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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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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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ONE MORE CHANCE AT A TROPHY TROUT
By Capt. Michael
If you’re a dedicated trout angler like me, you’re probably eyeing the opportunity to land a personal best speckled trout before the spring spawn.
While most Texas anglers focus on big trout from mid-December to early April, May o!ers a prime window for trophy sh, especially with the full moon on May 12 this year. e warmer weather also makes shing more enjoyable, creating a perfect environment for those seeking action-packed outings.
May sees many anglers shi$ing focus and putting away their waders. However, big speckled trout are still holding onto their eggs, making this an excellent opportunity to catch one before they spawn. e pleasant temperatures in May allow us to use more aggressive lures and speed up our presentations, a welcome change from the slow, careful approach required in
winter. For those who enjoy a faster pace, May is the time to go.
One of my favorite techniques for targeting trophy trout in May is using topwater lures. e explosive strikes on the surface are thrilling, and the warmer waters make sh more eager to strike. But topwater isn’t the only option—slow-sinking and suspending lures also perform well. As a paddletail enthusiast, I recommend experimenting with 3”, 4”, and 5” sizes and adapting to the sh preference. At this time of year, trout are aggressive, so adding rattling sounds to your lures can make a di!erence.
In terms of location, I prefer shing grass %ats in water that is knee- to waist-deep. Flats with small creek drains or depressions are incredibly productive, as these features tend to concentrate sh. Shallow grass areas are ideal, and potholes can increase your chances of nding a big trout. ese areas o!er an excellent opportunity to catch a he$y sh before the season transitions.
However, shing in May can be challenging due to the abundance of small bait sh in the water, like tiny glass minnows. Trout are o$en gorging on these minuscule meals, making it di&cult to grab their attention with larger lures. e key is downsizing your lures to match the size of the bait sh. I’ve found that using the smallest lure you can cast e!ectively is the best approach when you see an abundance of small bait sh. Both hard and so$ lures are e!ective, and colors like white and silver tend to mimic the forage closely.
When shing around bait balls, I recommend positioning your lure on the edge or beneath the school. is strategy attracts sh to a single target, rather than competing with a large mass of bait sh. Slow-sinking lures are ideal, as they give the appearance of wounded prey, which trout nd irresistible.
Tandem rigs are another excellent option for spring shing. By rigging two smaller lures, you can cast farther while still maintaining the proper lure size. A combination of small silver spoons and white bucktails works well when shing around glass minnows. A small %oater diver with a spoon trailer also adds an extra level of action.
In the spring, downsizing your lure presentation can make a signi cant di!erence in your success, potentially leading to the big trout you’ve been waiting for.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
Okruhlik
PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.
Tripletail Fis hing In The Keys
Late spring through summer marks the prime season for tripletail !shing in the Florida Keys. Known for their unique appearance and strong !ght, these !sh are a favorite for anglers looking to challenge their skills. Tripletail are opportunistic feeders, o en lurking around oating structures like buoys, weed lines, or even debris in the water, so learning how to spot them and presenting the right bait are key to a successful catch.
By A. deGruchy
When targeting tripletail, it’s important to have the right gear for the job. A 7’ to 7’6” medium rod with a fast action will provide the strength and responsiveness needed to manage their powerful runs. Pair this with a 3000–4000 size reel. We rely on the PENN Battalion paired with the 3500 PENN Authority as our personal set up. For leaders, a 20 lb. uorocarbon leader is good, along with a 3/0 circle hook. We trust the Mustad UltraPoint hooks for their sharpness and strength. For bait, shrimp or small white bait are both top choices.
Finding tripletail requires enough daylight and minimal clouds for visibility. $ey prefer oating structures such as buoys or patches of oating seaweed, so keep an eye out for these areas while cruising the waters. A key factor in casting is to land as light as possible near the !sh, allowing the bait
naturally with the current. Tripletail are o en slow movers, so be swi and avoid sudden movements that might scare them o%. A light and steady retrieve will give your bait the best chance of getting tight.
Tripletail !shing in the Florida Keys can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you hook into one of these feisty !ghters. $ey also make excellent table fare if you wanted to catch and cook, getting the full sea-totable experience.
Book your adventure now at www.beansport!shing.com as our trips !ll up fast!
Follow deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sport shing on Instagram and YouTube.
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LASS AND BASS! ALIE ABRELL LANDS A MONSTER IN MARION COUNTY
Florida’s bass !shing scene just got a serious jolt of excitement, thanks to an unforgettable day on the water for angler Alie Abrell. Back in February, in the heart of Marion County, Alie landed what many dream of but few achieve—a jaw-dropping 10-pound largemouth bass that has quickly become the talk of the !shing community.
Fishing with the renowned Trophy Bass Expeditions and under the seasoned eye of Captain Sean Rush, Alie hooked into the massive bass during what turned out to be a picture-perfect outing. As the !ght unfolded, it became clear this was no ordinary catch. When the !sh !nally surfaced, it was con!rmed: Alie had o&cially entered the elite double-digit club—a milestone that every serious bass angler aspires to reach.
$e catch is more than just a personal triumph for Alie—it’s a sign that Florida’s peak bass season is o% to an electrifying start. Known for its trophy-sized bass and scenic waters, Marion County is already delivering on its reputation, and this monster catch sets a high bar for the rest of the season.
“Moments like this are what we live for,” said Captain Rush. “To see an angler connect with a !sh of that caliber—it’s unforgettable.”
As word of the catch spreads, anglers across the Sunshine State are gearing up for what promises to be a record-setting year. With warming waters and peak season just ramping up, it’s a prime time to get out there and chase giants.
Huge kudos to Alie for reeling in the bass of a lifetime—and a big shoutout to Captain Rush for once again guiding an angler to glory. If this epic moment is any indication of what’s to come, Florida’s bass !shing faithful have every reason to be !red up.
So, gear up and cast out—because the big ones are biting!
For more info visit https://license.gooutdoors orida.com/Angler/Home
PHOTO COURTESY
INSHORE SLAM FISHING IN TAMPA BAY
Tampa Bay is renowned for its fantastic fishing opportunities. Inshore slam fishing, which involves catching snook, redfish and seatrout in a single trip, is one of the most sought-after challenges for anglers in this area. The Bay's diverse ecosystem and abundance of these fish species make it an ideal destination for both amateur and experienced fishermen. Snook are prized for their aggressive strikes and impressive fighting abili-
ties. They are found throughout Tampa Bay, especially near mangroves, docks and seawalls. Snook can be caught year-round, but they are most active from spring to early fall. Snook prefer warmer waters and are often found in areas with good tidal flow.
Redfish, also known as red drum, are another popular target for inshore anglers. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grass flats, oyster beds and mangrove shorelines. Redfish are typically caught using live bait or artificial lures.
Seatrout, or spotted seatrout, are abundant in Tampa Bay, especially in grassy areas and over sandy bottoms. Seatrout are known for their delicate flesh and are often targeted by anglers looking to catch their limit quickly. Seatrout are most commonly caught using scaled sardines, live shrimp or soft plastic lures.
ST. PETE REPORT
BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
It’s That Time of Year Again When Fishing Is On Fire!
The mackerel have been biting pretty good around the Coffee Pot flats. We have been using cut threadfins and live shrimp with a cork on a 3/0 hook and 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. The size of the fish has been ranging anywhere from 16 to 24 inches.
A lot of the cobia have been seen coming in on the flats in the mid-morning hours. We have been using live pinfish in the 4 to 5-inch range with a heavier rod rigged with a big cork and a 4/0 hook drifted out the back of the boat.
The cobia we have been catching have been anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. The strategy we have used is to anchor up on the edge of the grass flats by the channel. The cobia are coming in looking for pinfish on the grass flats.
If you’re into catching sharks, there are lots of them biting on the cut threadfins. If you have kids on the boat, they will have a blast fighting sharks on light tackle.
This is a good time of year to start fishing some of the docks around Coffee Pot and Snell Islands. This is producing black drum, redfish, sheepshead and snapper. The preferred tackle setup for this is to use a 2/0 hook with 15-pound fluorocarbon leader and a small split shot.
Fishing the Skyway area for mangrove snapper in the evening has produced great results! For best results, find yourself a nice rock pile and drop down a shrimp with a knocker. We like to use a 30-pound fluorocarbon leader and 3/0 hook with a 2-ounce sinker.
— What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN, YOUR TRIP IS FREE! This is our way of giving back to our veterans.
Capt. Anthony Corcella, Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter 727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com
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Keys Invasion!
Due to humans releasing pets and a reptile breeding facility being destroyed in 1992 due to Hurricane Andrew, south Florida has been quickly populated by non-native reptiles. The epicenter was Miami, but the Everglades and Florida Keys were ideal habitats for tropical reptiles from around the globe.
On a recent trip to the Keys, I encountered seven different species during a three-day visit! The parks and remaining undeveloped land are overrun by these species, some of which blend in perfectly to their surroundings and others not so much.
Tokay Geckos are nocturnal and can change their color to blend in very well with their surroundings. They are rarely seen in the daytime, but at night
native to Cuba (which is only about 90 miles south of Key West) and perfectly suited for the Keys.
The last species pictured is the Curly-tailed Lizard. The curled tail makes this species easy to identify in the Keys. They’re more commonly seen near homes and buildings than in more undisturbed areas.
State sponsored hunting programs are in place, but it seems at this point that the reptiles are winning the fight.
Cuban Knight Anole
Tokay Gecko
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER
In May, the snook action will be hot along the mangroves. The best bites will be in the early morning. I recommend using topwater plugs or (their favorite summer bait) live greenback sardines. When fishing with live bait, I like to freeline the baits in the morning. In the afternoon, I use a float (like the Four horsemen) which has a distinct noise that I found draws a lot of attention.
Redfish will be roaming the flats. I suggest using cut threadfin sardines on a 3/0 Kahle hook with a split shot about three inches from the hook. Another new technique is using a yellowtail 1/8- ounce size jig with a 3/0 hook. Pick a spot with salt and pepper bottom (grass with sandy potholes)
or close to some oyster bars. Cast in the general area and let the baits soak on the bottom. It may take some time, but the reds will come. Chances are you will catch the bigger fish.
Mackerel will be everywhere. When you have a strong running tide, range markers and artificial reefs are a good place to start. Chumming is the preferred method to get them started. I recommend using a 1/0 XXL J hook tied to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader at least 30 inches long.
Black drum can be found under most bridges feeding on cut blue crabs. Use a 5000-size reel with a medium-heavy spinning rod. Depending on the current, use anywhere from a 1/2 to 1-ounce sinker. Mangrove snapper will
BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
be in the same area, except they prefer shrimp or small greenback sardines on a 1/0 hook.
Good fishing and tight lines.
— Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He also hosts Fishing Adventures Florida TV show airing on YouTube, Waypoint TV, Carbon TV, Outdoor Action, and Angling TV. Owner of Reelfishy.com Charter business covering the west coast of Florida with over 135 captains on staff. For information contact Capt. Sergio at (813) 973-7132 email: atanes@msn.com.
Fishing Techniques:
Using live bait is one of the most effective ways to catch snook, redfish and seatrout in Tampa Bay. Common live baits include scaled sardines, live shrimp and pinfish. Anglers typically use a light tackle setup with a 2/0 hook and 25 to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader to avoid spooking the fish. Free-lining live bait or using a popping cork can attract these species and entice them to strike.
Artificial lures are also a popular choice for targeting these inshore species. Soft plastic lures, topwater plugs and spoons can mimic the movement of baitfish and attract strikes from snook, redfish and seatrout. Using a slow and steady retrieve or a twitching motion can be effective in enticing these fish to bite.
For those looking for a more challenging and rewarding experience, fly fishing in Tampa Bay can be an excellent option. Using flies that imitate baitfish, shrimp and crabs can be very effective for catching snook, redfish and seatrout. Fly anglers should focus on sight fishing in shallow waters and presenting their flies accurately to avoid spooking the fish.
Popular Locations:
Weedon Island Preserve is known for its diverse habitats, including mangroves, grass flats and oyster beds. The preserve's shallow waters and abundant baitfish make it a prime location for inshore slam fishing.
Fort De Soto Park is another hotspot for inshore fishing in Tampa Bay.
Its mix of sandy beaches, grass flats and deep channels attracts snook, redfish and seatrout. The park's accessibility and variety of fishing spots make it a favorite among local anglers.
The upper portion of Tampa Bay, including Old Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay, is known for its productive fishing grounds. The area's tidal creeks and mangrove shorelines provide excellent habitat for snook, redfish and seatrout. This region is ideal for anglers looking to explore less crowded fishing spots.
Conservation and Regulations:
To ensure the sustainability of these prized fish species, anglers should be aware of local fishing regulations and practice conservation-minded fishing. Tampa Bay has specific rules regarding size limits, bag limits and seasonal closures for snook, redfish and seatrout. It is important to follow these regulations and practice catch-and-release whenever possible to protect the fish populations for future generations.
Inshore slam fishing in Tampa Bay for snook, redfish and seatrout offers an exhilarating experience for anglers of all skill levels. With its diverse habitats, abundant fish populations and stunning scenery, Tampa Bay is a prime destination for those looking to achieve the coveted inshore slam. By understanding these species, using effective techniques and respecting conservation rules, anglers can enjoy sustainable fishing for years to come.
Afishionado, “Adventures in Fishing.”
—Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Capt. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info., visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474
BY: CAPT. PAUL DUFFEY
SIGHT FISHING WITH THE LONG STICK
Iam not a hunter, but “the hunt” is the best way to describe sight fishing to someone who has never experienced it. The preparation, stalking, timing and, ultimately, the release of the cast creates a pressure cooker of anticipation. Delivering this experience to my clients is, without a doubt, my favorite part of being a guide.
For hunters seeking a more sporting--dare I say spiritual--experience, the bow and arrow is a classic choice. On the skiff, that translates into the world of fly fishing, often considered the most challenging and rewarding way to target fish.
As we leave the dock, my client and I discuss our game plan, preparing for the task ahead. Hunting redfish on the flats is a team sport--we both need to be at the top of our game. The Suncoast’s saltwater flats offer us endless opportunities to find fish in shallow water. The lighter-colored bottom and shallow conditions makes seeing the fish easier on the flats. Here, you can spot fish cruising, searching for food and watching out for predators--like us.
Silently poling across these flats, it’s hard not to get lost in the natural beauty and wildlife of these mangrove lined estuaries. Spoonbills, herons and cranes patrol the banks along with us searching for life. Then, the silence is broken--“11 o’clock, 100 feet, coming at us on the edge.” Now it’s game time! You must approach these opportunities as if you’ll only get one shot at this fish. This isn’t a mountain stream full of stocked trout eating pellets like trained pets.
As I maneuver the skiff to put you in the perfect position to deliver the fly, it’s time to cast. From my elevated vantage point on the platform, I can let you know when to strip, stop, tick, or ultimately “hit ’em.” Then comes the explosion--water erupts and you’re tight! The redfish bolts for its life, and your fly line screams through your hand. A few good runs and then it’s time for pictures--a slow-motion release video and a fist bump. Then, it’s back to the bow and start searching for the next one! The tug is the drug.
If you haven’t experienced this rush, I strongly suggest booking some bow time with one of your area’s guides that specialize in fly fishing.
— Captain Paul Duffey, Tampa Bay Fishing Charters
Sight fishing Florida’s Suncoast, 727-435-1886, TBfishingCharters.com
MAY WE KEEP THE MIX GOING!
May is a spectacular month, if you are looking to catch a wide variety of sought-after fish species. May will have water temperatures that are typically in the upper 70’s to low 80’s. What does this mean to us? It is an inviting water temperature for plenty of bait to move up into Tampa Bay which, in turn, will attract a lot of species of fish and shark. Yes, there has been bait in the Bay, but now it will be thick--especially with threadfin hearing bait balls in the Bay along with plenty of scaled sardines and pinfish. This recipe will bring in some hefty hitters like tarpon and cobia, to name a couple. It will also have a variety of sharks cruising the flats and range markers looking for a meal.
This will also have the flats full of bait, which will turn on the snook, trout, redfish, jack crevalle and, maybe, even some flounder in the mix.
Look for tarpon to be on the bridges and the artificial reefs with juveniles being in some of the backwaters and low oxygen areas where only they are comfortable, since they can breathe air straight from the atmosphere. This protects them from predators that cannot live long under those conditions.
BY: CAPT. GEORGE HASTICK
...under the mangroves or just up tide of an oyster point and letting the current drift your bait to the fish for a natural presentation, that they can’t resist. So go out and catch your variety
Cobia can be found in many of the same areas as the adult tarpon, but keep an eye out on the flats also. They will often follow or be right underneath a manatee. The manatee scares bait fish out from the grass as it passes over it, and the cobia will take advantage of this to get a free meal. Both the tarpon and cobia love scaled sardines, threadfin hearing and pinfish. So, be ready with a bait to pitch, in case you see that dark shadow of a cobia cruising the flats.
The flats will be loaded with opportunities like shark, redfish, snook and
trout; and, keep an eye open for a school of jacks exploding on bait pods. The sharks will be out on the open flat just cruising looking for a snack. A live bait cast out in front of them, or a cut bloody bait usually gets the job done. Trout at low tide will be at the drop-offs of the flats in 3 to 5 feet of water and will move onto the flat as the tide rises. A popping cork with a bait underneath is one way to attract them to your bait. Cast out, pop the cork a few times, pause, then real a little and repeat. This is a deadly tactic for them.
Snook and redfish will hang out in the general vicinity of each other. Whether that is a mangrove tree line or an oyster mound with a trough cut out in front of it from the current, these areas that have tidal movement will move bait, and that is what they are waiting for. A wellcast scaled sardine will usually get the hit. That might be casting under the mangroves or just up tide of an oyster point and letting the current drift your bait to the fish for a natural presentation, that they can’t resist. So go out and catch your variety. Good luck!
— Capt. George Hastick of “Fish Hunter Fishing Charters” in St. Petersburg, Fl. is the co-host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report and co-hosts Fishing Adventures Florida which is on five streaming channels and You Tube. He has been fishing the waters of the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years and guiding over 20 years.
Fishing Funds the Cure
The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) created “Fishing Funds the Cure” to raise awareness and funds for crucial research. Each year, we unite corporate partners, passionate anglers, and dedicated supporters for Fishing Funds the Cure Tournaments through an activity that everyone loves. Our exciting inshore and freshwater fishing tournaments are held in beautiful locations like St. Pete Beach and Sarasota, Florida, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and more. Each event, thoughtfully designed to engage our supporters, features a kick-off celebration, angler swag bags, an awards dinner, and a silent auction, all dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
We organize these events to blend the universal love for fishing with an important cause. The NPCF’s mission is to conduct research leading to less toxic and more therapeutic treatments for children with cancer. We are committed to making a difference in a system that often neglects our children. Despite their bright futures, only 4% of government funding for cancer research supports pediatric initiatives, highlighting the urgent need for advocacy.
The NPCF has made remarkable progress and is recognized as the nation’s leading solution, delivering rapid, innovative, and efficient science through a collaborative network of 40 hospitals. Operating independently of pharmaceutical and government funding, with eight institutions noted in the “Top 20” by US News, we have invested over $40 million in translational studies and clinical trials. We currently have 30 studies and 11 active trials:
• A new drug compound – which could be the 11th drug utilized to treat children
• Blood bio-marker study – which could be a prevention indicator for relapse patients
• A rare disease trial addressing “rhabdomyosarcoma”
• Multiple combined immunotherapy trials to include a potential vaccine
• We have also authorized the “first-ever” education toolkit – provided to pediatric cancer families
• We are also developing treatment guidelines for relapse patients
If fishing is your passion, we invite you to channel that enthusiasm toward a worthy cause. Join us at one of our tournaments, organize your own fundraising event, or take on our 43 Challenge to honor the 43 children diagnosed with cancer every day. You can easily start by using our online fundraising tool, challenging 43 friends to fish, and encouraging them to donate $43.
— The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is proud to be a top-rated charity, with 89% of every dollar donated directly supporting research. To learn more, visit NationalPCF.org.
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Hernando
1.5 11:15 0.0 6:38 8:16
18 Sun 5:52 2.2 4:28 2.9 11:07 1.5 6:37 8:17
19 Mon 6:42 2.3 5:35 2.7 12:06 0.2 12:10 1.5 6:37 8:17
20 Tue 7:37 2.3 6:55 2.6 1:04 0.3 1:25 1.3 6:36 8:18
21 Wed 8:29 2.4 8:27 2.5 2:09 0.5
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27 Tue 2:03
28 Wed 2:58
29 Thu 3:51
Sea W orthy
RECIPES
BLACKENED SHRIMP ALFREDO
Ingredients: (Shrimp
• 1 pound of shrimp (cleaned shelled, deveined)
Ingredients: (Fettuccine Alfredo
• 1/2 a box of your favorite Fettuccine
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• Blackened seasoning (to taste)
Blackened Shrimp:
While pasta is cooking take the shrimp and place in a bowl with a tbsp. of olive oil and blackened seasoning. I use a large skillet on medium high heat. Place shrimp in the hot skillet and cook about 2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp becomes opaque. Place shrimp on the side
Fettuccine Alfredo:
In a large pot of boiling water add pasta. Take hot cooked pasta and drain away the water. In the same pot that the pasta is in, put all ingredients except the parsley and toss until mixed and pasta is coated. Place one serving on a plate and place the shrimp on top. You may add parsley while making the Alfredo, or sprinkle it on top at the end. This is a quick and easy recipe that tastes incredible. Makes two servings. Enjoy!
Ahoy Mates!
It’s The Tampa Bay Boat Show
Chart your course the Florida State Fairgrounds on June 27, 28, 29
Enjoy walking around millions of dollars of inventory on hand from Tampa Bay’s leading boat dealers. The Tampa Bay Boat Show is a grand event showcasing area boat dealers/ manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies.
Tampa Bay’s Largest Boating Sales Event!
The Tampa Bay Boat show offers a great way to see and compare all available makes and models in one location. Pontoons, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Jet Skis, exhibits and more. Plus, you don’t want to miss the Florida Fishing School Seminars Series each day. Take part in a series of presentations by the area’s top fishing guides and local experts…great tips, secrets, and fun! Learn how to catch the big one!
There is something for Boaters of all ages waiting for you. After you have found your dreamboat explore the many exhibits of the clothing, sunglasses, boating and docking accessories and so much more.
The event is open to the public, and admission is free so bring the family and make a day of it. You could be on the water before the weekend is over.
HOURS: Friday – Sunday 10am-5pm FREE ADMISSION
Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610
SPRING BITES... ARE HOT!
Spring has sprung, and the Gulf of America is serving up some epic offshore fishing!
Whether you're after Gag Grouper, Hogfish, Mangrove Snapper or Spanish Mackerel, now's the time to get on the water. Here's the latest on what's biting and how to catch them.
Gag Grouper: Feeding Frenzy
Gag Grouper are fired up and feeding aggressively in 30 to 60 feet of water, especially around rock piles, ledges and hard bottom areas. The structure is key, and you can get away with a lighter tackle on the natural bottom.
Best Setup:
1. Rod/Reel: 4000 to 5000 size spinning reel, heavy action rod
2. Line: 20 to 50-pound braid, 30 to 50-pound fluorocarbon leader
3. Hook: 3/0 to 8/0 circle hook, sized based on bait
Bait: Live pilchards and pinfish are top choices. Adjust your hook size to match the bait for better hookups.
Hogfish: Light Tackle Delicacy
Hogfish are hitting well in 40 to 70 feet, especially on limestone patches and ledges. These fish have keen eyesight, so stealth is crucial. Use a hogball jig tipped with live shrimp for a natural presentation.
Best Setup:
1. Rod/Reel: Medium-light spinning rod, 2500 to 4000 size reel
2. Line: 15 to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader
3. Bait: Live or cut shrimp
Pro Tip: A lighter leader helps avoid spooking these wary fish.
Mangrove Snapper: Steady Action
Mangrove snappers are feeding aggressively in 30 to 50 feet, particularly around wrecks and reefs. A Carolina Rig or hogball jig with 15 to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader is ideal.
Best Setup:
1. Rod/Reel: Medium action spinning rod, 2500 to 4000 size reel
2. Bait: Live threadfin, pilchards, or cut sardines
Pro Tip: Heavy chumming draws snapper higher in the water column, boosting your hookup ratio.
Spanish Mackerel: Sporadic but Active
Spanish Mackerel are moving in, but they're still hit-or-miss. Chumming with live pilchards will get them fired up. Use long shank hooks (1/0 to 2/0) to prevent cut-offs from sharp teeth. As the water starts warming to that magical 70-degree mark, Mackerel will push strongly inside the bay and surrounding areas.
Best Setup:
1. Rod/Reel: Medium-fast action, 2000 to 4000 series reel
2. Line: 30-pound leader, wire for added protection Spring Tips and Tricks
Ideal conditions include a light east wind for
smoother drifts. Use solunar tables to plan your trips around major feeding times. When using shrimp, expect a variety of reef species, including grunts—keep the big ones, as they're excellent table fare!
Spring fishing is on fire—get out there and enjoy the action! Tight lines!
— Capt. Joshua Taylor is a professional angler, apparel designer, and influencer whose passion for fishing and dedication to storytelling meet. With years of experience on the water and behind the pen, Joshua ensures each issue is packed with expert tips, local reports, and stories that resonate with the angling community. Connect with Capt. Joshua Taylor: joshua@saltyscales.com | www.saltyscales.com
Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/SaltyScales
YouTube: youtube.com/saltyscales
Instagram: instagram.com/saltyscales
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saltyscales
Freshwater Report
BY: CLAYBURN REED
With spring in full swing, bass fishing really starts to heat up. When the water temps are rising, the hot days have these fish on the move. With water temps being in the 80’s, most bass should be post-spawn by now; however, since we have had a very cold winter, there are also a very large population of spawners that are still able to be located. There are a lot of bass still locked on beds and in and around spawning areas.
To find these bass, look in and around shallow coves, hard bottom areas and areas protected from northern winds. If the water is clear enough, there is the possibility you can sight fish trophy size bass. Blind casting around these areas is also very effective. If the water is clear and you are sight fishing a 3/8-ounce pegged worm weight with a Bass Assassin Boss shiner, it is deadly on spawners. If the water is too dirty to see the beds, a 1/2-ounce chatterbait and blind casting Fat Job senko from Bass Assassin can be extremely effective.
I haven’t got on a bite deeper than six feet of water, as I’ve noticed a lot of these fish are really trying to spawn and get into a post-spawn pattern. Another key to look for in these areas is eel grass, as it holds a large bio mass of fish and it is only grown on hard bottom. May is one of the best months of the year to get out on the water and bass fish!
— To book a trip or for more information call me at 352-279-1307 or at instagram@clayburn_reed_fishing.
NEW PORT RICHEY REPORT
BY: CAPT. BILL RUTHERFORD
From Mangroves to Markers: May’s Fish Frenzy
At long last, it’s finally time to break out the sunscreen and get to the ramp early to avoid the sandbar crowds. This is the most amazing time of year, when everything seems to be eating and cobia are on the menu again. For the most part, this is the time of year that inshore fishermen dream about-- and for good reason. With the water temps creeping up into the swimming range for the first time in months, the greenback’s post-spawn bonanza is in full force, and the snook are gorging as part of their pre-spawn routine. With that being said, the ideal bait to use for them is a greenback, or an artificial that looks like one. Getting out at night and fishing dock lights (especially with a bigger moon) would be the most surefire way to make sure you end up with “snook thumb;” but, there are plenty to be caught during the day in deeper mangrove areas and channels.
The cobia bite has never been hotter in my region, and it might be the best I’ve seen here in a decade. On the less windy days, you can scout for them on the grass flats from Bailey’s Bluff to Green Key Beach in NPR and the sand flats from the Cotee River north to Hudson Beach. When the conditions are less than stellar, head out to the shallow water wrecks, ICW channel markers or inland rock piles and freeline a pinfish, greenback or big shrimp, and you can find them that way. When sight-casting them, most anything will work once you find them; but, I like a ½ ounce or better Spro jig (or whatever bucktail you like) with a scenty lure on it like a Gulp curly tail; but, just a flashy paddle tail like a DOA Cal tail in gold or silver speckle will do the job as well.
The redfish are real sweethearts in May-they make our lives easier. They will be eating cut-bait and greenbacks (along with all of the different artificials); so, if you don’t like throwing a cast net or don’t have a local bait barge, you can still catch your fair share of them using cut pinfish, mullet, ladyfish or threadfin on a free line near the mangroves or an oyster bed.
Whatever fish it is you like catching, chances are they are going to be biting right now. That thing you have going on this weekend can wait--there will never be a better time to fish than right now!
— Captain Bill is a Florida native who grew up fishing the Gulf Coast. Being a proud Army Vet himself, he founded a charity called VetCatch that takes disabled veterans on cost free fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area. He guides out of New Port Richey fishing a Bulls Bay tower boat as well as the custom 25foot VetCatch pontoon if needed for elderly/disabled fisherman.
Stay Up To Date with SALT STRONG ALLIANCE
As shark populations recover in U.S. waters, anglers are finding themselves on the front lines of an escalating challenge: shark depredation. If you've ever reeled in half a fish—or none at all—you may have been a victim of this increasingly common encounter.
In a recent episode of The Politics of Fish podcast, Dr. Kesley Banks, Associate Research Scientist at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi), dives deep into shark depredation: what it is, why it’s happening more often, and how we can find balance between fishing and conservation.
What Is Shark Depredation?
Depredation happens when a predator—like a shark—steals your hooked fish before you land it. This causes not only frustration but also gear damage, economic loss, and rising safety concerns. According to Dr. Banks, many Gulf Coast anglers are experiencing this more frequently, especially in popular fishing zones where sharks now regularly trail boats in anticipation of easy meals.
Why It's on the Rise
Dr. Banks outlines three key reasons for the uptick in depredation:
1. Rebounding Shark Populations
Species like blacktip, bull, and sandbar sharks have made a notable comeback thanks to conservation measures enacted over the last few decades. While this is a win for ocean health, it also means more sharks are competing for food in nearshore waters.
2. Human Behavior
Anglers unintentionally “train” sharks by repeatedly fishing the same reefs, wrecks, and channels. Sharks are smart—they learn that boats mean free food. The more this happens, the more they associate humans with dinner bells.
3. Environmental and Ecosystem Shifts
Changing water temperatures and prey migration patterns may also be bringing sharks closer to the coast and into fishing hotspots, increasing overlap with recreational and charter anglers.
The Impact on Anglers
The implications of shark depredation reach beyond just losing a catch. Here’s what’s at stake:
Economic Losses: Charter captains risk losing repeat business if clients don’t land their trophy fish.
Damaged Gear: Teeth and tackle don’t mix—lines snap, hooks bend, and rods can break under the strain.
Frustration and Safety: A shark chomping at your catch inches from the boat is a serious hazard.
What Anglers Can Do
While research catches up, there are several ways anglers can help reduce depredation:
Move More Frequently: If sharks show up, don’t keep chumming the water. Changing spots can break the pattern.
Avoid Releasing Fish Near the Boat: Sharks learn from these cues and may start associating your vessel with food.
Use Faster Retrieval Techniques: Get that fish up quickly to avoid predation at the surface.
Report Depredation Events: Scientists need angler data to track the problem. Participate in surveys or apps like SharkBase or FishRules.
What the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Is Doing
The SHARKED Act of 2025 (Supporting the Helping Anglers Respond to Knowledge of Ecological Depredation) was introduced by a bipartisan group
of U.S. lawmakers in response to growing concerns from the recreational fishing community about shark depredation—when sharks consume hooked fish before they can be landed. Spearheaded by members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, the Act was driven by direct input from anglers, charter captains, and conservation scientists who have documented increasing depredation events across coastal fisheries.
The bill calls for greater federal support, including funding for research, data collection, and technology aimed at mitigating shark interactions in recreational fisheries through collaborative research, public-private partnerships, and the development of non-lethal shark deterrent technologies.
Since its introduction, the SHARKED Act has gained momentum with strong backing from national sportfishing organizations, marine science institutions, and bipartisan co-sponsors in both the House and Senate If passed, this legislation could give NOAA and regional agencies tools to collaborate more effectively with anglers and researchers. It also signals that recreational fishing voices are being heard at the policy table.
Salt Strong Alliance proudly supports the SHARKED Act of 2025 as part of its new Fins4Adoption Initiative—a bold program designed to raise and release juvenile fish into the wild to restore balance and abundance in coastal ecosystems. From redfish to sharks, Salt Strong Alliance believes All Fish Matter. Shark depredation is not a “shark problem,” it’s an ecological signal that smarter stewardship is needed. Supporting the SHARKED Act is one more way the Alliance is ensuring that anglers, fish, and our coastal waters can all thrive—together.
WIN the ULTIMATE INSIDER PASS to
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Buy a Micro Draft Skiff Raffle Ticket now thru June 30th and you’re automatically entered to WIN 2
Registrations to Attend ICAST 2025 in Orlando July 15-18, 2025 as a Guest of Salt Strong Alliance!
ICAST is the world’s largest sportfishing trade show — a trade-only event NOT open to the public.
This is your chance for you and your fishing buddy to:
• Walk the floor with top brands and pro anglers
• See the latest gear before it hits the market
• Network with industry legends
CLEANER WATER DREAMER
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COASTAL ANGLER
BRAG BOARD
Austin Desoto on one of his sickest snook fights: ”Hooked this fish and immediately was taken through multiple pilings. I tossed my friend my back pack and started swimming through the pilings as quick as I could. After a couple minutes of weaving I had her in open water. Taking my time as I was using tackle on the lighter side, I finally landed her. Keeping her in the water majority of the time, gave her a nice revive and she kicked off strong.‟
Charles Cassino caught this sweet redfish at Mobbly Bayou in Oldsmar using a 3-inch paddle tail on a 1/4 jig head in the ”twisted tea‟ color.
Amy Lombardo got her first keeper tripletail! It meaasured 21.25 inches and weighed 6.72 pounds.
Dave Cook nabbed this black drum, weighing 45 pounds and measuring 41 inches, off a dock.
Using a Shimano Stradic 5000 and a Spanish sardine, Trevor Moulds hooked this 10-pound, 26-inch red grouper offshore.
For your chance to get on the Brag Board, upload your high-quality photos (at least 1MB) with all of the catch details at: www.coastalanglermag.com
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
RARE LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE LAYS EGGS DURING DAYLIGHT ON FLORIDA BEACH
Brevard County, Florida, proudly holds the title of the loggerhead sea turtle capital of our hemisphere. Here, loggerhead nesting occurs so frequently that nests o!en go unmarked on some beaches. From April through the summer months, during nearly any full moon high tide at night, you might witness this natural phenomenon. However, it’s important to keep ashlights o and avoid ash photography to protect these vulnerable creatures.
Daytime nesting is rare for all turtles, making the sight of an endangered leatherback (the world’s largest sea turtle species) even more exceptional.
$is unique event was captured during the evening twilight hours at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, in Satellite Beach, FL. $e Sea Turtle Preservation Society and UCF were on the scene.
Watch the video in this month's Angler Video Mag at vidmag.com and on coastalanglermag.com.
By Ryan Clapper
THE FELLSMERE RESERVOIR: From Farmland To World Class Fishery!
Headwaters Lake (Fellsmere Reservoir) is a 10,000-acre manmade lake located in Indian River County, adjacent to Stick Marsh/Farm 13. In the early 20th century, this area was drained for agriculture. In 2015, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) purchased the land and began ooding it to aid in ood control and nutrient removal for the Upper St. Johns River Basin. Before ooding, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and SJRWMD collaborated on extensive habitat and %sheries restoration projects to enhance %sh and wildlife habitats and create a premier %shing destination. Between 2011 and 2014, FWC invested $1.35 million in habitat enhancements at Headwaters, including shaping the lakebed with varied elevations such as holes, trenches, drop-o s, humps, and islands.
Following the ooding in 2016, FWC stocked the lake with 1 million Florida bass %ngerlings, 145,000 black crappie, 374,000 redear sun%sh, and 345,000 bluegill to rapidly establish a thriving sport%sh population.
On August 10, 2020, the Headwaters Lake boat ramp opened for the %rst time and the access facility was built in cooperation between the SJRWMD and FWC’s Boating Improvement Fund, which is supported by Sport%sh Restoration Funding. Since the opening of the boat ramp, the FWC has monitored angling e ort, catch, and angler success.
From 2020-2024, Fellsmere has averaged about 160,000+ angling hours annually and a bass catch rate of 1.40 bass per hour (one of the highest in the state). Furthermore, people from all over the country have traveled to %sh Fellsmere for its worldclass %shing opportunities. Fellsmere started generating TrophyCatch submissions of
bass 8 pounds and larger in 2017/2018 and since then has seen over 400 TrophyCatch submissions including two Hall of Fame catches weighing 13+ pounds.
For more information, visit myfwc.com.
Before (top) and after photos of the bottom contour project conducted by FWC at Fellsmere Reservoir/Headwaters Lake.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FWC.
IT'S TIME TO STOCK UP
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
Ikeep asking the question but can’t seem to get a clear answer on why Florida is not dedicating more resources to stocking red!sh and snook into our waters. e technology and infrastructure is there, but no one’s doing anything to bring about a robust restocking program to our state. Why the hell not? I don’t get it. We’re the number one !shing market in the U.S. and tourism fuels a state’s economy. However, according to the !ne folks who issue our !shing limits and restrictions, both species are “so depleted that we need to have severe catch limits and massive closures.”
Come on Florida government, put two plus two together. I think I speak for the majority of the Florida angling community when I say we’re just about disgusted with the ever-evolving limit and closure restrictions that have been coming our way for the past twenty years. It’s like there’s a group of people who just sit around and come up with more ways to infuriate the angling community in the name of conservation and some kind of “sustainability” mantra.
Just raise more !sh, idiots! Raise ’em like crazy. Get jiggy with it. Use my tax dollars the way I want you to use them. Stop spending my tax dollars on massive sta ng of non-anglers in positions of authority when it comes to my rules for !shing. Put enough red!sh and snook in our waters so that any kid can catch one. Yeah, I’m not the smartest person in the world, but I know when something is _______ (you know the rest).
Change your thinking or !nd a new job is what I’m talking about. Your trend over the last twenty years has been nothing short of adversarial, and I’m sick of paying your salaries just to anger our angling community. What !shing contributes to the Florida economy is nothing short of astronomical, but the allocation of resources to support it has been ass backwards for quite a while.
Here’s a good example of the mentality that I think dominates our marine o ces. I was wade !shing recently and as a car drove by on the nearby causeway a person stuck their head out of the window and screamed, “MURDERER!”
Yeah, that who’s been calling the shots for the angling community in Florida for the past twenty years and I, for one, am done with that prevailing mentality in the use of my tax dollars. Agree? Disagree? Fill out the form at protectourwaters.com.
Ben Martin Editor in Chief
Coastal Angler Magazine e Angler Magazine
THE IGFA’S INTRO TO FISHING COURSE: Educating and Inspiring the Next Generation of Ethical Anglers
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has long been a global leader in promoting ethical angling practices, game %sh conservation, and angler education. One of its most accessible resources is the Intro to Fishing course, a structured educational program developed by the IGFA to provide a comprehensive introduction to recreational %shing in an online setting. $is engaging and interactive course is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and equips participants with basic skills, fostering a deep appreciation for the sport.
Targeted at youth, families, and beginner anglers, the course covers various aspects of %shing, including:
• The Fish: Understanding what a %sh is and how to identify various game %sh
• The Habitat: Learn where %sh live and di erent aquatic environments
• The Basics: Learning various %shing techniques from basic tackle to casting methods
• The Ethical Angler: Emphasizing responsible %shing practices, catch-and-release techniques, and habitat protection
43 acres (+or-) 1100 feet (+or-) on Suwannee River in Lafayette County at US 27, across river from Branford. Heavily wooded, perfect for residence, camp ground or hunting lodge. Elec. and well.
• The IGFA: Introducing students to the IGFA $e IGFA’s Intro to Fishing course launched in 2019 as a means to o er a comprehensive curriculum covering angling basics and safety, aquatic and marine biology, %sh identi%cation, environmental stewardship and more to audiences around the world. Packed with educational presentations, how-to videos, and interactive quizzes, the course allows anglers to follow along at their own pace. To date, nearly 1,200 students have completed the course, ranging from IGFA smallfry anglers aged up to 10 years old to experienced adult anglers. Most students are from North America, speci%cally from 43 states across the USA, but students from 35 di erent countries on six continents have completed it as well. While most students who have completed the course have caught a %sh before, nearly 15% of students have
43 acres (+or-) 1100 feet (+or-) on Suwannee River in Lafayette County at US 27, across river from Branford. Heavily wooded, perfect for residence, camp ground or hunting lodge. Elec. and well.
Cary A. Crutchfield
Registered Real Estate Broker GRI and CRS Designations
recorded that they have never caught a %sh before taking the course, but it has helped inspire these students to get outside and go %shing.
“Being new to %shing, it sparked my interest to start to %sh the most I can,” said Landon M., an IGFA Junior angler aged 11-16 years old from Hawaii, USA, who %nished the course in 2022.
Many schools from primary to college have utilized IGFA’s Intro to Fishing online resource as part of their course curriculum as well. Evan F., a college student from Kentucky, U.S. back in 2020 when he completed the course, recently had this to say in a post-student survey asking how the Intro to Fishing course has impacted their angling career since taking the course, “I took this class in correspondence with a freshwater %shing class in college. It has helped me have a better understanding and what to do when %shing and given me practices I still use to this day.”
For more information about the course and how to participate, visit igfa.org/learning-modules/.
2025 CCA Star Florida Launches Memorial Day Weekend
The 2025 CCA Florida STAR competition presented by Yamaha continues to be Florida’s the largest family-friendly saltwater %shing competition. Running Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day it boasts prizes & scholarships over $500,000 for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
$is year they’ve added the new Drum Spots “Lots-A-Spots” Division presented by Gulf States Automation. Red%sh with the most spots will win a share of $25,000 in prizes.
STAR’s signature Tagged Red%sh Division presented by TH Marine o ers %ve winners the choice of a Carolina Ski , Sea Born, Spyder Boat or Micro Dra! Ski , all powered by Yamaha. Two youth winners would win Carolina Ski 16-foot tiller boats powered by Yamaha, trailer, Minn Kota trolling motor and Humminbird electronics.
Each Florida coastal counties will have on average 4 green tagged red%sh released in their waters for a total of 167 prize winning tagged red%sh. Citrus and Charlotte Counties are Destination Counties with 8 tagged red%sh in their coastal waters.
$e Tigress Tagged Dolphin Division o ers a $10,000 cash prize for the %rst tagged dolphin landed.
$e Custom Gheenoe Inshore Division presented by Minn Kota and the Engel Coolers O shore Division presented by AFTCO allows 3 catch entries per day of competition and pays out 12 places with $60,000 in prizes in each.
You don’t have to catch a %sh to win a boat! Register before May 24th for one ra&e entry in the Triple Header Boat Ra&e. A Dek Kat 27 Trilogy, Spyder FX19 Vapor and a Carolina Ski 16JLS all powered by Yamaha will be given away on September 4, 2025.
$e Native Watercra! Kayak Division, Realtree Fishing Youth Scholarship Division, Power Pole Conservation Division and Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division o er amazing prizes too! ALL salt water species can be entered and most winners are determined by random drawing. Pick up the STAR Identi%er a!er May 17 at any West Marine store or distribution location.
Registration is $80 which includes CCA Florida membership. Kids ages 6-17 can register for free with current ($10) CCA Florida youth membership.
For more information on STAR, or to register, visit cca star.com
CTim Barefoot
an you say hallelujah? HALLELUJAH!!! $e powers that be say we can %nally catch and retain grouper as the season opens back up May 1. Decades ago, I never thought I would have said “grouper” and “season” in the same sentence, much less enduring this nine- or 10-months out of the year closure we’re experiencing now.
We recently took a recon trip to the edge to catch African pompano, but caught everything but African. $e barracudas and sharks are in numbers never seen before (by myself and a LOT of my friends), along with the American red snapper (ARS) and gag grouper. For anyone doubting the American red snapper and/or gag grouper numbers, please speak up now...or please come %shing with me!
We decided to leave the shark- and barracuda-infested deep water to catch some legal dinner %sh like grunts and seabass. We came inside a good ways and stopped on a pretty piece of bottom and it was nothing but gag, scamps and ARS bites. BAM! BAM! BAM!
Rolled back in another 10 miles knowing we were going to catch some seabass and grunts…and got nothing but gag and ARS bites. A!er that, we decided to go another eight miles inside speci%cally for sea bass, %nding traditional sea bass numbers. Fishing around in that general area, we ran out of all frozen cigar minnows and cut Spanish mackerel chunks before we could catch a good limit of sea bass.
I said all that to say this: %sh the pretty bottom marks of bait and structure using the correct tactics and you will have a heavy box of good %sh at the end of the day.
All the best %shing...
For more info, check out Tim Barefoot’s YouTube channel and website, barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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.
WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?
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