepshead, or Mangrove Snapper may be in the deep spots. On mild sunny days these same fish will come up to the tops of the drop offs and surrounding areas with oyster edges, flats, and creeks which will warm up a bit during the day's sunshine. You want to fish slowly as cold fish will be sluggish, scan the clear water with your polarized sunglasses searching for signs of fish. A winter fish that will not be sluggish are Bluefish, found all through the backcountry, ICW channel, bridges, inlet, and surf. If they are swimming, they are eating free lined live shrimp, cut bait, and small darting, flashy lures are best.

A great fly fishing target as they are not picky and eager to attack. Their sharp teeth mean a little heavier floro leader or light wire, you may want to use lures or flies which are already scarred up because they will be

8 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2026

abused by the toothy Blues. Sheepshead are always a great winter target, fiddler crabs are the best bait, followed by small live or peeled shrimp, best places to fish are bridge or dock pilings, also the Ponce Inlet jetty rocks. Serious sheepy fishers will chum their spot by scraping barnacles off the pilings or dropping cracked oysters to the bottom. Use a smaller sharp hook as they have a small hard moth, use just enough weight to hold your bait close to the pilings, keeping your rig as stealthy as possible in the clear water.

A winter fishing trip does not have to be that early, during a mild period, sunrise or just after is a good time to begin, but on the coldest mornings, waiting until the sun has been up an hour or two can be a good choice, and mid day into the afternoon is also great.

This gives the fish a little time with some sun on their backs to warm up a bit. On a nice sunny day, late morning into the afternoon can be the best time to hunt Reds and Trout on the flats of the backcountry and Mosquito Lagoon, after the shallow water has warmed a couple degrees, fish dark bottom, oyster bars, and sand spots. Tail hooked select size shrimp, small live finger mullet, and mud minnows are good baits for the cold shallows. A small size, light color soft plastic or Gulp bait is a good choice for artificial, always fished very slow in cold water.

Black Drum is also a winter target, best baits are blue crab and shrimp, can be at the bottom of deep holes and channels, Ponce Inlet jetty rocks, and Haulover Canal. Shallow water schools of Drum also can be found in southern Mosquito Lagoon, please consider photo and release on the larger “breeder size” Black Drum to keep the baby Drum coming our way for years to come. Remember Redfish are catch & release only south of SR44 bridge in New Smyrna.

CAPT. MICHAEL SAVEDOW

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Under NEW Ownership by Cody Moore, Third Generation Fisherman

New Smyrna Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear. Along with carrying all of the equipment you need, NSO offers services like rod/ reel repair, line spooling, splicing, rigging, outrigger setup, and NSB Outfitters offshore and tackle, tackle, that’s as well much more. Ifspecializes you are notinlooking forbait fishing ok,as NSO also offers the best in apparel, eyewear, drinkware, and and inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel more. Some of the quality brands include but aren’t limited to accessories.

New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience Costa, Bajio, Olukai, Free Fly, Marshwear, Aftco, Anetik, Yeti, to guide Hemlock, through whatever typeNew of fishing looking to do.

Stanley, Salty Crew.

Smyrnayou’re Outfitters strives to carry the best brands and offer the best customer service.

SAME STREET, NEW LOCATION! 223a Canal St. | NewSmyrnaOutfitters.com (386) 402-8853 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday Closed

Winter Caught Bally Hoo

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JANUARY 2026

VOLUSIA COUNTY 9

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No Job too big or too small Residential and Commercial Services including: - Land Clearing and Site Development - Asphalt paving ,milling services, and material by the load.

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Call us today! (386) 218-6969 1980 Cameron ave. Sanford, fL 32771 10 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2026

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right w them o them h fresh b My f came o them, hook, pompa home So, y end of warm in the the sm

TRAILER SALES

MARCO POMPANO

Surf Fishing Guide Marcopompano@gmail.com (386) 212-4838 Wilbur by the Sea Facebook @ Marco Pompano

TRAILER SALES Your full service SERVICE PARTS (386 ) 423-5553 trailer dealer Locally owned and operated since 2002

We can’t guarantee you’ll catch fish, but we’ll get you to the water.

3113 S. Ridgewood Ave. (US1) Edgewater, FL 32141

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• JACKS • BRAKES • SPRINGS • BUNKS • ROLLERS • WINCHES • & MORE •

I

loaded up the tricycle with four poles and headed down to the beach before sunrise. When I arrived it was pitch black, so, with my little flashlight, I set up the four poles on the beach: three with sand flea bait and one with crab knuckles from fresh blue crab.

I cast out all four. After about ten minutes my north pole sings.

With a big hit on, it bends in half. I can tell it’s a pompano. It’s taking line. Ya, Mon! I start to do my little dance, a couple of back up reggae moves, reeling it in. It’s a good one! As I slide it onto the beach, it’s slapping the sand hard. It’s one of the slab scouts that come first, with the herd just behind it.

As I’m baiting it up again, my south pole spins back and spikes straight up. When a pole stands straight up like that, it means the fish is swimming in. Ya, Mon! The sun is starting to rise, and all those weeks fishing and waiting were well worth the effort, as another pompano lands on the beach.

The sun pops up on the horizon with all kinds of beautiful colors and lights up the sky. This is definitely the place to be in Wilbur By the Sea. The water is the perfect 74°, exactly the temperature the pompano like to hang around in.

It’s finally starting to warm up this morning, with the sun going up. Just when you think things couldn’t get better, the red fish start to bite. Now, I’m not that long of a caster so it seems my mid shots are landing right where the red fish are hanging out and feeding. I’ve been getting them on crab knuckles and sand fleas. They bite both and most of them have been in the slot, which is 17 to 27 inches. I always look for fresh bait: live crabs, live sand fleas, live shrimp.

My friend Bobby O, newly arrived from a long drive from Chicago, came onto the beach. He tried to dig some sand fleas, but couldn't get them, took out a rotten piece of half baked old fish gum, put it on his hook, and went to town. Ten minutes later, he reeled in a monster slab pompano, 21 3/4 inches to the tail (the V we measure to). He went home for a great meal.

So, you never know. It’s called fishing. With that thrown in, at the end of some great days, with some clear blue green water, nice cool warm breeze from the west, with the tunes of Toots and the Maytals in the background, me and these fish are definitely heading to the smoker.

• AXLES • HUBS • BEARINGS • TIRES & WHEELS • LIGHTS • COUPLERS •

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613 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114

We Buy & Sell Marine Closeouts & Surplus

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JANUARY 2026

VOLUSIA COUNTY 11

C

aptain & The Kids strives go offshore or inshore, Sol Fishing to always promote youth will target whichever species they anglers both at the local want to catch. Some of the most level as well as nationally recent species that the youth anglers through our “Youth Angler have been wanting to target are Program.” If it was not for passing red snapper, lane snapper, cobia, down techniques, traditions, and amberjack, sharks, barracuda, redfish, the love for the water, it would and snook. slowly fade away. It is our The Youth Angler Program is made mission to always instill possible by all our retailers who stock conservation and ethical Sol Fishing’s gear such as our Hats, fishing to our youth!

Decals, and Performance shirts and Capt. Evan started the many more products. Stop by New Youth Angler Program Smyrna Beach Outfitters Outriggers, after finding out how Donald’s Bait & Tackle, 38 many kids in the New Live Bait & Tackle, E & J Bait Smyrna Beach area had & Tackle Sunglass Cabana, Shades never been fishing, never of New Smyrna Beach, Boaters been on a boat, and was Exchange, and Pedago of NSB to born and raised in the get your Sol Fishing gear to help area. Since that day Capt. support the Youth Angler Program!

Evan strives to getting Sol Fishing’s amazing sponsors more and more youth such as Tidewater Boats, Legacy anglers on the water Marine, Black Oak LED, Penn, Plano, each and every year! Sol Fenwick, and many more all make Fishing will do everything this amazing program possible! possible to make every young man or lady's CAPT. EVAN SANDERS fishing dreams come Sol Fishing true. www.solfishing.com It does not matter 407-796-2088 if the kids want to

The Pierfect meal awaits you while you escape to unbelievable views and terrific food!

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Located on the Sunglow Pier Check us out at crabbyjoesdaytona.com

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www.USHarbors.com

Ormond Beach, Halifax River, FL - Jan 2026 High

Date

www.USHarbors.com

Ponce De Leon Inlet South, FL - Jan 2026

Low

High

Date

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

Thu

6:11

3.8

6:27

2.7

PM

ft

Rise

Set

12:34

0.0

7:17

5:37

2

Fri

7:07

3.9

7:23

2.8

12:18

3

Sat

8:02

3.9

8:18

2.9

1:15

-0.6

1:29

-0.2

7:17

5:37

-0.7

2:20

-0.2

7:17

5:39

4

Sun

8:52

3.9

9:10

2.9

5:38

2:09

-0.7

3:08

-0.3

7:18

7:19

5:40

5

Mon

9:40

3.7

10:00

5:39

2.9

3:00

-0.6

3:55

-0.2

7:18

-0.2

7:19

5:40

6

Tue

10:26

3.5

5:40

10:50

2.9

3:51

-0.4

4:42

-0.2

7:18

10:18

-0.1

7:19

5:41

7

Wed

11:11

3.2

5:40

11:41

2.8

4:46

-0.2

5:31

-0.1

7:18

0.0

11:06

0.0

7:19

5:42

8

Thu

11:56

2.9

5:41

5:44

0.0

6:18

-0.1

7:18

0.2

11:54

0.1

7:19

5:43

9

Fri

12:33

2.8

12:42

5:42

2.6

6:42

0.2

7:03

0.0

7:18

12:33

0.3

7:19

5:44

10

Sat

1:26

2.7

5:43

1:30

2.4

7:38

0.4

7:46

0.1

7:18

0.1

1:31

0.4

7:19

5:44

11

Sun

2:22

5:44

2.7

2:25

2.2

8:34

0.5

8:32

0.1

7:18

1:33

0.2

2:26

0.4

7:19

5:45

12

Mon

5:44

3:20

2.7

3:26

2.1

9:33

0.5

9:20

0.1

7:18

0.5

2:22

0.2

3:18

0.4

7:19

5:46

13

5:45

Tue

4:16

2.8

4:23

2.1

10:31

0.5

10:12

0.1

7:18

8:51

0.5

3:11

0.2

4:10

0.3

7:19

5:47

5:46

14

Wed

5:06

2.9

5:14

2.1

11:25

0.4

11:03

0.1

7:18

0.6

9:41

0.5

4:00

0.1

4:59

0.2

7:19

5:47

5:48

15

Thu

5:53

3.0

6:02

2.1

12:15

0.3

7:18

10:20

0.6

10:28

0.5

4:48

0.1

5:44

0.2

5:48

7:19

5:49

16

Fri

6:39

3.1

6:48

2.2

1:01

0.2

7:18

Sat

11:03

0.7

11:12

0.6

5:33

0.0

6:24

5:48

0.1

7:18

5:49

17

Sat

7:23

3.1

7:33

2.3

12:36

-0.1

1:42

0.1

7:17

18

Sun

11:44

0.7

11:53

0.6

6:16

-0.1

5:49

7:02

0.0

7:18

5:50

18

Sun

8:05

3.2

8:15

2.3

1:19

-0.2

2:18

0.1

7:17

19

Mon

12:22

0.7

6:55

5:50

-0.1

7:38

0.0

7:18

5:51

19

Mon

8:43

3.2

8:55

2.4

1:58

-0.3

2:52

0.0

7:17

20

Tue

12:33

0.6

1:00

0.7

5:51

7:34

-0.2

8:13

-0.1

7:18

5:52

20

Tue

9:19

3.2

9:33

2.5

2:37

-0.3

3:26

-0.1

7:17

21

Wed

1:14

0.6

1:38

5:52

0.7

8:14

-0.2

8:50

-0.1

7:17

5:53

21

Wed

9:54

3.1

10:12

2.5

3:16

-0.2

4:01

-0.1

7:16

22

Thu

1:54

0.6

5:53

2:16

0.7

8:57

-0.1

9:29

-0.1

7:17

5:54

22

Thu

10:31

3.0

10:54

2.6

4:00

-0.1

4:39

-0.1

7:16

23

Fri

2:36

5:53

0.6

2:57

0.6

9:43

-0.1

10:12

-0.1

7:17

5:54

23

Fri

11:10

2.8

11:41

2.7

4:51

0.0

5:22

-0.2

7:16

24

Sat

5:54

3:21

0.6

3:41

0.6

10:36

0.0

11:00

-0.1

7:16

5:55

24

Sat

11:55

2.6

5:51

0.1

6:11

-0.2

7:15

25

5:55

Sun

4:12

0.6

4:32

0.6

11:37

0.1

11:56

-0.1

7:16

5:56

25

Sun

12:34

2.8

12:46

2.4

6:55

0.1

7:02

-0.3

7:15

5:56

26

Mon

5:10

0.6

5:33

0.5

12:45

0.2

7:16

5:57

26

Mon

1:36

2.9

1:48

2.3

8:00

0.2

7:58

-0.3

7:15

5:57

27

Tue

6:18

0.6

6:43

0.5

12:58

-0.1

1:54

0.2

7:15

5:58

27

Tue

2:47

3.0

3:03

2.2

9:09

0.2

9:00

-0.3

7:14

5:58

28

Wed

7:32

0.7

7:57

0.5

2:03

-0.1

3:01

0.1

7:15

5:59

28

Wed

3:59

3.1

4:15

2.2

10:18

0.1

10:05

-0.4

7:14

5:59

29

Thu

8:44

0.7

9:06

0.6

3:07

-0.2

4:06

0.0

7:14

6:00

29

Thu

5:03

3.3

5:18

2.3

11:23

0.0

11:09

-0.5

7:13

5:59

30

Fri

9:48

0.7

10:09

0.6

4:11

-0.3

5:07

-0.1

7:14

6:00

30

Fri

6:01

3.4

6:15

2.5

12:22

-0.1

7:13

6:00

31

Sat

10:45

0.7

11:04

0.6

5:12

-0.4

6:02

-0.2

7:13

6:01

31

Sat

6:55

3.5

7:10

2.7

1:14

-0.3

7:12

6:01

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Thu

9:57

0.8

10:18

0.6

4:25

-0.3

5:21

-0.1

7:18

5:37

1

2

Fri

10:55

0.8

11:16

0.6

5:24

-0.4

6:17

-0.2

7:18

5:38

3

Sat

11:50

0.8

6:20

-0.5

7:09

-0.3

7:18

5:38

4

Sun

12:11

0.6

12:43

0.8

7:13

-0.5

7:58

-0.3

7:19

5

Mon

1:04

0.7

1:33

0.8

8:04

-0.5

8:45

-0.3

6

Tue

1:56

0.7

2:21

0.7

8:55

-0.3

9:32

7

Wed

2:45

0.6

3:06

0.7

9:46

-0.2

8

Thu

3:33

0.6

3:49

0.6

10:39

9

Fri

4:21

0.6

4:33

0.6

11:35

10

Sat

5:10

0.6

5:20

0.6

11

Sun

6:01

0.6

6:10

0.5

12:44

12

Mon

6:55

0.6

7:03

0.5

13

Tue

7:49

0.6

7:57

14

Wed

8:43

0.6

15

Thu

9:33

16

Fri

17

1

Moon

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AM

12:09

ft

-0.7

JANUARY 2026

Moon

VOLUSIA COUNTY 13

J

Locally Owned With Chef Inspired Menu

321

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Millie’s offers fresh LOCAL seafoo

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14 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2026

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FISHING REPORT

J

anuary can offer some of the most productive fishing of the year when Mother Nature cooperates. Cooler temperatures and stable weather patterns often set the stage for excellent action both offshore and inshore.

Offshore, January 1st marks the opening season of golden tilefish season, one of the tastiest and easiest fish to catch in the ocean. On calm days, limits are often reached quickly, making for an efficient and rewarding start to the trip. Once the tilefish box is checked, anglers can head back toward shallower grounds to load the cooler with a variety of quality bottom fish, including triggerfish, lane snapper, vermilion snapper, and other seasonal snapper species.

As winter cold fronts move through, water temperatures drop, which typically fires up the inshore

bite. Redfish begin schooling in good numbers, especially around oyster beds and grass flats, providing consistent opportunities for sight fishing and steady action. The cooler water also pushes fish toward structure, making jetties, docks, and bridges prime locations to target sheepshead, black drum, and pompano.

While January may bring cooler mornings, the fishing more than makes

up for it. Don’t forget to pack a jacket, enjoy the crisp winter weather, and take advantage of the outstanding fishing opportunities that January has to offer.

CAPTAIN TIM RUSSELL

Captain Daddy’s Fishing Charters

386-846-1675 captaindaddysfishing.com Inshore / Offshore

ith A enu

Locally Owned With A Locally OwnedMenu With A Chef Inspired Chef Inspired Menu Millie’s offers fresh LOCALoffers seafood, Millie’s meatLOCAL and produce. fresh seafood, meat and produce.

Millie’s south

S.Ave, Atlantic Avenue 3218 S. 3218 Atlantic Daytona Beach Shores Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 386-275-1492 3218 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

s food,

386-275-1492 Millie’s North 330 S. AtlanticHours: Ave, Ormond Beach 386-275-1492

11am-9pm • Tuesday closed Monday 386-238-9756 Hours: 11am-9pm Wednesday - Saturday • Tuesday closed MondayMonday: 11am-9pm Sunday11am 9am-9pm - 9pm Wednesday - Saturday tuesday: Closed 11am-9pm Wednesday - sat: 11am - 9pm Sunday 9am-9pm sunday: 8am - 9pm COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JANUARY 2026

VOLUSIA COUNTY 15

ith A ith A enu enu

R E L G N A L A T S COA

Locally Owned With A Locally OwnedMenu With A Chef Inspired Chef Owned Inspired Menu Locally With A Millie’s offers Locally Owned With Locally Owned With A Chef Inspired MenuA , fresh LOCAL seafood Millie’s offers Locally Owned With Chef Inspired Menu Chef Inspired MenuA Millie’s offers meat and produce. fresh LOCAL seafood Chef Inspired Menu , Millie’s fresh LOCAL seafood, Millie’s offers meat andoffers produce.

Millie’s south , fresh LOCAL seafood Millie’s offers meat and produce. , fresh LOCAL seafood S.Ave, Atlantic Avenue 3218meat S. 3218 Atlantic Daytona Beach Shores and produce. , fresh LOCAL seafood meat and produce.

32118 Daytona Beach Shores, FL 386-275-1492 3218 S. Atlantic Avenue Millie’s south meat and produce.

s s , food ood, uce. ce.

386-275-1492 386-275-1492 386-275-1492 3218 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 386-275-1492 11am-9pm Tuesday closed Monday 386-238-9756 Millie’s North Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 Hours: 11am-9pm 386-275-1492 Wednesday Saturday Millie’s North 330 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach Hours: Tuesday closed 386-275-1492 Monday 11am-9pm Sunday 9am-9pm 330 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Monday: 11am - 9pm Beach Hours: 386-275-1492 11am-9pm Tuesday closed Monday 386-238-9756 Wednesday - Saturday tuesday: Closed 11am-9pm Hours:

Millie’s south S.Beach Atlantic Avenue Shores, FL 32118 3218 Daytona S. 3218 Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores Millie’s North S.Ave, Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 3218 S. 3218 Atlantic Daytona Beach Shores 386-275-1492 3218 S. Atlantic Avenue 330 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach Hours: Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 •

•

•

• Tuesday 11am-9pm closed Monday 386-238-9756 11am-9pm Wednesday - Saturday Wednesday - sat: 11am - 9pm Sunday Hours: •9am-9pm Monday 11am-9pm Tuesday closed sunday: 8am 9pm 11am-9pm Wednesday Saturday Sunday 9am-9pm Monday: 11am - 9pm • Tuesday closed Monday 11am-9pm Wednesday Saturday 11am-9pm tuesday: Closed Sunday11am 9am-9pm Monday: - 9pm Wednesday sat: 11am11am-9pm - 9pm Wednesday --Saturday tuesday: Closed Sunday 9am-9pm sunday:- sat: 8am 11am - 9pm- 9pm Wednesday Sunday 9am-9pm sunday: 8am - 9pm

STALtKeErsR) D L O R A Char AL & H Fishing armony (Reel H

HUNTER SEIDULE

nue nue 32118 FL L 32118 16 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2026

FRAN

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INEC

SHAWNA & SHANNON PARKER

(Reel Harmony Fishing Charters)

Scan the QR code

to submit your photo for a chance to be showcased on our Brag Board! Your submission automatically enters you into our monthly random drawing for

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JOHN GENZO

ELI CO LEMANN

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Along with the gift card, the winner will also get a Gyotaku Fish Printing Kit from Fishin' Prints!

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JANUARY 2026

VOLUSIA COUNTY 17

TAKE YOUR CHANCES WITH THE LEGENDS OF THE SEA

FLORIDA’S PREMIERE SHARK HUNTING EXPERIENCE NSB Shark Hunters | Shore Based Fishing Charters

386-235-5573

www.nsbsharkhunters.com | nsbsharkhunters@gmail.com

18 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2026

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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AN INTRODUCTION TO

By CAM Staff

stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is a fantastic way to access shallow flats.

A SUP holds the same benefits as a kayak, as it has almost no draft and it’s small enough to explore thin winding channels. It’s also got something a kayak doesn’t have. Because it’s made to stand and paddle, the angler has an elevated position, which allows for a better view into the water. Whether your quarry is gator trout, tailing reds, cobia off the beach or even bedded bass in freshwater, that’s a huge advantage.

But SUP fishing is not something one should dive into headfirst, or one might literally take a dive with a bunch of expensive fishing gear.

Many SUPs are designed to be stable enough to serve as fishing platforms, but practicing and

A

getting good with your SUP is advised before you load it down with a cooler and fishing gear.

Any wind or wave action can make balance very difficult on a paddleboard. Trying to fish just exacerbates the problem. This issue can be alleviated with the addition of an aftermarket outrigger. And sitting while fishing, either on the board or on an attached cooler, helps. Many SUP anglers, however, choose to venture out only in calm conditions. Calm waters are better for seeing fish anyway.

Another benefit of a SUP for fishing is they are extremely quiet, allowing anglers to glide stealthily into position to cast without spooking fish. They are also very good exercise, which some anglers appreciate, and they are lightweight and pack easily. A kayak requires all sorts of straps to tie it to the roof of a vehicle. In many cases a shorter paddleboard will slide right into the back of an SUV. On the water, if you’re good enough

to hook a fish, there are some skills required to land it. Even smaller fish have the ability to pull a SUP. So, depending on the situation, the angler needs to be able to work the fish while also handling the paddle to manage the board’s movement. Storing the paddle in a loop of rope on your hip while fishing puts it in easy reach to do this, and it also allows the angler to quickly drop the paddle when it’s time to land the fish or have two hands on the rod and reel.

If the water is shallow enough, getting there on the SUP and then wading is a very good option; just be sure to tie the board around your waist, and attach the paddle to the board securely. Losing the board or the paddle could put you in a very bad situation.

SUP fishing might not be a sport for everyone, but if you enjoy paddleboarding as well as fishing, there’s no reason not to bring the two together. You might just find there are some significant advantages to it.

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Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament Jan. 30-Feb. 1

Go for the Gold! Islamorada, FL Keys.

Win trophies, a gold sailfish pendant and a crown! Meet the other anglers!

Fish your own boat or reserve a charter slot when registering.

www.ladiesletsgofishing.com Register in advance online

S Time for the Southeast

SAILFISH

Tourney Season

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inter in south Florida brings an awesome collision of ballyhoo and sailfish that makes for some of the best fishing of the year. It’s also the time of year for some of the richest and most fun tournaments. If you’re interested, right now is the time to register. Here’s a list of some good sailfish tournament events: JAN. 5-7, 2026 2026 Silver Sailfish Derby Sailfish Marina, Singer Island westpalmbeachfishingclub.org JAN. 9-10, 2026 Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament Islamorada • fishforholly.com JAN. 14-18, 2026 Operation Sailfish

Leg One of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series

Sailfish Resort & Marina, Palm Beach www.bluewatermovements.com

JAN. 20-24, 2026 Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament Buccaneer Marina Resort, Riviera Beach buccaneercup.com JAN. 23-25, 2026 Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament 2nd Event of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship

Cheeca Lodge, Islamorada www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com

JAN. 20-21, 2026 Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament 3rd Event of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship

Whale Harbor, Islamorada www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com FEB. 18-22, 2026 Sailfish Challenge

Leg Two of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series

Three checkpoints: Miami, Pompano Beach, West Palm

www.bluewatermovements.com APR. 8-11, 2026 Final Sail

Leg Three of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series

Miami Beach • www.bluewatermovements.com

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uckily, I have never personally been seasick, but I can con!rm that when it gets someone, they look like they legitimately want death.

Watching people board the boat in the morning full of personality, and quickly turning into a quiet, helpless version of themselves breaks my heart every time.

It’s funny, I’ve taken people !ve miles out in flat calm seas and watched them turn green within an hour, while others can ride out a choppy twelvehour sword!sh trip without a single grimace.

Seasickness, or motion sickness, isn’t about toughness. It’s about biology, and knowing how to outsmart it can mean the difference between the trip of a lifetime and one you’d rather forget.

At its core, seasickness is your brain throwing a !t over mixed signals. Your inner ear, which controls balance, feels the constant motion of the boat. Your eyes, however, might be locked on the deck or a smartphone, telling your brain that you’re not moving. This mismatch can confuse the body enough to trigger nausea, cold sweats, dizziness, and that unmistakable “I need the rail” moment.

The good news is that you can do a lot to keep it from happening, or at least keep it from ruining your day.

Start the night before. One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is showing up tired, dehydrated, and with nothing in their stomach.

Lack of sleep makes your body more sensitive to motion. Drink plenty of water the day before and have a balanced dinner, nothing too greasy or heavy. And go easy on alcohol, nothing gets people

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon faster than being hungover.

Eat before you board.

An empty stomach is not your friend at sea. Eat a light breakfast with complex carbs and protein; think a bagel with peanut butter or scrambled eggs with toast.

Skip the spicy breakfast burrito...you’ll thank me later.

Pick your spot wisely. The closer you are to the boat’s center, the less movement you’ll feel. On smaller boats, this often means staying near the console or midship. If you’re anchored or drifting, facing into the wind can help you get fresh air, and fresh air is one of your best allies. Whatever you do, don’t lay down and close your eyes, no matter how much you’d prefer to be in the fetal position, this is your enemy.

Keep your eyes on the horizon. Your inner ear is telling your brain you’re moving, and your eyes need to con!rm it. Locking your gaze on the horizon gives your brain consistent information and can stop the mixed-signal meltdown before it starts.

Avoid the downward spiral. Once seasickness takes hold, it can be hard to shake. If you feel that !rst wave of queasiness, act fast. Get to fresh air, keep your head up, and focus on a !xed point.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, The Florida Keys.

(504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn

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THE FRESHWATER BEAT

HANDLING SEASICKNESS

Know your aids. There are plenty of over-the-counter and prescription remedies, from Dramamine and Bonine to scopolamine patches, but timing matters! Take them before you step aboard, or even get them in your system the night prior to a trip. Ginger candies, wrist acupressure bands, and peppermint gum can also help.

Respect your limits. If you know you’re prone to seasickness, tell your captain ahead of time.

We’d much rather work with you to make your trip comfortable than see you suffer in silence.

Lastly, if you do need to heave, please try to do it downwind of the captain. I dont care if its all over the boat, but truly, I have been puked on more times than I’d like to admit. To the client who got me right in the mouth from 10 feet away on a windy trip, 10/10 for accuracy, but I’d rather not be handing out those awards.

Seasickness is nothing to be embarrassed about as even seasoned captains have had their moments.

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Adjusting to Post-Front Bass

water temperatures. Since Florida lakes, where I’m located, are shallow and cool down quickly PRO ANGLER JOEY BLOOM in the wind, I spend extra time searching for protected areas—canals, marinas, or creek arms—that retain warmth longer. Even a slight increase of a couple degrees can spark !sh activity. I’ve often seen a quiet stretch come hen a powerful cold front sweeps a shaky head or Texas rig along alive after the sun heats it up by midday. across your location, bass !shing grass lines, letting Bait Cave’s lifelike action do If you’re !shing grass-rich lakes, concentrate conditions can shift dramatically the work. That realistic movement and high- on dense vegetation near deeper water—look overnight. A reliable shallow bite can vanish by for hydrilla edges, reeds, or mats. These zones the following morning as water temperatures trap heat and provide bass a sense of safety. I plummet, skies clear, and previously gentle love flipping a Bait Cave Customs creature bait south winds turn into chilly gusts from the into that thick stuff with a heavy rod and braid, north, stripping warmth from the lakes. staying alert for subtle bites that follow a cold Consistency as a bass angler hinges on knowing front. how to adjust your approach after these fronts As the day warms and the barometric move through. pressure stabilizes, don’t rule out reaction baits.

My !rst reminder after a cold front is A suspending jerkbait or lipless crankbait can simple: the !sh haven’t gone anywhere—they’ve entice suspended !sh that aren’t chasing much just changed their mood and location. Most else. largemouth bass dislike cold, high-pressure Cold fronts can be humbling, but they also weather, so they slide off the banks, tuck tighter teach adaptability. Every front is a learning into cover, or suspend near feeding areas. opportunity. Be patient, trust your instincts, Recognizing these subtle changes can turn a and use your con!dence baits—my favorites challenging day into a productive one. are Bait Cave Customs soft plastics and the Returning to productive spots after a front, gear I pick up from Copper State Tackle’s new I slow down and target slightly deeper water.

Inverness, Fla. location. If you’re near there, If I had success with moving baits in two feet check out their shop—they have everything you of water before, I’ll now !sh four or !ve feet need to stay prepared for any conditions. deep with more subtle lures. This is when I rely on my con!dence baits—especially the Joey Bloom is a 2024-2025 National Professional soft plastics from Bait Cave Customs. Their quality construction make a big difference Fishing League Tournament Pro. Follow his stick baits and !nesse worms are essential for during tougher bites. fishing and fun on Instagram, Facebook, my cold-front strategy. I’ll drag one slowly on Another important tactic is seeking stable and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.

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NATIONAL 7

FISHING FOR A GREAT GETAWAY? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN USVI!

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hat you really need to cure those winter blues is a little sun and sand, beaches and rainforests, music and culture, food and fun. And no place delivers the rhythms of the Caribbean quite like St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ST. THOMAS: St. Thomas’ location near an undersea canyon makes it one of the best places in the world to catch massive !sh—we’re talking up to 350 pounds or more!

Inshore, offshore and deep-sea !shing charters like Offshore Adventures and Double Header Sportfishing offer half or full-day excursions into waters teeming with blue marlin, yellow!n tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and more. Or if you’d rather combine a little work and play, Virgin Islands Sportfishing can customize a trip that includes plenty of !shing, plus a place to stop for cocktails to celebrate your big catch.

For an adventure to remember, book a trip to Coral World Ocean Park, where you can scuba dive or swim with dolphins, sea lions and turtles. (Guides are provided and no certi!cations are required). The park’s 5 acres also include aquariums, outdoor pools, nature trails and other marine experiences.

The littles on your list will never forget a trip to the hands-on Pirates Treasure Museum, where kids (and kids at heart) can steer a virtual pirate ship through a storm, learn all about submarines

and even search for pirate booty — before scoring their own pirate-themed merch in the museum gift shop, of course.

ST. CROIX: The outdoors and history blend beautifully on St. Croix.

Thrill-seekers can fuel their adrenaline rush with a ride on the Carambola Zip Line, which delivers a heart-pounding 200-foot vertical drop before racing 2,500 feet across a lush tropical valley.

You can also explore some of the island’s more remote reaches on a two-hour Gecko’s Island Adventures guided ATV tour through trails and forests you simply can’t access by car. These treks require a sense of adventure combined with a little grit, but the stunning views that await are oh, so, worth it.

Those wanting a more relaxing vacation will love exploring St. Croix’s historical towns, where you can wander among buildings that haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. All of the exploring will work up quite an appetite, so be sure to book a tasty food tour while you’re here! Companies like Virgin Islands Food Tours or Taste of Twin City Food Tour will help you eat and drink your way around town, while a Christiansted Sip & Savor Mixology Class teaches guests how to make three signature cocktails mixed with local Cruzan Rum and tropical ingredients.

ST. JOHNS: Don’t be fooled by the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands. St. John

absolutely delivers when it comes to uncrowded beaches, relaxation and unspoiled natural beauty. More forested and less developed than its sister islands, it offers the perfect escape for those looking for a true “check out from civilization” getaway.

That seclusion and natural beauty make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations for romantic getaways. Book a luxury stay at The Westin St. John Resort Villas or Lovango Resort & Beach Club. Reserve a table at !ne restaurants like ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay or casual joints like Skinny Legs Bar & Grill. Book a Cruz Bay Watersports sunset sail or a Night Kayak glow tour.

Another unique way to explore St. John’s pristine beaches is on horseback. Book a ride with Carolina Corral to take a guided trail ride along coral-strewn shorelines before making your way up a sloping hillside that leads to sweeping views of Coral Bay.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Check out www.VisitUSVI.com.

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