DEAD-BAIT BIG REDS
ve things you should know about boat insurance
Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are ve things to know about boat insurance.
1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected nancially 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 speci ed 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 nanced 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 Ever worry about getting stuck on the water? Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.
Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your voyage. Cruise with con dence thanks to Progressive Boat insurance. Because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes.
to learn more.
Smooth Sailing
Interlux® fouling control products not only improve your performance by protecting your hull from fouling, they also protect against the spread of invasive species, safeguarding your local waters when exploring new regions, therefore helping you make a difference by looking after the waters that have provided you with enjoyment and freedom for so many years.
Like you, we have a passion for boating. We provide boaters the hull protection they deserve with over 140 years of cutting‑edge science, technology and expertise. You can expect only the best from every Interlux® yacht paint product, providing you the confidence to explore your world.
Relentless performance for every yacht, everywhere, every time. interlux.com
DEAD BAITS CATCH HUGE REDFISH
Capt. Mike Smith
Have you ever tried to use big dead baits to catch huge redfish? If you haven’t, then you should.
Many of the larger predatory fish prefer eating fresh, dead baits over live baits so they can save energy.
The odds of becoming an over slot redfish are at least a million to one. An overslot redfish has figured out not only how to avoid predators and how to conserve energy when finding food. That is why dead baits work so well for catching older, wiser and larger redfish.
The best dead baits for redfish are: a large blue crab cut in half, a butterflied large pinfish with its tail cut off, a chunk of ladyfish, and a chunk of bluefish. The key to catching redfish instead of catfish when dead bait fishing is by using enormous dead baits. You want to use baits at least eight inches long. Catfish always seem to find the bait first and most catfish can’t eat an eight inch dead bait.
Quite often you will catch your monster redfish and notice catfish slime on your line. This tells you that a catfish found your bait first but was unable to swallow it. If you are catching catfish with your dead baits, then you have to go bigger.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use at least a 5/0 circle hook and just enough weight to keep the bait stationary on the bottom. If you let the tide drag the bait across the bottom the redfish will have trouble finding it. But if you use too much weight the fish will often feel it and let go of the bait before getting hooked.
Circle hooks are much less likely to get swallowed and mortally wounding the fish, unlike a J hook. A J hook will often get swallowed if you are not constantly paying attention to your line.
When using dead baits for redfish keep the rod in a rod holder. Rod holders are much better at hooking redfish with circle hooks than we are.
Keith caught this monster redfish with an 8-inch chunk of bluefish along a drop off in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon.
When the redfish picks up the bait and swims off with it, the hook will lodge right in the corner of the fish’s mouth.
The best tackle for catching enormous redfish with dead baits is a medium heavy seven-foot-six-inch rod coupled with at least a 5000 series reel. Spool your reel with 30-pound braided line and make sure to have at least a 30-pound leader attached to the hook.
You can certainly catch a 40-inch redfish with a smaller rod and reel combo but the fish will be half dead by the time you get it landed. In that weakened state the fish will sometimes fall prey to a nearby dolphin or shark. There is no sense killing a big breeder redfish that you cannot harvest anyway.
Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass Off Charters, is an inshore fishing guide who has been fishing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass flats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@fishyourassoff.com or visit fishyourassoff.com.
FALL TRANSITION BASS FISHING IN THE SOUTHEAST
BY NPFL PROFESSIONAL ANGLER JOEY BLOOM
The first cool mornings of fall always bring a little excitement for me. When I back the boat down the ramp and see mist rising off the water, I know the season is changing and the bass are about to do the same. Down here in the Southeast, the fall transition is one of the most unpredictable—but also one of the most rewarding— times of the year.
The key is bait. As soon as water temps slide from the 90s into the mid-70s, shad begin their migration out of the main lake and into the creeks or shallow shorelines. They’re chasing plankton, and the bass are never far behind. If you can find the bait, you’ll find the fish. I don’t even bother making a cast until I see shad flickering on the surface or lighting up my electronics.
CatchMoreFish
My mornings usually start with topwater or a shad-colored swim jig. A walking bait is one of my favorites to throw across the mouth of a pocket, and it can trigger some of the most violent strikes of the season. I’ll never forget a morning last October when a seven-pounder came out of two feet of water and nearly ripped the rod out of my hand. That’s fall bass fishing— when they decide to eat, they don’t play around.
As the sun gets higher, I shift gears. Shallow wood, laydowns, docks and grass edges become prime ambush points, and that’s when I reach for a squarebill crankbait. I like squarebills because they’ve got just the right wobble and durability to grind through cover. The trick is to make contact—bump that crankbait off a stump, dock, or tick it through grass. Those deflections are what trigger bites. Covering water quickly is important because bass are constantly on the move, shadowing those bait schools.
But not every fish in the lake makes the same move at the same time. Some of the bigger, older bass stay out deeper longer. For those, I keep a Carolina rig handy, and I’ve had great success pairing it with Bait Cave Customs hand-poured soft plastics. That slow drag across a secondary point can tempt those stubborn deep fish that won’t chase a moving bait.
Weather plays a huge role, too. A cold front will slow everything down, and that’s when I switch to finesse—something like a Bait Cave Customs, Cave Club finesse worm on a shaky head, worked methodically. On the flip side, a cloudy, stable day can set off a feeding frenzy, and that’s the time to throw reaction baits and keep covering water. Fall fishing here is a constant adjustment game, and you have to be willing to change with the conditions.
At the end of the day, the fall transition is like putting a puzzle together. The pieces change daily—sometimes hourly—but once you figure out where the bait is, how the bass are relating, and what they’ll react to, the action can be phenomenal. It’s the season where I cover the most water, throw the widest variety of baits, and stay the most flexible.
For me, that’s what makes fall in the Southeast so special. It’s unpredictable, challenging, and full of opportunity. And when everything lines up, it’s some of the best bass fishing of the entire year. With the right mindset—and the right tackle—you can make this season one to remember. Follow all of Joey Bloom’s fishing and fun on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.
Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales! 60 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!
RePower Packages designed to best ft your needs and not stretch your budget. Financing available.
Rest assured, all Mastry Suzuki RePowers are backed by Suzuki’s industry leading 5-year factory warranty.
Stationed strategically around the East Coast, all Suzuki RePower Centers have achieved the highest level of Suzuki certifcations to meet and exceed your repower needs.
When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors:
•Every Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Center has decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing
•With a Mastry Suzuki RePower, owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability
•Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program*
•Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers use authentic Suzuki OEM parts and have factory certifed technicians
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!
Since 2014, Mastry Engine Center, has been building the premiere Suzuki Outboard repower network in Florida. Today, Authorized Mastry Suzuki Outboard Centers have been exceeding expectaions in the Southeast for over two decades. Recently Suzuki Marine requested Mastry Engine Center to expand the network throughout the Northeast. Now boat owners from Maine to Florida can be assured of the best support for their Suzuki outboard repower project. All Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers provide the best options, information and package pricing for excellent performance in repower.
When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identifcation card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefts during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners *Get with the Program!
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
OCTOBER TIDES: TRICKS, TRANSITIONS AND A LITTLE RULE-BREAKING
October might just be the perfect month to be on the water. e blazing heat of summer has faded, boat tra c thins, and the marsh comes alive with shrimp, n sh, and the “big three” — trout, red sh, and ounder — all fattening up for the season. For anglers, that means opportunity.
is time of year, I like to keep things simple but intentional. So plastics in the 3.25-inch range are my bread and butter. I lean toward paddle tails because I can cover water quickly and the vibration draws strikes from aggressive fall sh. Durability matters too, because when the action gets fast, the last thing you want is to burn time swapping out torn lures. Rigging depends on cover and depth — sometimes weedless, sometimes a jig head — but either way, adapt to the structure in front of you.
Outgoing tides are my favorite. ey concentrate bait and predators alike into smaller, target-rich areas. Look for drains, bayou mouths, bends, and reef cuts. Even island points can funnel current and stack sh. Once you’ve found the spots, presentation is everything. Reds o en respond to a steady retrieve, trout like a twitch-twitch pause, and ounder react best to a lure darting along the bottom, stirring up a little commotion. Of course, no sh reads the manual — sometimes the “wrong” retrieve produces the right bite. Which brings me to one of the best lessons I’ve learned: sometimes you’ve got to break your own rules. On a recent quarter-moon tide, I worked a shallow grass at with two rods rigged identically except for lure color. One was white with a limetreuse tail, the other pumpkinseed with green glitter. Early on, the reds were all over the pumpkinseed, inhaling it on a fast, steady retrieve just under the surface. But when I noticed trout feeding nearby, I switched things up. Instead of swimming the bait, I bounced it hard o the bottom, fast twitches with short pauses. Suddenly, the trout lit up, and they showed a clear preference for the white limetreuse. at day drove home an important point: don’t get stuck on what’s working. Change the speed, change the color, change the action — sometimes even when the bite is good, it can get better. Covering the same water with di erent retrieves or presentations lets you unlock what di erent species want, even when they’re feeding in the same spot.
So, as October cools the air and the marsh lls with life, keep your tackle simple but your approach exible. Target those pinch points on a falling tide, let the sh tell you what retrieve they want, and don’t be afraid to experiment. e sh are hungry, the weather is kinder, and it’s the perfect time to grab a kid, a paddle tail, and make some memories.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
CAPE CANAVERAL
OCTOBER
PORT CANAVERAL OFFSHORE
FORECAST
For those of you that have been waiting to catch something other than kings, AJs and tarpon—or I should say, take some fish home for dinner because you can’t eat a king or AJ...but let’s not even go there—wait no longer as the fall run is upon us.
October is a great time of year to target the fish that migrated north in the springtime that are now migrating back south. Mahi-mahi, wahoo, blackfins and sails will start to show up. We’ve already started seeing many green fish hit the fish boards along with many blackfins. Nothing huge, but a few decent ones for sure. King fishing (the best fishing around) starts to heat up again as well. Although November is historically the timeframe that the larger schools come in, this is when they’ll start showing up.
The fall run is generally not as great as the spring run, but it’s still usually awesome fishing. It seems like many fish are being caught shallow and on slow trolled live bunker while king fishing. Now is the time to start rigging your ballyhoo and concentrating on the temperature breaks and weed lines again. Start out in 100 foot or so, then go deeper. Don’t pass fish to find fish. Be sure to put out some naked ballyhoo for the sails. And don’t forget the shotgun rig. Wire rigged and sent way out there, black and purples work well.
Continue to use live bunker and mullet working the regular reefs. Don’t pass up the wrecks. Chances are if there’s piles of bait on it then something’s there.
Beach fishing is heating up as well near Port Canaveral. The mullet run is in full swing and I know many are taking advantage of the nice weather and bait on the beaches right now catching pompano, flounder, snook and whiting. Sharking from the beach is going off good too.
CAPT. CHRIS CAMERON
Fired Up Fishing Charters firedupcharters.com
sharkfishingcocoabeach.com (407) 222-3573
Mahi (above) and kings like these are starting to show up!
Infinite Possibilities.
The 2026 Cobia 245 CC
Engineered with Cobia’s signature ride quality, smart design, and the kind of versatility that adapts to every kind of adventure.
Whether you’re chasing the horizon or anchored up at the sandbar, this boat was built to do it all.
PORT CANAVERAL NEARSHORE
October is a fantastic time of year to fish the waters around the Port Canaveral area. Anglers can have 10- to 15-species days if they are properly rigged for all of the options that are afforded anglers along this portion of the Space Coast. Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, redfish, snook, tarpon, mangrove snapper, pompano, tripletail, black drum and a few others can all be found along the seawalls, jetties and beaches here. A live shrimp is going to potentially catch all of these fish at the right time. Small goofy or nylon jigs, spoons and size 8 or 10 Rapala X-Rap lipped diving plugs are good options as well for the smaller fish mentioned. The larger fish will strike fingerling mullet, menhaden, croakers and pinfish in the daytime, and medium-sized swim baits like the Saltwater Assassin Artemis Shad or Storm 5- to 6-inch models at night. Overall, this is one of the best months of the year to go catching along the central Brevard County coast, so get out there and do it! If you need help locating fish or learning the proper techniques to get your rod bent, please feel free to give me a call or check my website for available dates so that we can go do this together.
19-pound tripletail ate a live shrimp.
BREVARD COASTAL ANGLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Capt. Glyn Austin
Capt. Lukas Brickweg
Capt. Chris Cameron
Capt. Scott Goodwin
If
love the outdoors and dream of being in business for yourself, now is the perfect time to choose a Coastal Angler or The Angler Magazine Franchise.
Charlie McCullough
Capt. Jim Ross
Capt. Michael Savedow
Capt. Jamie Thrappas
ST. JOHNS RIVER
October is transition time for fishing around Central Florida. In the month of October we experience the highest water levels all year in the St. Johns River system. Love bugs and the first cold front bring in the fall season. The transition for freshwater fishing is happening—the noon bite has begun.
Bass will readily take spinner baits, rattling crankbaits, topwater chuggers, and soft plastic worms and swimbaits. The pastures along the river are flooded, this means bass have many places to hide. With high water levels, look for feeding largemouth bass in shallow, two feet or less.
FORECAST
Crappies in the early season congregate in the lakes, and move into the deep river bends after the second major cold front. To catch crappie, simply tie a 1/8 ounce curly tail jig on 8 lb. test monofilament and tip with a minnow. Take that minnow-tipped jig to the up-wind side of the lake and slowly troll it behind the boat fishing with the wind at about 1.2 mph. Vary your speeds between 1.0 and 1.6 mph and find the speed the fish like. The more rods you can deploy, the better. When you catch a fish, mark the spot on your GPS. When you get to the other side of the lake, go back and repeat, making sure to troll over your newly-found crappie spots.
Crappies will congregate in the same area with up to 50 fish or more schooled up for the spawn.
For those fishing saltwater in October, check out the new Ugly Stik Carbon Inshore rod. You will find them easily on the rod rack; they are light blue with a black butt. This rod has an excellent feel to it, stiff backbone and fast action tip. My new go-to setup with a Penn 3000 Fierce IV spinning reel has already landed snook, redfish and trout.
CHARLIE McCULLOUGH
Coastal Angler Magazine charlie@coastalanglermagazine.com
Tired of worrying about your cell phone slipping, falling, or getting damaged while you’re out on the water?
Hold Fast Pro provides the must-have boat accessory that gives you exactly what you need—a STRONG HOLD and FAST ACCESS to your cell phone.
Built to handle the water, salt, and sun, our adjustable boat phone holder boasts a secure design, versatile features, universal fit, and the ultimate in durability and convenience.
Brian Harford with a huge St. Johns crappie.
By Scott Goodwin
CHARNA BLACK: Giving Gyotaku a Go
Merritt Island’s Charna Black has grown up fishing both inshore and offshore with her dad, Peter Black. Being immersed in the sport and surrounded by water, fishing has definitely made an impression on Charna. In addition to catching fish, Charna became interested in the ancient Japanese technique of making fish impressions with ink and paper called “Gyotaku.” With access to piscatorial subjects from her fishing adventures and inspiration from talking to Lisa Lee in Islamorada, Florida, it was only natural that she would give it a go.
“My first introduction to gyotaku was while admiring the work of Lisa Lee at her studio in the Keys,” said Charna. “Her art is very detailed and I thought the process was a great way to capture the memory of a large or special fish.”
Gyotaku is done by actually applying the paint to a fresh fish and then carefully laying paper or fabric on top to transfer the fish’s shape to the fabric. Charna commented, “It looked fairly easy in videos on the web, but I quickly realized it was much harder than it looked. My first print
was on a kingfish and I used way too much paint on the first attempts. As I did a few more fish, I got better but I’m still trying to figure out what kinds of paint or paper to use. Another challenge is setting up the fins and keeping the fish from sweating when it comes out of the ice. I still have many questions, but with every print I learn more and more.”
To date, Charna has printed yellowtail snapper, kingfish, snowy grouper, swordfish parts
and a pomfret. “My favorite print so far was the pomfret because of the unique shape and very large eyes”, said Charna. “I really want to print a bull dolphin because it is a staple fish here in Florida. I would also love to do a snook or a redfish.”
Many artists do Gyotaku and each finds a way to add their own twist or unique touch to the process. I have no doubt that Charna will find a way to add her own as well.
BOAT AND ENGINE REPAIRS
*Limited Time Offer—Call Today!
Marker 24 Marina’s staff of trained experts specializes in helping boaters like you continue to make lasting memories on the water. From the controls and rigging to additional technologies and post-purchase support, we’ll help you every step of the way. Take advantage of our affordable services and enjoy increased performance, reliability and peace of mind on the water.
FORECAST BANANA RIVER
It’s hard to believe the fall season is upon us and even harder since it’s still 90-degrees and Florida humid, but a change of season is coming. Fall is an exciting time for fishing too. As the water cools, the fishing heats up.
Water levels are up from frequent rains which not only cools it, but allows fish like snook and reds to move up into the mangrove shorelines and dead wood structures where much of the summer was too shallow for them to reach. Flowing creeks and culverts can be a magnet for tarpon, snook and reds. Add in the fact that the mullet run is flooding our waterways with prime baits, and anglers can expect a fall bonanza of fishing opportunities. The rains have triggered some algae blooms, but clean water pockets are moving around and present the best bite when you find them.
Trout, ladyfish and jacks have also been providing some exciting action on the flats in 3 to 5 feet of water. Feeding birds can be a telltale sign that these ferocious schooling fish have found schools of bait to attack. Topwater and jigs fished fast will entice vicious strikes.
Good luck when you go!
CAPT. SCOTT GOODWIN
Marker 24 Marina www.marker24marina.com (321) 453-7888
Preventative Maintenance • Complete Rebuilds All Trailer Types Serviced
PARTS
Marine Grade Stainless Steel Parts Custom Axles • Accessories Large Parts Inventory For All Trailer Types.
Aluminum Boat, Pontoon, PWC Trailers Available as well as Utility, Equipment, Dump And Enclosed Trailers.
Kelby Canada got this red while fishing with friends on the Banana River.
COASTAL ANGLER BRAG BOARD
Dave Travers landed this 33-inch snook freelining a live finger mullet in the Melbourne Beach surf.
Steven F. caught this 35-inch red on the Indian River in Melbourne with a live mullet, walking the bait out 50 feet. Said it was a tank — at least 30 lbs.
Gabe Glas with his first overslot snook of this season, caught on a live target mullet swimming right next to the Cocoa Beach Pier.
Nine-year-old Gage Jaffe caught this snook on a topwater lure mid morning on the IRL in Sebastian.
Rose Balsamo recently reeled in a savage 37-inch barracuda near Port Canaveral under the blazing Florida sun. Said she had zero fear — and all the thrills!
Michael O’Gorman and friends caught and released this big bull shark from Sebastian inlet, hooking up to it on the south jetty. @rampmonsters
First bull red for Tyler Clement and Britney Brown. The 46-inch monster was caught on a live croacker. After about a 10 minute fight, it was photographed and released.
Blair Dribben and son Noa landed this solid 36-inch snook during the recent mullet run in Satellite Beach. Noa castnetted the finger mullet, sent the bait just outside of the trough and hooked up this beauty on a 8‛ Penn rod and reel combo. Was a great morning full of big smiles.
GET YOUR BRAGGIN’ ON!
Upload your high-quality photos (at least 1MB) with all the catch details at:
FORECAST SPACE COAST SURF FISHING
As the fall season takes hold along Florida’s Space Coast, transition brings opportunity for multiple target species. This is the month when cooler water temps, shorter days, and migrating baitfish set the table for an action-packed bite from the sand.
Whether you’re a seasoned surf angler or just getting your feet wet, October offers great water quality and temperatures, and it’s the time Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters starts gearing up for the full-on fall frenzy.
Fall Pompano Start Showing Up
One of the most anticipated arrivals in October is the early wave of Florida pompano. These highly-prized fish are beginning their southern migration from the northern Gulf and Atlantic, and many stop off the Space Coast beaches to feed. While November often brings the peak of the run, October offers a shot at larger “first-run” pompano; they’re usually scattered—but aggressive. Look for them on the rising tide during calm surf days. Target deeper cuts and sloughs between the sandbars with Fishbites (pink shrimp or electric chicken), sand fleas or fresh shrimp. A double-drop pompano rig with bright floats—orange, chartreuse, or pink—increases visibility and attracts bites in the stirred-up water.
Whiting and Croaker Bite is Strong
While pompano may still be hit or miss early in the month, whiting and croaker provide steady
action throughout October. These two species are often found tight to the shore—especially around the first trough—and are a great option for anglers of all ages.
Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters recommends light tackle setups with #2 or #4 circle hooks and clam or shrimp-flavored Fishbites. On calmer days, a 1-2 oz pyramid sinker will hold bottom, but for rougher surf, upgrade to a Sputnik sinker to stay in the strike zone.
Black Drum, Redfish & the Bull Run
October also marks the start of the fall redfish and black drum push. You can expect to find slot and overslot reds cruising the troughs during early morning and late evening tides. Fresh cut mullet, blue crab chunks and shrimp are top choices for these bruisers. Use heavier gear—10 to 12 ft. surf rods with 30-40 lb. leader—to handle the powerful runs of these fish.
Big black drum begin to show up in similar areas, often mixing in with redfish schools or holding near structure like rock piles or trough drop-offs.
Bonus Species and Bait Movements
October’s mullet run continues strong through much of the month, attracting predators like bluefish, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, and even snook into the surf zone. Keep a casting setup ready—silver spoons, jerkbaits, and Got-Cha plugs are excellent for tossing into bait pods and explosive surface activity.
Final Cast
October surf fishing on the Space Coast is all about transition and opportunity. Cooler weather, baitfish migrations and the early arrival of game fish make this month a favorite among beach anglers and guides alike. Whether you’re targeting pompano on light tackle or soaking cut bait for big reds, October is a month full of surprises and solid action.
Book a local guide like Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters or grab your gear and hit the sand. Fall fishing is just getting started!
CAPT. LUKAS BRICKWEG
Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters cocoabeachsurffishingcharters.com (321) 205-4672
SEBASTIAN INLET TO EAU GALLIE CAUSEWAY
The mullet run should be in full swing through October. As long as the weather holds up and it isn’t too rough, the beaches are the place to be. Most bait runs were late this year and the mullet run will most likely be delayed a bit as well, however, when they show up, expect consistent action on tarpon, snook, sharks, jack crevalle and kingfish that are following the schools of bait looking for that easy meal. Fish the snook and jacks by fishing the trough running parallel to the shore along the beach. Fishing for tarpon and sharks, the best bet is to use live bait and fish the outer edges of the bait pods. The Rapala X-Rap Long Cast in size 14 will be an excellent hard bait to use when targeting the bait pods. I also like to use Hogy eeels, as well as D.O.A. Swimmin’ Mullet and Bait Buster lures during the mullet run along the beaches.
Anglers looking for flounder inshore, as well as trout, snook and redfish, should have plenty of opportunity to catch good fish in the lagoon and near the inlets. I like to fish the mangrove shorelines with Rapala’s Mooch Minnow soft plastic baits on 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigheads depending on depth, and the D.O.A. Shad Tail and jerk baits for the flounder inshore. Fish them slow along the shorelines, pitching them under the mangrove roots. Docks and spoil islands will also hold some good fish. Rapala’s X-Rap Twitchin’ Minnow and Mullet are both good hard baits to target inshore fish around docks and spoil islands as well. Live bait anglers will have the best success with live
finger mullet, however live shrimp and pigfish will work too.
The mullet in the creeks from Melbourne down to Sebastian will keep the gamefish in there through the month as long as we don’t get too much rain. Fish the docks and oyster bars that are loaded with bait using topwater baits early, switching to subsurface baits later in the day. Snook will be plentiful, and tarpon will be in the deeper
channels of the creeks. Live finger mullet is a great bait, or give your favorite soft plastic lure on a 3/8or 1/2-ounce jighead a shot in the deeper water along the shoreline drop-offs.
CAPT. GLYN AUSTIN Going Coastal Charters
Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.
Devlin (left) and Bennett caught some nice beach tarpons before the mullet run!
EDGEWATER BACKCOUNTRY FORECAST
Fall weather patterns in October bring the first cool fronts of the season, pushing south through Central Florida and bringing breezes off the ocean after a summer of calm mornings. Water levels rise in the Intracoastal Waterway and Mosquito Lagoon. Early morning topwater lures with a louder rattle work best in breezy, choppy water. With higher water on the flats in the Edgewater backcountry and lagoon, fish close to shorelines where skinny-water fish prowl for food. Tail-hooked finger mullet or mud minnows fished tight to oyster bars, mangroves and shallow flats in 12–18 inches of water produce reds, trout and snook. On lower tides, target oyster and mangrove edges.
The fall mullet run should be in full swing on the beach, inlet, and ICW, with gamefish busting schools. Jack crevalle and bluefish drive much of this surface action, and a live mullet or topwater lure is best for quick hookups. Ponce Inlet draws attention for spawning redfish averaging 20–40 lbs. They feed on drifting blue crabs, mullet and baitfish pulled through the inlet on outgoing tides. Boats can drift or anchor along the western entrance, inner channel edges, or jetty tip. These oversized fish are catch-and-release only—use heavier tackle for quick fights and healthy releases. Hold fish horizontally for photos, never by the jaw. Snook,
tarpon and sharks are also likely here on live bait.
This is the time for trophy mangrove snapper, which have grown in the backwaters all season and are moving offshore. The inlet, jetties, New Smyrna docks, bridges, the ICW, and Edgewater backcountry are all prime spots. Use larger baits— shrimp, finger mullet, or cut bait—to target bigger
fish. Minimum size is 10” with a 5-perperson limit.
Dock light fishing heats up in fall. Oak Hill and Edgewater lights hold trout and snook, with outgoing tides best. Free-lined live shrimp are the top choice. Closer to the inlet, New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet lights often hold blues, jacks and occasional snook, while ladyfish feed heavily outside the lights along the ICW. Shrimp, lures or fly casting all work well.
Cooling, clearing water brings variety to the backwaters. Resident trout, snook, redfish, mangroves and black drum mix in with migrating bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, tarpon and pompano. Live bait options include shrimp, mullet, pigfish, pinfish or mud minnows, free-lined or lightly weighted for holes and channels. Lure anglers can throw topwaters early, then switch to subsurface twitch baits, spoons or 1/8– to 1/16-oz. jigs once the sun is up.
Redfish remain protected (zero bag limit) south of the SR44 bridge in New Smyrna Beach, and flounder season closes October 15.
CAPT. MICHAEL SAVEDOW
Edgewater River Guide EdgewaterRiverGuide.com (386) 689-3781
Backwaters black drum.
October is, by far, my favorite month of the year to fish. It’s also my favorite month of the year in general, weather-wise, but when it comes to fishing the inlet, it doesn’t get any better. Bull redfish and snook are the main targets in October, but I’ll also go after a few silver kings when we see them blowing up the baitfish. With the mullet run in full swing at the beginning of the month, using them as bait will almost certainly get you a pull on the end of the line.
For bull reds, I use 40 lb. fluoro with about a 3to 4-oz. egg weight on a Carolina rig, and I prefer a 4/0 offset circle hook. These fish are on the bottom, so 24” to 30” of leader is just about right. I don’t like using only one type of bait since you never know what the fish want, so take some pinfish, blue crabs or croakers if you can get them. If you’re marking fish and not getting a bite, then try cut mullet, or if you happen to get a ladyfish, cut it up—you’ll be surprised how fast they eat it. I’ve even had days where I’m marking fish, tried everything I could think of, then cut up a bluefish, and BAM—fish on!
Snook are usually on fire in October as well. I’ll use similar baits as above, minus the blue crabs and cut bait. The difference is snook aren’t always on the bottom, so you have to use less weight and drift the baits along the structure, like the jetty or docks. I also like longer leaders for snook, around 36” to 40”+, and I’ll dial it down to 25 lb. fluorocarbon with a 3/0 offset circle hook. Drifting outgoing tides at the inlet is a great way to get hooked up, but
you also have to keep in mind you’re going to snag a bunch, so don’t get caught without enough tackle!
If you want to experience some of the best fishing our area has to offer, I highly recommend fishing in October. From shore, boat or kayak, I think you’ll really enjoy this time of year—you just have to get out there. If you’d like to come along and see what it’s all about, give us a call to set up your trip! As always, if you see us out there, say hello!
MARISPEAK NAVIGATIONAL APP
Coastal Angler recently had the opportunity to speak with Evan alas, CEO of alas Apps, to discuss Marispeak (short for Maritime Speak) to see what all the chatter and excitement was about regarding the new Marispeak navigational app. Four years into the making, this new app instantly turns your phone into a maritime communication and information center, allowing clear and secure messaging, maps, water depths, weather information and more. It also enables a push to talk “Walkie Talkie” feature, and audio/video calls for quick communication with anyone using the Marispeak App, once they have been added to your private group, or with any user in the help group.
Some key features of the Marispeak App.
• Nautical Maps Overlay - Displays shipping channels, buoys and channel markers
• Realtime AIS Data - Displays vessels on a map in realtime.
• Plotter - Displays your boat’s current position in real time, allowing recording and retrieval.
• Water Depths
• Speed Indicator
• AI-Arti cial Intelligence Module - Allows you to verbally ask boating, shing and marine life related questions, and receive spoken answers from MariSpeak AI.
• Help Feature - Communicate with other Marispeak users and request assistance
• Real Time Tracker Device - Tracks your boat if it has been stolen.
According to Evan, his previous positions as National Business Development Manager for Uniden Australia, and Account Manager for ICOM Australia, enabled him to understand the need for an economical and easy to use navigational and communication device for the marine industry. Evan received assistance for the UI (User Interface) design from Nikolaus Hema, a Graduate of Distinction from Swinburne University in Australia with a master’s degree in design digital research, specialising in research in arti cial intelligence. Evan set out to revolutionize the boating/navigational industry, by utilizing high tech functionality with low tech use applications. is was no easy task. Developing this app for a global audience required years of painstaking e ort from the team.
Now fully tested and available through the APP Stores, this app is a “must have” for all boaters of any size vessel including kayaks and canoes.
Coastal Angler Magazine salutes Marispeak for their monumental accomplishment which we believe is destined to change the boating industry.
Durable boat lifts expertly designed with Florida in mind.
ShoreStation hydraulic boat lifts are a reliable choice for coastal residents and boating enthusiasts alike. Their strong construction, made with corrosion-resistant materials, allows them to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including sun, storms, and saltwater damage. ShoreStation provides a steadfast solution for protecting waterfront investments, o ering peace of mind to owners in the Sunshine State.
Under Deck Boat Lift
Four Piling Boat Lift
Deck Over Boat Lift
REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy Cover
Equipped with exceptional weather resistant fabric and breathable SunTex 80 woven mesh ends for maximum protection and durability,
Quickly Secures Boat
Made from the highest quality materials, our innovative hydraulic boat lift is one of the fastest and safest lifts on the market today. When you have a hydraulic lift, there’s no need to worry about wind and waves getting in your way. This lift will give you con dence to safely land and secure your boat in less-than-ideal conditions.
Solar Battery Charging System
Never miss another moment on the water. Power your lift with clean, free solar power. Our speedy 20 watt charger features solar regulator drainage protection, saving your battery from permanent damage caused by overcharging.
GO RED IN OCTOBER
October has traditionally been one of my favorite months of the year for a number of species, but especially for grouper. I’ve always said that Christmas week is the apex of grouper fishing…and it is. I’ve also said that there is a mental hierarchy in grouper, with gags being at the top and reds being at the bottom. I could catch a red grouper on a wooden dowel rod with menhaden oil on it and a hook attached…and that is not an exaggeration.
I hate to be repetitive, but a live pinfish on a Squid Decoy Jig is a dead ringer for red grouper (and all grouper for that matter). If you have the ability to keep a pinfish trap in the water, I would strongly suggest securing several dozen pinfish to take bottom fishing. Everything out there eats them, not to mention they are very hardy and will live all day in the livewell. Red grouper, gags and scamps all view pinfish the same as sailor’s choice and other small snappers as egg eaters. If for no other reason, they will eat them just to kill them, so they don’t eat their eggs. Frozen cigar minnows and sardines have caught more grouper (historically) than all the other baits combined. That’s what they eat!
Tim Barefoot
ice, fuel or weather.
We always had hundreds of pounds of (frozen) cigs and sardines, so let’s not get too carried away with the bait selection. Frozen cigs get the job done, but now that I’m fishing the super stealth decoy
10 seconds. Nothing down there can resist it. Period.
As I always say, “Find the bait, find the fish.” Yes, I like to fish structure like ledges, wrecks or live bottom, but the main ingredient is food. If you mark big stacks of cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc., it’s always a good idea to fish below that, and keep the light line out on the surface or near the surface for all the pelagics. We have vast areas of sand bottom with no structure whatsoever. We just fished big stacks of bait and caught them GOOD! Red grouper can be caught in most depths of water. From as shallow as 15 feet on the Atlantic side to 400 feet and beyond. The only problem with fishing this style of jig and minnow combination is that you are definitely gonna catch gags, scamps, blacks— and those “endangered” American red snapper.
jig/bait combination, I do love a live pinfish or other live baits.
Please take a descending device and familiarize yourself with how to use it.
I guess that’s why I’m writing this article featuring red grouper this month; because that’s about all we have to fish for this time of year. So get out there with some pinfish and frozen minnows and harvest the red grouper and scamps.
On a commercial fishing trip (many years ago), if you ran out of any one of these four things, it would send you back to the Hill: bait,
With that all being said, don’t ever pass up the opportunity to jig up live cigs and sardines for the ULTIMATE combo! The life expectancy of a live cig or sardine on a Decoy Jig is under
Take your kids fishing, too, and make plenty of videos and photos that’ll last a lifetime.
Learn more from Tim Barefoot on his YouTube channel and at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
Oh, Snap! Chasing Giants in The Keys
By Astrid deGruchy
When it comes to snapper fishing, the Florida Keys are hard to beat. From shallow mangroves to deep wrecks, these waters hold everything from tasty keepers to tackle-busting giants, and the right gear makes all the difference.
shrimp, pilchards, or cut ballyhoo for consistent action. Downsizing leader in clear water is key. On the reef edge, Yellowtail snapper are Keys gold. Target them from spring through fall using a PENN Slammer IV 4500 with 15 lb mono. Set a steady chum slick and free-line white baits like pilchards on a Mustad 1/0 J-hook. Keep your presentation natural since yellowtails spook easily.
For heavier hitters, Mutton snapper shine during the late spring and early summer full moons. Use a PENN Authority 5500 matched with 30 lb mono leaders and Mustad 3/0 to 4/0 circle hooks (Big Guns are the best). Drift live pinfish or pilchards back naturally, and be ready, when a mutton eats, it’s all power. For something more regal, head deep for queen snapper, the true royalty of the snapper world. These stunning red fish haunt 500-1,000 feet down along the continental shelf. A PENN Fathom II paired with 40 lb braid and a Mustad 6/0 circle hook tipped with squid or bonita chunks gets it done. Most anglers opt for electric reels, but handcranking one up is a badge of honor.
Mangrove snappers are the everyday staple, found year-round around bridges, mangroves, and patch reefs. Light tackle with a PENN Spinfisher VI or Battle III 3500 with 20-25 lb mono gets the job done. Use live
WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?
Then there’s the ultimate test: the Cubera snapper. Capt. Kody (@capt_kody) recently put me on a 65-pound Cubera out of Key West. These brutes demand muscle, like PENN International 50VISX, 80-100 lb mono + Mustad 12/0 circle hook type muscle. Summer full moons are prime, and whole lobsters are the bait of choice (yes, not cheap). Once you’re hooked up, it’s a brutal test of endurance, arguably the hardest fight you’ll experience on stand-up gear, especially when you’re handcranking every inch.
Out here, every snapper tells a story… from the quick hits of mangroves to the heartpounding brawls with cubera beasts. We live for those moments, and now you can too. Follow the journey on Bean Sportfishing TV on YouTube. If you are interested in a Cubera Trip, reach out to Capt. Kody Michael on Instagram (@capt_kody) or go to reel-guides.com
SPEND LESS TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing
It’s no fish tale when you run with a John Deere. You can get everything done faster and easier, so you get more time on the water. Plus, our special offers make them the catch of the day.
THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS: Naturally in Rhythm ~ and
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands embody a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and laid-back serenity. These islands are more than just a picturesque getaway; they are a living testament to nature’s rhythm and resilience, effortlessly in tune with the world around them.
With no passport required for U.S. citizens, from the moment you arrive, the islands’ natural rhythm is palpable. The gentle sway of palm trees, the soothing sound of surf crashing against sandy shores, and the vibrant melodies of local music all echo the heartbeat of this tropical paradise. The islands’ lush landscapes, with their verdant hills and crystal-clear waters, mirror the steady pulse of life that sustains the local ecosystems and communities alike.
The US Virgin Islands’ environment is a symphony of biodiversity with world class fishing and diving. These natural elements are not static; they dance in harmony, influenced by the tides, wind, and seasonal changes—further emphasizing the islands’ intrinsic rhythm. This delicate balance underscores the importance of conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations continue to experience the islands’ natural cadence.
Culturally, the US Virgin Islands are equally in tune. The music, dance and festivals reflect a vibrant heritage rooted in African, European and Caribbean traditions. The spirited calypso beats
and reggae rhythms are expressions of life's ongoing dance—celebrating resilience, community and joy. These cultural expressions are an extension of the islands’ natural rhythm, showcasing how human life here moves seamlessly with nature’s flow.
In a world often dictated by chaos and rapid change, the US Virgin Islands serve as a reminder of the beauty of being in sync with nature’s tempo. Their natural, cultural and ecological rhythms offer
a blueprint for sustainable living and harmony. As travelers and residents alike continue to embrace this rhythm, they uphold a legacy of balance—one that celebrates life’s natural flow and the enduring spirit of these remarkable islands. In the US Virgin Islands, being in rhythm
way of life.
North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest Trout Season Begins October 1
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will implement Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations on 33 trout waters beginning Oct. 1. Under Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations, only catch-and-release of trout is permissible from program waters between Oct. 1 and June 5, 2026. No natural bait may be possessed, and anglers can fish only with artificial lures with one single hook. An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell. NCWRC staff stock Delayed Harvest Trout Waters from fall through spring with high densities of trout to increase anglers’ chances of catching trout. Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, posted with diamond-shaped, black-andwhite signs, are popular fishing destinations for anglers who enjoy catchand-release trout fishing. Anglers should be aware that stocking locations along streams may be different than in the past due to hurricane damage impacting the stocking truck and angler access.
For more information on trout fishing and stocking, visit ncwildlife.gov/trout and to follow the progress of the Setzer renovation, visit ncwildlife.gov/setzer.
