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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
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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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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®.
ST. AUGUSTINE EDITION
Franchise Owners
Eric & Gina Diesl
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Capt. Tommy Derringer St. Augustine-Inshore www.inshoreadventures.net
Capt. Robert Johnson St. Augustine-Offshore www.jodielynncharters.com
Capt. Kirk Waltz Mayport www.enterprisefishingcharters.com
Capt. Tony Bozzella Sisters Creek www.tonybozzella.com
Noel Kuhn Pier & Surf www.thesurfangler.com
Capt. Dominic Anderson Instagram: staugustine_fishing
WEBMASTER
Ryan Clapper
DISTRIBUTION
Bob Bueno
For advertising inquiries, Call Capt. Eric at 904-829-7571 or e-mail eric@coastalanglermagazine.com
Dear Readers,
June marks a thrilling time for anglers in Northeast Florida, as warm waters and active fish make for prime fishing conditions. Inshore, the shallow flats and estuaries teem with redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder, all eager to strike at live bait or artificial lures. Meanwhile, the surf along the beaches offers solid action for pompano and whiting, making for an enjoyable day of casting from the shore. Offshore, the waters become a battleground for trophy-seekers, with mahi-mahi, kingfish, and grouper all biting aggressively. For those looking to mix adventure with relaxation, a slow drift over the reefs can yield snapper and triggerfish, rewarding patience with a bountiful catch.
But fishing in June isn’t just about reeling in the big one—it’s about embracing the unique character of Northeast Florida’s waterways. Early mornings on the water bring fiery sunrises over the Atlantic, while evening trips reveal cooler breezes and golden light shimmering off the marshes. Whether wading through the shallows, trolling along the coastline, or simply casting from a pier, June fishing is a celebration of nature’s rhythm. It’s the perfect time for experienced anglers to test their skills and for newcomers to get hooked on the beauty of fishing in one of the most diverse aquatic environments in the country.
We are excited to share our Facebook page that will now feature more articles and links to local events happening throughout the month. www.facebook.com/ CAMStAugustine> Please send in pictures ,tournament dates and ideas for articles to us at: gina@coastalanglermagazine. com.
We currently have a choice of advertising options available ranging from print & digital to video & social. If you would like us to add your business to our monthly delivery route or any other assistance you may need, please contact us:
Capt. Eric Diesl - 904-829-7571
Eric@coastalanglermagazine.com
Gina Diesl - 904-540-2311
Gina@coastalanglermagazine.com
You will find our St. Augustine edition in print for free at over 200 fine local retailers every month as well as online at coastalanglermag.com & vidmag.com.
Until next month, we wish you tight lines and warm breezes.
- Capt. Eric & Gina
Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Inshore
By Capt. Tommy Derringer
Schools out for summer!.. High tail it to the beach! This time of year the pogy pods start to show up along the beaches. More importantly, some really big fish will also be showing up to give chase to those giant pods of baitfish. Locate the pods from a few hundred yards off the beach out to about 50 feet of water. Look for crashing on the surface, as there will be predatory fish in hot pursuit of the baitfish pushing them to the surface. Sharks, cobia, bull reds, spanish and king macs, giant jacks, bluefish, and one of my favorites the silver king, a.k.a. tarpon, will be crashing the pogy pods in an exciting free-for-all that you have to see to believe. A favorite way to fish the pods is to rig a live pogy on a medium to large circle hook (5/0-10/0). Use about 5 feet of 60-80lb fluorocarbon leader then add a split shot or two a few feet above the hook. This will keep your pogy slightly under the pod and make for an easy meal for lurking predators. Bring some heavy tackle because you never know what may lie underneath.
Just like last month inshore, some of the best redfish and trout catches will come at daybreak and at sunset. A topwater plug will be the lure of choice at these times when worked around mullet
schools. If the fish seem to be short striking, try to vary your retrieval rate. Sometimes they like it fast and sometimes a little slower. If they just don’t seem to want to inhale the top-water, switch to a sub-surface lure. One of my new favorites is the Berkley Stick Shad. It will daert just under the surface and you can cast it mile! That lure perfectly imitates a wounded mullet or small pogy and will stay just under the surface when worked correctly. It can be just the right look for those fish that seem to be “sniffing” your top-waters. During the heat of the day, switch up your presentation. Again, locate the mullet schools and jig a little deeper with soft plastic Saltwater Assassin paddle tail paired with a 1/81/4 ounce Saltwater Assassin jighead. A live mud minnow or shrimp on a jighead will also be a great all-around setup for our summertime fish (trout, jacks, ladyfish, flounder, and reds, just to name a few). These will all be hiding around the schools of mullet and pogys waiting for one of the baitfish, or better yet your presentation, to get out of line for an easy snack.
With the water turning towards that summer “yoohoo” color using baits that have some good scent, or “stink” in this case, are a good bet. I like to use Gulp soft plastics or a cut mullet or ladyfish for redfish around oyster bars and in creek holes. These baits give off a strong scent and make it easy for the fish to find them in murky water. Another way to attract fish in murky water is to use a gold spoon… tossed along grass edges and oyster bars during the higher tide stages is sure to get the attention of a few reds and flounder.
Capt. Tommy Derringer 904-377-3734 • www.InshoreAdventures.net
Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Offshore
By Capt. Robert Johnson
Snapper Time
larger ledges and wrecks anywhere from 80 to 145 ft. Chumming is helpful and you want to position your boat up tide from the fish. Long leaders and just enough weight to get to the bottom is the way to go. I prefer dead sardines for bait as live bait tends to catch more Amberjacks and Red Snapper. You will also catch a few jumbo Mutton snappers as well as the normal Vermilions.
June is here and the water is hot everywhere. Gulfstream fishing is winding down and the Mahi of spring are a distant memory. Thankfully we have other options. June marks the beginning of some of the best fishing of the year. Snapper fishing is off the chart. Obviously not Red Snapper which is closed but the other snapper. We are blessed in NE FL to have some of the best Mangrove or Gray snapper fishing to be found anywhere. This is light tackle fishing with flora carbon leaders being a must. Look for schools of Mangos (fisherman slang)on all of the
In addition to the snapper species, you will also get bites from Grouper, Cobia and all of the other species that inhabit our reefs.
On the troll there will be plenty of king Mackerel and a few Sailfish closer to shore. Look for bait on and below the surface in the 80 to 100ft range.
Enjoy the calm seas of June and “Let’s Go Fishing. .
Captain Robert Johnson (904)540-2628
Jodielynncharters.com
Jlfishing@bellsouth.net
Fishing Report Pier and Surf
By: Noel Kuhn
Summer is finally here and that means that the surf is loaded with so many species! It is no secret in our warmer, I mean hot months, the bite is best at daybreak. Sunrise is about 6:30 AM this month. So by 6AM you should already be set up and ready to fish. Just like clock work the surf bite usually shuts down by 10AM.
If you like to throw artificials, it is go time. Seatrout, Flounder and Redfish are all up inside the breakers feeding on all of the small Whiting and Pompano. For the Seatrout, I have my best success on top water and suspending baits. The Seatrout and Redfish will come up into knee deep water early in the morning. For the flounder, I really like a jig head and curly tail retrieved slowly just off the bottom.
The Tarpon and Jack Cravalle are also in the surf and love to eat Whiting and Mullet. You cannot beat a jumbo live mullet free lined into a deep trough. I use 60LB mono leader with a 6/0 Eagle Claw Trokar hook. You will also get crashed by the super aggressive Blacktip sharks. With mono these battles are short lived but very exciting also. Just like the Tarpon, the Blacktips go airborne as soon as you set
the hook.
This time of year there are MILLIONS of bait stealers in the surf. The main three culprits are very small Pompano, very small Whiting and Calico/Spotted crabs. If you are reeling in empty two hook dropper rigs with no bait then you need to change your tactics. You will need to add some artificial bait to your hooks. My favorite is Fishbites sand flea flavor. This super tough bait will stay on hooks a long time even with hoards of bait stealers attacking it.
If you want to soak up some of my almost 50 years of surf fishing knowledge there are two ways. First is a one on one charter where we will spend four hours on the beach. That will give us enough time to cover all of the important aspects which will make you a more successful angler. My contact info is below if you want to set it up. Secondly, for the past six years I have conducted a small group class for Guy Harvey. Each class is limited to ten anglers. This is also four hours long and is held in the St Augustine area. The next three classes are June 29th, July 20th and August 17th. If you are interested in those they are booked through Guy Harvey at www.outpostacademy.com One way or the other, I will see you on the beach! !
Noel Kuhn
Surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. 904-945-0660
www.TheSurfAngler.com
Fishing Report & Forecast North River / Ponte Vedra
By Dominic Anderson
Juneis when it really starts to feel like summer here in the North River. Redfish are crashing all kinds of bait fish along the ICW(intercoastal waterway) banks. Trout are terrorizing anything that’s brave enough to swim in the dock lights. Flounder are back like they never left and thick, the ocean flounder have made their way inshore for the baitfish that are starting to show up thick as that water temperature rises. The black drums are bouncing around docks like a bar crawl for shrimp and crabs. Mangrove snapper around every corner feasting on any meaty bait you decide to use. Kingfish, Spanish mackerel and cobia should be scattered and darting around amongst the nearshore reefs and wrecks. Take advantage of fishing in June, here in northeast Florida it’s one of the few months when we get a more than normal amount of daylight. Don’t let that night fishing scare you, the trout are biting just right under the dock lights this time of the year. Night fishing can be a way to beat the heat with plenty of action and alot less boats. Free lining a mullet, mudminnow or a shrimp under a dock light is my favorite way to do it. Under these lights you can also encounter flounder and Redfish along with the
occasional north river snook. Hitting the ICW banks can be productive early morning and late evening with a topwater or soaking a live bait. Pay attention to where those oyster beds are located on the low tides and fish them when the water is up covering them with a cork. Spend some time punching docks using a Carolina rig slow drag on bottom style with a live mud minnow or mullet for those doormats(flounder). Those big reds should still be at the bridges and inlet so don’t hesitate to soak a stinky bait and wait for that line to rip out! Kingfish should be off the beach and a little closer now, find the bait and you’ll find the fish. Look for birds and piles of boats chucking cast nets at them, slow troll zigzags should get you tight. Although the ray fishing hasn’t been as productive, have a live bait ready if you come across one or something floating there should be some cobia hanging around.
Lots of thunderstorms this time of the year, so be ready to make a run for some cover and plan accordingly if you run offshore. Fishing can be really good or really bad after, before or during a storm so take that as you will. I’ve had some of my best days fishing in horrible weather, you don’t know if you don’t go! Be prepared for the sun as it’s starting to show its true colors as well. Sunscreen and long sleeves should keep you safe. Pack the bug spray because the fish aren’t the only thing biting this time of the year. Looking forward to seeing all of you in the ditch or on the lake. Let’s go fishing!
Capt. Dominic (904)-962-6184
Instagram:staugustine_fishing www.fishardy.com
Record, Release, Reward: Sea Grant’s
By: Greyson Webb
South Atlantic Release Rodeo
While kept fish can be sampled back at the dock, information on fish released offshore often slips through the cracks. With the number of released fish increasing in many South Atlantic fisheries, SAFMC Release is working with fishermen to bring those missing details to the surface.
SAFMC Release is a citizen science project that invites recreational, commercial, and for-hire fishermen in the South Atlantic to submit information about their released shallow water grouper and Red Snapper using the free SciFish app.
“Fishermen are often the only people who see their released fish,” said Meg Withers, the Citizen Science Project Coordinator for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. “This means there are gaps in the data available for these fish, like their size and chances of survival. SAFMC Release participants are helping to fill those gaps by sharing information about the size of their released shallow water grouper and Red Snapper and the steps they take to help their releases survive.”
Withers said that by sharing information such as length, depth of release, and use of barotrauma reduction techniques—like descending devices—to SAFMC Release, fishermen are using their expertise “to help paint a clearer picture of the snapper grouper fishery and supporting its long-term, informed management.”
Beyond improving our understanding of the snapper grouper fishery, submissions to SAFMC Release can also earn fishermen the chance to win gear and prizes for the first three months of shallow water grouper season through Sea Grant’s South Atlantic Release Rodeo.
From May 1 to July 31, Sea Grant is awarding fishermen entries into prize giveaways for their submissions to SAFMC Release. Through the South Atlantic Release Rodeo, each submission to SAFMC Release that includes a picture of the released fish earns participants an entry into monthly prize giveaways and a grand prize giveaway. If the photo included with that submission shows the fish on a ruler or next to an item of known length—like a soda can—then that submission will earn two giveaway entries instead of one.
Monthly giveaways include Sea Grant gear bundles with circle hooks and lead weights. At the end of the challenge, all valid entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a kite rod and reel combo donated by SeaQualizer and a Turtlebox speaker donated by Haddrell’s Point Tackle.
Each submission to SAFMC Release during the South Atlantic Release Rodeo gives fishermen the chance to win great prizes from Sea Grant while helping to improve the data that supports informed management of the snapper grouper fishery. Create your SAFMC Release account today and start earning giveaway entries for something you’re already doing—releasing fish!
To learn more about SAFMC Release or to set up your account, email Meg Withers at meg.withers@safmc.net or visit the SAFMC Release webpage at www.safmc.net/citizen-science/safmc-release/.
For more information on the Sea Grant South Atlantic Release Rodeo, contact Greyson Webb at greyson.webb@safmc.net or visit the South Atlantic Release Rodeo webpage at www.gulfseagrant.org/reeffish-extension/safmc-release-rodeo/#safmcrelease.
JUNE2025
WED 03:10 AM 0.15 L 09:10 AM 3.85 H 02:53 PM 0.19 L 09:29 PM 5.07 H 12 THU 03:49 AM 0.14 L 09:51 AM 3.84 H 03:31 PM 0.21 L 10:10 PM 5.07 H 13 FRI 04:29 AM 0.17 L 10:32 AM 3.86 H 04:11 PM 0.28 L 10:53 PM 5.06 H
14 SAT 05:10 AM 0.21 L 11:16 AM 3.93 H 04:55 PM 0.37 L 11:36 PM 5.04 H
15 SUN 05:54 AM 0.23 L 12:02 PM 4.06 H 05:45 PM 0.47 L 16 MON 12:22 AM 4.99 H 06:41 AM 0.19 L 12:50 PM 4.25 H 06:42 PM 0.55 L
17 TUE 01:10 AM 4.90 H 07:30 AM 0.10 L 01:42 PM 4.50 H 07:44 PM 0.56 L
18 WED 02:01 AM 4.78 H 08:19 AM -0.03 L 02:37 PM 4.78 H 08:48 PM 0.49 L
19 THU 02:56 AM 4.63 H 09:10 AM -0.18 L 03:34 PM 5.07 H 09:51 PM 0.34 L
20 FRI 03:56 AM 4.48 H 10:03 AM -0.34 L 04:33 PM 5.35 H 10:53 PM 0.12 L
21 SAT 04:58 AM 4.39 H 10:57 AM -0.50 L 05:31 PM 5.60 H 11:53 PM -0.13 L
22 SUN 05:58 AM 4.35 H 11:53 AM -0.67 L 06:28 PM 5.80 H
23 MON 12:51 AM -0.38 L 06:56 AM 4.36 H 12:48 PM -0.83 L 07:24 PM 5.91 H
24 TUE 01:46 AM -0.57 L 07:52 AM 4.38 H 01:43 PM -0.94 L 08:18 PM 5.93 H
25 WED 02:38 AM -0.68 L 08:45 AM 4.40 H 02:36 PM -0.97 L 09:11 PM 5.86 H 26 THU 03:28 AM -0.67 L 09:38 AM 4.40 H 03:29 PM -0.86 L 10:02 PM 5.70 H
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June 5-8, 2025
Old City Elite Kingfish Tournament (904) 759-1033
June 6-7, 2025
26th Annual Wildwood Fishing Tournament
St. Augustine Boating Club 611 Boating Club Rd., St. Augustine , FL 32084
June 20-22, 2025
King Buster Tournament www.kingbuster.com
June 2025
Daily’s Old School Kingfish Shootout –Presented By Yellowfin * www.oldschoolkingfish.com
June 26-28th 2025
Ancient City Gamefish Association Challenge
https://www.acgfa.com https://www.acgfa.com
July 9-19th, 2025
Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament Www.kingfishtournement.com
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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
!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:
