

POMPANO




Smooth Sailing











navigating peace of mind







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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DESTINATION FISHING
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
Fishing is a beloved pastime that transcends borders, drawing anglers to new destinations around the globe. Whether it’s the thrill of chasing trophy !sh, exploring pristine environments, or immersing oneself in local cultures, traveling to !sh o ers a unique and enriching experience. But why do so many anglers feel compelled to venture far from their home waters to cast a line? Here are some key reasons behind this phenomenon.
For many anglers, the chance to catch a once-in-a-lifetime !sh is a driving force behind their travels. Di erent regions are home to speci!c species that can’t be found elsewhere. For example, the tarpon-rich waters of the Florida Keys, the salmon runs in Alaska, or the giant trevally in the Seychelles all serve as magnets for anglers. e challenge of targeting these iconic species and the bragging rights that come with landing them o en justify the journey.

requires anglers to adapt and learn. Di erent locations come with unique !shing techniques, such as y !shing in Montana’s rivers, jigging for tuna in o shore waters, or using traditional handlines in tropical locales. Each trip is an opportunity to
friends and family or encounters with local guides and fellow anglers. ese interactions create lasting memories and a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond borders. In turn, the stories and photos from these adventures become cherished mementos, sparking conversations and inspiring others to pursue their own !shing journeys.
Magazine and its digital magazine Magazine have always tried to bring you news and awareness about exotic !shing destinations around the world. Your trips and adventures are an integral part of our monthly compilation process. Your photos, videos and stories about your !shing trips are always welcomed here.

acquire new skills, re!ne existing ones, and deepen one’s appreciation for the art and science of !shing.
Fishing in new destinations allows anglers to experience a variety of ecosystems, each with its unique beauty and challenges. From tranquil mountain streams and sprawling freshwater lakes to turquoise saltwater ats and deep ocean trenches, the diversity of !shing environments is staggering. is variety not only enhances the adventure but also broadens an angler’s understanding of aquatic habitats and their importance to global biodiversity.
Traveling to new !shing destinations o en
Fishing inherently fosters a deep connection with nature, but traveling ampli!es this experience. Anglers o en !nd themselves in remote, untouched locations where the tranquility and beauty of the natural world are at their peak. is immersion provides a welcome escape from the stresses of daily life and fosters a sense of mindfulness and gratitude.
Fishing trips o en bring people together, whether it’s through shared experiences with
For many anglers, !shing is more than a sport—it’s an adventure. Traveling to new destinations satis! human desire to explore the unknown and conquer its challenges. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar waters, encountering unpredictable weather, or matching wits with elusive !sh, each trip is a thrilling chapter in an angler’s personal story. e reasons anglers travel to as diverse as the destinations they seek. From the pursuit of trophy catches to the joy of exploring new landscapes, each journey o ers a blend of excitement, education, and enrichment. For those who !sh, the world is not just a playground but a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be discovered. So, pack your gear, book that trip, and embrace the adventure—the next big catch might be just a plane ride away.
To submit your catch photos, videos or stories, email editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com.
















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Catching an Unexpected Trophy in the Atlantic
What started as a morning of unproductive wahoo trolling north of St. Augustine turned into an unforgettable battle with one of Florida’s most prized catches. Capt. Daniel Levesque and his crew aboard Rare Breed had spent hours searching for wahoo, battling against an uncooperative west wind, when they decided to switch tactics.
“A er passing over endless schools of blue runners and proli!c bottom structure, I pulled into a spot that had previously produced wahoo,” recalls Capt. Daniel. “ e sonar was marking !sh from top to bottom.”
By Brandon Shoaf


As two anglers at the bow dropped sabiki rigs to collect live bait, their lines became hopelessly entangled. While the captain worked to untangle the mess of braided line, angler Mike Lorenz noticed something interesting on the sonar screen. He dropped down an old, paint-worn butter y jig to about 60 feet.
“It got hit by what felt like a train,” Lorenz describes. “ e conventional reel was screaming. At !rst, I thought I had a shark, but it felt di erent.” e mystery !sh made several blistering runs, nearly spooling Lorenz’s reel multiple times. e battle switched between long runs and deep, powerful dives under the boat. “It felt more like !ghting a huge grouper when it was beneath us,” says Lorenz. “I think both the !sh and I were taking breaks between rounds.”
Capt. Daniel maneuvered the boat to help chase down the !sh. A er an
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intense !ght, a massive silver ash appeared near the surface, prompting the captain to shout “AP!” e prize—a massive African pompano—was !nally secured with a well-placed ga shot by Capt. Daniel. e crew gathered for photos, marveling at their spectacular trophy, a testament to both the !sh’s size and the memorable nature of the catch.
What began as a “cursed” day of wahoo !shing transformed into the catch of a lifetime, proving once again that sometimes the best !shing stories come when plans go sideways and anglers remain ready for whatever opportunity presents itself.
Brandon Shoaf is Co-Publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Volusia County edition. Contact him at (386) 260-9600 or volusia@coastalanglermagazine.com.




*Tiller Models Only.














On the Water Etiquette
As the number of anglers continues to grow, it becomes more important than ever to be a marine resource steward as well as show others respect when on or near the water. By respecting the marine environment and the people in it, we can help ensure good fishing for generations to come and safe fishing experiences. After all, respect for nature and for other anglers is what fishing is all about.
Some ways you can help be a marine resource steward and make the right kinds of waves include:
1.Be an ethical angler: Ethical angling means knowing when to keep and when to release your catch while always handling fish with care. This includes knowing and abiding by regulations and being able to identify the fish you target.
2. Be ready at the ramp: Prepare your boat and equipment before launch. At a fuel dock, get fuel, pay and move out of the way.
3. Wear your life jacket: Set a good example for others and stay safe.
4.Watch the wake: Stay at least 200 feet from shoreline and other boaters and follow no wake zones. Always yield to wade fishermen.
5.Boat safely: Know who has the right of way and when. All operators of recreational boats less than 26-feet that have an engine cutoff device must wear an engine cut-off switch. This device helps prevent accidents by cutting off

the engine when the vessel operator is not at the helm.
6.Be courteous on shore: Don’t shoreline fish in areas or during times of day when there are a lot of swimmers. Don’t crowd anglers who are fishing from shore.
7. Stash your trash: Recycle fishing line and dispose of trash in a proper receptacle ashore
8.Coming in for a landing: When anchoring up, watch how other boats tie off and
do the same. If you think you are too close to other boaters or anglers, you are probably too close. Mind the current and be patient and wait for others to move before docking.
9. Keep the noise down: Sound is amplified over the water, which can disturb other boaters and those who live near the water.
10.Give anglers space: The sounds or wake from your boat can cause an angler to lose their catch or drive fish away.
Built For Battle MADE FOR FISHING


What Makes a Great Lure Great
Every now and then I’ll write a column mentioning artificial lures, even a certain type of artificial bait. Sometimes it might be a soft plastic lure, while other times it could be a hard bait like a topwater or a slow sinking plug like a MirrOlure. Have you ever wondered what makes these baits so great?

I asked that question to Capt. Mike Williams, and he responded by asking, “Have you ever watched the movie Quigley Down Under?” I have and just for reference let me set you up with the story line.
Mathew Quigley, played by actor Tom Selleck, was a master rifleman, who was hired by an Australian Ranch owner in the outback as a sniper. Upon arriving at the ranch, the owner wasn’t too impressed with Quigley. He then instructed a ranch hand to place a wooden bucket up on a hill, some 800 yards away. He then instructed Quigley to shoot the bucket. Quigley drew out his rifle, a Sharps Model 1874 single shot with a 34-inch barrel. Quigley loads the rifle and from a standing position hits the barrel dead on, not only once but multiple times.
Williams then asked me, “Do you think the ranch owner could make that shot?” My answer was probably not. Williams then said, “You just answered your own question.”
He’s right, it wasn’t the gun that made the shot, but the man using it. I’ve had a chance to fish with and or be around some great fishermen in my days on the water. Some lures in the hands of certain anglers are deadly, if comparing it to when I try to use them.
Here’s an example. it’s like trying to go toe to toe with Capt. James Plaag throwing soft plastics. He’s going to out catch you 95 percent of the time.




Like casting a MirrOlure standing next to Williams, he’ll more than likely out catch you.
Some once wrote, “It’s not the arrow, it’s the Indian,” same with great speckled trout lures.
Now, the question becomes, but is it always the Indian?
I was reminded by Capt. Mike Williams of a fishing trip some forty years ago. Williams referred to this area as the ‘North Cross’ and at the time I wasn’t even thinking of becoming a fishing guide.
My memory was then jogged and as I recalled we fished around Atkinson Island and Tabbs bay. We picked up some of the most ‘beautiful’ shrimp that morning, before launching the boat at Mary’s Bait Camp in Morgan’s Point. Williams at the time was a MirrOlure field tester, so he had tied on a 51M CFG, chartreuse body with gold sides, while I stuck with the triedand-true popping cork rig. At the start of the day, we both were catching speckled trout in the 2 - 4 pound class. As we talked of that day, Williams said, “Don’t you recall, as the morning wore on, my MirrOlure bite faded, but you were still catching them.”
I do remember that, and Williams grabbed another rod rigged with a popping cork and started to fish with the live shrimp. We were standing side by side and I was still catching them steadily, Williams not so much. He then called for a timeout. Williams thought process told him something had to be different, even though we were rigged the same, even fishing our popping corks at the same depth.
During the time out, he closely inspected my tackle and compared it to his. He then noticed that my hook was rusty, but still in usable condition. The hook Williams had tied on to his line was new, a bright shiny silver one. Williams dug through his tackle box and found a rusty colored hook. He tied that one onto his line and we both started catching fish at an even pace.
You see, sometimes it’s not always the Indian, but it just might be the arrow.
Someone asked me once, “Is there a lure made that any non-skilled or skilled angler can throw that catches fish?” There is one that comes to mind, and that would be a gold or silver spoon. If you can tie a knot, cast a rod and reel, then a spoon will catch you a fish, as long as you can reel.
Live Bait Best - Plastic Alternative
CAPT PAUL MARCACCIO
T.P. & W. & USCG License
Marcaccio Fishing Academy captpaul@gofishgalveston.com www.gofishgalveston.com
For some saltwater anglers, the recent shortage of live shrimp in Galveston Bay has put their weekends on hold. Others do not seem to notice.

Keep in mind there are times and places in which live shrimp is a must along with live croackers, but sometimes along the Texas coast, the use of soft plastic will add to your ice chest.
Fishermen who like to fish for the fun of it, shouldn’t let the absence of the white flag alter their fishing trips.
With a little persistence and some well placed luck, the use of plastic can be every bit as productive as the real thing on speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and maybe almost as good for gafftop and sandtrout.
Live shrimp is a fisherman’s tool, just like his rod and reel or his outboard motor and boat. But sometimes, this tool can be a crutch. Often times, some fishermen are too dependent on live shrimp. Typically, diehard live bait fishermen try the plastic route once or twice. If they are not successful, back to the live well they go.
There are no guarantees even with a live well full of bugs or hoppers. And don’t give this writer the old adage, the family will go without, unless I bring home the bacon, if that were the scenario, the $18 or more it takes to buy a quart of bait would go much further in a discount food store.
Fishing is fun and part of that fun is being able to fool’em. Time, place and water conditions still matter as much, but you can do so choosing the correct lure and making it wiggle just so.
Granted, this is not easy, but the skills needed for most salt-water applications, come with patience and presentation.

Fishing with plastics is not like open-heart surgery. Experience is the best teacher and your classroom is always open. Soft plastic shrimp and shad imitations are for the most part productive and most user friendly along the Texas Gulf coast. Give me a hand full of jigheads and tails, and this writer will surely have fun fooling a few of the Texas big three. These lures can be worked both horizontally and vertically to cover all the necessary water to attract a surprising variety of fish. Texas big three are the prime targets (trout, redfish and flounder).
A few to mention are Bass Assassin, Mirrolure, Hogie and Norton.
The Rat-L-Trap seldom sees saltwater action in Texas along with its sister the spinner bait. If you don’t like this lure and its kin, ask a Texas bass fishermen for a recommendation. They are available in many colors and finished with corrosion-resistant hardware and they work on any fish that eats piggy perch or menhaden.
Spoons are a must to carry on the bays of Galveston, but this writer has noticed a real downturn in the numbers anglers throw these days. Man, they can cut through a howling southeast wind like a sharp paring knife. Use ¼ oz to ¾ oz depending on the depth and distance you are trying to cover. A wide body spoon wobbles near the surface, while a narrow body plows more deeply through the water. Many a redfish have been landed with a gold spoon as well as other types of plastic imitation shrimp and shad bodies. You can chunk and wind all day with a spoon.
Mirro-lures, Baby Spooks and Corky’s are among a family of somewhat advanced lures, but there is no single, magic way to work any of them.
Start with a slow steady retrieve and have a fishing friend begin with a quick erratic pull. Keep it moving or let it sit. Try anything. And when a fish hits the plug, try and remember to retrieve it the same way the next time.
The length or weight of my stringer does not measure the success of my personal fishing trips any more. More so, the uncanny ability to fool one speckled trout or redfish on artificial bait is paramount.
Remember, have fun outdoors. Good luck and good fishing.



















1 Sat 7:11 0.8 7:59 0.6 1:44 0.3 2:35 0.0 6:42 6:20
2 Sun 8:38 0.8 8:06 0.6 2:36 0.1 3:23 0.3 6:41 6:20
3 Mon 10:10 0.8 8:07 0.7 3:29 -0.1 4:17 0.5 6:40 6:21
4 Tue 11:50 0.9 7:44 0.7 4:25 -0.3 5:30 0.7 6:39 6:22
5 Wed 1:41 0.9 5:27 -0.3 6:38 6:22
6 Thu 3:36 1.0 6:36 -0.4 6:37 6:23
7 Fri 4:59 1.0 7:54 -0.3 6:36 6:23
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12 Wed 5:26 0.8 8:10 0.7 1:51 0.6 1:56 -0.1 7:30 7:27
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15 Sat 8:31 0.8 8:24 0.7 2:56 0.3 3:24 0.3 7:26 7:28
16 Sun 9:33 0.8 8:27 0.7 3:25 0.2 3:52 0.5 7:25 7:29
17 Mon 10:37 0.8 8:21 0.7 3:56 0.1 4:25 0.6 7:24 7:30
18 Tue 11:44 0.9 7:49 0.8 4:30 0.0 5:03 0.7 7:23 7:30
19 Wed 12:59P 0.9 6:53 0.8 5:08 0.0 5:45 0.8 7:22 7:31
20 Thu 2:27 0.9 5:53 0.0 7:21 7:31
21 Fri 4:26 0.9 6:47 0.0 7:19 7:32
22 Sat 6:46 1.0 7:52 0.0 7:18 7:33
23 Sun 6:56 1.0 9:04 -0.1 7:17 7:33
24 Mon 6:52 1.0 10:14 -0.1 7:16 7:34
25 Tue 6:54 0.9 11:16 -0.1 7:15 7:34
26 Wed 3:11 0.9 6:58 0.9 12:02 0.8 12:11 0.0 7:13 7:35
27 Thu 4:56 0.9 7:05 0.8 12:20 0.7 1:03 0.1 7:12 7:35
28 Fri 6:21 1.0 7:12 0.8 12:58 0.5 1:54 0.2 7:11 7:36
29 Sat 7:40 1.1 7:19 0.8 1:40 0.3 2:47 0.4 7:10 7:37
30 Sun 8:57 1.1 7:25 0.8 2:25 0.0 3:42 0.6 7:09 7:37
31 Mon 10:13 1.2 7:26 0.9 3:12 -0.1 4:45 0.8 7:08 7:38
































www.USHarbors.com Eagle Point, Galveston Bay, TX - Mar 2025

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Mastering Spring Fishing Conditions
CAPT. MICHAEL OKRUHLIK
832.419.5777
MyCoastOutdoors@yahoo.com www.MyCoastOutdoors.com
Spring fishing brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. As water temperatures rise, targeting inshore species like trout, flounder, and reds requires adapting to their changing behavior. Early spring often means downsizing lures. As fish feed on tiny baitfish and shrimp, small lures mimic these natural prey more effectively. Large trout and reds may already have full stomachs, expelling small bait when caught, signaling the need for a smaller offering to match the size of the food they’re consuming.
With the warming water, fish become more aggressive, and it’s time to speed up your retrieval techniques. After a slower winter, anglers should bring out faster-action rods and smaller versions of topwater and twitch baits. While spring can bring calm days, cool fronts and high-pressure systems still affect fish behavior. When this happens, adjusting to the conditions—rather than just relying on the calendar—is key. Opting for colors like white or silver for hard baits can pay off during this time.
However, spring also brings stiff winds and crowds. In South Texas, gusts can reach up to 30 knots, making conditions challenging, especially for kayakers. It’s crucial to check the forecast and
plan for these challenging winds. Additionally, spring break brings an influx of boaters and kayakers, many of whom may be rusty from the off-season. Defensive driving and boating have become essential, and leaving early is recommended to avoid congestion at ramps and on the roads.
Conditions are still variable when targeting fish in March. The water can remain chilly despite warmer air temperatures. Cold fronts affect fish behavior, making them seek deeper water with more stable temperatures. While some fish may move closer to flats as the day warms, they rarely stray far from deep water. Focus on areas near the outer edges of guts that lead from deeper water to flats, adjusting as the day progresses.

noisy, aggressive ones—can help you find the right approach in high-pressure situations.
During high-pressure conditions, downsizing lures remains reliable, especially as young forage species become abundant. Natural or translucent colors work well; slowing the retrieval to keep lures closer to the bottom can increase success. When this approach doesn’t yield results, switching tactics can help. Using noisy lures, such as rattling crankbaits or loud topwaters, can provoke a reaction bite when fish are less willing to chase actively. Experimenting with these extremes—quiet, slow presentations versus

Spring fishing requires patience, adaptability, and a keen eye for weather and water conditions. Whether you’re dealing with shifting fish patterns or navigating spring break crowds, it’s a great time to get out on the water—and maybe bring a kid along for the adventure.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.






SPRING SHAD: IT’S MARCH MADNESS
I’ve been incredibly blessed to !sh with some of the best anglers on the planet, guiding me through my journey. To complete that journey, I always keep a couple of rods in my truck, ready to !sh farm ponds, lakes, and rivers during my travels as a Boat Li US salesman. It brings me back to my roots.
Last month marked my 64th birthday, and I !nd myself enjoying the simple !shing of my youth more and more. Don’t get me wrong—I still love a gag grouper or wahoo bite like Peter loved our Lord—but I also love catching whatever is in season. March can be a slow month for nearshore and o shore !shing, making it the perfect time to switch focus to hickory and white (American) shad in our rivers.
Tim Barefoot

their birth. eir migration mirrors that of Paci!c salmon, using an innate
learning their seasons over the years. Hickory shad arrive !rst—smaller but plentiful—making them perfect for introducing kids to !shing with non-stop action. When the larger white shad show up, it’s game on. ese !sh pull hard in the cold water, !ghting until the moment you unhook them.
I strongly recommend mashing down the barbs on your hooks to make dehooking easier. Let’s be honest—most anglers aren’t eating shad, so reducing injury before release just makes sense. Also, always wear eye protection when !shing for these powerful !sh. A jig popping free near the boat can come ying back at the angler, as my son learned the hard way in a recent trip to the James River.

ese !sh are truly amazing. ey leave the coastal rivers of the eastern U.S., migrate to Nova Scotia, take a hard right into deep waters, then journey back south to spawn in the rivers of
GPS to !nd their way home. ey travel in vast schools, surviving intense predation, just to return to their spawning grounds.
Knowing this, I position myself to take full advantage of this mass migration. I !sh for shad in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina,
FISHING IS BETTER IN
White shad will be in rivers all the way down to Florida this month, so if you’re looking for a fun !ght on light tackle, now is the time. Check out my YouTube channel for the tackle and techniques I use to catch these childhood favorites. And, as always, take plenty of videos of your kids—they’ll cherish those memories later in life.
For more from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.












May 9th & 10th, 2025
Online Registration: MothersDayDolphinTournament.com
Captain’s Meeting
Liechty Marine
Friday May 9th - 6pm to 7pm
Lines In: Saturday, May 10 - 7:30am
Lines Out: Saturday, May 10 - 3:30pm
Weigh-In
Curly’s Co ee
Saturday, May 10th - 3:30pm to 6pm
Awards Banquet
Marathon Yacht Club
Saturday, May 10th - 7pm
Sunday Honor


































A PRO FISHING A BIG WORM FOR SPAWNING BASS
From February through April, bass ood the shallows to spawn, creating an exciting opportunity for anglers to catch monster !sh. While various techniques can be e ective, !shing with a big worm consistently tempts big, wary females. is method has proven successful nationwide, not just in the South.
Fishing a worm may not be the most thrilling technique, but it allows for a slow, precise presentation—ideal for enticing cautious bass. e key is patience and targeting highpercentage areas where these !sh are likely holding.
One e ective technique is casting a Texasrigged stick bait. Many anglers waste time on unproductive water, but focusing on isolated cover—small patches of grass, pads, wood, or rock structures—maximizes success. A 6” worm in darker colors like black-and-blue works well, paired with a 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz weight for a natural presentation. Given the thick cover, 17-20 lb uorocarbon is ideal for strength and stealth.
Another productive method is retrieving a big speed worm. is subtle, vibrating motion excites bass and helps locate !sh before slowing down for precision tactics. In stained water, darker shades like June bug work best, while

TYLER WOOLCOTT

green pumpkin with ake is ideal for clear water. A 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz weight with 15-17 lb uorocarbon balances presentation and control.
e wacky rig is highly e ective in shallow water, particularly for pressured bass. is weightless presentation targets isolated cover, making it a deadly !nesse option. A 10-15 lb uorocarbon leader on a spinning setup provides the necessary balance of stealth and strength. As with other worm techniques, darker colors suit stained water, while natural tones excel in clear conditions.
Flipping a worm is less stealthy but allows precise bait placement in thick cover, such as pad !elds, wood, or dense grass. is method is excellent for working through cover quickly while thoroughly breaking down key sections. Using large Senko-style baits and braided line ensures maximum strength. Weight selection varies from 3/8 oz to 3/4 oz, depending on cover density. Slowing down and targeting overlooked spots can set you apart from other anglers.
Rod and reel choices remain fairly consistent across these techniques. For casting and ipping, a 7’6” medium-heavy to heavy action rod, such as the 13 Fishing Omen Series, paired with a high-speed baitcasting reel like the Concept

A 7:5:1, ensures control and power. For wacky rigs, a 7’3” medium-heavy spinning rod with a quality reel like the 13 Fishing Axum provides sensitivity and strength.
ese big worm techniques have helped me land giants during the spawn, and I hope they do the same for you. Whether !shing Florida’s grass beds or rocky northern structures, these methods are time-tested and e ective. Get out there this spring and hook into some monster bass!
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.





















A Legend in Every Blade
The Legacy of the Damascus Steel Spiral Dirk Dagger
In the misty Scottish Highlands, where mountains meet shimmering lochs, the dirk dagger has been a symbol of heritage and honor for centuries. Originating in the medieval battles and clan rivalries, these daggers were not just weapons but treasured heirlooms passed through generations.
One stormy night, a young warrior named Ewan was called to the forge by his grandfather, Duncan, a revered blacksmith. “Ewan,” he began, “our clan’s strength lies not only in our courage but in the blades we wield. Tonight, you will learn the art of crafting a dirk that will carry our legacy forward.”
Ewan selected premium Damascus steel, layering it over 242 times to create a blade with intricate, swirling patterns reminiscent of ancient Highland rivers. Each fold whispered stories of battles won and lost, of honor and sacrifice. He crafted a classic spear point blade with a ¾ tang for enhanced strength and balance, ensuring it stood the test of time and combat.


The handle was crafted from solid Micarta, a material as resilient as the Scottish spirit. Adorned with stainless steel and brass file work, the spacers and guard shimmered like northern stars. The rounded pommel provided perfect balance and a textured grip, making it feel like an extension of Ewan’s hand.
As dawn broke, Ewan held the completed dirk in his hands. Measuring 12 inches overall, with a 7-inch blade, it was more than a weapon; it was a tribute to his ancestors and a beacon of his clan’s legacy.


Ewan’s dirk became legendary, said to cut through the strongest armor, with patterns holding the essence of the Highlands. Today, the Damascus Spiral Dirk Knife stands as a pinnacle of craftsmanship, a modern marvel carrying the spirit of ancient Scottish warriors. It is a legacy reborn, ready to be part of your collection, where every inch tells a story of dedication, tradition, and excellence.
Embrace the legend. Hold the history. Own the Damascus Spiral Dirk Knife today for just $99 plus S&H when using special offer code CA5MDK at checkout. This offer is limited to the first 1,200 orders so be sharp and call up today!
Specifications:
Overall Length: 12”
Blade Length: 7”
Blade Material: Premium Damascus steel, layered over 242 times Tang: ¾ tang for enhanced performance
Handle Material: Solid Micarta with stainless steel and brass file, worked spacers and guard Pommel: Rounded for balance and ergonomic grip
Damascus Spiral Dirk Dagger Knife
Was - $249
Now Only - $99 (plus S&H)
Use o er code: CA5MDK
*California residents please call 1-800 733 8463 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.




Genuine Leather Sheath

