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In Alpine Helen, GA Freshwater Fun Abounds
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia against a backdrop of forests and river banks, the bustling Bavarian alpine village of Helen o!ers a wealth of shing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
By Unicoi Out tters
Trout shing is a highlight in the Helen area, with rainbow, brown, and brook trout abundant in local waters. Anglers can explore various shing experiences:
• High-Elevation Wild Trout: Tackle small creek wild trout in the serene mountain streams.
• Stocked Streams: Fish in streams replenished by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, o!ering both catch-and-keep and catch-andrelease options.
• Smithgall Woods State Park: Reserve a spot to pursue trophy trout in this pristine park.
• Private Water Access: Book guided or unguided trips on exclusive sections of the Chattahoochee and Soque Rivers.
#e optimal trout shing seasons are spring (March-May) and fall (October-November), with cooler water temperatures and comfortable
A L PINEHELE N , GEORGIa • A L ELEHENIP N , aIGROEG • BUCKET LIST 2025
air conditions. Winter shing is also rewarding for those prepared for colder conditions.
For bass enthusiasts, the Helen area o!ers diverse shing experiences:
• River Fishing: Target native shoal bass, spotted bass, redbreast sun sh, and bluegill in the Chattahoochee and Chestatee rivers.
• Lake Fishing: Explore lakes like Burton, Seed, Rabun, Chatuge, and Lanier for largemouth bass, spotted bass, and sun sh species.
#e Helen, GA region is also home to three species of native redeye bass: Chattahoochee, Bartram’s, and Coosa bass. #ese colorful and spirited sh are best targeted from April to September. Anglers can pursue these species as part of the Georgia Bass Slam.
And, worth noting, Helen is an excellent destination for family shing adventures:
• Unicoi State Park: O!ers opportunities for
kids to trout sh in Smith Creek, bream sh in the lake, and enjoy activities like hiking to Anna Ruby Falls, zip-lining, kayaking, paddle-boating, and archery.
• Lake Burton Trout Hatchery: A short drive from Helen, this hatchery allows visitors to sh for stocked trout at Moccasin Creek State Park, explore wild trout streams upstream, bream sh at the lake shoreline, and hike to Hemlock Falls.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, Helen, GA o!ers a diverse range of shing experiences and is a worthy destination to add to your bucket list.
Unicoi Out tters, established in 1994, is the Helen, Ga area’s premier y shop and guide service, providing expert guidance and quality gear to enhance your shing experience. Visit unicoiout tters.com to learn more about available trips, gear, and to book your next shing excursion. To learn more about Helen, GA, visit helenga.org.
MOUNTAIN STRONG
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
Chimney Rock Village, North Carolina was decimated by last year’s rare hurricane surge in the Rocky Broad River. Decimated. All ve of the village’s bridges, 30 percent of the small businesses, most of Main Street to Bat Cave, the village’s two campgrounds, over 35 RVs, and over 30 homes were washed away. With only one road in or out of Chimney Rock, no power, no public services and winter coming on, this little mountain village of 125 residents banded together to help each other. #ey immediately rolled up their sleeves and began the process of survival and renewal.
Always one of this writer’s favorite trout streams, Chimney Rock Village and it’s meandering Rocky Broad River was an annual sojourn for me and many anglers throughout the country.
I recently visited Chimney Rock and had the opportunity (privilege) to speak with the town’s mayor, Peter O’Leary, about the village’s reconstruction e!ort and how truly self-reliant these mountain folk are. According to Mr. O’Leary, volunteer groups like Spokes of Hope and the 101st Airborne showed up with much needed supplies and the Chimney Rock community, along with the volunteers, began the process of moving forward; volunteers like Shane Zoccole, Barbara Meliski, Joe from Wyoming, the whole Spokes of Hope crew immediately started pitching in.
#e river has taken a somewhat di!erent route through Chimney Rock. Some say its course now resembles its course from the mid 1800s when residents rst began settling the Hickory Nut Gorge. Today, crews are hard at work everywhere you look, roads are in and the future looks bright for a return to a new form of reality for both the residents as well as visitors. And while the course of the river has morphed, the sh haven’t gone anywhere, and while the riverfront buildings will invariably change, the beauty of the
mountains and the serenity and superior trout shing of the Rocky Broad River, along with the spirit of the residents will likely never be diminished. For that we wholeheartedly embrace the moniker of “Mountain Strong” for everyone involved in this heartfelt e!ort to reclaim and restore this beautiful mountain village.
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during the initial feeding frenzy.
If you have outriggers, trolling 4 lines is pretty straightforward. If your riggers have dual clips, the highest set clip will hold your longer lines. If you only have single clips, use them for longer lines with rigged ballyhoo, and run two chuggers from the gunnels, set closer to the boat.
If you dont have outriggers, you can use shorter rods or bent-butts for short lines near the back of the boat, and run two longer lines from taller trolling rods, set behind them midship, or just keep it simple and run two or three lines. #e most important rule of setting a spread is that lures that dive deeper should be set as shorter lines, running closest to the boat, while lures that skip the surface will be your longest set lines. #is gives you the ability to turn the boat without risking tangles. If your short chuggers are exactly the same, they can be run at identical lengths, otherwise, stagger them appropriately according to their weight and depth they run through the water.
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
or new boat owners with a vessel and captain capable of getting o!shore, targeting mahi is a great choice for rst-timers who are wanting to push into the o!shore shery.
Mahi shing doesn’t require any predetermined coordinates, and anyone can head out there and nd them. Depending on your location and time of year, you can start looking for signs of life as shallow as 100’. #is time of year in the Florida Keys, you may have your best luck past 500’.
As you make your way o!shore, your hunt begins immediately. Your head should be on a swivel, scouring near and far for the telltale signs of mahi activity. Current edges, weedlines, debris, baitsprays, and diving birds found within the
desired depths, are all worth checking out.
When you have found one of these potential mahi zones, you will initially troll the area, and then move into casting at the school once you have hooked up to a sh.
Depending on your boat’s set-up, you can get the job done trolling 2-5 lines. It really isn’t necessary to go overboard with a mahi spread as they have a tendency to tangle lines, and a majority of your catching will be done a$er you have hooked up to a single sh. Once you have hooked up on the troll, you will have to clear all the other lines to prepare for casting at the school. If you have too many lines to clear, you may miss your opportunity for multiple hookups
If you want to run a $h line down the center, you can choose a long line that increases your chances of catching tuna. #is rod should be placed up high on the center of the boat in the rocket launcher and should have a very light lure that skips the surface. Alternatively, you can run it short from the transom, with a lure that dives deeper and increase your chances of catching wahoo.
If you opt for the short $h line, be aware that running anything with treble hooks is not recommended for targeting mahi. Not only do ip like rabid snakes when in the boat, but as they jump and shake when hooked, they can send that lure %ying back at you if they are successful in freeing themselves. Choose a wahoo lure with single hooks if you are running this type of spread.
If you go with a long line as your $h line, be mindful that you will likely catch more weeds this way. #is is a better option in open water while trolling under birds rather than weedlines. It also makes cult to make tighter maneuvers. Always make wide turns, and speed up through them to keep the lines tight and maintaining the lure’s action.
Once you’ve hooked into a mahi, slow the boat but keep it in gear while you clear the other trolling lines. Bring the hooked sh close to the boat, but leave it swimming in the water as it will act like a chumbag to bring his buddies up to casting range. Grab your spinning rods with 50-80# leader and an 8/0 j hook, toss on a live or chunk of bait and cast out behind the hooked sh. Let back, occasionally stopping the line with your nger and giving it a little twitch and then continuing to free-line it back. When you get a bite, give the sh a few seconds to eat awnd then close your bail and reel. Once you have all your rods hooked up with sh, start taking them into the boat one at a time and casting back into the school, holding multiple hooked sh in the water as you start rotating them out.
If you aren’t quite ready to go solo yet, give Sweet E’nuf Charters a call to book a mahi catching trip and we’ll teach you everything you need to know to make the mahi fear you.
Happy hunting!
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, e Florida Keys. (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
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NOAA Sets 2-Day Atlantic Red Snapper Season; Withdraws Bottom Fishing Closure Proposal
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has announced a short recreational season of just two days for 2025 for red snapper in the South Atlantic. Red snapper harvest will be open for recreational anglers in the South Atlantic, from North Carolina through Florida, July 11 and 12. !e limit is one sh per angler.
Dates are subject to change in case a small cra weather advisory is projected. Any change in the date of the recreational season will be announced in the Federal Register, Fishery Bulletin, and an announcement via NOAA Weather Radio.
NOAA Fisheries also withdrew the proposed bottom shing closure from Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the SnapperGrouper Fishery of the South Atlantic.
Amendment 59, introduced in January of this year, proposed a 3-month bottom shing closure for 55 species of reef sh in Northeast and Central Florida each year. Comprising federal waters from the Florida/Georgia border to Southern Brevard County, the closure would have had devastating
impacts on the sport shing industry and coastal communities that rely on angling tourism dollars.
!e American Sport shing Association (ASA) applauds the elimination of the proposed closure. “We are encouraged to see NOAA reconsider and withdraw the $awed bottom shing closure,” said Martha Guyas, Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for ASA. “With more than 5 million anglers taking to the water each year in our state, recreational shing contributes $11.1 billion to the Florida economy and supports more than 70,000 jobs. !is haphazard proposal would have gutted the industry without any sound scienti c justi cation.”
Moving forward, continued e orts to improve data collection and management are necessary to assist in providing more reasonable access. !e South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count is underway and is expected to be completed later this summer.
ASA led a joint letter earlier this year in which 76 members of the recreational shing industry from dozens of states expressed their opposition to the area closures included in the Amendment. NOAA Fisheries also held multiple in-person hearings and received extensive comments during the public comment period, most of which opposed all or part of the proposal.
Unfortunately, Amendment 59 still maintains an unacceptably short recreational season of just two days for 2025. Although there was widespread grumbling and gnashing of teeth by recreational anglers, it did not come as a surprise to pretty much anyone.
By Don Norton
A SECRET TO OKEECHOBEE BASSIN’
If you’ve never been to Lake Okeechobee, it’s like shing in an ocean. With a surface area of 730 square miles, 135 miles of shoreline, and a length of 35 miles, it can be a bit humbling even to the top professionals who sh tournaments there. Hot spots abound. At one time or another, throughout the calendar year, virtually everywhere on the lake is a good shing area.
!e lake’s water levels uctuate 3-5 feet per year. !e normal water level in the winter ranges from 14 to 16 feet above sea level, and the normal water level in the summer months ranges from 12 to 15 feet.
As I write this article in mid-May, the water level is 11.17 feet above sea
level, unusually low for this time of year, creating many navigational hazards. It is expected to go even lower before the rainy season hits South Florida. What’s a sherman to do? !e lake becomes dangerous at this depth, and many of the best spots can be hard to get to.
Like many other anglers, I found the answer years ago.
!e Kissimmee River originally owed over 100 miles from Lake Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee. !e waterway, part of the Everglades headwaters, was straightened and channelized into a 56-mile-long canal called the C-38 Canal in the 1960s for ood control. Restoration e$orts are underway to restore the river to its original meandering state and revitalize the ecosystem. !e depth of the river as it enters Lake Okeechobee ranges between 25 and 30 feet deep, o$ering an excellent opportunity for anglers to catch bass, crappies and bluegills. Other parts of the river can be as deep as 45 feet.
But it o$ers some excellent bass shing. Just ask Greg DiPalma, Brandon Palaniuk, Will Davis Jr., or Timothy Dube, four professionals who shed the 2025 BassMaster Elite Tournament on Lake Okeechobee earlier this year.
On Day One, shing in a small stretch of the C-41A Canal that ows southeast from Lake Istokpoga, DiPalma weighed in 29.12, Davis Jr., 26.2, Palaniuk 23.7, and Dube had 23.7. !e foursome was in rst, second, third, and 10th, respectively.
On Day Two, Palaniuk put two 8-pounders in the boat on consecutive casts, weighing in 34.10 for the day. He went on to win the tournament with a staggering 95.4 pounds, all caught in the Kissimmee River.
!is wasn’t the rst time an Elite series tournament on Lake Okeechobee was won on the Kissimmee River. Tyler Rivet won the event in 2023 a er nding an underutilized area of hard bottom spots, similar to the area Palaniuk and the others shed.
As Buck Perry used to say, “!e Home of the bass is deep water.” More and more anglers are proving that to be true.
Most of the locals will tell you, don’t overlook the river. As good as Lake Okeechobee is, the key in low water conditions, as well as other times of the year, is the Kissimmee River.
Don Norton is Co-Publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Okeechobee edition. Contact him at (863) 273-4998 or don@theanglermagazine.com.
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Kayak Fishing
By: Eric Henson
When July rolls into Southwest Florida, the heat cranks up and so does the inshore bite. For kayak anglers, this is peak season to chase redfish, snook, and speckled trout in the Bays. Launch at first light to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures, and a topwater bite that is nothing short of explosive. Snook are notorious for exploding on lures along the shadow lines near mangroves, docks, etc.
Once the sun climbs, switch to soft plastics or a live shrimp under a popping cork. Redfish often tail across the grass flats or creep along potholes waiting to ambush bait. Stay stealthy because if you spook them, you’re done for!
The outgoing tide is your best bet, flushing bait from the creeks and drawing in predators. Creek mouths are prime ambush points where snook and reds wait to gobble up passing baitfish. With water temps soaring, fish actually digest their food quicker so they
will be feeding even more than usual, in the cooler parts of the day. But if you plan on being out there on the outside when temps heat up, don’t forget your buffs, polarized shades, and have plenty of hydration. And always keep an eye on the sky because storms are quick to pop up and can be unforgiving.
In July, Southwest Florida’s inshore waters are alive, and with a stealthy approach in your kayak and with the right timing, you’re just one cast away from a slot redfish, a gator trout, or a linesider that’ll put a serious bend in your rod! Please respect all the other anglers on the water and handle fish with the upmost care if you are not keeping them. Sometimes with the hotter water temps, they need a little bit more time to revive them before letting them swim away. Tight lines and look forward to seeing you out on the H20!
Rigging, Jigging and Trolling
By: Jessica Hendrie
Summer is officially upon us here in South Florida. For anyone who even does an ounce of fishing, that means one thing, prime time. But who am I kidding! Every day is prime time fishing in my life! But you have to first make sure you are rigged up right, no matter the weather. A solid setup is everything. Whether you’re drifting for snapper or chasing tuna at sunrise, having the right rig makes all the difference. Circle hooks are mainly the way to go, and choosing the right leaders can help when fish are line-shy in clear water, especially tuna. Don’t forget to check your knots as well because one weak link can mean the story of the one that got away and I’m sure we can all say we’ve been there a few times. For those of you who do the whole hitting bottom dropping down or bottom fishing thing, vertical jigging offers a good hands-on challenge. Dropping a metal jig down 150 feet and working it back up can feel like a workout, but when a big amberjack or grouper slams your line, it’s all worth it, especially if you find the good wrecks around. Now to the good stuff. Trolling is the bread and butter for me. Running lines at different depths and distances behind the boat lets you cover more water and target fast-moving pelagics like mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. Ballyhoo rigs, skirted lures, and planers are common tools of the trade. You might even meet some really cool people who make the best. Which leads me to say that one of the best parts of fishing in Florida is the community. Don’t be afraid to swing by the marina, chat at the bait shop, or ask a seasoned captain at the boat ramp. Most anglers are happy to share tips, and local insight can turn a slow day into an unforgettable one. Happy Fishing!
BEACH BREEZE
By: Joe Sheaffer
Summer is here and it seems to be very warm from sunrise to sunset. Fishing can be a challenge and many anglers head to the beaches to cool off. The cooler conditions can make a day of fishing more enjoyable. It can be a bit cooler but that doesn’t mean fishing will be easy. Many days the mornings can be very calm and the beach looks like a large lake. As the morning heads into the afternoon the beaches become very crowded with people looking to enjoy the Gulf and sun. The fish are spooky and not exactly in a feeding mood. When the weather forecast is calm and clear, waiting until the evening may prove to be more productive. Many evenings as the sun starts to sink into the Gulf, a nice sea breeze can help the surf churn. Many times the fish will turn on and begin to feed in the surf. The rolling surf along
with lower light conditions can be an advantage for anglers. Fish like Snook and other species can be very aggressive and much more willing to hit live bait and artificial presentations. Looking for schools of bait, birds diving and of course feeding fish can key you in on areas holding fish. Many presentations can be effective but I like using some type of swimming lure. Jig with paddle tails, Swimbaits, Rattle Traps, Chatterbaits are a few that have been productive for me over the years. Focusing your cast parallel to the beach will keep your lure or bait in the strike zone. Fishing in the evenings can be a little cooler and definitely less crowded. When the beaches are calm and busy during the day, think about an evening fishing, a nice breeze can make for a great fishing experience. Good luck and keep casting.
HOOKED ON GROUPER!
By: Caitlyn Gatrell
The action is really starting to heat up in Southwest Florida! As the water temperature rises and the heat increases, warm-loving critters are making their way out. Amongst these creatures, we have some of the strongest fish in the sea: Grouper. Now there are many grouper species out there, about 160 to be named, so the opportunities are pretty abundant. Some you can find nestled away in the backwaters or mangroves, and others you need to head offshore for. Now, I don't really fish offshore, but I can tell you what's going on inshore!
As we enter into the fun of fishing during summer, grouper have definitely made their way to our hooks. We have been sighting and hooking up to them more and more. A few popular species we have seen include goliath and gag grouper. Even the little ones have some serious strength, often doing whatever they can to get away.
Typically, we pull up to our honey holes with live or cut bait, heavy leader and hooks, and a max drag. Fishing in the backcountry and mangroves can be tricky for grouper as there are plenty of structures and loopholes for them to rush into. Matter of fact, we have lost quite a few as they are pretty good at running and hiding and they seem to know how to fray the line until breakage. You have to be prepared for grouper. Essentially, we pull up, throw our
bait down, let out a little line, then reel in the slack and keep it tight. Then we wait. Honestly, with grouper it's not much of a wait as they seem to bite pretty quick. And when they do, it's sudden, hard, and fast. You have a couple of seconds to take control, steering them away from structure before they flood in and it's too late. When you're positive the fish is not in a hole, you have to make sure to fight hard! You have to pull them up and reel down fast so they don’t pull more line. Cupping the spool and turning them towards the boat is needed, but be careful, if you go too hard it can cause too much line tension then a break.
The battle is often tough but it's fun! Your arms may be hurting but you'll be excited once you see that boil by the boat and get a flash of their cool colors. Grouper are actually pretty cool looking and they are very hardy fish. Be careful when you pull them up and dehook them as they are quite feisty and have sharp teeth and gill plates. I always say, they are some of the fastest released fish out there. They are angry, feisty, and ready to get away from you! They often give a huge kick and splash before diving back down to the bottom. I do love a good grouper fight, no matter the size, as they are always willing to battle with you!
Cortez, FL - Jul 2025
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Trip to the Florida Keys
By: Capt. Terry Fisher
The July 4th Holiday brings out the best in boaters looking for fun and anglers looking for fish. Except for Christmas, the 4th of July weekend is my favorite holiday to enjoy with clients, friends and family. We are all blessed to live in the United States of America and fish, beach and swim the waters of the Gulf of America and the Atlantic Ocean. The Florida Keys and the Straits of Florida provide the most beautiful, cleanest and most productive waters of our country, which have been defended and protected by our brave men and women of the Armed Forces. The 4th of July allows us to take time off to celebrate our independence.
Last year 1st Mate Vicki and I spent two weeks in the Florida Keys with our beloved Chocolate Lab (2nd Mate, ‘Moby’). We were joined by family the second week to enjoy the pristine fishing grounds and sand bars around Marathon. Each day we fished, swam and beached on one of the many sandbars to relax and cool off, even though it was very hot. Like every year, Moby got to go along to approve the daily catches when we arrived dockside. Moby loves to sniff the fish and hang out with the Gang. He looks forward to his evening sunset walks along the beach at a small park. He has been doing this for years. He has quite a following of dog lovers and is a friend to all.
This trip, 1st Mate Vicki wanted to go to the Marathon Key area to circumvent the summer heat and take advantage of the early mahi run and yellowtail snapper bite. Fishing is always good in the Atlantic so long as the wind and storms do not put a damper on plans. I write about our experiences in the Florida Keys is to make boaters and anglers aware of the different opportunities that are only 3-4 hours away from our Southwest Coast. It is totally a different, eye-opening venue and experience to boat and fish the east coast. I suggest everyone give it a try!
Ju ly Inshore Fishing in Southwest Florida offer good numbers of snook, redfish, seatrout and mangrove snappers and summer-time catfish, unfortunately. Snook are in the passes and swimming along the beaches of all the outer islands. My bait of choice for snook are pilchards.
La rge redfish have begun to move into the back waters of Pine Island Sound (Panther Keys, Rat Key, etc), Charlotte Harbor (Bull and Turtle Bays), Matlacha Pass and its more secluded areas like Oyster Creek, St. James Creek, Two Pines, Smoke House Bay. These areas will require anglers to wait until the higher tide days arrive as they are very shallow and will restrict boat access, especially in Matlacha Pass. Move and fish until you find them.
Seatrout will be small, but with enough work and light tackle they are fun to catch. Tenacity will provide the better opportunity to get a few slot-size ‘Keepers’. Shrimp under a popping cork in 4-5 foot of water over the grass flats should provide plenty of action, otherwise use artificial presentations such as scented plastics, spoons and swim baits.
Offshore fishing this month will require long range runs for the larger fish. Water depth will require 120-160 for these desired large reef species, as the water temperatures were 87 degrees in early June and will rise throughout the summer, driving the bait and game fish deeper into the water column. The target species offshore will be your choice by design or accident and will include gag, red and black grouper, American red snapper, triggerfish, african pompano, mangrove snapper, lane and yellowtail and other Pelagic species will be higher in the water column and more than likely swimming and holding around and over some sort of structure.
Inshore fishing requires only light tackle consisting of 2500-4000 series spinning reels on a matching rod with light rated line (10-15lb) and light leader material (20-30lb.) with hook or gig to match. Long offshore in deeper water require Medium Heavy gear; such as 50006000 series reels with 30-40lb line and a 50-80lb leader and 5/0-7/0 circle hook. Feel free to call me directly at 239-357-6829 with any questions.
Heating Up
By: Capt. Dave Stephens
It's summertime here in Southwest Florida, and not only is the temps outside hot but so is the fishing! This time of year, the fishing opportunities are absolutely endless as there are so many different species of fish to pursue. Some of the questions you may want to ask are; do you want to focus on the fish of a lifetime, or would you prefer to go out and catch as many fish as possible? Do you want a few for dinner?
This is the time of the year that the schools of tarpon move back up into the upper harbor. The past couple of months, they have been out on the beaches and in the passes. Mating season has now come to an end, so now it's time to feed. I strongly recommend getting an early start, first light if possible. These guys tend to show themselves in the early morning hours, and in the calm waters tarpon can be spotted rolling on the surface. Many people confuse this habit for feeding, but these fish are actually taking in air from the surface. And you can expect other
anglers to be looking for fish also, so be as respectful as possible.
For the anglers that want to take a few fish home for dinner. Well, the mangrove snapper bite has been very good. These little fish can be tricky to catch at times, and you may need to downsize your leader and hook size. If they seem a little spooky, try a 20# leader and a #1 hook. As t he summer rains continue darkening the water the fishing should pick up. The darker water helps with spooky fish.
The other reason you may want to get an early start to your time out on the water is the summer storms tend to kick up as the day goes on, so don’t forget to keep an eye out for storms that can sneak up on you quickly. Enjoy the fishing and stay safe!
Chasing Tarpon
By: Capt. Bart Marx
The tarpon that have traveled from the Caribbean to Boca Grande Pass should be close to migrating back out into the Gulf to spawn this month. The pass is a mile wide opening and Charlotte Harbor is about twenty miles long north and south, and ten miles east and west. The Peace River and the Myakka River flow into the northern section which is a big estuary where there all kinds of juvenile fish that grow up here. With the tides that come in and out these fish get pulled out to the pass which acts like a big funnel. And remember,
it is only a mile wide and for over 100 years people have fished for the Silver King Tarpon. I have been told in the early sixties, there were tournaments for tarpon were held in Harbor Heights, and the old Princess Hotel in Punta Gorda is where the wealth folks came to stay and fish for tarpon. Around 1900, Usseppa Island housed folks that also came to tarpon fish. I have seen artist drawings with a launch/power boat towing six to eight 20ish foot long canoes with one angler and one oarsman. They would fish the tides and when the tides changed they would round up the canoes and tow them back and get ready for another trip. Today, there are several different ways to target tarpon. There are the traditional live baiters, most of these are power boats that drift in Boca Grande with crabs, shrimp, mutton minnows, squirrel fish and even pin fish and use conventional style reels. And then you have the artificial bait anglers that use jigs and soft plastics to target tarpon which most of these are daytime fishermen. Boca Grande Pass can be a dangerous place with the current and hundreds of boats drifting for tarpon at the same time!
A piece of advice, never anchor your boat in the Pass as the current and waves make it very dangerous, with all these tarpon here, what part of the food chain are they in? The biggest threat to tarpon is sharks! Yes, sharks follow the tarpon because it is a great food source. Some people like to target sharks to have a battle with some of these large creatures and to get a photo, and this time of year the snook should be all along the beaches and near the Gulf in spawning mode. They can also be found around structure just inside the passes along the coast. If you travel out into the Gulf away from all the tarpon anglers there should be some nice snapper, lane, mangrove, and yellow tail to target so as to have some fresh fish for lunch or dinner. Keep an eye out for some red grouper too, which you should be able to find from fifty to eighty feet of water. So, get out there and get after it and catch them up! Give me a call and I’ll show you how we get it done!
Stew Onstott from Economy Tackle in Sarasota showing off some deep water skills.
12yo Dylan caught this monster-tobe on his famous “last cast” of the night on 30# tackle!
Chuck Tabeling w/ this huge African Pompano, (43”- 35#) after a 20 minute fight.
Jacob Long with a beautiful permit caught just offshore in Manasota Key. Collin Malloy w/ a 36” snook caught in Matlacha.
Addy hooked her first shark in the jaws of Boca Grande!
Larry Goerlitz 85 miles offshore, caught this 34" fatty-Red Grouper.
HOW TO DO IT RIGHT! FLORIDA’S MINI LOBSTER SEASON:
By A. deGruchy
For two days every July, Florida’s coastlines, especially in the Keys, come alive with divers, snorkelers, and boaters all chasing one thing...spiny lobster. !is short window, known as Lobster Mini Season, is a chance for recreational shers to get in the water and collect lobster before o cial season begins on August 6. It is fast-paced, competitive, and incredibly rewarding if you know what you are doing.
Mini Season always falls on the last Wednesday and !ursday of July. It is a long-standing Florida tradition and one of the most exciting events of the year for local divers and visitors alike. But it is also highly regulated and o$en chaotic, so the di erence between a great haul and a frustrating day o$en comes down to preparation.
To start, you’ll need snorkeling gear, a legal lobster gauge, a dive &ag, net and tickle stick. !e best nets are the “Lobster Florida Nets” by Brook Crist. !ese nets are lightweight, easy to handle in the water, and extremely e ective when it counts. When it comes to nding lobster, structure is everything. In the Keys, ledges and rocky crevices are prime spots. Look for antennae sticking out from under the ledges. Lobsters o$en cluster together, so if you nd one, there are likely more.
!e water depths also vary anywhere from 3 feet to much deeper, from 20 feet and beyond. To catch them, approach slowly from behind, use your tickle stick to gently coax the lobster forward, but never grab from behind as they’ll retreat deeper. When the lobster begins to walk, quickly position your net to block its escape. It’s important to note that spiny lobsters swim backwards when threatened, so your net should be placed just behind them, anticipating their retreat and staying one step ahead of where they’re going. Once in the net, grab the end of the net lining so the lobster doesnt escape and measure it in the water using your gauge. Only lobsters with a carapace of at least three inches can be kept.
buddy, stay visible, and if you are not an avid diver, give yourself enough time between dives to catch your breath. Be aware of boat tra c and always use a dive &ag.
!ere are speci c regulations you must follow depending where you are, every are has limits and all lobsters must be measured while still in the water. You must also have a valid Florida saltwater shing license and a lobster permit.
Additionally, there are no-lobstering zones to be aware of; for instance, in the Florida Keys you cannot catch lobster within 300 feet of any shoreline, residential or commercial structure, public or private dock, jetty, or seawall from land during Mini Season. In some zones like the Key Largo and Islamorada Sanctuary Preservation Areas, lobstering is prohibited altogether. Always
When you return to the dock, a$er tailing the lobsters you can prep them however. Our favorite is to slowly poach them in butter and then mixing it into some homemade mac & cheese. However you cook them, there’s nothing quite like eating what you caught yourself. Florida’s Mini Season is one of the most thrilling sheries the state has to o er. With the right gear, smart planning, and respect for the rules and the reef, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Follow deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sport shing on Instagram and YouTube.
A Must Attend Marketplace for Discovering What’s
In the world of watersports, outdoors, and coastal living, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just a competitive edge—it’s a necessity. That’s where Surf Expo comes in. As the leading marketplace for watersports, coastal, and outdoor lifestyle brands, Surf Expo isn’t just another trade show—it’s the heartbeat of the industry.
Held twice a year in Orlando, Surf Expo draws thousands of retail buyers and brands from across the country—and around the world. From tackle shop owners and coastal outfitters to resort boutiques and outdoor lifestyle stores, attendees come to explore, connect, and stock their shelves with the hottest products for the season ahead.
What makes Surf Expo such an essential stop on the retail calendar? It starts with the sheer variety. From high-performance gear and accessories to apparel lines that bridge the gap between beachwear and everyday style, the show covers every angle of coastal living. Whether your customers are anglers, surfers, paddleboarders, or just enjoy hanging out on a shoreline, you’ll find products that resonate.
Surf Expo is a launchpad for innovation. It’s where new brands make their debut and where trusted names unveil their latest collections. Walk the floor, and you’ll see sustainable materials in outdoor apparel and gear—trends that shape what ends up in your store and, ultimately, in the hands of your customers.
But it’s not just about the gear. Surf Expo is a place to connect and build lasting connections. With educational sessions and hands-on demos, retailers gain real-time insights into consumer behavior, merchandising strategies, and industry evolution. The chance to hear from thought leaders and engage in conversations that shape the future of the industry is invaluable.
Even more than a business event, Surf Expo feels like a gathering of friends. There’s an unmistakable sense of community that comes from being surrounded by people who love the water, the outdoors, and the lifestyle that ties it all together. It’s an event where passion meets professionalism, and where inspiration flows.
For businesses grounded in coastal life—whether you run a marina shop, a beachfront boutique, or an outdoor outfitter—Surf Expo offers the perfect blend of product discovery, industry insight, and relationship building. It’s a one-stop destination to get inspired, get stocked, and get ahead.
Attend Surf Expo, and experience firsthand where the business of coastal lifestyle meets the adventure of the outdoors. Because when it comes to outfitting your customers for life on or near the water, this is where it all begins.
Visit surfexpo.com to see a list of exhibitors and events.
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COASTAL ANGLER CATCHES
By atch Maguire
For retailers in the outdoor industry, showing up at ICAST each year is a pilgrimage that enables every town and every shery in many countries to be equipped to catch more sh and pursue their outdoor experience better. New innovations and inventions are the hallmark of this massive four day event, and while we all recognize the rapid rate of change occurring in our lives through advancements in technology and entrepreneurial excellence, witnessing the evolution of the art of catching sh over the last 25 years has, for this writer, been nothing short of mind-boggling. It’s as if the sh don’t stand a chance. Today’s electronics and gear are so advanced that anglers can almost negate the luck and even the skill factor that played such an important role in yesterday’s angling success. !at’s not to say acquiring the skills and
ICAST 2025, the world’s largest sport shing tradeshow, will be held July 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. ICAST is a trade-based show and is not open to the general public. “The show is the cornerstone of the sport shing industry, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, consumers, conservationists, state agencies and other sport shing stakeholders. In its 68th year, ICAST continues to be the place where the most valuable business relationships are born, strengthened and celebrated.” www.icast shing.org
expertise to utilize today’s innovative equipment doesn’t require e ort, dedication, and focus as the pursuit of excellence in shing did a generation ago; it’s only to say that it’s di erent today and to suggest that it will continue to evolve.
I recently shed with an accomplished young guide for snook in the Sebastian Inlet (on the east coast of central Florida) and his electronics and forward sonar were so exceptionally dialed in that we literally targeted the largest snook with the precisely duplicated bait and in a three hour trip we caught nine world class snook that, any one of
which, 20 years ago would have been considered a “ sh of a lifetime.” Braid line, superior rods, smooth reels. All these advancements made their introductions at ICAST.
!is year, Coastal Angler and its’ vast network of Franchisee Co-publishers will be scouring the booths to bring you the latest and greatest in new innovations to our beloved sport.
For an up to date look at what we’re seeing at ICAST 2025, check out all of our ICAST coverage at CoastalAnglerMag.com and VidMag.com.
PHOTO CREDIT: RYAN CLAPPER
CCA FLORIDA STAR ADDS THE DRUM SPOTS
REDFISH DIVISON TO ITS SUMMER-LONG FISHING COMPETITION
NEW DIVISION OFFERS SIX WINNERS $25,000 IN PRIZES FOR REDFISH CAPTURED WITH THE MOST SPOTS
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida STAR competition presented by Yamaha is thrilled to announce the newest division to the summer-long shing event, the Drum Spots “Lots-a-Spots” red sh division presented by Gulf States Automation. !e new division adds a unique twist to the popular catchphoto-release competition by awarding anglers for catching red sh with the highest number of spots.
Unlike any other division, “Lots-A-Spots” celebrates one of the most distinctive and eyecatching features of red sh, the iconic black spots. Participants in this division will submit photos of his or her catch, and the sh with the most combined spots on both sides will be awarded prizes.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the Drum Spots ‘Lots-A-Spots’ division presented by Gulf States Automation to the 2025 CCA Florida STAR competition,” STAR Director Capt. Leiza Fitzgerald said. “ !is exciting, new division adds another level of fun and strategy for our anglers, rewarding those who reel in the red sh with
the most spots. It’s a great way to celebrate the unique beauty of these sh while encouraging participation in a conservation-minded, catchphoto-release shing competition.”
!e “Lots-A-Spots” division continues STAR’s mission to highlight Florida’s diverse marine resources while encouraging sustainable practices through catch-photo-release participation. Anglers who participate in the division must submit photos of the le$ and right side of the red sh. !e winning sh will be the red sh with the most spots counted and combined on both sides of the sh’s body.
!e 2025 CCA Florida STAR competition presented by Yamaha invites anglers and nonanglers alike to participate for their chance to win prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats from Carolina Ski , Sea Born, Spyder and Micro Dra$ Ski , Yamaha motors, scholarships and more.
Registration is open throughout the competition. To register for STAR 2025 or for more information on divisions, prizes and more, visit cca star.com.
Lots-A-Spots Division ~ $25,000 in Prizes
• 1st Place: SUP Customs Hybrid Skiff with trolling motor bow mount, Minn Kota Riptide Power Drive 12V Trolling Motor & transom bracket with 6HP Yamaha, Power Pole Micro, and a great accessories package plus a Ross Currington Art replica of winning redfish
• 2nd Place: Abyss Battery 36V Battery with charger, Ross Currington Art replica of winning fish, Bull Bay Rod/ Florida Fishing Products Reel and Bahio Sunglasses
• 3rd Place: Power Pole 8ft Sportsman, King Sailfish Mount replica of winning fish, Bahio Sunglasses and Relentless Knife
• 4th Place: original art piece by Ashton Howard, RCI optics and NLBN Package
• 5th Place: Bay Flats Lodge fishing trip for two plus food and lodging for two nights, RCI Sunglasses andToadfish Package
• 6th Place: Humminbird Helix 7, RCI Sunglasses, Zman Baits, Toadfish Package and NLBN Package
IGFA CERTIFIES NEW WORLD RECORDS
The International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) world record database is a great source for folks who like to see some of the great sh anglers are catching around the world. Here are a handful of catches recently approved for the record books. For more world records, visit the IGFA website at igfa.org.
Hale’s Red Drum
Gill’s Yellowfin Tuna
On November 11, 2024, Earl Gill IV was shing aboard the Excel captained by Justin Fleck when he landed this massive 443-pound yellow n tuna. With this sh, Earl has set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record as well as the IGFA Men’s 60-kg (130 lb.) Line Class World Record for the species, surpassing the previous records by 16 pounds! !e Excel was shing the Lower Banks o Mexico when this record yellow n struck Earl’s cut bait. A$er an intense 1 hour and 45-minute ght, the crew was able to ga the tuna and bring it aboard.
On February 9, 2025, Graig L. Hale was shing the backwaters near Port Sulphur, Louisiana, when he landed a 37.4-inch (95 cm) red drum—tying the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species. !e record red sh ate a crab &y while Graig was shing with Capt. Scott MacCalla, making for an unforgettable day on the water. A$er boating the sh, Graig was able to record the length on his O cial IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the sh safely.
Moss’ Landlocked Striped Bass
Pamela Moss was shing on Lake Lanier in Georgia on February 10, 2025, when she landed this 9-pound, 5-ounce landlocked striped bass. With this sh, Pam has set the IGFA Women’s 4-kg (8 lb.) Tippet Class World Record for the species. She was shing with guide Dillon Lancaster when she landed this record sh. She released the sh safely a$er recording the weight on her certi ed scale.
Salles’ Payara
On November 22, 2024, IGFA Representative and multiple World Record holder, Rodrigo Salles, was shing the Rio Xingu in Brazil when he landed this 33.07-inch (84 cm) payara. With this sh, Rodrigo has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species. Rodrigo landed the toothy payara on a black streamer &y. He was then able to record the length on his O cial IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the sh safely.
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FIND THE BAIT, FIND THE FISH
July and August will be the hottest months of the year. !e wahoo and yellow nn will be everywhere and nowhere they should be. For example, you could go up and down the edge of the break and not nd a wahoo or a yellow n anywhere, but the guy slow trolling a menhaden for king mackerel 10 miles o# the beach catches a 100-pound wahoo or the guy 30 miles o# the beach light lining a pin sh while bottom shing catches a 50-pound yellow n. None of it makes any sense this time of the year, except one thing... nd the bait, nd the sh. !e same thing applies to bottom shing. !is is the time of year to search for big stacks of bee liners, cigar minnows, and sardines. Keep an eye on the recorder when you’re running to wherever you’re going, and if you see a big stack of bait on the surface, take a minute to check it out. If that stack of bait happens to be near pretty bottom, there’s a good chance it’s a good place to sh. !is is the time of year when it is especially productive to jig live cigars and sardines and put them back out.
whatever you want to, but stay focused on the bottom. Always keep a pitch rod handy with a live cigar, mina or sardine on a small circle hook and $ourocarbon. You never know when a sail sh will swim by the boat. When it does happen, remain calm do not go screaming and running around the deck because, chances are, you will spook the sh and not get another shot presenting a bait to it. If you’re very quiet, chances are a sail sh will come right back to the boat and you’ll get a shot at hand-feeding him a cig or sardine. And just like that...you’re hooked up!
It’s always a good idea to keep one person dedicated to the Sabiki. When you have big marks on the bottom or see schools of bait on the surface, just know that every one of those minnows caught on the Sabiki turns into a bite, either on the light line or on the bottom.
Of course, I have to say all of this to promote bottom shing because I do not believe in trolling. For all the sh you’re trying to catch trolling, you can hook on the light line while bottom shing. Not only that, sh are a lot more fun to catch on light tackle from an anchored-up boat rather than with trolling gear. Do I like to catch kings and dolphin on the light line? Yes. Are they my favorite sh to eat? No! Yes, they are edible, but I prefer to eat sh from the bottom. So, keep a light line out to catch and release
Needless to say, a live cig or sardine has a life expectancy on my Decoy Jig of under 10 seconds and everything eats one on the light line.
So, go to all your normal places in July and August that traditionally hold the bait, and you will most likely nd the sh. Live bait is always the best, but don’t ever leave the hill without a box or two of frozen cigar minnows. More sh have been caught on frozen cigs and sardines, than all the other baits combined. It’s never a bad idea to take live pin sh from the marina as well; the beauty live pin sh is that not everybody down there can put it in their mouth which eliminates a bunch of trash bites.
Yes, you will have to deal with catching and releasing all the “endangered” American red snappers and gag grouper, but that’s just what you’re gonna have to do until we can get this straightened out. Learn how to handle these sh properly for a successful release and come home with some good dinners.
Check out more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
CAST LURES IN A MITZI TOURNAMENT 17
Tim Barefoot
In general, the trend in boating these days is bigger is better. Right? Engine horsepower is getting higher and higher, and boats are being built able to accommodate two, four, even six engines. But what about the other end of the spectrum—anglers and cruisers that are looking for the ultimate in portable propulsion? Whether you are looking for a boost for your kayak or a reliable motor for your in$atable shing boat or tender, the perfect engine should be lightweight, easy to take on and o#, easy to use and provide the range and speed for almost any conditions. It should be selfcontained, so you don’t have to deal with lugging around a fuel tank, or even have to purchase and safely store gasoline on your boat.
Electric propulsion is the way to go, but no one has really gotten the
converters, the eLite can be fully charged in around four hours. For added capability and convenience, the engine includes a USB-C output that allows users to charge and power other electrical devices. At just under three-feet in length and weighing 14.7-pounds including the built-in battery, the eLite stores easily and the one-click quick-release bracket allows for installation and removal in a matter of seconds. For exceptional portability, the tiller handle converts to a perfectly balanced carry handle. With multiple trim and tilt angles, adjustable steering resistance and sha length, and a shallow-water mode, the eLite is completely customizable. Its Smart Battery Monitoring System e%ciently optimizes performance, carefully regulating battery level, temperature, and remaining state-of-charge all displayed on an ultra-simple interface, leading to extended range, a more energy-e%cient operation and longer battery life. Built to last, it is IP67 waterproof, and is constructed of aviationgrade aluminum alloy for lighter weight and greater durability. In addition, the anti-ground auto kick-up feature protects the motor from accidental damage. Available for under $1,000, it is also the most a#ordable electric outboard in its class.
!ere’s no time like today to upgrade to the electric outboard of the future. !e ePropulsion eLite is in stock and ready to take you quietly and sustainably to your next adventure.
A PRO THROWING BIG BAITS FOR BIG BASS
TYLER WOOLCOTT
Most of the time the saying is true, bigger bait equals a bigger sh! Although elephants eat peanuts, a big bait pro le is something sh can’t resist no matter if you are shing the open ocean or the Great Lakes. I have spent a lot of time over the last few years throwing baits bigger than my old “comfort zone” sizes for bass and it is pretty special what gets curious to come look or bite them.
!ere are many di#erent types of swimbaits out on the market, but I’ll break them down into two for this article to keep it simple. You have the hard, gliding-style treble hook swimbaits, or you have so body swimbaits that is more of a steady slow reel and most of the time more weedless. !ey both have an awesome time and place to get thrown and will both attract some very big sh.
Depending on where you are in the country and the size of the forage in your lake, a normal meal for a bass is usually much bigger than you think. A 6- to 8-inch bluegill is something a two or three pound bass would have no issues at all with swallowing and eating it whole. A 10+ pounder, on the other hand, could eat bait sh such as gizzard shad up to 14 inches, which I have personally seen. Trying to exactly duplicate the larger bait sh that are in your lake in a natural presentation is the absolute best way to draw attention from sh to your arti cial lure.
Most of the time when I am throwing a gliding-style hard swimbait, my rst choice is always going to be a shad imitation. A majority of the
places I sh are full of shad and this seems to be a favorite food source for bass when available to them. Another major large food source for big bass that a lot of people forget about are crappie. I have personally witnessed some absolute giant bass in multiple lakes that feed primarily on crappie. When throwing so swimbaits my go-to imitation is typically a bluegill. Usually when I’m throwing a so swimbait I’m wanting to either creep it through grass or along the bottom, which calls for a more weedless rig. Both places bluegill typically live and the bass that feed on them aren’t usually too far away. !ere are many di#erent brands of swimbaits out there, hard and so . When rst starting out I would stick to some of the a#ordable baits that have good reviews by users and are proven to work until you build up your con dence, then start working your way up to bigger and more customized things.
When throwing bigger lures like swimbaits you typically want bigger equipment to throw them. 13 Fishing makes an awesome, very a#ordable 8-foot rod in their Defy series that can handle most swimbaits I throw. Pair this up with a 300 sized reel like the 13 Fishing Concept A3 and some 20-25 lb. Su x Advanced Fluorocarbon and you are ready to go battle with some big sh!
It’s hard to t all the info needed to explain this technique in this article, but I hope it sparks your interest to get out there and throw a big bait. !e best way to learn is to get on the water and give it a try for yourself! I tried it once and now it is one of the coolest and most fun ways I target big bass all year long.
Don’t be afraid to reach out via my website or social media platforms with any questions you may have!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.
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