OF THE GULF MECCA
TRUST BR AND MARINERS
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fve things you should know about boat insurance
Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are fve things to know about boat insurance.
1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected fnancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.
2. Accidents can happen to anyone
When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to specifed limits. It can also cover lawsuit costs if you’re sued.
3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments
Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you’re in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
4. Most lenders require boat insurance
If you fnanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.
5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages
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PULLEY RIDGE: e O shore Fisherman’s
There’s remote, and then there’s Pulley Ridge. Sitting over 100 miles o! the coast of Florida, this underwater plateau is where the Gulf of Mexico drops into the deep blue, and it’s earned a legendary reputation as one of the most productive, and challenging, shing destinations in the U.S.
By Astrid deGruchy
If you’re heading out there, you’ll need a serious o!shore machine. ink a 47’ Freeman or a Viking, something that can handle the long run and unpredictable Gulf conditions. is isn’t a trip for small center consoles or light tackle. Last time we were out there, we loaded up with PENN Fathom electrics paired with PENN Ally Electric rods & PENN International 50 VISX ready to drop into depths that test both your gear and your patience.
Using chicken rigs, we hauled in vermillion and yellow snappers in over 500 . of water that lled the box, but Pulley Ridge has a wild side where giant groupers and the occasional “what-the-heck-is-that” monsters lurk in the dark.
Pulley Ridge isn’t just another shing trip, it’s a rite of passage. e distance, the depth, the unknown, it all adds up to one of those bucket-list adventures every angler should do once in their life, especially with a crew of buddies who live for the chase. While you’re out there, you can even make a stop at the Dry Tortugas, another incredible o!shore destination rich in history and beauty.
Check out the full Pulley Ridge expedition on YouTube, only on Bean Sport shing TV.
TWO SIDES OF THE CHEROKEE
Trout Fishing the Wild Waters of East Tennessee
By Julie Graham
The Cherokee National Forest o!ers some of the best freestone trout shing in the Southeast. Spanning 650,000 acres across the Southern Appalachians, it’s the largest block of public land in Tennessee and it’s divided neatly in two by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
On the north side, mountain streams tumble through hemlock hollows toward Cosby. To the south, the waters of Citico Creek cut deep through wilderness ridges near the Unicoi Mountains. Together, they showcase the Cherokee’s range. From roadside creeks to backcountry runs, the forest o!ers anglers a taste of freestone Tennessee trout water.
Cosby Creek: Northern Solitude
Below the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary, Cosby Creek winds through the community of Cosby, Tennessee, o!ering accessible trout
water without the added park permit. ese lower stretches are regularly stocked by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and can provide productive shing throughout spring and fall. While access is somewhat limited, anglers will nd several bridges and pull-o!s along Highway 32 where they can wade in. e streambed is rocky and slick, with plenty of boulder pockets and undercut banks—good traction and careful footing are essential. Expect stocked rainbows with the occasional brown trout.
Inside the Park, the Cosby Campground section is ideal for bank shing and light wading, especially for those who prefer easy access close to trails and picnic areas. Brook trout dominate the upper reaches, while rainbows hold in the deeper pools below.
Citico Creek: Wilderness Water
To the south, Citico Creek drains more than 20,000 acres of rugged country on the western edge of the Cherokee. Fed by the north and south forks rising in the Unicoi Mountains, Citico o!ers a blend of stocked and wild trout water—ideal for anglers who like a mix of easy access and adventure.
e TWRA regularly stocks Citico from Little Citico Creek to the Citico Creek Wilderness boundary, while the upper forks hold self-sustaining populations of wild rainbows and browns.
e Cherohala Skyway marks the southern edge of the Citico Creek watershed, and just driving it is worth the trip—sweeping vistas, ery fall colors, and the sound of water around every bend.
Fall Fishing Tips
Autumn is prime time on both sides of the Cherokee National Forest. Water temperatures drop, trout feed hard before winter, and the hardwood ridges turn to ame.
• Match the Hatch: Early fall favors terrestrials; in November, go small with blue-winged olives, midges, and caddis emergers.
• Go Light: Clear, low ows call for 6X or 7X tippet and longer casts.
• Mind the Leaves: Dri leaves can snag a line—look for deeper pools below ri&es where trout hold under cover.
• Start Late: Cooler nights mean shing o en improves mid-morning as the water warms slightly.
For more information, including licensing regulations, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at https://www.tn.gov/twra.html.
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
FLOUNDER, FLOCKS & FEEDING TIMES Fall Fishing Fever
There’s just something magical about fall shing. e air cools, the bait thins out, and everything that swims gets a little hungrier. For me, it’s the holy trinity of the season— ounder migrations, trout and reds chasing shrimp under screaming gulls, and the early whispers of trophy trout time.
The Fall Flounder Run
Ah, yes, the famous fall ounder migration. is is more prevalent in some areas, but they can be caught all along the Gulf Coast. ese at ambushers stack up near the passes as they make their way to spawn in the
Gulf, gorging on bait along the way. When I’m targeting ounder, I switch things up. My go-to is a scented so plastic, preferably the Titan Series from Knockin Tail Lures. Not only are they scented, but they also have a rattling tail. Working this along the bottom will entice violent strikes. Since ounder love to bury themselves and wait in ambush, I keep that lure tapping bottom, twitching my rod sideways, whether I’m wading or boating. It’s a nesse game—part patience, part persistence—and when that telltale “thump” hits, it’s pure satisfaction.
Birds, Bait, and Mayhem
en there’s the chaos of gulls dive-bombing over shrimp and schooling sh—a sight that’ll make any angler’s pulse jump. Fall o en brings bigger trout into the mix, turning every cast into a thrill. I prefer to use a heavier jighead (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) to achieve the desired action without spooking the birds or the sh. Durable so plastics help keep me in the ght longer, and I mash the barbs down for quick releases and faster re-casts. When the schools settle and the birds thin out, a topwater lure can coax the bruisers to rise— and few things beat watching a big trout explode on the surface.
Solunar Science and Timing the Bite
As fall rolls on, my focus shi s toward trophy trout—and timing becomes everything. I’ve followed solunar shing tables since childhood, back when my grandparents’ calendars marked “good” and “poor” shing days with little sh icons. Over the years, I’ve been both a believer and a skeptic, but I’ve noticed a pattern: my best bites o en align with solunar peaks. Now, I plan my day around them. Instead of running and gunning, I’ll anchor in a promising area during a predicted feeding window and wait it out.
On a recent trip with my boys, we missed the morning bite but stuck it out for the next solunar cycle. We anchored near a grass edge meeting a sandy at and, right on cue, rods bent. For seventy glorious minutes red sh hit every few casts, and sometimes we doubled up. My sons were smiling, the drag was screaming, and the solunar chart earned another believer that day.
So as the air cools and the sh feed up, grab a rod, bring a kid, and let the tides—and maybe the moon—guide your next adventure.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures,® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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Surf Expo Marks 50 Years as Premier Marketplace for Coastal and Outdoor Lifestyle
In the world of watersports and outdoor lifestyle, staying connected to what’s next isn’t optional—it’s essential. For 50 years, Surf Expo has been where the industry comes together to discover new products, make connections, and set the tone for the season ahead.
Returning to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, January 7–9, 2026, Surf Expo celebrates its 50th anniversary with an event that honors ve decades of driving the business of the waterman lifestyle forward. e show draws thousands of quali ed retail buyers, brands, and industry professionals from across the U.S. and around the world.
Surf Expo has long been the industry’s launchpad for what’s next. It’s where new brands make their debut and where trusted names unveil their latest collections. On the show oor, sustainability, functionality, and style continue to drive the next wave of coastal and outdoor retail—trends that shape what ends up in your store and, ultimately, in the hands of your customers.
Re ecting the growing connection between coastal and outdoor lifestyles, Surf Expo’s Shoreline Outdoor area continues to expand— bringing together products designed for life on the water and adventures on land. is growing segment highlights essentials for outdoor adventure, from versatile apparel and gear to innovative accessories that move seamlessly from coast to camp.
Shoreline Outdoor features brands and products that bridge categories—boating, shing, paddling, hiking, and camping—meeting consumer demand for versatility and performance. Retailers will nd quality, functional, and sustainable products built for modern outdoor enthusiasts. ink waterproof bags, insulated coolers, portable re pits, backpacks, multifunctional jackets, and drinkware designed for any setting. is lifestyle focused area captures the spirit of adventure—friends gathered by a re pit a er a day on the water, paddleboards pulled up on the sand, or cozy campsites under starlit skies. It’s all about embracing the outdoors in every way.
What makes Surf Expo such an essential stop on the retail calendar? It’s the unmatched variety. Hardgoods, apparel and accessories that bridge the gap between beachwear and everyday wear, Surf Expo delivers products that de ne coastal and outdoor living. Whether your customers are anglers, surfers, paddleboarders, kayakers or simply love the water or the outdoors, you’ll nd fresh lines and innovations that resonate.
Surf Expo remains much more than aisles of product—it’s a place to learn, connect and recharge your business strategy. Educational sessions, in-booth demos and networking events o er valuable insights into consumer behavior, merchandising and market trends.
Join them January 7–9, 2026 as they celebrate 50 years of Surf Expo— and experience rsthand why this show continues to be the heartbeat of the coastal and outdoor lifestyle industry.
Quali ed retail buyers register for free before 12/24 at surfexpo.com
SUZUKI MARINE USA SIGNS JACOB WHEELER TO PRO FISHING TEAM
Suzuki Marine USA rocked the professional angling world today by announcing that bass fishing superstar Jacob Wheeler has joined the company’s select group of sponsored anglers known as the Suzuki Ultimate Fishing Team.
As a Major League Fishing (MLF) superstar and perennial favorite of bass fishing fans worldwide, Suzuki Marine has found the ideal match for its powerful line of 4-stroke outboard motors. Wheeler’s long list of bass angling accomplishments began in junior fishing programs, where he captured Angler of the Year and state championship titles. He won the first two Bassmaster Elite events he ever entered. He’s taken the MLF Bass Pro Tour by storm, with 14 career wins, six REDCREST appearances, and more than $4 million in overall career earnings. Wheeler shows no sign of slowing down, recently concluding the 2025 Bass Pro Tour season with his record-setting fourth Angler of the Year trophy.
It was certainly a bit of a coup for Suzuki Marine to hook up with an angler of Wheeler’s success, standing, and popularity around the globe. “We are so proud to be working with Jacob and are looking forward to powering his tournament adventures in the future,” said Brandon Cerka, Vice President Sales & Marketing for Suzuki Marine USA. “He’s a pro’s pro and a proven winner in any type of fishing situation. Jacob is not only a great angler and competitor, but also a true family man who appreciates time spent in the Great Outdoors. This makes him an ideal match for our company, and a great ambassador for the Suzuki brand as he fishes and wins across our nation,” added Cerka.
Wheeler is well known for catching winning limits of big bass wherever he competes—precisely why the television cameras and the eyes of spectators are always trained on him. Now, he will also be catching envious stares from other competitors and bass fishing fans as he blasts across the water in his tricked-out iKon LX21 Bass Boat powered with
a new Suzuki Stealth Line 250 V6 outboard. Suzuki’s Stealth Line of outboards feature an exclusive all matte-black finish with matching Black Chrome graphics for an eye-catching look that compliments today’s highperformance boats.
“A one-of-a-kind motor for a one-of-a-kind angler,” added Cerka. “I can’t wait to see what’s going to unfold.”
About Suzuki Marine
Suzuki is a leading manufacturer of 4-stroke outboard motors ranging from the ultra-portable 2.5 horsepower to the flagship DF350 V-6 with contra-rotating dual propellers. Over the years, Suzuki outboards have won nine Innovation Awards from the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA) for motors as small as 25 hp, demonstrating Suzuki’s commitment to making the best technology available to the widest possible audience. Over the past few years, Suzuki Marine USA opened a U.S. Marine Technical Center in Panama City, Fla. and moved to a new corporate headquarters in Tampa, Fla., to be closer to the heart of the U.S. boating industry and capital of the country. Through its “Clean Ocean Project,” regional cleanup and habitat restoration efforts around the world, and company-wide plastic waste reduction efforts, Suzuki has demonstrated a commitment to protecting coastal and marine habitat at home and around the world. Visit suzukimarine.com to learn more.
Patterson
Dancer Fishin’ Charters
My name is Captain Jeff Patterson, with Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters.
Fishing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was old enough to hold a rod, I’ve been chasing fish across the waters of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, the Halifax and Tomoka Rivers, and through Ponce Inlet. My dad was the one who first introduced me to fishing, and that early passion has only grown stronger over the years.
When you book a trip with me, my goal is simple — to make sure you have a great time on the water and an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s your very first trip or you’ve been fishing your whole life, I’ll tailor the day to fit your skill level. Kids are always welcome, and I love seeing families enjoy time together on the water.
You’ll be fishing aboard my 23’ C Hawk center console, powered by a 200 HP Suzuki that gets us where we need to go quickly and comfortably. The boat is equipped with GPS, fishfinder, a live bait well, and an icebox for your catch. I provide everything you need — rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses — and at the end of the trip, I’ll gladly clean and fillet your fish so you can take it home for dinner.
pride in what I do. My goal is to share my love for fishing and help others create memories that last a lifetime.
Depending on the season, we’ll target a variety of inshore and nearshore species including redfish, snook, tarpon, black drum, sheepshead, flounder, and permit. Every day on the water is a little different, and that’s what makes it special. At Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters, I take
Captain’s DireCtory
Volusia County’s Premier Fishing Captains
Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters
386-451-4992
SmallBoatBigFish.com Inshore/ Nearshore
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Sea Trout, & Tripletail
386-405-7786
Beast Coast Fishing Charters beastcoastfishingcharters.com
Inshore/ Offshore
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Snapper, Grouper, Sharks, Cobia, Grouper, Pompano, Mahi, Triggerfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish
SRC Adventures srcadventures.com Nearshore/Offshore
Target Species: Wahoo, Mahi, Tuna, Cobia, Sailfish, Kingfish, Tuna, Amberjack, Pompano, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish
CAPTAIN DANIEL LEVESQUE 386-295-4581
Rare Breed Charters rarebreedcharters.com Offshore/ Nearshore
Target Species: Grouper, Red Snapper, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, African Pompano, Alligator, Deer, Hog, Elk, & Wild Turkey
EVAN SANDERS 407-796-2088 SOL FISHING www.solfishing.com Inshore, Nearshore, Offshore
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Trout, Cobia, Tarpon, Snapper, Triggerfish, Mahi, Kingfish, & Wahoo.
New Legacy Fishing Charters newlegacyfishing.com Inshore/Nearshore
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Snapper, & Weakfish
Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Snook, Tarpon, Cobia, Grouper, Wahoo, Snapper, Seabass, Kingfish, Mahi, Sailfish
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters reelharmonyfishing.com Inshore/Nearshore
Target Species: Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Cobia, Tripletail & Shark
EDGEWATER BACKCOUNTRY FORECAST
November can start early winter fishing patterns. If we have chilly weather, the seasonal transition will begin. Subtropical coastal migrating species will start moving south to spend the winter, including Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel. The mullet run follows the same southbound route — how soon and how low the water temperatures drop will determine the timing. Resident fish such as Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, and Snapper remain in our waters through the winter. Coldwater species will begin to move in, including Sheepshead, Black Drum, and Bluefish. Mosquito Lagoon water levels can remain high after a flooded autumn. In the lagoon and backcountry, shorelines can still be productive with high water, as well as shallow grass and flooded marshes. Expect more sight fishing opportunities if the water is clear, and more blind casting of soft plastics or soaking cut/live finger mullet or mud minnows in cloudy water.
Early mornings are great for throwing topwater lures over shallow edges and submerged dropoffs. After the sun is up, switch to subsurface presentations — soft plastics with 1/8 or 1/16 oz jig heads for deeper water, or weedless jerkbaits in the shallows. In the backwaters, free-lined live shrimp or finger mullet are always reliable baits. Hard plastics like MirrOdines and twitch baits also work well. For Pompano in the surf, look for clean water and fish the sloughs between
sandbars. Sand fleas, cut clam, fishbites, and peeled shrimp are some of the best bait choices. Some Pompano also find their way into the backwaters. Snook season is still open, with a 28” to 32” slot size limit and one fish per person per day. A Snook permit is required on your fishing license to keep one. To target bigger fish, use larger baits such as mullet, pinfish, or select shrimp — free-lined for surface action or with a small weight for deeper spots. For artificials, use larger swimming lures for surface action and jigs or bucktails for deeper areas. Productive locations include the Ponce Inlet jetties and channel, bridge pilings, docks, Spruce Creek, Tomoka areas, and Haulover Canal. Nighttime, early morning before sunrise, and moving water during tidal changes are typically best. November also continues the bull Redfish spawn, with Ponce Inlet being the center of attention. They can also be found along the Intracoastal Waterway, around the NSB bridges, and Haulover Canal. Anchor or drift and soak half or whole Blue Crabs, live Pinfish, or Mullet. Before the chill sets in, Snook, Tarpon, big Jacks, and Sharks can also be in the inlet alongside the big Reds.Some years, the first cold spell can come this month. If it arrives fast and hard, lagoon fish can get a little shocky after a year of warm water as they adjust to the first cold water of the season. The nearshore ocean can be very good this month for southward-migrating
schools of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, from near the beach out to about a mile offshore. Watch for surface activity such as whitewater strikes and diving birds — these fish will be feeding on small baitfish, so “match the hatch” with small, long-casting shiny spoons, Gotcha plugs, or flies. Redfish remain catch-and-release only south of the New Smyrna SR-44 bridge, and Flounder season is closed through November.
Under NEW Ownership by Cody
Moore, Third Generation Fisherman
New Smyrna Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear. Along with carrying all of the equipment you need, NSO offers services like rod/ reel repair, line spooling, splicing, rigging, outrigger setup, and much more. If you are not looking for fishing tackle, that’s ok, NSO also offers the best in apparel, eyewear, drinkware, and more. Some of the quality brands include but aren’t limited to Costa, Bajio, Olukai, Free Fly, Marshwear, Aftco, Anetik, Yeti, Stanley, Hemlock, Salty Crew. New Smyrna Outfitters strives to carry the best brands and offer the best customer service.
NSB Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle, as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel and accessories. New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience to guide through whatever type of fishing you’re looking to do. SAME STREET, NEW LOCATION!
223a Canal St. | NewSmyrnaOutfitters.com (386) 402-8853 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday Closed
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PONCE INLET & BACKWATERS FORECAST
November brings some much needed relief to the heat we experienced all year but the fishing doesn’t cool off . The bull redfish bite will continue at the inlet and if you mix up the bait you're presenting this will continue through Thanksgiving. I typically switch from live mullet and croakers to cut bait ( ladyfish, bluefish, jacks ) and then my go to in November is halved blue crab. I feel as if the fish start to snub the mullet and other bait fish as they have been eating on them all fall. The snook bite in early November is usually on fire as well. I catch them all year on live baitfish but in the fall drifting select shrimp with a long leader and a pinch weight or a small jig head seems to produce the most hookups. I also like throwing larger paddle tails like a 5” when I am marking fish but can’t get them to eat live bait, there’s something about snook if you rip an artificial past them enough they will just finally give into that reaction bite! I also like using 20-25# fluorocarbon for snook vs 30-40# I
use it for the redfish. The biggest thing to remember in snook fishing is to change your leader after each fish as they will tear it up and you don’t want to lose the next bite! November also means the start of winter fishing for sheepshead and black drum for us around the inlet. I like using blue crab for these big uglies the same way I target bull reds. Most people don’t realize that black drum is much better table fare in my opinion then red drum so if it’s dinner your after give them a shot. As always if you see us on the water say yellow and if you’d like to see what our fishery is all about here in central east coast Florida give us a call to set up your trip!
CAPT. JAMIE THRAPPAS Yellow Dawg Fishing www.yellowdawgfishing.com (386)366-3424
FORECAST ST. JOHNS RIVER
Water levels are high right now in the St Johns River and the current is fast moving. Fish have many places to hide. Spawning season started in late September, currently large females will congregate the St Johns River, and can be found in 6-12 feet of water (in the lakes) as males prep the beds. Crappie will be the early target species for Derby anglers, American and Hickory shad show up around Christmas. Bass will begin their fattening up during pre-spawn with male buck bass found in shallow water before the full moon. Big female bass will be nearby in deeper water next to the males. Blue channel catfish will be found in deep holes on the downstream side of river bends.
November generally yields the winning crappie in the Derby. It is a little early to find them on the channel edges along river bends - deep river bends don’t typically produce big fish until after the second cold front. In Lake Monroe and Lake Harney, you’ll find folks drifting minnows under a bobber on windy days – same for Jessup. During the full and new moon phases the lily pads near deep water will be the place to find slabs. For the folks trolling, speed matters. Longline works best in the 1.0 to 2.0 mph range, a little slower for spider rigging .5 to 1.2 mph. Jig colors and depth are also a big factor. Set your baits at different depths and change colors until you find what the fish prefer. Plano has released their simple tray tackle box again, just in time for the holidays. The 2-tray
model is perfect for holding crappie lures - you can fit all your soft plastic colors plus weighted jigs and more. Crappie jigs that work great in the Derby: 2” curly tails in all colors, Roadrunner lures, mylar jigs, and ice jigs. Colors: Pink, green, chartreuse, red/white, black, blue/white, yellow, orange, purple, and combinations thereof. Always tip your jig with a live minnow.
Benny Widerman with his first bass over 10 lbs...10.60 to be exact. She ate a Zoom Junebug trick worm, and was released safe and unblemished after getting weighed and pictured.
And don’t forget to sign up for the 17th Annual Shad and Crappie Derby! Visit coastalanglermag. com/orlando/shad-crappiederby/ for complete information.
CHARLIE McCULLOUGH
Coastal Angler Magazine charlie@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Sneak attack on Wilbur by the Sea!
But, don’t worry, it’s the pompano. They just snuck up on us, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year.
This is when the big Scout pompanos finally show up. They’re eating everything. I have crab knuckles and live sand fleas I just dug up as bait. I have three flavors of fish gum. I mix everything all up. fish gum with crab, fish gum with fleas, fish gum by itself. Yum-yum! !
After a trial this year using the fish gum in different capacities on my hook, I like it. I’m pretty sure it puts out a wonderful scent and attracts the pompano. I’ve also caught black drum, whiting, and red fish on the Pompo-licious flavor.
When the Pompano show up like that, it’s time to Bamba. I have four poles set up, and my end one is moving from side to side with three major head shakes - my pole just bent down 2 feet. I know it’s a quality pompano, one of the scouts I always talk about. They come in first. It’s
making a few huge runs, but I can see it very clearly in the wave. A big flap onto the beach. Ya, mon!
Right now, for at least the last week and a half, the King tides and the Northeaster that doesn’t seem to end have eaten off the beach where we are in Wilbur By the Sea. There’s a 6-foot cliff dug into the sand all the way up to the sea walls. I call it the White Cliffs of Wilbur.
Because of the Northeastern and the tides, the ocean is as dirty as I’ve ever seen it, with seaweed debris and things I’d rather not mention. From what I know, it’ll all come back clean.
We’re waiting for the pompano to show up in the Fall. The sea is resilient, but right now it’s definitely in charge. Anyway, it’s still really beautiful here. I got a few nice fish, playing some nice local music from the Brothers Within, and me and these fish are heading to the smoker.
Fishing Accident Leaves Captain Dustin
Smith Sidelined
Our friend needs your help. Captain Dustin Smith with NSB Shark Hunters finally got his chance at a once in a lifetime tuna fishing trip. Unfortunately, an hour and a half into the trip, a rogue wave hit and threw Dustin into the air. He came down hard and ended up with a compound fracture in his right leg and multiple fractures in his left foot. He is left completely immobile with a rehab period of at least 6 months before he can walk again. Not being able to work and facing thousands of dollars in hospital bills has put Dustin and his family in a very difficult position. Anything that you can do to help is greatly appreciated. Please consider donating at https://gofund.me/74f4a9798
The good news is that NSB Shark Hunters is here to stay! Although Dustin can't be there, the rest of the crew is available to deliver the same unforgettable shark fishing experiences that NSB Shark Hunters has always been known for.
FISHING REPORT
We’ve had some rough conditions over the last month during the mullet run, with plenty of wind and rain. Fishing is always awesome this time of year, but the forecast kept business pretty quiet overall. As conditions settle, it’s worth getting back out there — fall can bring some great fishing.
This time of year, I keep a close eye on the sonar when I’m running through the channel, especially in the first couple of miles south of the inlet in New Smyrna Beach. There tend to be some big bull reds and tarpon in that stretch, and I’ve had great success using live blue crabs, pinfish, and pigfish. I like to drift and drag baits along the bottom, and that moving tide is key to getting consistent bites.
There’s a great variety of species around the inlet in November,
including redfish, snook, tarpon, black drum, and even permit, so it’s important to keep a few live bait options ready. I always try to have live shrimp and some type of baitfish on hand.
Last year, a big wave of permit and pompano moved through, and we had a blast catching both species together.
In the river, the mangrove shorelines should produce well for redfish and snook. I like drifting a live shrimp or finger mullet with a split shot, really focusing on the points. As mentioned earlier, a good tide movement makes all the difference. Hopefully, the weather cooperates over the next couple of months so we can finish out the year strong on the water.
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AFTER THE CHILL HOW COLD FRONTS SHIFT THE FALL BASS BITE
By Joey Bloom, Copper State Tackle Tournament Pro
There’s nothing quite like the rst real cold front of fall in the Southeast. One week you’re wearing a short-sleeve shirt and chasing schooling sh under bluebird skies, and the next, you’re bundled up, watching your breath in the morning fog, wondering where those sh disappeared to. When the water temps take that rst noticeable drop— usually sliding from the mid-70s into the 60s—it marks a big turning point in fall shing. e bass feel it too, and their behavior changes almost overnight.
A er a strong cold front, the rst thing I notice is how much tighter sh get to cover. ose aggressive, roaming schools that were chasing bait across shallow ats will suddenly scatter. e sudden high pressure that follows a front can make sh sulk and suspend, and the feeding windows get short. It’s not that they stop feeding entirely—they just reposition and get more selective. For me, this is when slowing down and thinking about the why behind each cast becomes crucial. Bass are still following the bait—usually shad— but their movements tighten up. I’ll start by checking shallow areas near deep water access, like secondary points, creek channel bends, or riprap banks near the mouths of pockets. ese are transition zones where bass can adjust depth easily as the temperature and pressure uctuate.
Baits That Shine After the Front
When those water temps dip, I turn to con dence baits that match the conditions and the mood of the sh. A lipless crankbait is one of my rst picks—it gives o a rattle and tight wobble that’s perfect for cooler water. I’ll run something like “Bill Lewis” 1/2 oz trap in a natural shad colors along
shell bars, grass patches, or around isolated wood. e key is to sh it methodically—make contact with cover and pop it o en. If the lipless bite feels o , I downshi into nesse mode. A 1/2-ounce jig with a Bait Cave Customs Cave Cricket Craw trailer is deadly around docks, brush, or isolated laydowns. I’ll pitch it on lighter line and really soak each piece of cover. e colder the water gets, the longer I’ll let that bait sit.
Another underrated player this time of year is a suspending Rapala jerkbait. When bass suspend er a front, that slow, twitch-pause-twitch cadence can trigger bites from sh that otherwise wouldn’t move far. On high-pressure bluebird days, I might make a cast, let the bait sit ten seconds, and only then give it a twitch. It’s all about patience and timing.
Patterns to Check
e best post-front patterns o en come down to consistency. Look for areas with a stable food source—places where bait sh stack up despite changing conditions. In reservoirs across the Southeast, that might mean a windblown main-lake point one day and a calm pocket the next. Keep an eye on your electronics, follow the bait, and don’t be afraid to adjust your depth until you see life.
Cold fronts separate the patient from the impatient. It’s a time to slow down, sh smart, and make every cast count. e bass might be moody, but they’re still there—and with the right mindset and a few Copper State Tackle baits on your line, you can turn those tough post-front days into opportunities.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, start with a lipless crankbait to cover water and locate active sh. Once you nd them, pick up a jig or shakey head with a Bait Cave Customs ick Stick worm to milk the area for those extra bites. You can grab both at Copper State Tackle—the gear I trust when every ounce matters. Follow all of Joey Bloom’s shing and fun on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.
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