Coastal Angler Magazine | June 2025 | Volusia County Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

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THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE

Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, protecting your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.

Unpredictable waters

The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.

Damage and injury

Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.

Theft and vandalism

Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.

Incurred medical payments

Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.

Peace of mind for fnancing

If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.

Navigational fexibility

Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.

Emergency towing and assistance

Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.

Wreckage removal

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

Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.

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FATHER’S DAY: THE PERFECT TIME TO FISH WITH YOUR KIDS

THATCH MAGUIRE, EDITOR AT LARGE

Father’s Day is one of the best opportunities to take your kid !shing.

It’s a celebration of the powerful bond forged when dads pass down the timehonored tradition of !shing, a tradition that stretches back thousands of years. While !shing once put food on the table out of necessity, today it still feeds something deep within us. at ancient connection to the water lives on in every angler, whether they realize it or not.

Inviting your son or daughter to !sh on Father’s Day regardless of their age makes a timeless statement. It bridges distance, mends di erences, and rea rms love in a way few other gestures can. Even if the day ends without a single bite, the act of !shing together creates a bond that words can’t express. It’s not about the catch. It’s about the connection.

ere are countless lessons a father might teach a child, but carving out time to share a quiet day on the water—free from the noise and distractions of modern life is one of the most meaningful. By saying, “Let’s !sh together today,” you’re also saying, “Let me share who I am with you.” And that’s a gi no one forgets.

Don’t have a son or daughter? No problem. Take any kid !shing this Father’s Day. Whether it’s a neighbor, a niece or nephew, or a friend’s child, the impact is the same. You’re passing on something real, something rooted in tradition, and something that could change a young life forever.

KINGFISHING

ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET

By Capt. Steve ompson

Targeting king!sh during their annual migration season o Florida’s east coast is a predictable event that coincides with the annual migration patterns of the Atlantic stock of king!sh. During the summer, anytime from midMay through August, when the water is warm enough for the kings to stick around, we all have a great chance of catching a tournament class king!sh, at almost anyplace we decide to !sh.

King!sh can be caught anywhere from the mouth of an inlet, on out to 200 foot depths, and that means that almost any seaworthy vessel can, and does, go a er these !sh during the “mostly calm” summer days.

Everyone has heard about the GJKT tournament winner that Fred Morrow caught at the tips of the north rocks, or Bob Johnson on his Traveler who won the aggregate, with two nice !sh, also right o the beach. What do these teams have in common? ey won in small boats with very little overhead, with very short runs to their !shing grounds. But they did their homework and had a plan, and went straight to where they were going to !sh. Because let’s face it, the small boater isn’t going to run all over the ocean chasing !sh that have already been caught. And those are not the only examples, this same scenario takes place every year

in tournaments up and down the Atlantic coast.

Another way to !sh on a budget is to not get caught up in the latest and greatest gear. Sure, you need quality equipment, but one can good used reels from friends, who are upgrading, or from yard sales or even at swap meets at your local o shore club.

As far as rods go, if you know what “feel” you like on your rods, you can !nd o name rods at sidewalk tent sales at your local tackle store, that perform as well as a custom rod, for a fraction of the cost!

To avoid buying that expensive bait, become pro!cient with a cast net! Kings get fat and happy on a steady diet of “pogies”, or menhaden found along our beaches. You need a heavy fast sinking net to have all the bait you want for a day’s !shing. No pogies, you say? Don’t worry, many king!sh over the years, have fallen to other baits than just a pogy. A pound of shrimp on tournament day could very well be a day saver. Croakers are great king baits, as well as blue runners and blue!sh. Ribbon!sh can also be used but are best caught a few days before and brined so they are easily trolled. If you like !shing the Party Grounds always have some sabikis on board. ese are small feathers on small hooks on a special rig that will catch fresh sardines and cigar minnows on most of the o shore reefs and wrecks.

Don’t be intimidated when you sign up to !sh any tournament. You have the same chance to catch a tournament winning king!sh as the next guy. And you do not have to drop big bucks to do so. Just do your homework, pre-!sh as much as possible and, come tournament day, have a plan and stick to it…and we’ll see you at the weigh scales!

Capt. Steve ompson is Chairman of Jacksonville Marine Charities / Greater Jacksonville King sh Tournament and a 40-year successful veteran of competitive king sh tournaments all over the Southeast. Contact him at (904) 251-3011 or email: gjkt@king shtournament.com.

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Greenlight to A Deep Dive Without Going in the Red

Every year in Basel, Switzerland, the world’s best-known luxury watchmakers gather to display their new timepieces. It’s a great event for spotting timepieces that standout–– in performance and in personality. We saw one impossible to ignore: a precision dive watch with an arresting green dial. But we also saw the five-figure price tag and knew we could bring our customers that exact same precision and stand out appeal for a whole lot less. The Stauer Evergreen Diver is that timepiece.

Built like a submersible battleship with a stainless steel case, caseback, and band, the Evergreen Diver is water-resistant down to 660 feet or 20 atmospheres, a feat facilitated by a hardened crystal and screw-down crown.

Green On Your Wrist AND In Your Pocket. You could pay an awful lot elsewhere for this verdant virtuoso, but the majority of the cost is in the big designer name upcharge. We think those guys are all wet. This is how you own a top-of-the-line dive watch without helping pay for some marketing guy’s yacht.

Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back. Wear the Evergreen Diver for 30 days. If you’re not completely happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Limited Reserve. A watch of this caliber, with a price that won’t drag you under, takes 6 months to create and won’t stick around for long. Call today!

SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• September 1 –14

• September 19 – 21

• September 26 – 28

• October 3 –5

• October 10 – 12

• October 17 – 19

• October 24 – 26

• October 31 – November 2

• November 7 – 9, 11 (Veterans Day)

• November 14 – 16,

• November 21 – 23

• November 27–30 ( anksgiving weekend)

• December 5 – 7

• December 12 –14

• December 19 – 21

• December 25 – 28 (Christmas weekend)

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

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

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

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF FIRED UP FISHING CHARTERS

POPPING CORKS & KIDDOS: A JUNE FISHING TRADITION

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

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

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

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

Second: skip the loop knot for your cork and

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

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

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

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

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

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.

6thJune & 7th

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

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

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

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

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

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Suzuki Marine Wins 2025 Boating Industry Top Products Award For Re-Launched V6

200Hp Outboard

Suzuki Marine USA has announced that its re-launched V6 200HP 4-stroke outboard motor has earned a 2025 Top Products Award from Boating Industry Magazine Boating Industry unveiled its 2025 Award Winners to the world’s recreational boating industry in May and will feature all the winning products in an upcoming issue of the popular magazine.

“On behalf of Suzuki Marine USA and the Suzuki factory in Japan, we are grateful for this recognition from Boating Industry,” said Brandon Cerka, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Suzuki Marine USA. “We have always focused on listening to our customers, dealers and boatbuilder partners, and it was clear from our conversations there was a need for V6 200 to be offered alongside our popular inline 4-cylinder 200HP. With both these motors in our 2025 lineup, boaters can now choose the 200 that best suits their type of vessel and boating lifestyle,” Cerka added.

Suzuki’s V6 200HP is an ideal fit for boaters and anglers who want the torque, powerful hole shot, and strong acceleration of Suzuki’s 3.6-liter, 24-valve V6 powerhead for single and multiple engine installations. This 2025 model is a great choice for today’s heavy center consoles, large pontoon boats, and other popular vessels that can benefit from a little extra “kick in the rear.” Suzuki’s 2025 V6 200 is packed with proven Suzuki technology, along with some new features not previously found on earlier V6 models. Among these new-to-

the-class features are easy integration with Suzuki’s new CANbus system for easier and more reliable rigging, Suzuki’s easy start system, automatic trim, keyless starting and troll mode.

“This is Suzuki’s 60th Anniversary in the outboard motor business, something we are very proud of,” said Cerka. “A big part of our success over these many years has been keeping our finger on the pulse of the market and coming out with the right products at the right time. Receiving this recognition from a publication like Boating Industry demonstrates that we are on the right track.”

CAPTAINKIDS

Under NEW Ownership by Cody

Captain & The Kids strives to always promote youth anglers both at the local level as well as nationally through our “Youth Angler Program.” If it was not for passing down techniques, traditions, and the love for the water, it would slowly fade away. It is our mission to always instill conservation and ethical fishing to our youth!

Capt. Evan started the Youth Angler Program after finding out how many kids in the New Smyrna Beach area had never been fishing, never been on a boat, and was born and raised in the area. Since that day Capt. Evan strives to getting more and more youth anglers on the water each and every year! Sol Fishing will do everything possible to make every young man or ladies fishing dreams come true. It does not matter if the kids want to go offshore or inshore, Sol Fishing will target whichever species they want to catch. Some of the most recent species that the youth anglers have been wanting to target are red snapper, lane snapper, cobia, amberjack, sharks, barracuda, redfish, and snook.

The Youth Angler Program is made possible by all our retailers who stock Sol Fishing’s gear such as our Hats, Decals, and Performance shirts and many more products. Stop by New Smyrna Beach Outfitters Outriggers, Donald’s Bait & Tackle, 38 Live Bait & Tackle, E & J Bait & Tackle Sunglass Cabana, Shades of New Smyrna Beach, Boaters Exchange, and Pedego of NSB to get your Sol Fishing gear to help support the Youth Angler Program! Sol Fishing’s amazing sponsors such as Tidewater Boats, Legacy Marine, Black Oak LED, Penn, Plano, Fenwick, and many more all make this amazing program possible!

Moore, Third Generation Fisherman

NSB Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle, as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel and accessories. New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience to guide through whatever type of fishing you’re looking to do.

New Smyrna Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear. Along with carrying all of the equipment you need, NSO offers services like rod/ reel repair, line spooling, splicing, rigging, outrigger setup, and much more. If you are not looking for fishing tackle, that’s ok, NSO also offers the best in apparel, eyewear, drinkware, and more. Some of the quality brands include but aren’t limited to Costa, Bajio, Olukai, Free Fly, Marshwear, Aftco, Anetik, Yeti, Stanley, Hemlock, Salty Crew. New Smyrna Outfitters strives to carry the best brands and offer the best customer service.

SAME STREET, NEW LOCATION!

223a Canal St. | NewSmyrnaOutfitters.com (386) 402-8853 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday Closed Winter Caught

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EDGEWATER BACKCOUNTRY FORECAST

Summer is here, June means school vacation time for the kids, the Indian and Halifax Rivers are great places to teach them the basics of fishing at their skill level, make it easy for them to catch a bunch of fish. For younger children, the best way for them to learn new fishing skills is to fish for the small, abundant panfish such as mangrove snapper and sailor’s choice (aka pinfish). They’ll learn basic techniques they can use in years to come to catch bigger and better fish.

A small hook will catch loads of smaller fish, but it can also hook surprisingly large fish when a big one bites. So use a #4 or #6 hook, a light weight, and a small piece of peeled shrimp. Fish in the right spot and the kids will catch fish one after another. They will learn to bait a hook, fight their fish, then safely unhook them. Snap a quick photo of a few and learn about catch and release. This is the best way for them to learn good fishing skills and they will be better anglers as they grow older. For kids with a little more experience, teach them to freeline fish with live shrimp, or easy-touse artificials like a leadhead jig with soft plastic tail. They’ll catch seatrout, ladyfish, jack crevalle, and more. Don’t make it complicated—keep it easy and fun. Teach them about conserving our marine resources, and to be good stewards of our wildlife for the future.

Snook season is closed June, July and August, so catch, photo, and release on linesiders until

season opens again on September 1. Our area’s snook population is the best it has been in many years, use gentle care with releasing to keep the good numbers going for years to come. Summer fishing with live pigfish and croakers is a summer tradition on Mosquito Lagoon for seatrout, redfish and snook. These baits are also good for inshore species, including snapper, tarpon, jacks, and ladyfish. In the Lagoon, fish them free-lined and tail-hooked along drop offs, sloughs, and off the edges of flats. Popping the rod gives a tug on the bait, pulling him up off the bottom, encouraging oinking, and attracting a fish to attack.

In the Edgewater backcountry fish them along drop-offs of any depth. For deeper drops freelining allows bait to swim down the face of the underwater cliff. Shallower drops, small sloughs, and oyster bars are good spots to try. In shallower spots a float can be added, which will keep the bait suspended above the bottom as they will always try to swim down. Croakers, pigfish, spots, mullet and pinfish can be prime baits for bull redfish, snook, tarpon and sharks, lip hooked for drifting the main ICW channel from Edgewater to Ponce Inlet for big reds. Sight cast to surface rolling tarpon anywhere from offshore Ponce Inlet, through the inlet, along the ICW channel, around the area bridges, and south through New Smyrna into the backcountry.

The summer rainy season means heavier

storm water run-off. Please learn about and obey the fertilizer ban laws, use less lawn chemicals of all kinds to help protect the already damaged water quality of the Lagoon and Intracoastal Waterway. Algae blooms are a major factor in the loss of seagrass, oysters, and clams, which in turn directly affects our inland waters and fishing both now and into the future.

CAPT. MICHAEL SAVEDOW

Edgewater River Guide EdgewaterRiverGuide.com (386) 689-3781

Meet the Captain

Capt. Nick Siciliano

Every once in a while, you meet someone whose passion for the water is so undeniable, it practically radiates off them. For anglers up and down the East Coast, Captain Nicholas Siciliano is that guy — a diehard fisherman, a seasoned mariner, and the force behind Beast Coast Fishing Charters, one of the region’s most talked-about operations.

If you’ve spent time on the water along the East Coast, chances are you’ve heard of Captain Nicholas Siciliano — or at least the screaming drags and happy anglers coming off his boat, Beast Coast Fishing Charters.

For Captain Nick, the story began the way many great fishing tales do: a rod, a bike, and a young kid who never wanted to stop catching fish. What started as childhood curiosity quickly evolved into obsession. By his teens, Nick was running small boats, learning tide patterns, fish behavior, and the rhythms of the local ecosystem with an intensity that few could match. He didn’t just want to catch fish — he wanted to understand them. After years of sharpening his skills, logging countless hours on the water, and building a loyal following of fishing buddies and fellow captains, he launched Beast Coast Fishing Charters — a name that reflects both the rugged coastline he calls home and the aggressive, results-driven style of fishing he’s become known for.

Based out of the Northeast’s salt-stained coastline, Captain Nick has made a name for himself by putting clients on fish, trip after trip. From inshore to offshore, his charters are known for high energy, tight lines, and serious results. Nick’s journey began like many great watermen — with a rod in hand before he could even walk. “I grew up fishing these waters,” he says. “It’s not just a job; it’s in my blood. Every tide, every season, every

spot. I’ve spent my life mastering them.” With over 2 decades of professional experience, he brings more than just local knowledge. His approach is hands-on, safety-focused, and built around making sure every angler — from kids casting for the first time to seasoned offshore veterans — has the best day possible.

“Catching fish is just part of it,” Nick explains. “It’s about building memories. When someone hooks into their personal best or watches their kid land their first fish — that’s what it’s all about for me.” Ready to make some memories of your own? Book your trip now tight lines await — let’s go fishing!

CAPTAIN NICK SICILIANO

386-405-7786

Beast Coast Fishing Charters beastcoastfishingcharters.com Inshore/ Offshore

Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Snapper, Grouper, Sharks, Cobia, Grouper, Pompano, Mahi, Triggerfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish

Sean 386-318-1036Smith

SRC Adventures srcadventures.com Nearshore/Offshore

Target Species: Wahoo, Mahi, Tuna, Cobia, Sailfish, Kingfish, Tuna, Amberjack, Pompano, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish

Rare Breed Charters rarebreedcharters.com

Offshore/ Nearshore

Sheephead, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Cobia,Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, Shark, Golden Tilefish

Target Species: Grouper, Red Snapper, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, African Pompano, Alligator, Deer, Hog, Elk, & Wild Turkey CAPTAIN TIM RUSSELL 386-846-1675

Target Species: Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Cobia, Tripletail & Shark CAPTAIN DANIEL LEVESQUE 386-295-4581

MARTY GOLDYS 386-679-0317

Reel Harmony Fishing Charters reelharmonyfishing.com Inshore/Nearshore

Captain Daddy’s Fishing Charters captaindaddysfishing.com Inshore/Offshore

Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Snook, Tarpon, Cobia, Grouper, Wahoo, Snapper, Seabass, Kingfish, Mahi, Sailfish

CAPTAIN MARSHALL WALLOT 386-214-9595

New Legacy Fishing Charters newlegacyfishing.com Inshore/Nearshore

Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Snapper, & Weakfish

PONCE INLET & BACKWATERS FORECAST

June is the beginning of the heat, and it just gets hotter from now through September. That means getting up early, fishing just before dusk, or hit those lights at night! To produce fish this time of the year especially at the inlet you have to get on it early and try to avoid the crowds.

Redfish, flounder, snook, tarpon, are all my target species this time of year. The redfish bite on live bait should be solid at the inlet. Use live shrimp, mullet, cut mullet or croaker and you will be able to get hooked up. I typically look for schooled up fish on outgoing tides and set up ahead of them with enough weight to hold bottom (2-3 oz egg weight) and about 24” of 25-40# Flouro with a 3/0-5/0 circle hook. Flounder will be up and down the rocks in the sand patches. Use a shorter 20# leader with a 2/0 circle hook and work the Sandy areas.

Don’t get too excited if you think you have one, wait a minute or two to let them eat your shrimp or mud minnow then slowly reel them in, I suggest netting all keeper flounder! Snook will be good on outgoing tides at the inlet during the day. Use live mullet, shrimp, croaker, and pinfish with a longer leader with 25-40# Flouro and a 3/0 circle. Use a pinch weight and try not to use a swivel. Stealth is key! Lastly tarpon should be around and get thicker as summer goes along. I’m going to be focusing mostly on artificial this year. I have found that 5-9” paddle tails get the most bites, but I’ve also been getting them on larger jerk baits. I search for fish then I cast in the direction they are swimming trying to come across their paths! I hope you get out and enjoy everything that spring has to offer.

Come by our shop Yellow Dawg Bait & Tackles up in Ormond at high bridge for your bait needs and to talk fishing. If you want to get

out on the water and see what this is all about give me a shout to book a trip! As always if you see us on the water say hello!

CAPT. JAMIE THRAPPAS Yellow Dawg Fishing www.yellowdawgfishing.com (386) 366-3424

KAYAKING FOR SNOOK

Kayak fishing in the intercoastal waterways can be incredible but also a bit intimidating when trying to find spots that hold fish year-round. Bridges and docks are among the most reliable areas. When launching your kayak, look for a bridge not far from your local inlet. Most bridges get a few

hours of solid current on incoming and outgoing tides and usually hold bait fish. This time of year, my target is always snook. They stick close to pilings and fenders, waiting for shrimp or bait fish to drift by. Snook are ambush predators, so presentation is key. One of my favorite lures for fishing fenders is an old-school Bill Lewis RatL-Trap. My grandfather and uncles used them decades ago around the Halifax River. Besides a red and white bucktail jig or silver spoon, a lipless crankbait is my most universal bridge lure. I love the Rat-L-Trap for its versatility and ability to cover water. It’s an excellent search bait that catches multiple species. When setting up on a bridge, I position my kayak stern to the current, casting slightly ahead of my target so the current sweeps the lure in. Snook often school up, so I repeat the same cast, letting my lure fall like a leaf—sometimes they hit it on the fall. That sudden thump is the best bite. I focus on the last two hours of incoming or outgoing tide—what my friends and I call a “trickle tide”—for the best action. One big advantage of kayak fishing is the ability to drift close to fenders and bounce lures through the strike zone. If you're not getting snagged occasionally, you're not close enough. I get bites between fenders or right next to concrete

lips where pulling fish out seems impossible— but it pays off. Another great tactic is trolling. Trolling a lipless crankbait is super effective on a kayak. The vibrations call up fish, even during tough bite windows. Under low bridges, you can hear the rattle echo, and when a snook hits, it’s electrifying. If you see mullet schools, troll right through them—often, it triggers a frenzy. Florida has five species of snook that will school during the fall mullet run in Central Florida.

The Tomoka River feeds into the Halifax River, and several bridges are nearby. Highbridge Road is a gem, showcasing untouched Old Florida. There are tons of great kayak launch spots right off the road. Also, keep an eye out for crab trap buoys—ideal for spotting Triple Tail. With a kayak's stealth, you can get close and sight cast with a 1/8 oz Voodoo Shrimp or 3-inch paddle tail. In December and January, Sheepshead stack up on nearly every bridge in the river. If you’re interested in a guided trip, give me a call.

BLAKE ABBEY

Kayak King Charters (916) 476-1403 @kayakkingcharters

If da fish kept his mouth shut, he wouldn’t of got caught is an old Jamaican proverb I use all the time. It could be used to mean many different things. Ya, mon!

Surf fishing has been very sporadic this season. The fish are not cooperating. That’s the nature of it anyway, but as Larry Finch says, “The fish—they gotta eat”.

I picked up a little calico crab off the beach right in front of my poles, chopped it up and put it on the line. That’s just what the pompano eat, and they’re hungry. Yum! One of my poles took a little header and then stood straight up.

That Pompano was swimming in right to me. First it’s heading north, then makes a U-turn and heading south, right into my bucket. Ya, mon!

This last week I had one of my favorite charters, with four people: one mom and three children, ages 13, 14, and 16 - the perfect ages to get them hooked on this fishing business. They’re from Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada.

And we hauled them in. I gave a little exhibition on how to cut up the calico crab for crab knuckles. I tol d the youngest kid, “You take a piece of this and put it on your hook. Now, you might not get

the most bites, but if something bites this, you’ll know it.” Within two minutes, the rod bent over all the way, almost touching the water. That little boy ran his butt off and reeled in even harder and ended up with the biggest fish today, an 18 inchto-the-tail pompano. I would fillet it for them later, with all the rest of the fish we caught. He was so proud to beat his sister and older brother. I know how that feels. I’m the youngest one in my family also. Ya, mon!

So, after so many months, I sit here patiently, and it’s paid off the last four days. It’s been excellent pompano fishing. The main herd seems to have arrived, with some fat slobs coming onto the beach.

The ceviche’s being made, the fish soup is being slurped down. The fish cakes are in abundance and the smoked fish dip has to be made. You know what that means: Bob Marley is singing ‘Stir It Up,’ and me and these pompanos are heading to the smoker.

MARCO POMPANO

Surf Fishing Guide

Marcopompano@gmail.com (386) 212-4838

Wilbur by the Sea

CAPTAIN HIGHLIGHT FORECAST

June brings the summer heat, and the inshore bite around Ponce Inlet is heating up right along with it. Speckled trout are active during the early morning hours, with topwater plugs producing solid action around grass flats and creek mouths. Redfish are schooling along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars, hitting cut bait and live shrimp. The outgoing tide has been especially productive for both species. Snook are showing up in good numbers, particularly around dock pilings, bridges, and the jetty. Evening tides are your best bet for targeting these larger snook. Tarpon are beginning to push into the river, inlet, and along the beach. Look for early morning rollers and target them with live mullet or swimbaits for your best shot.

Offshore fishing out of Ponce Inlet is firing on all cylinders this month. The mahi-mahi bite remains strong in 150–300 feet of water, especially near weedlines and temperature breaks. Trolling ballyhoo or skirted lures continues to produce good numbers, with some mahi exceeding 20 pounds. Blackfin tuna and the occasional sailfish are also being caught farther out. Closer to shore, reefs and wrecks are loaded with big amberjack, cobia, and a steady mix of vermillion, lane, and mangrove snapper. Live bait and vertical jigs are working well. Red snapper are abundant but currently out of season — be prepared to release some large ones. Kingfish are active in the 60–90foot range and can be caught slow-trolling live

baits along the reef lines.

The bite is on, and now’s the time to fish! Whether you're chasing redfish and snook inshore or mahi and snapper offshore, I’ll get you on the action. Summer spots are filling fast— book your trip today and let’s go fishing!

Inshore:

June kicks off the summer heat, and the inshore bite around Ponce Inlet is heating up to match. Speckled trout are active in the early mornings on topwater plugs around the grass flats and creek mouths. Redfish are schooled up along the mangroves and oyster bars, hitting cut bait and live shrimp. The outgoing tide has been the ticket for consistent action. Expect to see some nice sized snook around dock pilings, bridges and jetty especially during the evening tides. Tarpon are starting to push into the river, inlet and beach — early morning rollers can be targeted with live mullet or swimbaits.

Offshore:

Offshore fishing out of Ponce Inlet is firing on all cylinders. The mahi-mahi bite is still strong in 150-300 feet of water, especially on weedlines and temperature breaks. Trolling ballyhoo or skirted lures is producing good numbers, with some fish over 20 lbs. Blackfin tuna and the occasional sailfish are also in the mix further out. Closer to shore, the reefs and wrecks are holding big amberjack, cobia, and steady numbers of vermillion snapper , lane snapper and mangrove snapper on live bait and jigs. Red snapper are

thick but closed — be prepared to release some big ones. Kingfish are patrolling the 60-90 foot range and can be caught slow trolling live baits.

Benjamin ONeal

Bill Waynescott (Captain Daddy's Fishing Charters)

JJ Tondo

Tom Shaddle (New Legacy Fishing Charters)

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Rod Larson (Ferg's Guide Service)

Brian Dillon (Rare Breed Charters)

Katelyn Schniepp (@outdoorswithkate)

Nina Grecco (Reel Harmony Fishing Charters)

Rob Barringer

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