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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.
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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®.
CHUM AND THEY WILL COME!
Not to sound like Dr. Seuss but, when I’m fishing, “I chum here, I chum there, I chum everywhere.” Whether chumming with fresh cut bait or live bait, I am admittedly a chumming maniac!
When I take people fishing, I don’t just go to a spot, set up and have them cast baits out and wait for bite. I get busy chumming the water in the area to get the action going. Fish are attracted to the smell and to the sounds of other fish feeding in their general area. When fishing certain locations in the deeper waters of Tampa Bay, the scent of freshly cut scaled sardines and thread-
fin herring along with the blood it generates attracts a wide variety of fish. I chum year round, but in the warmer months there’s definitely a larger variety of species to be caught.
When I’m fishing one of the many deep-water grass flats throughout the Bay this time of year on a moving tide, my constant chumming draws in spotted seatrout, silver trout, Spanish mackerel, bonnethead sharks, blacktip sharks, ladyfish and the occasional cobia or jack crevalle. As I sit there cut bait chumming, I’ll occasionally toss in a few live bait chummers and as the tide takes it down current, more fish are attracted towards the boat and caught. While using this method, it’s possible to sit in one spot and catch fish for hours on end, but once you notice the action slowing it’s time to move on.
When fishing one the many bridges running across Tampa Bay, if you’re not chumming, you’re missing out. Bridge pilings May through October are
Continued on page 6
BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
ST. PETE REPORT Get On That Bite Before The Weather Is Too Hot
The redfish bite right now is phenomenal. Pretty soon, water temperatures are going to skyrocket. The bite is going to slow down on the flats. Those red fish and snook are going to be sluggish. June is still a good month to catch them, before the heat wave comes. They’re showing their tails all over the area where there’s mangroves. The set up that I like to use for catching these nice red fish is usually a 7’6” fishing rod paired up with a 3000-size reel. Sometimes a 4000 set up works just as good to haul those big redfish out of the mangroves. Don’t forget about the occasional 40-inch snook that’s sitting up in the mangroves.
For me, cut bait seems to be working the best. You always want to “match the hatch,” whether it’s cut pin fish or cut threadfin herring. Some are using live bait, which works great for the smaller fish. Just remember when you book a trip with us., we’re going to use cut bait and we are going to catch big fish. When I throw cut bait, I prefer 20 to 25-pound fluorocarbon leader with 20-pound braid. It’s always a good time when the rod is bending in half and the drag is screaming when you hook up one of those redfish that’s just been laying underneath the mangroves cooling off in the shade.
Once the bite starts to slow down, I tend to move to some of the artificial reefs in Tampa Bay to catch snapper and mackerel. Occasionally, kingfish will hang around for a bit. Sometimes, we will go after those big bull sharks and lemon sharks that everybody wants to catch. I like to use at least 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a mustard 6/0 demon perfect hook for those sharks. Sometimes you never know, you may hook up with a cobia. Cobia steaks on the grill are phenomenal--one of my favorite eating fish. Remember, if you’re looking to get new tackle or live bait, make sure you check out Riviera Bait and Tackle. And, if you’re up in North County, make sure you check out the Rusty Bucket Baithouse in New Port Richey. Tell him I sent you. They’ll take 10% off. And remember, check us out on Facebook for all our newest pictures of people catching fish and having a great time.
— What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN, YOUR TRIP IS FREE! This is our way of giving back to our veterans.
Capt. Anthony Corcella, Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter 727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com
Check us out on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
American Golden Plover
An uncommon visitor to the Gulf Coast of Florida during migration season is the American Golden Plover. These birds migrate extraordinary distances in the spring and fall
The bird breeds in the extreme northern areas of Canada and the Arctic and then travel as far as Argentina and back every year! During migration, the American Golden Plover can be drab colored with gray and white feathers with small “flecks” of gold on their wings. During breeding season, however, the birds display brilliant black and gold feathers.
They are considered shorebirds, with a diet consisting of small crustaceans, worms and mollusks that they catch by probing the sand with their
— Captain Wes Tallyn was raised in Florida and is a fisherman, birder, avid outdoors-man, photographer, and
scientist.
Wes has a focus on conservation and education in the community and is the owner of Snook Jam Outdoors. You can find him on Instagram @snookjam or call 727-410-5853.
LADIES N REDS
Two things I can count on this time of year is having the ladies catching fish and finding big redfish in the flats, which makes for a great combination. When fishing for reds, look for their usual hangout, as they return to the same spot year after year. Tarpon Key is one of the hot spots. The secret is to be patient. Look for other boats, and learn to read the area and set up an ambush point. Let the fish come to you, and don’t try chasing them down with your trolling motor. You will only accomplish pushing them away. When you spot the school of redfish, position your boat upwind from them to give yourself greater casting distance. The big reds can spook easily, so the further away you are the better. Chum with both cut and live bait. I give my clients the rods with live bait while Rodney (my rod holders) gets the one with cut threadfin with a #5 split shot, which keeps the dead bait on
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER
the bottom; and, remember that redfish are bottom feeders. By the way, Rodney the rod holder has out fished many of my clients by being my silent angler and catcher of big fish. When fishing in heavy grass areas, try using a float, and suspend the bait just above the grass line. This keeps the bait from hiding in the grass and lets the bait travel with the current, giving you a better chance of finding the fish.
Work as a team with other anglers in the area. You will often see us captains form a circle around the school of redfish, and we throw chum into the center to keep the fish concentrated and feeding. If you see this and decide to join in, most anglers will let you; but, just don’t try to move in on the fish, as this will only breakup the school. Work your boat alongside another boat and ask for permission first. You’ll find that most anglers will let you join in on the fun. Every boat takes turns throwing chum into the school, which will give everyone a chance to catch some fish.
BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
The average size of these redfish range from 30 to 38 inches (15 to 25 pounds), and, to me, are one of the best fighting fish on the flats--bar none. Snook will give a quick hard run and maybe a jump, but redfish will fight to the end. In fact, never release one after a hard fight. Hold the redfish in the water until she decides to swim away, otherwise she may go to bottom and die from exhaustion.
My tackle is simple; 7 ½- foot rod, medium-action fast tapered with a 300 reel, a full spool of 15-pound test Fins Windtamer braided line and 32 inches of 30-pound fluorocarbon leader with a 2/0 circle hook. The only time I use J hooks is if I have clients who keep trying to set the hook, so I have no choice but to use a J hook.
Big redfish are residents of Tarpon Key, Joel Island and outside mangrove areas of Bishop’s Harbor. They are year-round residents, except in August when water temperature gets too high and they move into deeper waters. If your bait starts to die in the flats, then it’s too hot for the fish to bite.
Good fishing and tight lines.
— Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He also hosts Fishing Adventures Florida TV show airing on YouTube, Waypoint TV, Carbon TV, Outdoor Action, and Angling TV. Owner of Reelfishy.com Charter business covering the west coast of Florida with over 135 captains on staff. For information contact Capt. Sergio at (813) 973-7132 email: atanes@msn.com.
magnets for mangrove snapper, large spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, cobia, tarpon, ladyfish and jack crevalle. Many times, when fishing bridge pilings a cobia will follow your chum slick right up to the boat. A cobia might also chase one of your hooked fish back to the boat while trying to take it. In either scenario, be prepared by having a heavy rod and reel combo at the ready to toss a bait at it.
Another bonus of fishing bridge pilings is that you never know when you might hook into a tarpon without trying. I’ve been chumming at a bridge many times for other species and had a tarpon start ripping fishing line off a spool. When this happens, usually the tarpon wins the battle by swimming to the other side of the bridge and cutting the line on a piling. There are times, however, when I’ve gotten them to the boat by either working them
back to my side of the bridge or by being at a part of the bridge where I can get my boat under and give chase. Keep in mind, I’m using light tackle, so having a tarpon jump six or more times and still getting it to the boat is exhilarating.
Once I leave the deep-water and move into the shallows to start fishing the mangrove shorelines and oyster beds in pursuit of snook and redfish, the chumming doesn’t stop--I just change my approach. Instead of cut bait chumming, I live bait chum.
When fishing a cut, mangrove point or oyster bed during a strong tidal flow, chumming with live bait lets you know if fish are in the area, and if they are feeding. Once snook or redfish start popping the chummers, then it’s just a matter of casting a bait to that spot for a spontaneous hookup.
Continuous live bait chumming when you encounter a school of redfish can lead to hours of non-stop catching, not fishing! The key is to not stop, but only toss some out every five minutes or so. You want to feed them an appetizer not a full entrée. The most redfish clients have ever landed aboard Afishionado was 96 in just five hours. That was back in October of 2007. Sadly, catches like those are long gone. The fishing pressure in Tampa Bay has skyrocketed since then. Outings where you catch 30-50 redfish are considered an outstanding day now, but I digress.
So, the next time you go fishing and want some non-stop action, chum like a maniac. If you don’t chum, they won’t come!
Afishionado, “Adventures in Fishing.”
—Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Capt. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info., visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474
BY: CAPT. PAUL DUFFEY
Let’s break it down:
Elephants Eat Peanuts
We all want to catch more big fish like the 30-inch plus snook, a bruiser redfish or a gator trout, especially when using artificials. But when it comes to targeting bigger fish, are bigger lures the secret? The old adage, “big bait, big fish,” certainly holds some truth, but it also comes with a few caveats.
Big bait = big splash. These fish don’t get big by being stupid--the bait landing can easily spook the fish off.
Large lures come with oversized hardware. Bulky hooks and profiles can be more likely to trigger suspicion than a strike.
Big bait strategies often mean “hero or zero” days, making for potentially long, uneventful outings.
I love chasing down giants and getting big fish to eat consistently. That’s why I take the “elephants eat peanuts” approach. Using smaller baits can bring more consistent success with big fish. Larger fish tend to feed at night. But, much like myself, if they see a tasty little mid-day appetizer, they won’t hesitate to snack!
The most effective presentations I have found is a 2.5-inch Z-Man
Salty Ned Shrimp on a 1/5-ounce
weedless EWG Ned Head, with a touch of Pro-Cure. This setup offers a natural profile and subtle action. Cast it into the path of a cruising redfish-where they barely need to adjust course--and you’re going to hook up. It’s about making the eat effortless. Not only will this rig tempt the giants, but it will catch fish of all sizes, keeping that drag screaming all day! Its weedless design is ideal for grass flats, potholes or working mangrove edges. The streamlined profile increases casting distance and is a perfect sight-fishing bait. The stand-up posture of the Ned Head brings the bait to life, even when at rest. On charters, I always have one of these tied up for my clients.
This is not a ground breaking approach. Many of us scale down and slow down our presentations during the winter; but, this tactic works year-round. Smaller baits, scent and a slower retrieve can dramatically increase your success on the water with both the quality and quantity of fish.
So, next time you are on the water wondering why they aren’t biting, remember; sometimes, finesse wins the fight
— Captain Paul Duffey, Tampa Bay Fishing Charters Sight fishing Florida’s Suncoast, 727-435-1886, TBfishingCharters.com
If you ever wanted to find a diverse fish magnet, look no further than the Skyway Bridge. The Skyway Bridge spans lower Tampa Bay connecting St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia, Florida. It goes over the main shipping channel coming into Tampa Bay, which is a fish funnel itself. The Skyway area and its approaches can hold a wide variety of fish, since you have shallow grass flats on either side of the bridge, 20 to 30-foot depths near the bridge and the channel averages around 48 feet deep. The channel goes 20 miles out into the Gulf, which gives offshore fish a direct pathway to the Skyway Bridge.
BY: CAPT. GEORGE HASTICK
THE SKYWAY IS THE FISH HIGHWAY
Besides being a fish magnet, the Skyway and its fishing piers are bait magnets, one of the reasons it is a fish magnet. You also have a variety of types of structure that fish gravitate to: many pilings with barnacles, eddies, grass flats leading to the bridge, exposed limestone rock edges and piles from dredging, rock ledges, hard bottom, coral and shell bottom, deep pockets and more.
The list of fish that can be caught on and around the Skyway is vast, but here is a list to name a few: tarpon, red grouper, gag grouper, occasional black grouper, goliath grouper, a variety of snapper, pompano, occasional permit, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, bonita, sheepshead, snook, trout, flounder and more!
The Skyway is definitely known especially for tarpon and grouper. Tarpon fishing techniques have changed at the Skyway over the years. Throwing live threadfin, whitebait or crabs along the pilings and letting it drift back to the eddies was always a good method. Tarpon are also scavengers willing to eat dead bait on the bottom or chunks drifting in the current. So, a technique that is popular now is chunking for tarpon with threadfin. Basically, you will set up at the bridge and start throwing pieces of threadfin over the side to attract tar-
pon into your chum slick, and then you drift a larger chunk (1/2) of threadfin back in the slick. There is no mistaking the thump of a tarpon and your battle begins. If tarpon is not your thing, there is grouper around the Skyway pilings, the edges of the channel, wrecks and rockpiles around the area that hold great grouper action. Check the regulations for the kind of grouper you catch, but the most popular is the gag grouper, which is closed and TBD when it will be opened. Live bait like white bait, pinfish and threadfins fished on the bottom near hard bottom rocky areas will usually produce grouper around the Skyway. Frozen sardines or threadfin will work also, but I like the live bait. Sometimes it takes the cut bait to get them going but usually a frisky bait placed correctly will get the job done.
If bottom fishing is not working, you can start throwing spoons around the bridge pilings, bait schools and over the artificial reefs. Usually, if the bait schools are showering or if you see fish exploding on the baits, a spool or white bucktail will get the hits. It can be anything from mackerel, ladyfish and bonita to sharks and more. If it gets windy you can always fish the mangroves and grass flats for snook, redfish and trout to get away from the wind.
So, don’t be afraid to try out the Skyway Bridge and the area surrounding it, because there is something for everyone!
Good Luck, Capt. George Hastick
— Capt. George Hastick of “Fish Hunter Fishing Charters” in St. Petersburg, Fl. is the co-host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report and co-hosts Fishing Adventures Florida which is on five streaming channels and You Tube.
He has been fishing the waters of the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years and guiding over 20 years.
Fishing Funds the Cure
The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) created “Fishing Funds the Cure” to raise awareness and funds for crucial research. Each year, we unite corporate partners, passionate anglers, and dedicated supporters for Fishing Funds the Cure Tournaments through an activity that everyone loves. Our exciting inshore and freshwater fishing tournaments are held in beautiful locations like St. Pete Beach and Sarasota, Florida, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and more. Each event, thoughtfully designed to engage our supporters, features a kick-off celebration, angler swag bags, an awards dinner, and a silent auction, all dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
We organize these events to blend the universal love for fishing with an important cause. The NPCF’s mission is to conduct research leading to less toxic and more therapeutic treatments for children with cancer. We are committed to making a difference in a system that often neglects our children. Despite their bright futures, only 4% of government funding for cancer research supports pediatric initiatives, highlighting the urgent need for advocacy.
The NPCF has made remarkable progress and is recognized as the nation’s leading solution, delivering rapid, innovative, and efficient science through a collaborative network of 40 hospitals. Operating independently of pharmaceutical and government funding, with eight institutions noted in the “Top 20” by US News, we have invested over $40 million in translational studies and clinical trials. We currently have 30 studies and 11 active trials:
• A new drug compound – which could be the 11th drug utilized to treat children
• Blood bio-marker study – which could be a prevention indicator for relapse patients
• A rare disease trial addressing “rhabdomyosarcoma”
• Multiple combined immunotherapy trials to include a potential vaccine
• We have also authorized the “first-ever” education toolkit – provided to pediatric cancer families
• We are also developing treatment guidelines for relapse patients
If fishing is your passion, we invite you to channel that enthusiasm toward a worthy cause. Join us at one of our tournaments, organize your own fundraising event, or take on our 43 Challenge to honor the 43 children diagnosed with cancer every day. You can easily start by using our online fundraising tool, challenging 43 friends to fish, and encouraging them to donate $43.
— The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is proud to be a top-rated charity, with 89% of every dollar donated directly supporting research. To learn more, visit NationalPCF.org.
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1.2 6:32 8:31
18 Wed 6:44 2.6 6:45 2.6 12:31 0.4 1:07 1.0 6:33 8:31
19 Thu 7:29 2.8 8:12 2.4 1:23 0.7 2:19 0.7 6:33 8:31
20 Fri 8:18 2.9 9:39 2.4 2:21 1.0 3:30 0.4 6:33 8:32
21 Sat 9:06 3.1 10:58 2.4 3:19 1.3 4:36 0.0 6:33 8:32
22 Sun 9:54 3.3 4:16 1.5 5:37 -0.3 6:33 8:32
23 Mon 12:10 2.5 10:43A 3.4 5:11 1.6 6:34 -0.5 6:34 8:32
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25 Wed 2:03 2.5 12:23 3.5 6:59 1.7 8:16 -0.6 6:34 8:32
26 Thu 2:51 2.5 1:13 3.4 7:49 1.6 9:02 -0.4 6:35 8:33
27 Fri 3:34 2.5 2:04 3.3 8:38 1.5 9:45 -0.2 6:35 8:33
28 Sat 4:12 2.5 2:56 3.1 9:28 1.4 10:26 0.1 6:35 8:33
4:46 2.5 3:50
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Sea W orthy
RECIPES
CRABMEAT STUFFED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS
Ingredients:
• 1 cup crabmeat
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 4 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 2 large portobello mushroom caps, or 10 white mushrooms caps
Directions:
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/4 teaspoon old bay
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Combine the crabmeat, cream cheese, parsley, green onions and parmesan cheese. Season with Old Bay, salt and pepper to taste. Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture. Spray the tops with nonstick spray to help them brown. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and melted. Serve as a main dish or side to fish or steak. Enjoy!
727-645-6598
Ahoy Mates!
It’s The Tampa Bay Boat Show
Chart your course the Florida State Fairgrounds on June 27, 28, 29
Enjoy walking around millions of dollars of inventory on hand from Tampa Bay’s leading boat dealers. The Tampa Bay Boat Show is a grand event showcasing area boat dealers/ manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies.
Tampa Bay’s Largest Boating Sales Event!
The Tampa Bay Boat show offers a great way to see and compare all available makes and models in one location. Pontoons, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Jet Skis, exhibits and more. Plus, you don’t want to miss the Florida Fishing School Seminars Series each day. Take part in a series of presentations by the area’s top fishing guides and local experts…great tips, secrets, and fun! Learn how to catch the big one!
There is something for Boaters of all ages waiting for you. After you have found your dreamboat explore the many exhibits of the clothing, sunglasses, boating and docking accessories and so much more.
The event is open to the public, and admission is free so bring the family and make a day of it. You could be on the water before the weekend is over.
HOURS: Friday – Sunday 10am-5pm FREE ADMISSION
Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610
Suncoast Ladies' Classic
July 24th - 26th 2025 at SkyBeach Hotel and Marina
TheSuncoast Ladies’ Classic empowers women through fishing, creating lasting connections in the angling community while promoting fun and inclusivity. We grow the sport by hosting monthly seminars, providing networking opportunities, helping women join tournament teams, and ensuring every angler is confident and ready to fish, often with the help of a trusted captain. We're proud to partner with CCA STAR and Ready for Life, supporting both conservation and community impact.
Interested in fishing our tournament but not sure where to start? We’ve
got you covered! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, we’ll match you with a team and/or captain.
Join us for this ladies only multi-species OFFSHORE tournament, July 24-26,2025 at SkyBeach Hotel & Marina located; 6800 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
There will be live music all weekend long from our favorite Nate Mosley and other local artist! There will be raffles, auction items, 50/50 opportunities, and so much more!
Thursday, July 24, 2025 (6pm-9pm):
Captain's Party, Registration, Reading of the Rules, Vendors, Food, Raffles, Auctions, Live Music
Friday, July 25, 2025 (6pm-9pm):
Bingo, Bubbles, & Bites and Live Music
Saturday, April 26, 2025 (Starts at 3pm)
Weigh in begins at 3 PM and is free and open to the public. There will be live music, raffles, auctions, vendors, and awards.
Last year’s tournament, one of our lady anglers caught a record-breaking Wahoo on hook and line off the coast of Tampa Bay.
NEW PORT RICHEY REPORT
BY: CAPT. BILL RUTHERFORD
Redfish
and Snook and Tarpon, Oh My!
Man-oh-man, it is great to be a resident of the west coast of Florida right now! The heat that drives the snowbirds away is the same heat that’s firing up the bite on the Gulf coast. As I mentioned in last month’s article, the redfish bite will never be better in our region than the dog days of summer, and the method couldn’t be simpler. Cut bait, dead stick, bait and wait; whatever you want to call it--it works. Grab yourself a mullet, ladyfish, threadfin or pinfish and trim it up into an inch or two piece, and freeline it into the mangroves on the higher tides or out on the flat in the lower tides right in front of the schooling fish. Pinfish work best in my region, because our flats are loaded with pinfish and, generally speaking, pinfish don’t eat pinfish. That allows your bait to stay out a bit longer without having the good parts eaten by the pinfish. Remember, if you’re hot, they’re hot. You don’t want to have to chase around your food in 90-degree heat and they don’t want to chase it in 90-degree water. Cut bait makes an easy meal for them that they don’t have to work for, and they will show their appreciation to you for making it easy for them.
The snook bite is in full force with the higher water temps, and they are starting to make their way out onto the beaches in great numbers (and sizes). Want to know the other thing the beaches will be loaded with when it's hot? Boats full of party people. So, try to get there early or late, and avoid those crowds if you’re going to Anclote Key; or, fish the west side of the island where there aren’t many people, but be mindful of the surf on the sporty days. They love to eat a large pilchard, mullet, ladyfish, grunt or croaker and if it gets really warm cut any of those in half and lay it up there in front of them. This is a great way to catch trophy fish on lighter gear, because there won’t be any docks to break you off and it makes for a great visual.
The tarpon have shown up early and in great numbers this year in our region. The pass between Anclote Key and Anclote sandbar is a hot spot for big migratory fish feasting on the massive schools of threadies. You can sabiki some threadies to use for them, but pass crabs and dead baits work well, too. Night time and early mornings are ideal, due to the aforementioned party people; but, this area offers a great reprieve from the chaos of Tampa Bay, and you can catch the same quality fish. Bailey's Bluff will also hold schools of fish that are a great fight in six feet of water, as long as you catch them before July when scallop season will put an end to fishing the bluff!
— Captain Bill is a Florida native who grew up fishing the Gulf Coast. Being a proud Army Vet himself, he founded a charity called VetCatch that takes disabled veterans on cost free fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area. He guides out of New Port Richey fishing a Bulls Bay tower boat as well as the custom 25foot VetCatch pontoon if needed for elderly/disabled fisherman.
Stay Up To Date with SALT STRONG ALLIANCE
WINNER ANNOUNCED: BEAVERTAIL SKIFF RAFFLE WRAP-UP!
Where Your Raffle Ticket Dollars Go:
Salt Strong is more than a fishing club; it is a movement to unite, inspire, and empower anglers nationally. Salt Strong Chapters are located from Texas to Florida to the Carolinas and offer the opportunity to Meet Local Anglers, Learn from Informative Speakers, Participate in Conservation Activities, and Win Awesome Giveaways. Go to SaltStrong.com to stay up to date and to learn more.
By: Darlene Shuman PE
A huge congratulations goes out to Shane Schlemeyer of Houston, Texas, the official winner of our Beavertail Skiff Raffle!
James proudly drove all the way from Houston to Florida to take delivery of his stunning new Beavertail Mosquito, pictured here holding the Salt Strong flag with a proud smile and a grateful heart.
"This is more than just a skiff to me—it represents the future of fishing and the importance of preserving our waters," Shane said.
And he’s right. Every single raffle ticket purchased plays a role in building that future.
Every entry into our RAFFLES powers real-world conservation and community programs, including:
Habitat Creation & Fisheries Protection: Oyster beds, seagrass planting, and clam deployments all help filter water and build healthy ecosystems.
Catch & Release Education: Teaching best practices to anglers of all ages, ensuring the fish we love today are around for generations to come.
Fins4Adoption: Our hatch-to-release fish program that gives juvenile fish a head start in the wild, improving survival rates and fishery health.
Volunteer-Led Coastal Cleanups: Salt Strong Chapters across the country unite to remove trash from shorelines and preserve marine habitats.
Youth Mentorship: Salt Strong volunteers share their time and angling knowledge with kids, teaching how conservation and fishing go hand in hand.
Innovative Monitoring Tools: We use underwater Clam Cams and drone technology to track water quality improvements and habitat progress.
The Beavertail raffle was more than a chance to win—it was a chance to give back. Now, the legacy continues with our latest raffle!
WIN the ULTIMATE INSIDER PASS to the World of Fishing!
Buy a Micro Draft Skiff Raffle Ticket now thru June 30th and you’re automatically entered to WIN 2 Registrations to Attend ICAST 2025 in Orlando July 15-18, 2025 as a Guest of Salt Strong Alliance!
ICAST is the world’s largest sportfishing trade show — a trade-only event NOT open to the public.
This is your chance for you and your fishing buddy to:
• Walk the floor with top brands and pro anglers
• See the latest gear before it hits the market
• Network with industry legends
CLEANER WATER DREAMER
100% of Your Entry Directly Supports Our Drive For Clean Water Initiatives
CLEANER WATER DREAMER
BOGO Deal – Buy One, Get One FREE Micro Draft entry Entry to WIN 2- ICAST 2025 Guest Passes
Already bought tickets?
You’re covered! Previous Micro Draft raffle entries automatically receive:
The BOGO bonus entries
Entry into the ICAST Registration drawing
All proceeds power Salt Strong Alliance’s clean water and conservation projects.
It’s a WIN-WIN for anglers and our environment. Get in now at SaltStrongAlliance.com
— Darlene Shuman is a Florida Registered Professional Engineer, President of Salt Strong Alliance and President, of the Tampa Chapter of Salt Strong Fishing Club
COBIA FRESHWATER REPORT
BY: CAPT. JOSHUA TAYLOR BY: CLAYBURN REED
Catching Cobia on the Flats in Tampa Bay
Cobia may be known for roaming offshore wrecks and buoys, but savvy anglers in Tampa Bay know that the flats can be just as productive, especially during the spring and fall transitions. These curious, hard-fighting fish often cruise shallow waters following stingrays, manatees and large bait schools, providing sight-fishing opportunities that rival even the best redfish or tarpon action.
Cobia on the flats are typically found in two to six feet of water, especially in areas with clean, warm water and active marine life. The flats around the lower Tampa Bay, Bunces Pass and Fort De Soto channel edges are prime spots. Look for large, dark shapes trailing rays or gliding over sandy potholes. A good pair of polarized sunglasses and elevated casting platform can make all the difference.
Cobia are often spotted trailing closely behind stingrays, using them for cover and easy feeding opportunities. When you see a ray gliding across the flat, cast your bait just ahead; there's a good chance a cobia lurks underneath. Make a precise cast, and get ready; the strike can come fast and hard.
When targeting cobia in shallow water, it's essential always to be ready. These fish often appear without warning. Keep a rod rigged and within reach with a live pinfish, threadfin or soft plastic swimbait prepared to cast. Cobia are known to follow baits closely, inspecting them before striking, so patience and a well-timed presentation are key.
Tackle should be stout, but versatile. A medium-heavy spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braid and 25 to 40-pound fluorocarbon leader provides the backbone for a strong hookset and a blistering run. Once hooked, cobia fights with power and stamina, often making unpredictable dives and long runs, especially in shallow water.
One of the most exciting aspects of catching cobia on the flats is the visual element; sight casting to a moving fish and watching it eat just feet from the boat is a rush unlike any other.
Tampa Bay's flats offer a unique opportunity to connect with one of Florida's most underrated gamefish. Come prepared, stay alert, and you might experience a cobia encounter you'll never forget.
— Capt. Joshua Taylor is a professional angler, apparel designer, and influencer whose passion for fishing and dedication to storytelling meet. With years of experience on the water and behind the pen, Joshua ensures each issue is packed with expert tips, local reports, and stories that resonate with the angling community.
Connect with Capt. Joshua Taylor: joshua@saltyscales.com | www. saltyscales.com | Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/SaltyScales | YouTube: youtube.com/saltyscales | Instagram: instagram.com/saltyscales | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saltyscales
The month of June is my favorite month to get out and do some bass fishing. In Florida, the bass are looking to feed after their spawning phase, and they get super aggressive. The weather warming up also contributes to this phase.
This leads to more bass being out deep and offshore, but shallow fishing can still play a role this time of year. When fishing offshore, I look for things like brush piles, rock piles, shell bars and grass patches. To find these things, look at a contour map and select some points, tighter contours, ditches, flats and saddles. Make sure to make use of a side scan fish finder when looking for the schools of bass offshore. This time of year, it’s crucial to target them with aggressive presentations like a crankbait, worm, lipless crankbait, chatterbait, jerkbait, topwater and a soft plastic.
When fishing shallow, I am targeting hard cover or hard bottom where I think the bluegill spawn will be happening. The bluegill spawn can hold some very big bass and is usually overlooked by anglers. To find spawning bluegill, listen for the popping sound they make on top of the water, or make use of a side scan fish finder to see the group of little potholes. I target these fish with a bluegill glidebait, swimjig, soft plastic worm, chatterbait, a popping frog and a dropshot. June is one of my favorite times of year for my customers to catch numbers and trophy bass. Get out and do some fishing!
— To book a trip or for more information call me at 352279-1307 or at instagram@clayburn_reed_fishing.
Throw Yourself a Bone
The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.
The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.
The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.
This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.
But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’re including a pair of Stauer Flyboy Optics® Sunglasses— a $99 value —FREE with your purchase of the Huntsman Blade.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
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please call
Proposition 65 regulations before
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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:
