Coastal Angler Magazine | June 2025 | Greater Orlando Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

TIGHT BUDGET KINGS

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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.

Wreckage removal

If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).

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!

SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing

It’s no fsh tale when you run with a John Deere. You can get everything done faster and easier, so you get more time on the water. Plus, our special offers make them the catch of the day.

RECORD 126-DAY GULF RED SNAPPER RECREATIONAL SEASON SET FOR 2025

Arecord-breaking 126-day Gulf red snapper recreational season has been set for 2025, the longest season since Florida assumed management of Gulf red snapper. e expanded season includes additional summer and fall shing days from 2024, o ering anglers more opportunities to sh over major holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and anksgiving.

“Florida is the shing capital of the world— with 4 million licensed anglers and generations of families who enjoy our waters. A er setting a record last year, we’re doing it again with the longest Gulf red snapper season in state history, giving Floridians and visitors even more time to

sh on Florida’s waterways, said Governor Ron DeSantis.

“ e Gulf recreational red snapper season is a highly anticipated and celebrated event for anglers nationwide, emphasizing Florida’s exemplary shing resources,” noted Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. “ is record-long season results from the strong data collected through the State Reef Fish Survey, which Governor DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and our recreational anglers have consistently supported.”

e 2025 Gulf red snapper season is open to those shing from private recreational vessels or charter vessels. e summer season began over

Memorial Day Weekend, and reopens June 1 through July 31. e fall season will include the following dates:

• September 1 –14

• September 19 – 21

• September 26 – 28

• October 3 –5

• October 10 – 12

• October 17 – 19

• October 24 – 26

• October 31 – November 2

• November 7 – 9, 11 (Veterans Day)

• November 14 – 16,

• November 21 – 23

• November 27–30 ( anksgiving weekend)

• December 5 – 7

• December 12 –14

• December 19 – 21

• December 25 – 28 (Christmas weekend)

Florida’s ability to o er this extended season is made possible by the data-driven management approach of the Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS).

In the event of weather-related closures impacting the shing days, Florida will evaluate the option to add additional Gulf red snapper dates later in the year.

Anyone shing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel—in state or federal waters— must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler (with annual renewal), even if exempt from shing license requirements. Registration is available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more on recreational snapper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FIRED UP FISHING CHARTERS

POPPING CORKS & KIDDOS: A JUNE FISHING TRADITION

What are the best parts of June? School’s out, the days are long, and I get to hit the water more o en with my boys. It’s become a tradition in our family: pack the cooler, grab the rods, and head out chasing tails under the summer sun. Our not-so-secret weapon? e always-reliable popping cork.

Now, I won’t try to name every cork on the market (we’d be here till next June), but I’ll share our go-to setup and a few tips to help make your next trip smoother—especially if you’ve got little anglers in tow.

Let’s talk bait. Live shrimp is our MVP, but dead bait and lures get their time to shine too. Lures tend to keep the “bait bandits” away, but if it’s a slow bite, those pesky nibblers become the stars of the show. My kids think a croaker on the line is just as thrilling as a red sh.

We o en dri or anchor near structure when there’s bait ickering around. Dri ing can be tricky with kids who haven’t mastered the long cast or slack control. Two tricks help here. First: the circle hook. It sets itself (less work for little hands) and does minimal damage if you need to release your catch. Plus, in the chaos of a dri ing boat, it’s more forgiving when someone forgets to keep tension on the line.

Second: skip the loop knot for your cork and

hook. Loop knots are excellent—just not here. ey add slack where you don’t need it, and with junior anglers on deck, less slack means fewer tangles and missed sh.

Now to the main event: the cork itself. A er decades of experimenting, I’ve fallen for a newer model—a hard plastic, deep-cup, rattling, popping cork. It’s heavy enough for my boys to cast like champs, even into a headwind. No wires, no wind tangle nightmares, and it ies like a bullet. e built-in rattles add the right commotion to call sh in without scaring them o . And that deep cup? It creates that irresistible slurp-splash sound with almost no e ort. Perfect for young anglers still guring out the rhythm.

One last tip—transport like a pro. Most folks clip the hook low and let the cork bounce up top, opping around and waiting to poke someone. I reverse it: secure the cork down by the reel, wrap the leader around the handle, and clip the hook up high. No ex, no loose hooks, no surprise piercings.

So grab a few snacks, load up the boat, and hit the water. June’s waiting—and the popping cork’s ready to work its magic.

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

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.

6thJune & 7th

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE GRAND OPENING OF SKY MARINE ORLANDO!

GET READY, CENTRAL FLORIDA — SOMETHING EXCITING IS CRUISING YOUR WAY! SKY MARINE ORLANDO IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THE GRAND OPENING OF THE AREA’S NEWEST AND FASTEST-GROWING BOAT AND CART DEALERSHIP! JOIN US JUNE 5TH & 6TH FOR TWO DAYS OF FUN, CELEBRATION, AND COMMUNITY VIBES.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH WILL BE PACKED WITH: LIVE MUSIC, DELICIOUS FOOD & REFRESHING DRINKS, GAMES & ACTIVITIES, EXCITING GIVEAWAYS, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT

LOCATION: SKY MARINE ORLANDO WWW.SKYMARINEORLANDO.COM • (407) 688-3030 4165 N US HWY 17-92 SANFORD FL, 32773

WHETHER YOU’RE A BOATING ENTHUSIAST, GOLF CART LOVER, OR JUST LOOKING FOR A GREAT TIME — YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS! SEE YOU THERE!

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Are you looking for a secured, gated and covered storage for your RV, boat or enclosed trailer with easy access? A & H Storage conveniently located in east Orlando at 2500 Forsyth Road, north of SR 50 and south of University Blvd, 1 block north of Hanging Moss Rd., is a place you should check out. Family owned and operated since 1972, A & H can provide a space for all your personal storage needs. They offer multiple size personal storage spaces as well as covered storage spaces up to 50 ft. Recently completed in May of 2023 their 84,000 sq. ft. of covered storage space was built to offered you the comfort of knowing your boat, enclosed trailer or RV is well secured and covered to protect them from the weather elements and the tough Florida sunshine. The covered parking storage area is secured behind a keypad entry gate, is well lit at night and includes 20 AMP power for your service needs. A & H offers a no-nonsense approach for your storage your needs with the peace of mind that your boat, trailer or RV will be there ready to go when you are. Conveniently located near Winter Park, Baldwin Park, UCF, Avalon, Oviedo and all of East Orlando! O wner manager Chris Phillips would be happy to show you around and find the perfect space for your storage needs. The recent addition of the 84,000 sq. ft. of covered storage is just what the area needs. This will help the locals out by allowing them to get their boats, trailers or RV out or their driveway, side yard or street keeping their local municipalities, HOA or neighbors happy. Give them a call to schedule a time to drop by at office 407- 678-0507, mobile at 407-616-6968 or visit them at www.ahstorage.co Let Chris know you read about them in Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine for a special discount on your 1st month’s rental!

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Boating Safety Tips for your Vessel

Sea Tow® Shares Boating Safety Tips to Consider Before Leaving the Dock

With an estimated 100 million Americans boating annually, promoting safety is essential to ensure everyone’s enjoyment and well-being on the water. While seasoned boaters may know the basics, there are additional safety tips worth remembering.

One hand for oneself and one for the ship.

When moving around a boat, always keep one hand for yourself and one for the task - fiberglass surfaces can become slippery when wet or waxed.

Take a boating safety class.

Knowing how to boat properly and safely is essential for a fun time on the water. Don’t overload the boat – with people or gear.

Check the owner’s manual for the boat’s capacity and make sure to distribute weight evenly without blocking the captain’s visibility.

Interior lights impair outward vision.

Boaters should shut off the boat’s interior lights and dim the GPS at night, so they don’t impair the captain’s sight.

Have life jackets on board.

Everyone should be wearing a life jacket while making way, not just children. Never bow ride.

Keep hands, feet, legs, etc. inside the boat and never sit on the gunwale of the bow. Only sit in seats that are designed for bowrider boats.

Always turn off the engine and remove the key when anyone is in the water. No one should jump in the water before the captain says it’s safe, and the captain must always check for swimmers before starting the engine.

Invest in wireless engine cut-off devices.

Federal law requires engine cut-off devices on boats 26 feet or less. Instead of a traditional lanyard, consider a wireless system - passengers can wear fobs that automatically stop the engine if anyone falls overboard.

Appoint a look-out to assist the driver.

Having a lookout to watch for debris, fishing gear, kayakers, and other boats helps prevent accidents and damage. Always assign a second person to assist the captain during water sports like wakeboarding and tubing.

Avoid running down battery while at anchor.

Limit battery use when the engine is off - running the radio or electronics all day can drain the battery, leaving you unable to start the boat later. It is best to have “Jump-box” on-board for just this reason!

Always have a backup plan. It’s often said “when the unexpected happens” because no one plans on needing help on the water. With a Sea Tow membership, you have a direct connection to your local Captain, so you know who is coming to help you and when.

When you’re tomato plants have a hard time budding, you know summer comes earlier than the calendar here in Florida. June marks the beginning of our Atlantic Hurricane season. Water levels will be the key to finding fish. If we get high levels in June there will be a lot of places for fish to hide as pastures typically get flooded along the St Johns River.

Shad bait schools are downstream for the most part. Fish for bass early in the morning, during June ‘Noon’ bite, and late evenings. Schooling bass can be found at the mouths of the lakes along the St Johns River in Central Florida. I can’t wait to try the new Berkley Powerbait Bonga Shad - when you find baitfish getting busted on the surface, throw a jerk bait or shallow swimming

crankbait and retrieve with the river flow between the school and the riverbank. Heddon Spook Jr. (bone color is best), crank baits, and rattling lipless crank baits (Rattle Traps) are best bet lures.

Catfish: Now is the time to catch large blue channel catfish. When rainwater flushes out of the creeks and rivers, the cats swim upstream to find forage and nesting areas. Ugly Stik makes special catfish rods –don’t just google it, try one. Use a foot of 20lb. test fluorocarbon leader and a 2/0 circle hook pinned with just enough weight to hold the bottom. Secret bait – live shrimp, de-headed and peeled.

Panfish: Spawning will taper off in June. Best bets are full and new moons. Look for beds in the straight areas of the river along the bank in 2-5 feet of water. Bluegills like sandy bottom or shell bottom for nesting. Use crickets for best results. Try a four foot piece of Vanish 8lb. test fluorocarbon leader in clear water for more hookups.

June is here and brings the beginning of the summer’s hottest days. Thankfully the late May and June rains will bring our lake levels back up to give the fish better access to the heavy cover they love to get in during the summer months. June is not only a hot month in temperature, but in bass fishing as well. When the water gets as hot as it is the oxygen becomes low in the deeper parts of the lakes, forcing the fish to move into shallower water with dense vegetation where the oxygen is rich. So grab your flippin-sticks! Pitching small profile craw fish baits, such as the Zoom U Vibe Speed Craw or the Gambler BB Cricket, Junebug or black trick worm or blackblue colored jig w/trailer at the base of reeds or in pad pockets and heavy matted grass can surely entice a bite any time of day. Once you get a bite slow down as there are usually more fish close in that area. The low light conditions of early morning or late evening are highly productive over and around the dense cover using a frog type bait or a swimming jig with a trailer. Try slowly walking a Booyah Pad Crasher over top the pads, pausing regularly to help increase your chances at a strike.

Later in the day deep water grass edges and the old river channels in both Lk. Harris and little Lk. Harris are good areas as well as the man-made fish attractors all over the chain of lakes and the many brush-piles close to attractors find them with your sonar units. Large deep running crank baits or big soft plastic worms and swim baits are always are good choice, the old stand-by Carolina rig are producing bigger fish. Look and find hard shell bottom close to eel grass or hydrilla and deeper water to find bait pods. Find the bait and you will find the bass! Look for and check any running water areas from afternoon rains, drains, canals and mouths of rivers. The running water and current brings the bait, the bait brings the bass!!

Bass aside, the bluegill, shell-cracker and red-ears (panfish) are in full swing of their spawning cycles and are still very productive all throughout the chain of lakes. Target them with grass shrimp, red wigglers or crickets under docks and in the grass lines or near a flat close to the lily pads in the shallows. If the breeze is blowing right you can usually smell the bedding areas. Once you locate these spawning beds fan cast the area for a bunch of fun and great table fair! Watch out for the fast moving afternoon storms and be safe, take a kid fishing for these tasty eaters, they will have a blast with the non-stop action and help make a memory that will last a lifetime!!

Boat Dealers New & Consignment Sales

Boat Dealers New & Consignment

1 - Astor Marine (352) 759-3655 24535 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102 www.astormarine.com

Astor Marine (352) 759-3655

24535 FL-40, Astor FL www.astormarine.com

Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes (877) 800-1492

6 - Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes (877) 800-1492 12307 Wedgefield Drive , Grand Island, FL 32735

12307 Wedgefield Dr., Grand Island, FL

AT Trailer (407) 892-1100

CJS Aluminum Inc.

31 - Pyramid Cabinets (407) 947-8499

2 - Nobles Marine (352) 787-5792 437 N Palmetto St, Leesburg, FL 34748 or 1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River www.noblesmarine.com

Nobles Marine (352) 787-5792

437 N Palmetto St., Leesburg, FL 1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL www.noblesmarine.com

3 - Craig Catamaran (407) 290-8778 4333 Silver Star Rd. #100 Orlando, FL 32808

Craig Catamaran (407) 290-8778

4333 Silver Star Rd. $100 Orlando, FL

4 - Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778 www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

30 - Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311 6304 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando FL 32807 Full Service Mechanics

Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311

6304 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL Full Service Mechanics

25 - Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262 1021 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 www.centralfloridamarine.com

Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262 1021 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL www.centralfloridamarine.com

38 - Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111 3165 N John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32804 www.orlandoboatsales.com

Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111

3165 B. John Young Pkwy., Orlando, FL www.orlandoboatsales.com

24 - Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306 9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817 www.boatmaxusa.com

Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306

9700 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL www.boatmaxusa.com

46 - Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660 3455 S. Orlando Dr. Sanford, FL 32773 www.gibsontruckworld.com

Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660

3455 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL www.gibsontruckworld.com

14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL

60 - Next Level Inc.“Florida Marine Customs” (407) 704-5676 • 87 W. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806 info@floridamarinecustoms.com

Next Level Inc. “Florida Marine Customs” (407) 704-5676

87 W. Michigan St., Orlando FL info@floridamarinecustoms.com

Boat improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

36 - All American Marine (407) 855-9988 7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando FL 32809 www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

Boat Improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

All America Marine (407) 855-9988

35 - All Star Marine (407) 423-9953 28 W Jersey St, Orlando, FL 32806 www.manta.com

7024 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL www.allamericanmarineorlando.net

Advanced Marine Services (407) 498-5142

1322 Carolina Ave., St. Cloud, FL advancedmarine.co

29 - Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117 4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804 www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117

32 - Portside Marine (407) 249-1124 2730 Forsyth Rd, Orlando, FL 32792 www.portsideorlando.com

4503 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL www.lakefairviewmarina.com

Portside Marina (407) 249-1124

2730 Forsyth Rd., Orlando, FL www.portsidemarina.com

23 - Talon Marine Services (407) 542-7600 439 Aulin Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765 www.talonmarineservices.com

Talon Marine Services (407) 542-7600 439 Aulin Ave., Orlando, FL www.talonmarineservices.com

20 - Team Marine Services (407) 260-8326 1350 28th Street, Orlando FL 32805 www.teammarineservices.com

Team Marine Services (407) 260-8236 1350 28th St., Orlando, FL www.teammarineservices.com

19 - Ahoy Marine (407) 323-8373 511 E 25th St, Sanford, FL 32771 www.superpages.com

Ahoy Marine (407) 323-8373

9 - Instant Insurance Agency (352) 735-5560 25833 State Road 46, Sorrento, FL 32776 www.instantinsuranceagency.com

4820 E. Irlo Brunson Memorial Hwy., St Cloud FL www.attrailercenter.com

Marinetec Systems (321) 363-6550 1061 TidenVille School Rd., Winter Garden FL www.marinetecsystems.com

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

15 - American Tackle Co. (800) 516-1750 2133 Component Loop, Suite 1031, Oveido, 32765 www.americantackle.us

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

5 - Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 1000 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778

American Tackle Co. (800) 516-1750 2133 Component Loop, Suite 1031, Oviedo, FL www.americantackle.us

7 - Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030 935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 1000 W. Burleigh Blvd., Taveres, FL

11 - Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort (386) 668-4491

488 W Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713 www.campresort.com

Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030 935 N. Bay St., Eustis, FL

14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

Highlands Marina & Camp Resort (336) 668-4491

488 W. Highbanks Rd., DeBary, FL www.campresort.com

21 - Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619 65 N US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750 www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 3370 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL www.boattree.com

43 - Academy Sports + Outdoors East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL

Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619

65 N. US Hwy 17-92, Longwood, FL www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

Lee Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Drive Orlando, FL Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way Orlando, FL Lake Mary 3641 Lake Emaa Road Lake Mary FL

Academy Sports & Outdoors

East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando Lee Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Dr., Orlando Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way, Orlando Lake Mary 3641 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary

45 - Wojo’s Bait & Tackle (407) 891-1003 Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769

48 - Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. (407) 447-7637 2133 Componet Loop Suite 1001, Oveido, FL 32765 www.mudhole.com

Wojo’s Bait & Tackle (407) 891-1003 Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St., St. Cloud, FL

56 - Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 www.orlandooutfitters.com

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. (407) 447-7637 2133 Component Loop Suite 1001, Oviedo, FL www.mudhole.com

Home Improvement Contractors & Service Providers

Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL www.orlandooutfitters.com

26 - DWR Plumbing LLC. (407) 293-3717 6344 All American Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810

27 - Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839

Captain Troy Perez (321) 607-2033 capt.troyperez@gmail.com Mosquito Lagoon - Indian River - Port Canaveral

65 Harold Ave, suite B, Winter Park, FL 32789 www.orlandopaintingservice.com

28 - Millennium Electric (407) 420-2001 4340 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804 www.millennium-electric.com

Improvement Contractors & Service Providers DWR Plumbing LLC. (407) 293-3717 6344 All American Blvd., Orlando, FL

41 - Water Works Pressure Cleaning & Sealing (407) 376-9526

490 Buck Lake Lane, Geneva, FL 32732 www.jmwaterworksinc.com

Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839 65 Harold

451 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, FL 32808 www.codepyramid.com

31 - Pyramid Cabinets (407) 947-8499 451 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, FL 32808 www.codepyramid.com

210 N. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, FL CF (407) 281-9210 Spacecoast (321) 345-2011 www.cjsaluminum.com

34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250

231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, www.thomaslumber.com

A&H Storage (407) 678-0507

2500 N. Forsyth Rd., Orlando, FL www.AHStorage.co

49 - Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL 32766 www.martintreeserviceinc.com

Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250

231 W. Gore St., Orlando, FL www.thomaslumber.com

50 - Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0016 285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

51 - Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397 3621 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL 32773 SR 436 Altamonte Springs East SR 50 Orlando www.vaporandco.com

Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL www.martintreeservice.com

Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0015 285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

Areas Best Picks for Restaurants

Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397

47 - Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554

4650 E State Rd 46, Geneva, FL 32732 www.thejollygator.com

3621 S. orlando Dr., Sanford, FL SR 436, Altamonte Springs, FL East SR 50, Orlando, FL www.vaporandco.com

39 - Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881 7937 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32812 www.fishonfireorlando.com

Area Best Picks for Restaurants

Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554

40 - High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422 4645 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822 www.hightideharrys.com

4650 S. State Rd. 46, Geneva, FL www.thejollygator.com

Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881 7937Daetwyler Dr., Orlando, FL www.fishonfireorlando.com

33 - Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107 Aloma Square Shopping Center, 6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792 www.bostonsfishhouse.com

High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422

17 - St. Johns River Steak & Seafood (407) 878-0980

4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL www.hightideharrys.com

550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

37 - The Steer (407) 286-6802 8015 S. Orange Ave., Orlando FL

Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107 Aloma Square Shopping Center 6860 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL www.bostonsfishhouse.com

22 - Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6004 www.hueymagoos.com

22 - Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6004 www.hueymagoos.com 10 Locations – See our ad on Restaurant Page

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood (407) 878-0980

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550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL

13 - Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401 100 S White Cedar Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 www.camphousebarandgrill.com

13 - Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401

100 S White Cedar Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 www.camphousebarandgrill.com

Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6802 www.hueysmagoos.com

52 - The Deli (407) 332-8800 4360 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771

10 Locations - See our ad on restaurant page

Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401

53 - T J’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

100 S. White Cedar Rd., Sanford, FL www.camphousebarandgrill.com

197 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765 12231 E Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando(407) 250-4191 www.tjsseafoodshack.com

The Deli (407) 332-8800 4360 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL

54 - Oasis On The River (407) 636-6300 4380 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

56 -

TJ’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

54 - Oasis On The River (407) 636-6300 4380 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

197 E. Mitchell Hammock Rd., Oviedo, FL 12231 E. Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando, FL www.tjsseafoodshack.com

56 - Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541 114 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL 32771 celerycitycraft.com

Sanford Marina (407) 322-2910

531 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL

55 -West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475 202 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.drinkatwestend.com

Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541

114 Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL www.celerycitycraft.com

West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475

202 Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL www.drinkatwestend.com

Community Service Providers Community Service Providers

Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes (877)800-1492

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All American Marine

7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809

Phone: (407) 855-9988

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Lake Fairview Marina

4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804

Phone: (407) 295-0117

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Triangle Marine 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778

Phone:(352) 343-6146

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Boat Max USA

9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817

Owens Fishing & Marine

935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

Phone: (352) 357-3030

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Thomas Lumber Company

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Campbell Renovations Inc.

285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 Phone:(407) 349-0016 Cell: 407-947-5460 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

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grass edges, off-shore brush piles, hydrilla patches are all places to target. As the June rains begin and move in the area each afternoon, look for areas with running water. Canals all throughout the chain, Goblets Cove in Toho will have water running into it from the East Lake canal, mouth of Cypress from

near areas that have extremely low water up on the shore-line cover. The last few weeks in May produced huge 5 fish bags in recent events with several over 30 plus pounds total. Some giants have been weighed in as well, a 9.47 “Big Bass” took the honors at the Osceola Anglers Fundraiser event, the winners had over 30 pounds! It took over 25 lbs. to make the top 10. The big fish seem to be grouping up so once you get a bite slow down and work that area thoroughly. Offshore shell-bars, deep Kissimmee

finishing up all over the chain, use red-worms under a cork, crickets or grass shrimp for a fun time with kids, non-stop fun. Once you find them bedding in an area be sure to make some casts for the big bass, they also love a nice pan-fish for dinner, stay safe with the afternoon storms moving in fast as most of them have lightning use ahead of them.

0.0 16Tu 12:18 AM 2.8

AM -0.1

Lake Okeechobee’s water level continues to fall, with the current level around the 11.44 ft mark. Most of the fishing at this time is the Kissimmee River, launching out of Scott Driver Park; Harney Pond canal and Indian Praire canal for fishing in those areas. The month of May moving forward into the Summer months is a great time to fish deep water for bass and the bluegill move up on the River edges and spawn, so bass and bream fishing is great and can produce some big bass. Most recently I booked a 3-day bass trip using artificial lures only and within these 3 days it produced two big bass weighing 8.64 lbs and 8.40 lbs throwing plastic worms. Howard, from IL had the best day of his life with two “trophy catch” entries that day and only 20 minutes apart. The Kissimmee River holds a lot of bluegill and crappie are still being caught early mornings and late afternoon into the evening hours.

AM 0.4 4:27 PM 2.2 10:24 PM 0.8 21Su 4:28 AM 2.1 10:47 AM 0.5 5:26 PM 2.2 11:20 PM 0.8

5:27 AM 2.1 11:40 AM 0.4 6:22 PM 2.3

12:12 AM 0.8 6:23 AM 2.2 12:30 PM 0.4

7:11 PM 2.4 24W 12:59 AM 0.7 7:13 AM 2.3 1:14 PM 0.3 7:55 PM 2.5 25Th 1:41 AM 0.6 7:59 AM 2.4 1:55 PM 0.3

8:35 PM 2.6

26F 2:20 AM 0.5

8:43 AM 2.5 2:33 PM 0.2 9:13 PM 2.7 27Sa 2:57 AM 0.4 9:24 AM 2.6 3:10 PM 0.2 9:50 PM 2.7

PM 2.7 6:40 PM 0.2 17W 1:03 AM 2.6 7:06 AM 0.1 1:40 PM 2.6 7:33 PM 0.5 18Th 1:49 AM 2.4 7:58 AM 0.2 2:32 PM 2.4 8:28 PM 0.6 19F 2:37 AM 2.3 8:53 AM 0.3 3:27 PM 2.3 9:26 PM 0.8 20Sa 3:30 AM 2.2

If you know the lake well and want to try fishing on the lake, tin house; Indian Praire; point of Horse Island; some areas on the shoal are good areas to try. For bass try throwing plastic frogs (popping); swim jigs; swim baits; senkos and top water. Colors are: Junebug; red shad; white; black/blue and watermelon/ red. For bream fishing: crickets and red wigglers rigged on an 7 ft ultra light spinning rod/reel with 4 lb test monofilament, small split shot weight and hook works very well. If you’re fishing the River be prepared to catch some fingerling catfish (sharpies) as well. It’s all a fun time and great time of year to get the kids involved for a morning or late afternoon fishing timeframe. To book you’re next fun day fishing call 8637263 or check out my website where you’ll see up-to-date info; customers catches; hotel info; past reports and more www.southfloridabassfishing. com I can accommodate groups of people; I offer Veteran and oneperson discounted trips. Inquire when calling to book. A big thank you to my sponsors: Mercury Marine; Toho Marine (St. Cloud, Fl); Bullet Weights; G-Loomis; Lews; BnM Poles; Bobby Garland; Rapala; Gill; Gene Larew; Lurenet.com

West Lake Toho - The summer bass bite has been improving with the best times to fish in the early morning and late evening. Summer rains have kept the flood control gates open every few days. The water quality is clear. Goblins Cove is still producing good numbers of bass - fishing with live shiners over hydrilla. Fish the boat runs’entrances at sunrise for good top water action. Every morning at sunrise, bass can be found schooling on shad; anywhere there is flow. It usually lasts 30 minutes after sunrise. Big beetle spins and small M-5 Rapalas work best.

popping bug. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the popping bug get hit. Daytime anglers are catching good numbers fishing the shallow bedding areas. Bait of choice is crickets fished under a float.Another good area to fish is canals when the water is flowing, trolling will only trigger more bites. Crappie - Anglers are fishing open water for crappie using jigs tipped with a minnow. Anglers trolling jigs are catching good limits of crappie. The key is to find them suspended in open water.

Bluegill - I have been trying a new tactic this summer. A good way to beat the heat.I have been fishing at nighttime in the canals using a fly rod, throwing popping bugs up against the bank. On a good moon phase, the bluegill will crush the

East Lake Toho - Bass fishing on East Lake has been good using artificial baits early morning. The best place to fish will be at the edges of the cattails. Then move to open water as the morning progresses. Most anglers are flipping open water pepper grass matts with good success. Fish the deeper edges of the grasswatermelon seed, Junebug, and red colors work best.

Panfish - Fish open water shell beds with red wigglers. If you are looking to fill the cooler for dinner, the open water shell beds are hard to beat.

August can be challenging but fun! Challenging due to hot temperatures, possible afternoon thunderstorms and lower water levels. Now is a good time to brush up on your deeper water angling skills whether its fishingin the Kissimmee River or the Canal system. Bass like the deeper, cooler water temperaturestie on those deep diving crank baits. Along with crank baits, a CarolinaRig (c-rig) or a texas-rigged big worm will produce some quality bass.

WE KNOW ROOFTOPS

bass trips which are typical for this time of year. The month of September is when to start thinking of booking your bass fishing trip, as the females start to feed up while they make their way into the shallows for the early spawn time. It’s also the time to book your fall crappie trip too. Good fishing areas: parts of the shoal; Dupree Bar; Dyess ditch and Horse Island and Indian Prairie. Tin house has been solid throughout the season for crappie, bass and bream, work your way up towards 3rd and 2nd point where you’ll find some bass feeding on the bedding bream. A few areas on Kings Bar have been good and the water looks perfect.

In the early morning hours have a hard top water lure tied on like a bang-a-lure or devils horse and aim at the edges working the lure out about 20-25 ft as you go along the rock-bottom in the River and Canals. If you’re fishing the lake, some areas of the lake are showing signs of algae which is normal this

What’s biting now?I’ve been taking bream trips; fingerling catfish and

To book you’re next fun-filled, productive and educational fishing trip call me at 863-228-7263 or log onto my website to check out the customers and their catches; hotel recommendations; guide rates and etc. Capt Angie’s sponsors are: Caymas boats and Toho Marine; Lews; G-Loomis; BnM Poles; MidSouth Tackle; Maui Jim; Gill; Bullet

Brands and BUFF

Weights; Road Runner; Real Magic; Tru Turn hooks; Mega Strike; Gene Larew; Pradco

Tide Charts Brought To You By:

401 Commerce Way, Unit #101, Longwood, FL 32750 www.respitecmedical.com • 407-834-2266 and 1-800-945-6685

patients.

CENTRAL EAST COAST

JUNE 2025

DAY TIME HEIGHT

1SU 1:28 AM 2.41 H

7:26 AM 0.19 L

1:46 PM 2.21 H

7:47 PM 0.1 L

2M 2:19 AM 2.27 H

8:24 AM 0.22 L

2:44 PM 2.11 H

8:46 PM 0.25 L

3TU 3:10 AM 2.16 H

9:21 AM 0.22 L

3:44 PM 2.06 H

9:44 PM 0.36 L

4W 4:01 AM 2.07 H

10:14 AM 0.19 L

4:42 PM 2.05 H

10:39 PM 0.42 L

5TH 4:50 AM 2.02 H

11:03 AM 0.14 L

5:36 PM 2.08 H

11:29 PM 0.45 L

6F 5:38 AM 2 H

11:48 AM 0.09 L

6:26 PM 2.13 H

7SA 12:16 AM 0.44 L

6:25 AM 2 H

12:30 PM 0.04 L

7:11 PM 2.2 H

8SU 1:00 AM 0.41 L

7:10 AM 2.03 H

1:11 PM -0.02 L

7:55 PM 2.26 H

9M 1:41 AM 0.38 L

7:53 AM 2.07 H

1:51 PM -0.06 L

8:37 PM 2.31 H

10TU 2:20 AM 0.35 L

8:36 AM 2.1 H

2:29 PM -0.1 L

9:18 PM 2.35 H

PONCE

11W 2:59 AM 0.34 L

9:17 AM 2.12 H

3:07 PM -0.12 L

9:59 PM 2.37 H

12TH 3:37 AM 0.33 L

9:59 AM 2.13 H

3:46 PM -0.13 L

10:41 PM 2.38 H

13F 4:17 AM 0.31 L

10:41 AM 2.12 H

4:26 PM -0.12 L

11:22 PM 2.37 H

14SA 4:57 AM 0.3 L

11:25 AM 2.12 H

5:08 PM -0.09 L

15SU 12:04 AM 2.34 H

5:41 AM 0.26 L

12:11 PM 2.12 H

5:54 PM -0.03 L

16M 12:46 AM 2.31 H

6:29 AM 0.2 L

1:01 PM 2.13 H

6:45 PM 0.05 L

17TU 1:31 AM 2.27 H

7:21 AM 0.12 L

1:56 PM 2.15 H

7:41 PM 0.13 L

18W 2:18 AM 2.24 H

8:17 AM 0.02 L

2:55 PM 2.2 H

8:43 PM 0.2 L

19TH 3:10 AM 2.21 H

9:15 AM -0.1 L

3:58 PM 2.26 H

9:46 PM 0.23 L

20F 4:06 AM 2.21 H

10:15 AM -0.23 L

5:02 PM 2.35 H

10:49 PM 0.22 L

21SA 5:06 AM 2.23 H

11:14 AM -0.36 L

6:06 PM 2.46 H

11:49 PM 0.17 L

22SU 6:08 AM 2.29 H

12:11 PM -0.47 L

7:06 PM 2.56 H

23M 12:46 AM 0.12 L

7:09 AM 2.37 H

1:08 PM -0.55 L

8:04 PM 2.64 H

24TU 1:42 AM 0.05 L

8:07 AM 2.44 H

2:03 PM -0.59 L

8:58 PM 2.69 H

25W 2:35 AM 0.01 L

9:02 AM 2.49 H

2:56 PM -0.58 L

9:49 PM 2.71 H

26TH 3:28 AM -0.02 L

9:55 AM 2.51 H

3:48 PM -0.51 L

10:38 PM 2.68 H

27F 4:20 AM -0.03 L

10:47 AM 2.48 H

4:40 PM -0.4 L

11:25 PM 2.61 H

28SA 5:12 AM -0.01 L

11:37 AM 2.41 H

5:31 PM -0.24 L

29SU 12:10 AM 2.51 H

6:03 AM 0.02 L

12:27 PM 2.31 H

6:21 PM -0.06 L

30M 12:55 AM 2.38 H

6:54 AM 0.06 L

1:17 PM 2.21 H

7:13 PM 0.12 L

May turned out to be a great month and the fish really started to turn on. The bunkers have finally been showing up with better consistency. Just look where the fleet is in the morning, and you can’t miss them. Go get a good cast net!! You’re going to spend a few bucks but it’s worth it.

From the beach to reefs, Tarpon, jack crevalle, bonito, Spanishmackerel and kingfish have been from the beach 20 feet to about 40 feet. We have been having a lot of fun on light tackle with all these power hitting fish. Use live bunker hooked through the nostrils on 50lb fluorocarbon leader with an 8/0 circle hook. If you start getting cut off a lot then time to put the wired stinger rigs on for those toothy kings. Keep a jig ready for the cobia for when you see or mark the bait out there; as this is the time of year they start to show up on the bait pods just off

SEBASTIAN

the beach.

The near shore reefs such as Pelican and 8A have been great for the early morning king bite. Use your stinger rigs and live bunker for the best catch. In the last few weeks there has been wahoo, black fin tuna, mahi-mahi and a handful of cobia all caught on king rigs in the same area.

From the reefs to offshore has been good as well. There was a solid few days of great catches of dolphin fish and we should still see a few weeks of it. Many fish have been caught from 140-180 feet and some days past 500 feet, It’s just a day to day thing and up to the winds and weather as usual. The basic ballyhoo rigs and skirts have been the key. Smaller skirts the better. Pink seems to be the key. Bottom fishing has also been awesome. Pinfish and croakers are a great bait for that. Fish the offshore reefs such as 21 and 27 and if you have any of the wrecks that’s a good start too. Don’t forget about the amber jacks. They the hardest fighting fish for their size and will wear you out! They’ve been great and should continue as well. An awesome eating fish!

June is finally here and the weather finally gets more consistent. When the water is high form the afternoon rains there’s more opportunities to catch redfish, trout, black drum, tarpon, snook, and even Jackcrevalle on the flats, early mornings get the best results. Use live shrimp or cast to them using jerk baits and paddle tail baits. I typically use my light rods like my 8 pound test line rods with 20-25 pound fluorocarbon with 3/0 J hook. With water getting higher from afternoon rains you have a lot more places to fish. You can fish close to the shorelines, around the points and in coves, and any sand areas in the grass is where the fish are going be hanging out, there are also more schools of black drum than typically this time of year. Look for smaller black drum, the 3 to 10 pounders and groups of 5 to 30 fish groups. Trout fishing with artificial should be really good this time of year. There are lots of mullet on the flats, find them and the fish are close by! The snook bite has really picked up on

the flats. I catch them on cut bait fishing points and pockets. The in-shore tarpon fishing is starting to come around really good in June. Try fishing in Rinker Canal, Satellite Beach canals, Sebastian River and canals in Merritt Island are very good places to find them, juvenile tarpon in the 2 to 20 pound class are lots of fun, lots of action. I typically I use a small fly to catch them or I use little mini jigs which we use for spec fishing in freshwater, but I use a little bit beefier hook, the smaller the jig the better, 10 lb. braid and 15 or 20 lb. leader. For ocean fishing, Tarpon definitely should be there by now and I typically use croakers, pinfish, poagies and large mullet. I can use live bait on these fish with 60 pound fluorocarbon leaders with 30 to 40 pound braid. There are plenty of sharks to be caught so you better have lots of hooks with you. Just run along the beach until you see Tarpon rolling in the morning. It’s usually best early in the morning for the tarpon and there’s still a few tripletail around the buoys. There’s other species this time of year out there too like Jack-crevalles, Spanishmackerel, bluefish, Bonita and sometimes Kingfish all nearshore which you can all do in a small boat. June tip of the month go early in the morning when it’s calmer in the lagoon or ocean so you can see the fish and sight fish for best results.

Miami Beach, Government Cut

It seems as the old saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same” always finds a way to apply itself to every facit of life. Of course, kayak fishing is not immune to this law of the universe. After almost 2 decades as a boat and kayak fishing guide with a lifetime of fishing by foot, bike, or any manner of vessel I could find before that. You’d think I’ve seen it all, and I have truthfully seen a lot. From those first years of kayaks not knowing where they fit in with fishing. Longer, sleeker, less stable, but paddled great, and the beginning steps of the luxury in stability, compacity (gear/weight) we see across the market today. Paddle giving way to pedal, and the recent electrifying everything with trolling motors becoming ever more common. It’s been fun to watch the ebb and flow of a fledgling sport/recreation activity. Yes, both kayaks and fishing have been around forever, but I am speaking on the last several decades of plastic boats tailor made to go fishing. Though we might not have to fish for life giving food like the earliest brave souls conquering fish from small single person boats. The call to adventure solo or with a few friends remains the same. It is about nature, fresh air, and some finned adversaries that you would love to pic a fight with. As your kayak fishing adventures carry you into this summer remember to hit that water early or late when the waters are coolest for the best action. With the normal summer influx of bait this becomes a great time to break out the topwater plugs and have some fun. Though just about every fish we target in the lagoons will hit a topwater plug. My clients and I will be laser focused on the full and new moon periods in search of the best seatrout fishing you can find. The biggins are just one castand one bite away!

Friday, Saturday June 6,7“Grand Opening” for Sky Marine & Carts, hosted at 4165 N. US Hwy.17-92 in Sanford, 32773. Central Florida’s newest and fastest growing Boat and Golf Cart full-service dealership! Join their staff for 2 days of family fun, Live Music, Food, drinks, games, giveaways, fellowship and tons of family fun! Check out their full line of pontoon, cruiser, pleasure, fishing or offshore boats along with the areas’ largest electric or gas Golf Carts, both standard or super customized! For more info give them a call at 407688-3030 or visit their site at www.skymarineorlando. com

Friday, Saturday June 6,7- Florida Sport Fishing Association Annual Offshore Tournament, hosted at Port Canaveral. Over $25K in guaranteed pay-outs. This is the 56th annual event bringing some of the best anglers in Central Florida. $5,000 for Biggest Fish, $3,000 for winning the General Slam, weigh-in hosted at Sunrise Marina at Port Canaveral, to register or info visit www. OFFSHORESLAM.COM

Tuesday June 3, 10, 17, 24

- 5pm till dusk, Jolly Gator Bass Tournament Series, every Tuesday evening plus 1 Saturday per month until the Classic in August. Cost is $50 per event, 2 anglers per team. Teams that finish in the Top 13 in points or win an event and fish at least 21 events will qualify for the end of year Classic. Some of the best river anglers in the area fish this Bass Series. The staff of Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine is the official weigh-masters for this fun tournament series, come out and join us for the weekly weigh-ins. All Tuesday events start at 5pm

till dusk, Saturday events (1 per month) are safe-light till 2pm. Launch ramp at CS Lee Park next to Jolly Gator Fish Camp on SR 46 east of Sanford at St. Johns River Bridge. For questions or more info contact Jim “Squirt” Chaudoin at 407432-2822 or Phil Wolf from Coastal Angler Magazine at 407-790-9515.

Thursday June 12 - 5pm to 8pm, “Alive After 5” in Sanford - The staff of Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine would like you to join us for an evening of fun in downtown Sanford. This event is the second Thursday of each month downtown. Block Party on First Street! Don’t miss the chance for a fun night on the town.

Saturday June 14 – Safelight till 2pm, Jolly Gator Bass Tournament Series, Cost is $50 per event, 2 anglers per team. Teams that finish in the Top 13 in points or win an event and fish at least 21 events will qualify for the end of year Classic. Big Bass for the day pay $10 per boat! Your team can register the day of the event, Launch ramp at CS Lee Park next to Jolly Gator Fish Camp on SR 46 east of Sanford at St. Johns River Bridge. For questions or more info contact Jim “Squirt” Chaudoin at 407432-2822 or Phil Wolf from Coastal Angler Magazine at 407-790-9515.

If you have an event or meeting you would like included in the “What’s Hitting Around Town” column, send your details to: Phil Wolf phillip@ coastalanglermagazine. com. Deadline for inclusion is the 10th of the preceding month.

Bass

Little “B” caught these 2 Biggins fishing a Tuesday evening Jolly Gator Bass Series event!

Schedule your Off-short trop with Fired-Up Charters, the

ones are biting.

Gumbo Wars President Phil Wold presenting donations of $1500 bucks each to the Seminole Jr. Anglers and Teen Sportfishing Assoication from the 2024 Gumbo event!! Save the Date for “October 11th” this year in Downton Sanford.

Big

bite is on at the “Big O” fishing with Capt. Angie Douthit

big

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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

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: