CHASING GOLDEN DORADO
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THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
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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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Offshore is ON! O N ! .
May is one of my favorite months for o!shore shing, as the shing seasons coincide with good weather. Being spared from the beginning of hurricane season until next month, right now is the most reliable time to get nice weather days to make the trek to deeper waters.
Mahi season has begun to be more consistent, making the trips o!shore more exciting and worthwhile. When making the long drive to the humps for black n tuna, or the sword sh ledges, it’s always a plus to know that you have opportunities to catch mahi on the way there and back. Staying alert for weedlines, diving birds and oating debris makes the trip seem like less of a chore, and keeps that sherman’s optimism alive for more of the venture, knowing you’re still on the hunt nearly the whole way back to the dock.
With the prevalence of mahi, tuna, queen snapper and sword sh in our deepwater shery, May 1st marks the opening of grouper season here in e Florida Keys, providing additional catching opportunities for both nearshore and o!shore adventures. We also welcome the opening of tile sh this month.
For those with an electric reel setup in their arsenal, this is a great month to get out there and scout for new deep-dropping locations. With snowy grouper and yellowedge grouper found peppered throughout the area, test dropping on new found spots can be a fun addition to mahi shing. As you run aimlessly o!shore looking for
signs of dolphin sh, you may notice you run over a ledge or depth variation. Anything that looks shy a%er about 500’ could be your next honeyhole.
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
If this is a new area especially, use a variety of baits on your 5-hook deepdrop rig to ensure your best chances of surveying the location. Squid is always a good choice o!shore, with many species unable to resist its potent aroma, but chunks of sh should be included to entice a grouper bite. With bait sizes matching hook sizes, its a good idea to make your own rigs with di!erent sized hooks if you’re unsure of the species that might be available at a new place. A x larger hooks near the bottom of the rig for grouper baits, and smaller hooks near the top with squid for tile sh.
If o!shore isn’t your thing, there are plenty of grouper on the reef and wrecks nearshore this time of year as well. However, a%er releasing these sandwich providers since their closing January 1st, every local sherman in town will be hitting the wrecks hard for the recaptures now that season is open. Before they face all this pressure from being targeted nearshore, particularly on publicly known wrecks, it’s a good time to put some skin in the nearshore grouper game.
A%er a short closure for the month of April, amberjack has also opened again this month.
ese sh are easy to nd, and add some nice backbreaking action to the grouper hunt.
Whatever your avor of shing is, e Florida Keys has you covered this month. With the anticipated opening of grouper season at the beginning of May, and schools closing for summer break nearing the end, it’s a good idea to get booked for a charter before you arrive on your Keys vacation.
Give us a call at Sweet E’nuf Charters to get tight.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, e Florida Keys. (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
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The Bigger the Adventure, the Bigger the Blade
The perfect knife for your next adventure
No ofense to those nifty little knives that the Swiss pack a kitchen into, but sometimes it takes a big blade to get the job done. Tat was the case three years ago when I found myself in the jungles of Argentina.
I’d heard a tale about lost Inca gold and was on the hunt for clues. Among other things, the Inca were known for their extensive road system that ran at least 25,000 miles along South America’s eastern side. But the clue I was looking for was down a long-abandoned road overtaken by jungle.
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That’s when my Pathfinder Blade came to the rescue. Constructed of high-quality 420 surgical stainless steel and with a total length of 16 inches, this full-tang knife made quick work of the jungle brush. And with its rugged handle of genuine, natural white bone that’s been hand-carved and torched with an iconic design, I didn’t lose my grip. Rounded off by brass spacers, handguards, a brown pakkawood handle, and hand engravings on the blade’s spine, this baby is all you could ever handle in jungle brush.
Upon reaching a stone wall hidden by the jungle, I snapped my knife back into its tooled genuine leather sheath and read the markings the Incas had left long ago. It was time to travel north for the next part of my adventure.
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By Riley Love
PURSUING MONSTERS IN A SEPARATE REALITY...
nly in the dreams of shermen does this occur. A wondrous game sh pursued across ve countries not only awaits but the biggest, baddest, best of them lay for you in a single place.
e Salminus Brasiliensis is certainly not related to salmon, but is of the order Characiformes which includes many species— notably vampire-fanged payara and modern cinema star piranha in South America and tiger sh in Africa. Redundantly named the golden dorado (dorado means “golden” in Spanish), it’s immensely powerful, acrobatic—and magni cently beautiful.
e Rio Uruguay (indigenous Guarani interpretation “bird river”), with the northern border of Argentina and southern of Uruguay, sports a massive hydroelectric dam, the “El Salto Grande.” Stunned eels and bait sh ow through the locks in highly oxygenated water to the waiting predators. Permits are required by the dual operators on the Argentinian and Uruguay sides of the river to sh within 1,000 meters from the dam. Fishing is rigidly structured into slots of three hours quartered per weekdays per group of two or three anglers in two boats in this “Zona.” e Argentinians lost their permits recently and our two cra% had the entire area to ourselves. Downstream, twenty other boats oated outside the zone a kilometer away, prohibited from approaching nearer. My inner voice asked, “How o%en does this happen to me?”
ere are a lot of places to sh for golden dorado in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. One would note that the world record is a bit cloudy; there is a 70 lb. specimen claimed in 1970 but without a veri cation or a photo. To re ect on the quality of this shery, the current IGFA record is just over 55 lbs. and taken at La Zona. Our group landed numerous sh into the mid-40 lb. range, within 80% of the documented record. In contrast, the renowned, luxurious golden dorado destination, Pira Lodge, gets about one sh over 30 lbs. annually. shermen do well here. Locals target carp-like boga both for live bait and food. Using large topwater poppers, Rapala style diving minnows and handmade jigs, we hit rocky structure and fastmoving torrents. e dorado were exceedingly sensitive to water levels and ow being released from the dam. When it happened and their buttons were pushed, it was double digit trophies in each time slot. Multiple hookups were common.
Fishing teaches us lessons about life. Whether love, war or business, if you want success you need multiple opportunities. Even with shoulder- wrenching, reel-screaming strikes and Hank Aaron grade roundhouse hooksets, over half of what seemed like solid hookups would suddenly vanish from the transaction. It’s very much like trying to land large toothy- jawed payara. e modus operandi of these golden hulks revealed that even extra strong hooks were straightened, sometimes pulled from the lures; 65 lb. braid and wire leaders were broken. But some just “Houdinied” away, still waiting for you to come, instead of only dreaming.
Justi Campa of Fly Fishing Patagonia assisted with our planning. Reach them by emailing jcampa@ y shingpatagonia.com or visit www. y shingpatagonia.com.
Riley Love is a physician and author with homes in Kentucky and Key Largo, Fla. He has penned dozens of articles on international sport shing and a host of screenplays. He is a member of the International Game Fish Association, e Bill sh Foundation and the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Contact him at 270-816-4423, rjhclove@gmail.com or visit his website: rileylove.com.
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Rooted in Destruction: Managing Land Against the Wild Hog Threat
By: Jackie Howell
ild hogs, have become one of the most destructive invasive species across much of the United States. With populations booming in over 35 states, these intelligent and adaptable animals wreak havoc on native ecosystems, farmland, and property. For landowners and outdoor enthusiasts alike, understanding and managing the impact of wild hogs is critical.
These animals root through soil in search of food, damaging crops, native vegetation, and food plots. Their wallowing habits degrade water sources, and their aggressive nature can pose a threat to livestock, people and other wildlife. With no natural predators and high reproductive rates—sows can produce up to 12 piglets twice a year—population control is a challenge.
Effective land management starts with awareness. Regular monitoring, trail cameras, and damage assessments help identify active hog areas. Targeted trapping is one of the most efficient removal methods, often using corral traps to capture entire sounders. Coordinated efforts across neighboring lands are vital, as hogs travel far
Habitat modification, such as reducing access to water sources or removing dense cover, can help make land less attractive to wild hogs. Fencing, although costly, may offer protection for smaller areas like gardens or feed plots.
Ultimately, wild hog management is an ongoing battle. Collaboration among landowners, wildlife agencies, and hunters is essential. Through vigilance and proactive strategies, we can reduce their impact and preserve the wild spaces we
Please Visit ROI’s Website (www.risingoutdoorinitiative.org) for more information or to apply for an outdoor experience.
May in the Northern Gulf: Why It’s One of the Best Times to Fish
If there’s a sweet spot on the fishing calendar, May might just be it— especially in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The water’s warming up, the weather is generally friendly, and the fish are fired up. Winter is long gone, summer hasn’t quite cranked up the heat, and the conditions are prime for a full day on the water.
You’re looking at cool, comfortable mornings in the upper 60s and warm, breezy afternoons climbing into the mid-80s. The wind tends to stay light, the seas are often calm, and while spring storms still pop up now and then, they’re easy to track if you’re watching the forecast.
Fishing-wise? May marks the start of the real action. Offshore, mahi-mahi are showing up, and a few cobia are still hanging around in nearshore waters. Red snapper might be off-limits depending on the regs, but king and Spanish mackerel, plus jack crevalle, keep things interesting. Inshore, redfish and speckled trout are feeding hard— especially around grass flats and marsh edges.
Live bait becomes more available as the month goes on, but don’t sleep on artificials. Topwater lures in the early morning? Deadly for trout.
Long story short—May doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it should. Grab your gear, slap on some sunscreen, and get out there. You’re in for a good time.
Captain Alex McDuffie
Sea Hunter Fishing Charters
DBOAT SHOW ON THE BAY 2025 RECAP
espite a dramatic weather twist, Boat Show on the Bay made a serious splash this year—bringing the community together for a weekend packed with unforgettable moments, incredible exhibitors, and high-energy fun.
Presented by Yamaha, the 2025 show kicked off with sunshine and smooth sailing. From the moment the gates opened at Battleship Memorial Park, attendees were welcomed by a powerhouse lineup of boat dealers and vendors from across the region. Whether you came to shop for your next ride, discover the latest marine tech, or just enjoy the sights, it was clear the real stars of the show were the businesses who showed up and showed out. From stunning boats to custom gear and everything in between, the quality and variety on display were second to none.
Behind the scenes, show owners Dustin Jackson and Jeffery Fadalla poured their hearts into making this year bigger and better than ever. And it showed—every booth and interaction was a reflection of the hard work and commitment they, along with their exhibitors, brought to the table. A huge thank you goes out to all the vendors and dealers who made this year’s show so special. Your time, effort, and energy didn’t go unnoticed.
And let’s not forget the incredible staff and volunteers who kept things running smoothly. From setup to teardown, this crew worked nonstop to make sure the experience was seamless for guests and exhibitors alike.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for Sunday, bringing severe weather that forced organizers to make the tough call to cancel the final day. It was a hard decision, but the safety of everyone involved always comes first. Still, the memories and momentum from the first two days made this year’s show one to remember.
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this year’s Boat Show on the Bay. To see photos, highlights, or learn more about what’s in store for 2026, visit www.boatshowonthebay.com. We can’t wait to see you next year—rain or shine!
Can You Spot The Fish Tales?
There are two fish tales and a true story - can you figure it out?
Submit your best fishing stories by scanning the QR code. If your story is selected you will receive a prize and if you have a picture, for proof - of course, that will appear in the next edition
Back in 2015, I was fishing off Louisiana when we hooked something massive. After a 45-minute battle, we pulled up an 6-foot, and had to be 500lb-pound grouper! None of us had ever seen anything like it. We snapped some photos and sent them to a a buddy at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, who confirmed it was a Goliath grouper—one of the biggest he'd ever heard of. We released it back, but the legend of the “Gulf Monster” stuck.
I was fishing at the Dauphin Island Marina, just trying to catch some bait fish using the smallest rod in the boat. Suddenly, something massive hit—almost snapping the rod in half. I fought it, getting it close enough for my buddy to gaff it. When we finally pulled it in, we were stunned! A massive alligator gar, nearly 60 pounds and over 5.5 feet long. I still can’t believe the line didn’t snap.
Scan the QR code to tell us which you think is true!
My buddy and I were fishing in the Tensaw River near Mobile. The water was still cool, and the bite had been slow—until my line shot tight. I thought I had a big bass, but this was no ordinary fight. After what felt like an eternity, we finally saw it: a giant flathead catfish, well over 50 pounds and nearly 3.5 feet long.
Tale # 1
Tale # 2
Tale #3
Outdoors
Fungi and Coastal Environments
By: Jackie Howell
The Gulf Coast is rich in plant diversity, thanks to its warm climate and high humidity. These conditions also create ideal environments for fungi to thrive. From yeasts and molds to mushrooms, fungi appear in many forms and play vital roles in the health of both land and water ecosystems across the region.
Fungi are nature’s recyclers, breaking down organic material and returning nutrients to the soil. In nutrient-poor coastal soils—like those found in dunes, marshes, and barrier islands—certain fungi form beneficial partnerships with plants, helping them absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. These symbiotic relationships are especially important for maintaining the stability and resilience of Gulf Coast habitats.
Most fungi persist hidden from view as thread-like structures known as mycelium, which grow through soil, wood, or plant tissue. When environmental conditions are just right they produce fruiting bodies that release spores. For mushrooms, which are commonly observed in terrestrial habitats, they are ephemeral in nature, meaning their fruiting bodies are produced only at certain times of the year. This requires precise timing for observing and documenting for identification purposes
Documenting Fungi
At the University of South Alabama, Dr. Juan Mata and his team in the Mycology Lab study fungi to better understand their roles in ecosystems. The team collects specimens, photographs them, studies them under the microscope, and analyzes their DNA to accurately identify species.
Recently, students in the lab have recorded new fungal species in Mobile County, including members of the genera Amanita and Cantharellus. These fungi form close relationships with trees native to the Gulf Coast. While some Amanita species are toxic, others like Cantharellus (commonly known as chanterelles) are prized for their culinary value. The lab also works with Lentinula raphanica, a mushroom species native to the Gulf Coast and a close relative of the shiitake.
Correct identification is essential—not only for safety and research, but also for appreciating the ecological importance of these organisms.
Beyond Mushrooms: Hidden Fungi
of Coastal Waters
Not all fungi produce mushrooms. Many live invisibly inside the tissues of plants, where they may help defend against pathogens. Dr. Mata’s lab has found fungi living within Gulf Coast seagrasses such as turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) and shoal grass (Halodule wrightii), which are critical to the health of shallow marine environments.
Ongoing studies have also uncovered fungi within tapegrass (Vallisneria neotropicalis), a native freshwater plant found in local rivers and bays. These fungi, previously reported in other plants around the world, are being recorded for the first time in tapegrass.
By documenting these fungal communities, researchers are building a foundation for future ecological studies and increasing public awareness of the biodiversity that exists right here in the Gulf Coast region. Understanding fungi and their roles helps us protect and manage the ecosystems we depend on.
Captions
of Images
Amanita arkansana. This is a new report for Mobile County. Fruiting bodies have bright orange-yellow caps with striations. Usually associated with oaks.
Cantharellus texensis. A new report for Mobile County. Caps and stems are bright orange and a yellow-colored wrinkled underside. Growing on soils in forested areas. Uncommon during summer time.
Lentinula raphanica. We like to call it the American shiitake, because it is edible. Unfortunately, it is not abundant. Grows on wood during warm and rainy weather.
Humicola alopallonella. This is a new report on shoal grass. It is a microscopic
BRAG BOARD
Wisconsin Family inshore fishing in Perdido Pass
Trigger Fish caught in the Gulf of America
from Ft. Morgan, caught a snook on Bon Secour River
Sara Parker
Logan Overstreet
Georgia family inshore fishing. Caught in Orange Beach at Perdido Pass
Arkansas family fishing in Orange Beach. Caught in the Gulf of America
Sheepshead caught in Gulf Shores with Bearded Brad
GROUPER SEASON BACK OPEN...FOR NOW
A!er breaking shermen’s hearts by releasing trophy grouper throughout the closed season, May is nally here, opening grouper season for anglers on the Atlantic Coast. I, for one, am thrilled to be able to add these tasty critters to the icebox yet again.
e red grouper is one of the most popular bottom sh found along the southeastern coast of the United States, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s rm, white esh and rich avor make it a favorite for the majority of o%shore anglers. Easily recognizable by its reddish-brown coloration, the red grouper features scattered white blotches and a stocky body that suits its role as an ambush predator in rocky reef environments. Pulling one up from the depts that they exist in is the price you’ll pay to put this meat on your table because they’re also able to aggressively resist your will and challenge your strength. I like targeting them using live or cut bait. Once hooked, they tend to dive back into structure, which makes landing them a rewardingly brutal experience.
THATCH MAGUIRE, EDITOR AT LARGE
those who regularly bottom sh the overabundance seems to be more of a problem than the reduced stock assessments that NOAA has promoted.
e National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has attempted to monitor stock assessments of red grouper, although many cite awed data in their forecasts. e catch limits and season closures that they’ve implemented have substantially reduced the angling communities’ opportunities to catch this highly sought a!er sh. For
FISHING IS BETTER IN A C-HAWK
I could be wrong, but it seems as if NOAA has become antirecreation-fishing oriented. eir policies and choice of data has created a distrust among many (most all) anglers these days. While ASA and numerous other angler organization have attempted to impact NOAA’s trend toward “Don’t Catch,” much remains to be done to correct the adversarial relationship between the American angler and this once highly respected organization. My small home town once had an animal control o cer that hated and abused stray dogs. Once the community brought this to the attention of local government o ce the problem got solved relatively quickly. ey red him. No more problem. Has it come time to re the management team of NOAA?
Disclaimer: e views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily re ect the views or positions of Coastal Angler Magazine or any entities they represent.
TACTICS FOR CHASING CHANNEL CATS
By Paul MacInnis
Catching channel cat sh can be a lot of fun and super rewarding—these guys ght hard! And the nice thing about cat shing is you don’t need fancy baits or tackle. If you want to target bullheads and smaller pan-sized cat sh you can use baits you gather right out of the river like grass shrimp and mussels. You can also use earth worms or small chunks of hotdog. Fish these baits on a 1/0 Aberdeen hook and add just enough split shot to your line to hold bottom.
But I prefer to target bigger channel cat sh, the bigger the better, using peeled shrimp for bait. You don’t need fresh shrimp, a bag of frozen shrimp from your local bait shop works ne. I also like to use cut bait as it holds up well to the bait stealers. Cut mullet or chunks from just about any sh work.
I use a standard sh nder rig. Run the line through a one-quarter to one ounce egg sinker, choosing just enough weight to hold bottom. Tie the line to a swivel and add about one to two feet of twenty pound test mono lament to the other end of the swivel. To the end of this leader I tie a 4/0 Team Cat sh TC84Z circle hook.
Baitcasting gear used for bass shing and 2000 to 3000 sized spinning tackle works ne for channel cats. You can get by with inexpensive mono lament, but I prefer a good quality 10-pound test braid like Platypus Platinum Plus. Braid won’t bow out as much as mono lament due to wind or current so it gives you a straighter connection between rod tip and bait. is kind of tackle can get sporty if a 10-pound-plus cat sh takes your bait, but sporty is exactly what I am looking for!
Popular wisdom says you should sh your baits in the deeper bends and holes. I shed that way for years and caught plenty of one to ve pound cat sh, but bigger sh eluded me. Many rivers (even lakes) are loaded with little coves and basins. I’ve learned if there is three feet or more of water in these basins there’s a decent chance there will be some nice cat sh there. I’ll park my kayak at the edge of the opening and cast a bait towards the center of the mouth of the cove, trying to place my bait in the slack water but close, within 10 feet or so, of the current. If I am feeling ambitious I’ll toss a second bait towards the back of the cove. Most of the time the biggest cat sh go for the bait close to the cove mouth...but that isn’t always the case. I like to let the circle hook do all the work so I’ll leave the rods in the rod holders until a sh puts a good bend in the rod and maybe even takes drag. Keep your ears open for loud splashes as channel cats will o!en thrash at the surface right a!er feeling the hook. Also watch your line. Cat sh don’t always take the bait going away from you. If your line goes slack or your bait changes position reel up tight and see if there is a sh on the line. Finally, if you start catching a lot of bow n you might want to move elsewhere (unless you like catching bow n) because I nd cat sh and bow n seldom share the same locations.
Channel cat sh can be aggressive predators and many a bass angler has been surprised when a big cat grabs their bass lure. Most of the time I wouldn’t advise tossing lures as an e cient way of targeting cat sh, but some years there is an exception that happens in spring into early summer. Winter and spring are typically dry season and water levels drop. Fish congregate in what deeper holes are le! and become aggressive due to high competition for food. is is one time when you can readily catch cat sh on lures and even ies. I like small plastic worms and other so! plastic baits bumped slowly along the bottom. Keep in mind cat sh are primarily scent feeders so dousing your lure with a decent sh scent helps.
During low water you’ll occasionally run across a real treat, a sandy bottom pool where you can spot cat sh and sight cast to them. I highly recommend a quality pair of polarized sunglasses with an amber tint and mirror coating to help you tell cat sh from gar and tilapia.
I suggest you give shing for channel cats a try, especially on those days when “game sh” don’t cooperate. Be patient, stay persistent, and enjoy the process!
FROM A PRO COVERING WATER WITH A BLADED JIG
When you rst drop your boat in the water, o!entimes it can be extremely overwhelming on where to sh and what to throw. One bait I have found in particular seems to catch bass at every lake I go to. is bait is a bladed jig, better known as a chatterbait. e bladed jig is a extremely versatile bait, meaning you can throw it around so many di%erent types of cover and sh it at many varying depths. It allows you to cover a vast amount of water and locate bass that would usually take days to nd with other baits.
As you approach a new lake or even one you have been to a thousand times, it’s always a good idea to throw a con dence bait that you know will get bites. e chatter-bait is mine. I’ve found that no matter the cover, grass, trees, docks, riprap, etc., it gets bit. With the blade on the front vibrating so erratically, it allows this bait to come through cover extremely well and creates a reaction strike no other bait can.
their home. Depending on the time of year and what kind of bait the bass are feeding on where you are shing, there is a color made to match the hatch. If shad is the prevalent forage, I like to stick to a white or a bait sh color like a pearl and silver with a silver colored blade. If it’s bluegill, you can get by with a green pumpkin or anything with some yellow and orange mixed in with a darker blade color. Sometimes water color can play a factor in color choice as well. If the water is very dirty, you will have to use a color that will stick out so that they can see it pass by. Something like a white and chartreuse with a white blade (for bait sh imitation) or even a bright orange with a black blade (for craw sh imitation) can do the trick.
TYLER WOOLCOTT
Buying a bladed jig and tying it directly on your rod usually isn’t too e%ective without putting a trailer on the back of it. I like to try and match the color of the trailer to the color of the skirt on your chatterbait of choice to get the most natural look for the sh. e type of trailer can be a bit more complicated. I use either a swimbait style trailer with a boot tail or a apping style trailer like a craw pattern. e boot tail stands out when sh are very aggressive and aren’t scared of the more aggressive action the boot tail causes behind the bait. e appy trailer is better for highly-pressured sh that want a little more of a subtle approach who might not like the amount of action a swimbait trailer has.
A chatterbait is a very dominant bait all across the country and I rely on this bait at all times of the year to help me put sh in the boat. Next time you hit the lake, give the chatter-baitt a try and cover some water!
Let’s talk about matching the chatterbait to the bait forage. By matching the color of the bladed jig to the forage in the lake, a bass can’t resist it as a nice snack when you reel it through
Sizes and weights of your bladed jig are extremely important. With sizes ranging from 1/4 oz. all the way to 1.25 oz., the depth you are shing will decide what you tie on. I typically start with a 3/8 oz. or a 1/2 oz. which will allow you to cover water depths from 1 to 10 feet depending on your retrieve. If I nd some deeper cover that i want to get down to and sh, I will go a little heavier to a 3/4 oz.
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BLADED JIG GEAR: When throwing a bladed jig its important to have the correct gear. I use a 13 Fishing Myth Rod 7’5 MH-mod paired with a 13 Fishing Concept A 7:5:1 reel. I spool this up with 17 lb. Su x Advance Fluorocarbon line making this the perfect combo for the job.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.
— Gene H.
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TEXAS ANGLER LANDS RECORD 884-POUND BLUEFIN TUNA
APort Arthur, TX angler and his friends recently achieved an extraordinary feat— reeling in an enormous 884-pound blue n tuna.
On April 10, David Esslinger and his friends were shing in the Gulf when the massive sh struck his line with incredible force. He had no idea he was about to embark on the most intense battle of his shing career. ankfully, Esslinger had an eager crew by his side, ready to assist in landing this remarkable sh.
“Let me break down the day and the events for you. First o%, for those who have never landed a sh the size of a car, this is no small feat. No one accomplishes this alone,” Esslinger posted on Facebook.
e group set out early Friday morning. By 9 a.m., a!er a couple of hours of shing, they started noticing signs of a school of tuna breaking the surface of the calm waters. Suddenly, the right rigger snapped down with a forceful bite, signaling the start of Esslinger’s showdown against his monstrous tuna.
Esslinger recalls, “Big tuna started breaking the surface and our team’s spirits began to li! at’s when it happened—the right rigger came down hard. e sh ran about ten seconds and spit the 12/0 mustad hook and the bait. As my heart sank,
I came up on the drag and gave her 10 cranks. As soon as I engaged the clicker again the giant sh piled on again. at’s when the rst 3/4 spool run at 35 pounds of drag started.”
Realizing what was at stake, his team quickly got into position for the ensuing battle, clearing lines and the deck.
“I had to crank it up to 45 pounds of drag on the Tiagra to slow her down. She responded with a rush to the surface. Carson was at the helm with Brad, TC, Je%, and Colby, coordinating everything e ciently from cockpit to helm. We managed to get the sh up to the surface in just over an hour,” stated Esslinger.
A!er an exhausting ve-hour battle of strength and endurance, Esslinger and his crew nally brought the massive blue n alongside the boat. With shaking body and inoperable hands, Esslinger made his way to the side of the boat and screamed with utter shock, “What a giant blue n! We did it!”
is impressive catch is seen as a trophy sh among anglers, celebrated for its enormous size and high-quality meat. And it was indeed enormous. Weighing in at 884 pounds, this blue n tuna has set a new state record for the largest tuna caught in Texas, surpassing the previous record of 876 pounds established by Troy Lancaster in 2021.
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