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THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, protecting your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
Unpredictable waters
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Damage and injury
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
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Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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FATHER’S DAY: THE PERFECT TIME TO FISH WITH YOUR KIDS
THATCH MAGUIRE, EDITOR AT LARGE
Father’s Day is one of the best opportunities to take your kid !shing.
It’s a celebration of the powerful bond forged when dads pass down the timehonored tradition of !shing, a tradition that stretches back thousands of years. While !shing once put food on the table out of necessity, today it still feeds something deep within us. at ancient connection to the water lives on in every angler, whether they realize it or not.
Inviting your son or daughter to !sh on Father’s Day regardless of their age makes a timeless statement. It bridges distance, mends di erences, and rea rms love in a way few other gestures can. Even if the day ends without a single bite, the act of !shing together creates a bond that words can’t express. It’s not about the catch. It’s about the connection.
ere are countless lessons a father might teach a child, but carving out time to share a quiet day on the water—free from the noise and distractions of modern life is one of the most meaningful. By saying, “Let’s !sh together today,” you’re also saying, “Let me share who I am with you.” And that’s a gi no one forgets.
Don’t have a son or daughter? No problem. Take any kid !shing this Father’s Day. Whether it’s a neighbor, a niece or nephew, or a friend’s child, the impact is the same. You’re passing on something real, something rooted in tradition, and something that could change a young life forever.
KINGFISHING
ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET
By Capt. Steve ompson
Targeting king!sh during their annual migration season o Florida’s east coast is a predictable event that coincides with the annual migration patterns of the Atlantic stock of king!sh. During the summer, anytime from midMay through August, when the water is warm enough for the kings to stick around, we all have a great chance of catching a tournament class king!sh, at almost anyplace we decide to !sh.
King!sh can be caught anywhere from the mouth of an inlet, on out to 200 foot depths, and that means that almost any seaworthy vessel can, and does, go a er these !sh during the “mostly calm” summer days.
Everyone has heard about the GJKT tournament winner that Fred Morrow caught at the tips of the north rocks, or Bob Johnson on his Traveler who won the aggregate, with two nice !sh, also right o the beach. What do these teams have in common? ey won in small boats with very little overhead, with very short runs to their !shing grounds. But they did their homework and had a plan, and went straight to where they were going to !sh. Because let’s face it, the small boater isn’t going to run all over the ocean chasing !sh that have already been caught. And those are not the only examples, this same scenario takes place every year
in tournaments up and down the Atlantic coast.
Another way to !sh on a budget is to not get caught up in the latest and greatest gear. Sure, you need quality equipment, but one can good used reels from friends, who are upgrading, or from yard sales or even at swap meets at your local o shore club.
As far as rods go, if you know what “feel” you like on your rods, you can !nd o name rods at sidewalk tent sales at your local tackle store, that perform as well as a custom rod, for a fraction of the cost!
To avoid buying that expensive bait, become pro!cient with a cast net! Kings get fat and happy on a steady diet of “pogies”, or menhaden found along our beaches. You need a heavy fast sinking net to have all the bait you want for a day’s !shing. No pogies, you say? Don’t worry, many king!sh over the years, have fallen to other baits than just a pogy. A pound of shrimp on tournament day could very well be a day saver. Croakers are great king baits, as well as blue runners and blue!sh. Ribbon!sh can also be used but are best caught a few days before and brined so they are easily trolled. If you like !shing the Party Grounds always have some sabikis on board. ese are small feathers on small hooks on a special rig that will catch fresh sardines and cigar minnows on most of the o shore reefs and wrecks.
Don’t be intimidated when you sign up to !sh any tournament. You have the same chance to catch a tournament winning king!sh as the next guy. And you do not have to drop big bucks to do so. Just do your homework, pre-!sh as much as possible and, come tournament day, have a plan and stick to it…and we’ll see you at the weigh scales!
Capt. Steve ompson is Chairman of Jacksonville Marine Charities / Greater Jacksonville King sh Tournament and a 40-year successful veteran of competitive king sh tournaments all over the Southeast. Contact him at (904) 251-3011 or email: gjkt@king shtournament.com.
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Greenlight to A Deep Dive Without Going in the Red
Every year in Basel, Switzerland, the world’s best-known luxury watchmakers gather to display their new timepieces. It’s a great event for spotting timepieces that standout–– in performance and in personality. We saw one impossible to ignore: a precision dive watch with an arresting green dial. But we also saw the five-figure price tag and knew we could bring our customers that exact same precision and stand out appeal for a whole lot less. The Stauer Evergreen Diver is that timepiece.
Built like a submersible battleship with a stainless steel case, caseback, and band, the Evergreen Diver is water-resistant down to 660 feet or 20 atmospheres, a feat facilitated by a hardened crystal and screw-down crown.
Green On Your Wrist AND In Your Pocket. You could pay an awful lot elsewhere for this verdant virtuoso, but the majority of the cost is in the big designer name upcharge. We think those guys are all wet. This is how you own a top-of-the-line dive watch without helping pay for some marketing guy’s yacht.
Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back. Wear the Evergreen Diver for 30 days. If you’re not completely happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
Limited Reserve. A watch of this caliber, with a price that won’t drag you under, takes 6 months to create and won’t stick around for long. Call today!
Welcome To
ALAB MA GULF COAST
WHERE TO FIND
BALDWIN COUNTY
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LARTIQUE’S ON THE HILL
A-1 TIRE
Unplugged and Outdoors: Why Nature Camps Benefit Kids
By: Jackie Howell
n a world where screens and schedules dominate, outdoor summer camps offer kids something increasingly rare: the freedom to explore, connect with nature, and grow in meaningful ways. These camps provide more than entertainment—they build character, resilience, and lifelong memories.
Time in nature helps children unplug and reset. Whether they’re hiking a trail, swimming, or fishing, kids experience a slower pace of life that encourages curiosity, creativity, and calm. Studies show that outdoor time reduces stress, boosts focus, and improves mental health—benefits that are especially important in today’s fast-paced,
Outdoor camps also encourage independence and confidence. Campers face challenges like learning new skills, navigating unfamiliar environments, and working as part of a team. These experiences build problem-solving abilities and self-reliance in ways the classroom often can’t.
Socially, camp is a great equalizer. Away from the pressures of school and social media, kids form friendships through shared experiences and collaboration. They learn to communicate, cooperate, and celebrate each other’s strengths.
Physical activity is another key benefit. From running and climbing to swimming and canoeing, outdoor camps keep kids moving in fun, inclusive ways that promote
In short, outdoor summer camps are more than a break from routine—they’re a vital part of childhood. They nurture the mind, body, and spirit, helping kids grow into confident, connected, and capable individuals.
June on the Gulf: Hot Weather, Hotter Fishing
June is prime time for fishing along the Alabama Gulf Coast. As the water warms up, so does the action—making for some of the most exciting angling of the year. Whether you’re offshore chasing deepwater giants or casting from the beach, there’s no shortage of opportunity.
Offshore fishing hits its stride this month, especially with red snapper season kicking off on June 1st. Expect plenty of traffic headed to reefs and wrecks, and for good reason—the snapper bite is on fire. You’ll also run into vermilion and white snapper, amberjack, grouper, and triggerfish. Trollers can target pelagics like king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and the occasional wahoo riding the Gulf’s warm currents.
Prefer to stay on shore? Beach fishing in June is just as rewarding. Pompano, whiting, and Spanish mackerel are common along the surf, and a simple rig with shrimp or sand fleas can easily put dinner on the table.
With longer days and steady action, June is a favorite for both seasoned anglers and casual fishers. Just remember to stay hydrated and keep an eye on the weather.
Captain Alex McDuffie Sea Hunter Fishing Charters (251) 981-4044 https://zekeslanding.com/yacht_charters/sea-hunter
AFTER YOUR ADVENTURES ON THE WATER, ROAD, OR TRAIL LET US HANDLE THE CLEANUP.
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July 12th, 2025
July 18-20,2025 Scan
STORY #1 STORY#1
We were fishing a tournament out of Perdido Pass, chasing cobia in perfect conditions— southeast swell and a light breeze. Just past the Fairwell Buoy, I spotted a massive mako shark doing the same thing we were: hunting. I pointed it out, tossed a live eel its way, and it instantly snapped me off. Everyone laughed— until I threw a cobia jig and hooked it in the top lip. Chaos followed.
For an hour, we watched it jump and nearly land in the boat. When it finally got close, someone went for the gaff while I held the rod with white knuckles. The rest of the crew was in the tower, cracking up.
Right as we realized how terrible of an idea this was, the line broke—and the shark swam with us for another ten minutes before vanishing. Wild. And absolutely true.
STORY #2 STORY#2
FISH WHICHTALES ONE IS TRUE?
STORY #3 STORY#3
We were drifting near a rig in the Gulf when I hooked into what felt like an anchor. The rod doubled over, and at first I thought I had snagged something—until it ran. Forty-five minutes later, we finally saw color: a redfish bigger than any I’ve ever seen, pushing close to 60 inches.
Just as we got it to the boat, a sea turtle swam right into the chaos and tangled itself in the line. The redfish took off again, dragging the turtle behind it like some kind of nautical chariot.
After another 20 minutes, everything went slack. The fish, the turtle, the line—gone. We sat there in silence, unsure if we had just lost the catch of a lifetime or witnessed the beginning of an underwater buddy comedy.
I was bank fishing in Weeks Bay, kicked back in a lawn chair when my rod started twitching. Figured it was a small fish—until the rod (and chair) flew into the water.
I dove in fully clothed, grabbed the rod mid-sink, and somehow the fish was still on. Reeled in an 8-pound flounder while standing knee-deep in mud, soaked head to toe.
A couple kayakers watched the whole thing. Pretty sure I’m a local legend now—whether I like it or not.
Outdoors
Beyond the Cast: Discovering the Carnivorous Plants of the Wild Wetlands
By: Jackie Howell
For most coastal anglers, the marshes, bogs, and swamps of Mobile and Baldwin Counties are familiar territory—places where redfish tail through spartina grass, flounder lurk at muddy creek mouths, and speckled trout patrol the tannin-stained shallows. But spend enough time in these waters, and you might notice something unexpected: a flash of color on the bank, a plant shaped like a trumpet, or a sparkling stalk glistening in the sun.
Welcome to one of the Gulf Coast’s hidden ecological treasures: the carnivorous plants of southern Alabama’s wetlands.
These coastal wetlands—nourished by the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Weeks Bay, and countless seepage bogs—aren’t just rich in fish and waterfowl. They’re biological hotspots, home to some of the most fascinating and rare plant species in North America. Among them are four primary types of carnivorous plants: pitcher plants, sundews, butterworts, and bladderworts. Each has evolved to survive in nutrient-poor, acidic soils by doing something remarkable—catching and digesting insects.
Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia sp.)
North America’s pitcher plants include eight distinct species, along with numerous subspecies and naturally occurring hybrids. These plants have modified leaves that form pitcher-like tubes, which act as pitfall traps. Nectar-producing glands lure insects to the rim, where smooth walls and downward-facing hairs ensure they fall into a pool of rainwater and digestive enzymes. Along the Gulf Coast, it’s not uncommon to find sites where multiple Sarracenia species grow side by side, resulting in hybrid forms with striking variations in shape and color.
Sundews (Drosera sp.)
These range in size from tiny, penny-sized rosettes to upright species nearly a foot tall. Sundews produce sticky, gland-tipped hairs on their leaves that glisten in the sunlight and lure insects with sweet nectar. Once trapped, prey is slowly digested by enzymes. While the most common sundews in our region are small and often overlooked, they can be found even in slightly drier areas around ponds and wet meadows.
Butterworts (Pinguicula sp.)
Like sundews, butterworts use sticky secretions on their leaves to ensnare insects. Typically small—no larger than a golf ball in diameter—they prefer wetter, more specialized environments like bogs and swamps. Their rosettes of flat, glistening leaves may not look like hunters at first glance, but they are quietly effective in their role.
Bladderworts (Utricularia sp.)
Perhaps the most inconspicuous of all, bladderworts are fully aquatic carnivorous plants found in stagnant freshwater—ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams. These tiny plants use vacuum-powered bladder traps with trigger hairs to capture microscopic aquatic prey. Their small size and submerged lifestyle make them easy to miss, but they play an important role in these ecosystems.
For anglers, learning to spot these plants can deepen your connection to the waters you fish. They’re not just curiosities—they’re indicators of ecological health. Wetlands that support carnivorous plants also support rich fish populations, filter water, and buffer coastal storms.
So next time you’re poling through a marsh near Bon Secour or hiking a creek bank in the Delta with your rod in hand, keep an eye out. You might spot a pitcher plant rising proudly from the grass or a sundew twinkling at your feet. These quiet, persistent predators are part of what makes our coastal wetlands not just productive—but wild, mysterious, and alive.
BRAG BOARD JUNE 2025
KATE STUART
Catch n Release Red Snapper in The Gulf of America
Derek Rimmer From North Carolina
Crew fishing from ohio Caught a nice size Amberjack in the Gulf of America
From Foley, caught his first fish in Orange Beach, Alabama!
caught a nice Swordfish in the Gulf of America
Gabe Ervin
Edward, James Davis & Ben
GO DEEP(ER)
Tim Barefoot
I’ve written quite a few articles on the tactics I used to catch grouper on the edge and inside the edge with bait in a decoy jig in the past, but now is a good time to push out a little further to see what’s up in the 350 to 500+ foot depth range. !is type shing may require you to change gears on your thought process and/or tackle, but you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.
First o , you will want to use a spinning rod with backbone and a lighter braided line. I’m not going to suggest any tackle manufacturer for rod, reel or line, but the line in the jig is the most important part of this equation. I know this sounds crazy, but you can get away with braid, a small is 20 pound test connected to a short 6-foot shot of uorocarbon leader, and catch the big boys from the deep. When you sh ledges, wrecks and rock homes, you have to use heavier tackle to coerse the grouper and big snapper out of the structure, but in the deep the sh tend to congregate around bait, and there is very little structure out there for them to get you in. !e bait out there consists primarily of squid—the universal bait for all the seven seas of this planet, period. Squid are present at all depths, from the surface at night to their migration back to the deep by day; just ask any sword sh. Ha!
!is deeper water shing may also require a change in electronics. In order to mark the sh and bait you need to have enough power to send the signal and
get a return. You can run all over creation trying to mark sh or bait in vast areas of water, but having the correct electronics will assist in this greatly. Once you start marking the blue-speckled screen on the bottom, you know you’re in squid. I’ve always said it, but when you nd the bait you found the sh. Once you mark the bait, more than likely, it will be squid and it’ll be time to drop in the correct jig.
I’ve made several videos using the 4 ounce (so plastic) Squid Jig, but I’ve also had a 6 oz. size made. A 10 inch mold cra ed squid, trimmed properly, can be very e ective at times. Fish like a champ on the 6 ounce headed down deep. !e jig stays perfectly horizontal and jumps like the 4 ounce, and everything down there sucks it up. I’ll be publishing videos soon on this.
I’ll close with this: nd the bait and you’ll nd the sh...using the correct electronics. Once you nd the bait/ sh, drop in the correct jig that imitates what they eat on a daily basis and you’ll get the bite. And one more very important note. Pay close attention to the MPAs, which are marine protected areas, and seasons you can sh in them. You need to be well informed of where you are when you nish shing and what you could put in the cooler. You have to play by the rules.
Check out Tim Barefoot’s YouTube channel and website, barefootcatsandtackle.com.
CAST LURES IN A MITZI TOURNAMENT 17
EMPTY TANK?
TIPS FROM A PRO
FISHING A BIG WORM
hile there are many ways to target bass, one method consistently stands out— shing with a big worm.
Worm shing may not be the ashiest technique, but it allows you to present your bait from a distance and work it slowly—ideal for tempting big, cautious females that ignore faster presentations.
One of my go-to techniques is casting a Texas-rigged stick bait. It’s a common tactic, but many anglers waste time casting at dead water. I focus on high-percentage areas, such as isolated patches of grass or lily pads. Even when the sh aren’t visible, they o en hold tight to this type of cover. Similar results can be achieved by targeting wood or rock. Make multiple slow retrieves through these areas for best results.
I prefer a larger 6” stick bait in dark colors like black and blue tip. For weights, 1/16 or 1/8 oz keeps the presentation subtle and natural. I recommend 17–20 lb uorocarbon, which o ers strength without sacri cing stealth—braid can be too intrusive here.
To cover more water and locate active sh, I switch to a big speed worm. While it’s a popular technique in Florida, where I predominantly sh, it works well across the country. !e bait’s vibration drives bass crazy, making it an excellent search tool. Once I nd sh with this method, I slow down and ne-tune my approach with other techniques. For stained water, I like darker colors like junebug; for clearer water, I use green pumpkin with ake. Weight ranges from 1/8 to 1/4 oz depending on depth and wind. Fluorocarbon in the 15–17 lb range is ideal here too.
Another e ective presentation is the wacky rig. It’s a more subtle approach and shines in pressured waters. Like with the Texas rig, I cast this bait weightless to isolated cover. I use lighter line and a spinning setup—typically 10–15 lb leader—adjusting based on cover density. In dirty water, I stick to dark colors; in clearer water, I go with more natural tones.
Flipping a worm is another technique I use, especially when there’s a lot of heavy cover. While not as stealthy, ipping allows you to place the bait precisely where other rigs can’t reach. I use large Senko-style baits, braided line, and heavier weights (3/8 to 3/4 oz) to penetrate thick vegetation. It’s perfect for pads, long banks, and heavy wood or grass. !e key is to sh slowly and thoroughly, putting your bait where others haven’t.
Rod and reel setups vary slightly depending on the technique. For most casting and ipping styles, I like a longer rod—around 7’6”— with medium-heavy to heavy action. !e 13 Fishing Omen Series has a few ideal models. I pair these with a high-speed baitcasting reel like the Concept A 7.5:1, which helps pull sh out of thick cover quickly.
For the wacky rig, I downsize to a 7’3” medium-heavy spinning rod. It o ers enough backbone to move sh but also provides the sensitivity and exibility needed when using lighter line. A spinning reel with a smooth drag is crucial. I recommend the 13 Fishing Axum, which o ers the control and power necessary for nesse shing around cover.
!ese worm shing techniques consistently produce. Whether you’re casting to isolated cover, ipping into thick vegetation, or working a speed worm through open water, there’s a big bass out there waiting to bite. I’m excited to put these methods to work—and hope they help you land some giants too.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.
WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?
STATE RECORD FISH TITLE BROKEN THREE TIMES THIS YEAR!
For the third time in less than a year, Georgia has a new freshwater !sh state record spotted sun!sh!
Josh Forsythe of Homerville, GA (Clinch County) landed the newest record catch of 0 lb, 13 oz on May 5 from the Suwannee River. is almost 9-inch catch beats the previous state record tie of 0 lb, 12 oz, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
“My 5-year-old daughter and I were !shing for bream on one of my favorite rivers, the Suwannee, when I caught this spotted sun!sh,” said Forsythe. “I have been !shing this river for more than 15 years and it is one of my favorite places to !sh for good-sized bream, especially spotted sun!sh. I recommend waiting until river levels are below 4-foot and using top water bugs to catch giants, but a beetle spin or even a cricket or a worm on a cork will work.”
Spotted sun!sh are found in the Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Ogeechee, Ochlockonee, Suwannee, St. Mary’s, Satilla and Savannah River basins. When angling for them, WRD recommends using worms, crickets, small spinners, ies and popping bugs.
“Maybe hearing about that state record tie for spotted sun!sh !red up some folks to land a new record – and we love to see it,” says Scott Robinson, WRD Chief of Fisheries. “Are you the next state record holder? Georgia has the best variety of angling opportunities across the state so Let’s Go Fish Georgia!”
NC CERTIFIES NEW VERMILION SNAPPER RECORD
North Carolina‘s Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries recently established a new state record for Vermilion Snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens).
Colby Shaw of Newport caught the 7-pound, 4-ounce sh o Morehead City on April 18, 2025. !e previous state record was 6-pounds, 9-ounces landed out of Ocean Isle in 2009.
Shaw was shing in his own vessel, o shore south of Beaufort Inlet when the sh struck his cut bait. Shaw made quick work of reeling in his state record sh, landing it using his Shimano rod and reel with 65-pound braid.
Shaw’s sh measured 23.5-inches fork
to the fork in the tail) and had a 17-inch
sheries sta at the Morehead City Headquarters
!e
Division of Marine Fisheries.
Bill Dance Signature Lakes O er Impactful Improvements to Tennessee’s Fishing Waters
By David Haggard & Heather Lose
Representatives from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Tennessee State Parks celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes project at the Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville on March 25, along with the project’s namesake. Photo Courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development:
