Coastal Angler Magazine | October 2025 | Greater Orlando Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

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.

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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.

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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.

Hosted in Downtown Sanford with Hosted in Downtown Sanford with

17th annual

OCT

11th

17th Annual Shad & Crappie Derby is Coming!

PARTS

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We Have Aluminum Boat, Pontoon, PWC Trailers Available as well as Utility, Equipment, Dump And Enclosed Trailers.

On November 1st at daylight the 17th Annual Shad and Crappie Derby will begin. This “FREE” to enter event is the longest running fishing Derby here in the Central Florida area! Both Adult and Youth (under 16 yrs.) divisions, so any angler can catch a winner. There will 25 plus sign-up locations all throughout the 4 counties of Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola, also a few in Volusia County. This is a catch, photo and release type fishing derby. You upload your catch photo to our Official-Site for the judges to review and we will post the angler’s photo holding their catch for our loyal readers and followers to view. The biggest fish of the month of either species will win a nice prize as well as the overall Grand Champs at the completion of the event. The last day to compete this season is February 28th 2026 till posted sunset time. Once you register at one of the sign-up locations you will get this seasons’ photo token and our official measuring ruler. Celery City Craft in Downtown Sanford will be hosting an early registration event as usual the last Tuesday of October the 28th at 630 pm, stop by to see and get signed up.

All of the prizes for the monthly winners and Grand Champs get donated by product sponsors like Academy Sports and Outdoors, Tackle and Cooler Webs, B n M Poles, HH Rods and Reels, Flying Fisherman, Jenko Fishing, TTI Blakemore, Road-Runner Baits, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Fish on Fire Restaurant, Huey Magoos Restaurant as well as a few others. Grand Champs of both divisions get a bunch of goodies and several gift cards, all for FREE! We are excited to once again showcase the Central Florida’s best areas for catching winning Shad and Crappie. The biggest Crappie usually get caught early in the season as they are already getting fat for this year’s spawning cycles. They usually move shallow around the full and New Moon phases and are easier to catch. Shad usually arrive about the middle December and fishing for them gets best later in January until event concludes.

Come and join our hard-core anglers that show up for our early registration event every year, have a cold adult beverage with us and share a story (lies) with us and be ready to catch a winner on opening day, hope to see you there! Please share this with 5 anglers to keep our event growing.

The Derby is Coming, The Derby is Coming!!

What: 17th Annual Shad & Crappie Derby Early Registration Meeting

Where: Celery City Craft, Sanford FL

When: Tuesday Oct 28th at 630pm

ORLANDO

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. Crappies in the early season congregate in the lakes, they 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 minnowtipped 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. 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. Charlie’s new go to setup with a Penn 3000 Fierce spinning reel has already landed snook, redfish, and trout.

With all the rain from last month the water levels are high and finding areas with moving water has been easy. Moving water pushes the bait up and once you find the bait the bass are closeby. Faster moving baits have been getting the best bites of late. Try a chatter-bait, medium size swim bait and the old stand-by rattle trap. As the days continue to get shorter and the daytime temperatures cooler the bass all throughout the chain are starting their fall transition. The first cold fronts are soon to be here along with northern winds. Bass will be heading towards the pre-spawning and staging areas over the next few months of moon phases. The areas to look for are near the mouths of the canals and rivers, grass lines close to both deeper waters, and near shallow flats or edges of Kissimmee grass. Look for schooling bass chasing bait shad and match their size. Top

water plugs like a pencil popper or Zara Spook Jr. will work best early and later in the day. The younger and more aggressive buck bass will head to the shallows with the coming Full and New moons searching for areas for the big females to join them to spawn. Both mouths of the Dead River, Haines Creek, Apopka, and Dora canals are places to check. Once you get a bite slow down and fish the area thoroughly.

The crappie bite will also be getting better as the temperatures get cooler. The bigger females will follow the males to shallow water by the end of the month. Shallow flats with grass and lily pads and wood as well as docks all throughout the chain will be areas to check. Try different depths for your baits until you start getting bit. Try jigs in assorted colors tipped with a minnow or a live minnow under a cork until you see what they want best. The 17th Annual Shad and Crappie Derby starts in November, you can register at Owen’s Fishing & Marine in Eustis, Lakeside Bait and Tackle in Tavares or Nobles Marine in Leesburg, it is “FREE” to enter.

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Has Everything Central Florida Anglers Need!

Operating in Oviedo, Florida for almost three decades, and in the rod building and tackle business for almost 50 years, Mud Hole is Central Florida’s Premier Full-Service Tackle Center. While they have focused primarily on custom rod building and tackle crafting over the majority of that time, Mud Hole recently relaunched their impressive Oviedo showroom with an amazing array of fishing gear and tackle.

Whether you’re targeting reds in the Indian River Lagoon, going offshore for big snapper, or hitting Headwaters for lunker largemouth, Mud Hole carries the rods, reels, lines, lures, tackle, and apparel for all of Florida’s favorite fisheries. They have a wide selection of your favorite brands, including Shimano, Daiwa, AFTCO, NLBN, FREE FLY, Marsh Wear, 6th Sense, Gambler Lures, Z-Man, Buzbe, Zoom, Yamamoto, and so many more! Mud Hole even offers boat accessories and line spooling – so you can hit the water ready to fish!

Mud Hole is also the world leader in custom rod building. So, if you want to learn a new craft, Mud Hole offers professional rod building classes in their Oviedo Rod Building Education Center. Plus, they carry all the tools, equipment, and supplies you need to build your own custom rods. They even have rod building kits that make it easy for beginners to get started in this rewarding hobby. Hook, line, and sinker, Mud Hole has everything you need to outfit your next fishing adventure. Make sure to stop by and see what all the excitement is about. And if you’re out-of-town, check out Mud Hole online at MudHole.com for the same amazing selection!

Mud Hole Tackle

2133 Component Loop, Suite 1001 Oviedo, FL 32765

866-790-7637

Boat Dealers New & Consignment Sales

Boat Dealers New & Consignment

1 - Astor Marine (352) 759-3655 24535 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102 www.astormarine.com

Astor Marine (352) 759-3655

24535 FL-40, Astor FL www.astormarine.com

Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes (877) 800-1492

6 - Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes (877) 800-1492 12307 Wedgefield Drive , Grand Island, FL 32735

12307 Wedgefield Dr., Grand Island, FL

AT Trailer (407) 892-1100

CJS Aluminum Inc.

31 - Pyramid Cabinets (407) 947-8499 451 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, FL 32808 www.codepyramid.com

31 - Pyramid Cabinets (407) 947-8499

451 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, FL 32808 www.codepyramid.com

210 N. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, FL CF (407) 281-9210 Spacecoast (321) 345-2011 www.cjsaluminum.com

Nobles Marine (352) 787-5792

437 N Palmetto St., Leesburg, FL

2 - Nobles Marine (352) 787-5792 437 N Palmetto St, Leesburg, FL 34748 or 1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River www.noblesmarine.com

1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL www.noblesmarine.com

3 - Craig Catamaran (407) 290-8778 4333 Silver Star Rd. #100 Orlando, FL 32808

Craig Catamaran (407) 290-8778

4333 Silver Star Rd. $100 Orlando, FL

4 - Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778 www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

30 - Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311 6304 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando FL 32807 Full Service Mechanics

Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311

6304 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL Full Service Mechanics

25 - Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262 1021 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 www.centralfloridamarine.com

Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262 1021 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL www.centralfloridamarine.com

38 - Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111 3165 N John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32804 www.orlandoboatsales.com

Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111

3165 B. John Young Pkwy., Orlando, FL www.orlandoboatsales.com

24 - Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306 9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817 www.boatmaxusa.com

Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306

9700 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL www.boatmaxusa.com

46 - Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660 3455 S. Orlando Dr. Sanford, FL 32773 www.gibsontruckworld.com

Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660

3455 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL www.gibsontruckworld.com

14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL

60 - Next Level Inc.“Florida Marine Customs” (407) 704-5676 • 87 W. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806 info@floridamarinecustoms.com

Next Level Inc. “Florida Marine Customs” (407) 704-5676

87 W. Michigan St., Orlando FL info@floridamarinecustoms.com

Boat improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

36 - All American Marine (407) 855-9988 7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando FL 32809 www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

Boat Improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

All America Marine (407) 855-9988

35 - All Star Marine (407) 423-9953 28 W Jersey St, Orlando, FL 32806 www.manta.com

7024 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL www.allamericanmarineorlando.net

Advanced Marine Services (407) 498-5142

1322 Carolina Ave., St. Cloud, FL advancedmarine.co

29 - Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117 4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804 www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117

32 - Portside Marine (407) 249-1124 2730 Forsyth Rd, Orlando, FL 32792 www.portsideorlando.com

4503 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL www.lakefairviewmarina.com

Portside Marina (407) 249-1124

2730 Forsyth Rd., Orlando, FL www.portsidemarina.com

23 - Talon Marine Services (407) 542-7600 439 Aulin Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765 www.talonmarineservices.com

Talon Marine Services (407) 542-7600 439 Aulin Ave., Orlando, FL www.talonmarineservices.com

20 - Team Marine Services (407) 260-8326 1350 28th Street, Orlando FL 32805 www.teammarineservices.com

Team Marine Services (407) 260-8236 1350 28th St., Orlando, FL www.teammarineservices.com

19 - Ahoy Marine (407) 323-8373 511 E 25th St, Sanford, FL 32771 www.superpages.com

Ahoy

(407) 323-8373

9 - Instant Insurance Agency (352) 735-5560 25833 State Road 46, Sorrento, FL 32776 www.instantinsuranceagency.com

4820 E. Irlo Brunson Memorial Hwy., St Cloud FL www.attrailercenter.com

34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250 231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, www.thomaslumber.com

34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250

231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, www.thomaslumber.com

A&H Storage (407) 678-0507

2500 N. Forsyth Rd., Orlando, FL www.AHStorage.co

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

Marinetec Systems (321) 363-6550 1061 TidenVille School Rd., Winter Garden FL www.marinetecsystems.com

15 - American Tackle Co. (800) 516-1750 2133 Component Loop, Suite 1031, Oveido, 32765 www.americantackle.us

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

5 - Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 1000 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778

American Tackle Co. (800) 516-1750 2133 Component Loop, Suite 1031, Oviedo, FL www.americantackle.us

7 - Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030 935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 1000 W. Burleigh Blvd., Taveres, FL

11 - Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort (386) 668-4491 488 W Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713 www.campresort.com

Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030 935 N. Bay St., Eustis, FL

14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

Highlands Marina & Camp Resort (336) 668-4491

488 W. Highbanks Rd., DeBary, FL www.campresort.com

21 - Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619 65 N US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750 www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 3370 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL www.boattree.com

43 - Academy Sports + Outdoors East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL

Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619

65 N. US Hwy 17-92, Longwood, FL www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

Lee Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Drive Orlando, FL Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way Orlando, FL Lake Mary 3641 Lake Emaa Road Lake Mary FL

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49 - Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL 32766 www.martintreeserviceinc.com

Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250

231 W. Gore St., Orlando, FL www.thomaslumber.com

50 - Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0016 285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

51 - Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397 3621 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL 32773 SR 436 Altamonte Springs East SR 50 Orlando www.vaporandco.com

Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL www.martintreeservice.com

Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0015

285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

Areas Best Picks for Restaurants

Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397

47 - Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554 4650 E State Rd 46, Geneva, FL 32732 www.thejollygator.com

47 - Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554

4650 E State Rd 46, Geneva, FL 32732 www.thejollygator.com

3621 S. orlando Dr., Sanford, FL SR 436, Altamonte Springs, FL East SR 50, Orlando, FL www.vaporandco.com

39 - Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881 7937 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32812 www.fishonfireorlando.com

Area Best Picks for Restaurants

Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554

40 - High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422 4645 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822 www.hightideharrys.com

4650 S. State Rd. 46, Geneva, FL www.thejollygator.com

Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881 7937Daetwyler Dr., Orlando, FL www.fishonfireorlando.com

33 - Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107 Aloma Square Shopping Center, 6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792 www.bostonsfishhouse.com

East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando Lee Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Dr., Orlando Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way, Orlando Lake Mary 3641 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary

45 - Wojo’s Bait & Tackle (407) 891-1003 Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769

48 - Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. (407) 447-7637 2133 Componet Loop Suite 1001, Oveido, FL 32765 www.mudhole.com

Wojo’s Bait & Tackle (407) 891-1003 Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St., St. Cloud, FL

56 - Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 www.orlandooutfitters.com

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. (407) 447-7637 2133 Component Loop Suite 1001, Oviedo, FL www.mudhole.com

High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422

17 - St. Johns River Steak & Seafood (407) 878-0980

4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL www.hightideharrys.com

550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107

37 - The Steer (407) 286-6802 8015 S. Orange Ave., Orlando FL

Aloma Square Shopping Center 6860 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL www.bostonsfishhouse.com

22 - Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6004 www.hueymagoos.com

22 - Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6004 www.hueymagoos.com 10 Locations – See our ad on Restaurant Page

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood (407) 878-0980

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Home Improvement Contractors & Service Providers

Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL www.orlandooutfitters.com

26 - DWR Plumbing LLC. (407) 293-3717 6344 All American Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810

27 - Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839 65 Harold Ave, suite B, Winter Park, FL 32789 www.orlandopaintingservice.com

Captain Troy Perez (321) 607-2033 capt.troyperez@gmail.com Mosquito Lagoon - Indian River - Port Canaveral

28 - Millennium Electric (407) 420-2001 4340 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804 www.millennium-electric.com

41 - Water Works Pressure Cleaning & Sealing (407) 376-9526

490 Buck Lake Lane, Geneva, FL 32732 www.jmwaterworksinc.com

Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839 65 Harold

550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL

13 - Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401 100 S White Cedar Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 www.camphousebarandgrill.com

Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6802 www.hueysmagoos.com

52 - The Deli (407) 332-8800 4360 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771

10 Locations - See our ad on restaurant page

Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401

53 - T J’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

100 S. White Cedar Rd., Sanford, FL www.camphousebarandgrill.com

197 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765 12231 E Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando(407) 250-4191 www.tjsseafoodshack.com

The Deli (407) 332-8800 4360 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL

54 - Oasis On The River (407) 636-6300 4380 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

TJ’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

54 - Oasis On The River (407) 636-6300 4380 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

197 E. Mitchell Hammock Rd., Oviedo, FL 12231 E. Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando, FL www.tjsseafoodshack.com

56 - Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541 114 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL 32771 celerycitycraft.com

Sanford Marina (407) 322-2910

531 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL

55 -West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475

Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.drinkatwestend.com

55 -West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475 202 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.drinkatwestend.com

Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541

114 Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL www.celerycitycraft.com

West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475

202 Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL www.drinkatwestend.com

Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes (877)800-1492

12307 Wedgefield Drive , Grand Island, FL 32735

Always Looking for Captains

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All American Marine 7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809 Phone: (407) 855-9988 www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

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Phone: (407) 295-0117 www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

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Nobles Marine

437 N Palmetto St, Leesburg, FL 34748 or 1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River Phone: (352) 787-5792 www.noblesmarine.com

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935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

Phone: (352) 357-3030

Saltwater Tackle & Bait - Ballyhoo, Freshwater Tackle - Live Bait - Wild Shiners

Costa - Shimano Top Shelf Dealer

Outboard Service & Boat Parts

Hunting & Snorkeling Accessories

Bow Fishing

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood 550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Phone: (407) 878-0980

On Water Location – Special Events – Full Bar – Steaks – Fresh Seafoodel

Triangle Marine 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778 Phone:(352) 343-6146 www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

Bennington Pontoons – TideWater Johnson – Evinrude – Yamaha

Boat Max USA 9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817 Phone: (321) 866-0306 www.boatmaxusa.com

Pioneer - Glasstream - Aquasport - Stottcraft New Boats Sales - Authorized Yamaha and Suzuki Dealer Parts and Service

Thomas Lumber Company 231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, Phone: (407) 841-1250 www.thomaslumber.com

Old Fashion Lumber Yard – Lumber – Trim –Custom Doors – Hardware – Delivery –Customer Service

Orlando Painting Service 65 Harold Ave, suite B, Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 407) 896-0839

East CoastTide Charts

West Lake Toho - The summer

West Lake Toho - The summer bass bite has been improving with the best times to fish in the

popping bug. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the popping bug get hit. Daytime anglers are catching good numbers fishing the shallow bedding areas. Bait of choice is crickets fished under a float.Another good area to fish is canals when the water is flowing, trolling will only trigger more bites. Crappie - Anglers are fishing open water for crappie using jigs tipped Anglers trolling jigs are catching good limits of crappie. The key is to find them

Big beetle spins and small M-5 Rapalas work best.

East Lake Toho - Bass fishing on East Lake has been good using artificial baits early morning. The best place to fish will be at the edges of the cattails. Then move to open water as the morning progresses. Most anglers are flipping open water pepper grass matts with good success. Fish the deeper edges of the grasswatermelon seed, Junebug, and red colors work best.

Bluegill - I have been trying a new tactic this summer. A good way to beat the heat.I have been fishing at nighttime in the canals using a fly rod, throwing popping bugs up against the bank. On a good moon

Panfish - Fish open water shell beds with red wigglers. If you are looking to fill the cooler for dinner, the open water shell beds are hard to beat.

Fall can be an interesting time for not only us east central Florida anglers, but also for the finned critters many of us like to chase. A bit of reprieve from the relentless heat is welcome to all. However, summers grip on the temperature is very hard to break. Regardless of what the thermometer reads change is in the air and coming fast. The shorting of days and lowering of the sun in the southern sky will usher in winter regardless if you have on a T-shirt or hoodie because it’s cool out. Every manner of predator in our waters takes note that the summer/fall time of plenty is coming to an end and they have to pack on some pounds to overcome the winter season. This means happy fish willing to eat. One of my favorite things to do this time of year is hunt our lagoon fish on artificial lures. Kayak, boat, take a wade, or off the dock, it doesn’t matter how you do it, and it doesn’t get much better than fooling some fish with lures. Top three in my tackle box is easy to pick and will cover just about any scenario. Top water plugs that make some noise, profile as a full meal, and designed to be retrieved in a walk-the-dog side to side style will get hit throughout the day. The Paddle tail soft plastic rigged on a jig head or weedless hook can be fished from the open water to trees and docks without missing a beat. This has a long-standing place as one of the most versatile artificial lures you could ever learn to use. I will always round out this top three with an artificial shrimp. You can go realistic like the DOA or Savage Gear or flip that coin with the Gulp shrimp that have a little less lifelike look but make up for that with powerful scent and flavor. The shrimp is at home being pitched under trees and docks or can even be fished under popping cork or bead adorned “clacker” bobber.

For those of you that have been waiting to catch something different, 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….Lets not even go there. Wait no longer as the fall run is upon us.

This is a great time of year to target the fish that migrated north in the springtime that now migrate back south (if in fact that’s what’s going on, who knows) mahi, wahoo, blackfins and sails will start to show up. We already started seeing many green fish hit the fish boards and many blackfins. Nothing huge but a few decent ones for sure. King fishing starts to heat up again as well. (best fishing around) Although November is historically the timeframe that the larger schools come in this is when they start showing up.

Troy Perez 321-607-2033 capt.troyperez@gmail.com

In October, the water is higher, and the water temperatures start to drop. Fish should be along the shorelines with the recent summer growth of grass in the Mosquito Lagoon. Fishing sand holes or against the shorelines in sandy areas will be your best bet for catching redfish, black drum, trout and snook. Capt. Troy uses a 1/8 oz. Mission Fishing Jig with a paddle tail or Gulp shrimp. The grass has been very thick this year which is great for the habitat but forcing anglers to use weedless hooks, jerk baits, and gold spoons. If using bait, freeline shrimp in the sand holes and shoreline - cut bait works well on windy days. One of the most important things about using cut bait or live shrimp is not to drag the bait or you will get grass, just let it sit there. When using cut bait and shrimp, try using 10-12# braid tied to 25-30# fluorocarbon leader with a 3/0 J hook. If using lures, try

The fall run in 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. 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. The mullet run is in full swing.

6#-10# braided line tied to 25-30# fluorocarbon leaders. Fishing around bait schools like mullet, especially near points, islands and mangroves should produce reliable results. If we get heavy rain, fish around drainage pipes or flowing water coming out of ditches on the shoreline. We should find schools of redfish and black drum around the bait. Lately, those schools of redfish have been large.

The jetty and buoy line fishing picks up this time of year for tripletail, redfish and snook. Use 20-30# braid tied to 30-40# fluorocarbon leader with a small split shot and 3/0 or 4/0 J hook when fishing for tripletail. Use shrimp or small bait fish tossing it as close as possible to the buoy. For the snooks and redfish, drop baits down around the buoys and the jetties. Use 20-30# braid tied to 40# fluorocarbon leader with a ½ to 1 oz. barrel sinker and swivel tied to another 24” fluorocarbon leader with a 4/0 J hook. You can also use soft plastic body shrimp like Gulp.

Tip of the month: In the ocean, fish after a southeast wind blows for three days. In the river, if the water is high, wind does not matter, you will still catch fish.

Tide Charts Brought To You By:

Commerce Way, Unit #101, Longwood, FL 32750 www.respitecmedical.com • 407-834-2266 and 1-800-945-6685

CENTRAL EAST COAST

OCTOBER 2025

your local night fishing is a spectacular work around keeping you off the water in those times of high sun and maximum heat.

1W 3:44 AM 2.35 H

9:55 AM 0.86 L

4:40 PM 2.51 H

10:35 PM 1.1 L

2TH 4:52 AM 2.46 H

10:56 AM 0.77 L

5:38 PM 2.63 H

11:30 PM 0.91 L

3F 5:54 AM 2.64 H

11:51 AM 0.64 L

6:29 PM 2.79 H

4SA 12:18 AM 0.67 L

6:50 AM 2.86 H

12:41 PM 0.5 L

7:16 PM 2.94 H

5SU 1:04 AM 0.41 L

7:42 AM 3.09 H

1:29 PM 0.39 L

8:01 PM 3.07 H

6M 1:49 AM 0.18 L

8:31 AM 3.28 H

2:16 PM 0.32 L

8:46 PM 3.17 H

7TU 2:34 AM 0 L

9:20 AM 3.41 H

3:02 PM 0.3 L

9:30 PM 3.21 H

8W 3:20 AM -0.1 L

10:08 AM 3.46 H

3:50 PM 0.34 L

12SU 12:54 AM 2.91 H

6:55 AM 0.31 L

1:46 PM 2.98 H

7:33 PM 0.85 L

13M 1:57 AM 2.78 H

8:03 AM 0.48 L

2:51 PM 2.85 H

8:45 PM 0.92 L

14TU 3:07 AM 2.7 H

9:15 AM 0.6 L

3:59 PM 2.79 H

9:56 PM 0.9 L

15W 4:19 AM 2.69 H

10:24 AM 0.65 L

5:03 PM 2.79 H

10:59 PM 0.81 L

16TH 5:26 AM 2.75 H

11:24 AM 0.65 L

6:00 PM 2.82 H

11:53 PM 0.69 L

17F 6:25 AM 2.84 H

12:17 PM 0.64 L

6:48 PM 2.86 H

18SA 12:40 AM 0.56 L

7:15 AM 2.93 H

1:03 PM 0.63 L

7:31 PM 2.89 H

19SU 1:22 AM 0.46 L

7:58 AM 3 H

1:45 PM 0.63 L

10:17 PM 3.2 H

9TH 4:08 AM -0.11 L

10:58 AM 3.42 H

4:39 PM 0.43 L

11:05 PM 3.14 H

9:52 PM 2.79 H

With little tidal current until you get to the Ponce Inlet area in the north or Sebastian Inlet to the south, we do not have the relief of cooler ocean water flooding the shallows multiple times a day regardless of where the sun is. In those nontidal areas, the water temperatures climb as the sun does and by midday it is uncomfortably hot. Just like ourselves the fish also react to the oppressive heat and look to find some refuge. For us some cold drinks and a little shade with some breeze is exactly what we look for to cool down and relax, maybe a little time in the AC even. Typically, the last thing we look for is a giant meal. Fish do the same and look to find cooler deeper water or some shade to ride out the heat. Much like colder weather the heat also causes fish to become lethargic and many time unwilling to feed or do anything but sulk. If you do find yourself looking to catch in the heat, baits like live shrimp are a good choice as they fit the bill of a lite snack and not a full meal. In the cooler times like early morning, late evening, and even nighttime you can look to utilize more substantial offerings and the topwater plug excels at this. With the summer waters heavy bait presence those topwater plugs will get a look and can even be fished at night with great success. Also, live baits like mullet will get plenty of looks and are a great choice in the dark. Don’t let the dog days of summer get your fishing in a slump! Beat the heat and keep catching.

8:09 PM 2.89 H

20M 2:00 AM 0.39 L

8:38 AM 3.04 H

2:24 PM 0.64 L

8:44 PM 2.88 H

10F 4:58 AM -0.03 L

11:50 AM 3.3 H

5:31 PM 0.57 L

11:57 PM 3.04 H

11SA 5:54 AM 0.12 L

12:46 PM 3.14 H

6:28 PM 0.72 L

PONCE INLET

23TH 3:44 AM 0.41 L

10:26 AM 2.96 H

4:10 PM 0.79 L

10:27 PM 2.73 H

24F 4:19 AM 0.48 L

11:02 AM 2.87 H

4:44 PM 0.88 L

11:03 PM 2.65 H

25SA 4:54 AM 0.57 L

11:42 AM 2.77 H

5:20 PM 0.98 L

11:41 PM 2.55 H

26SU 5:31 AM 0.66 L

12:24 PM 2.67 H

6:00 PM 1.07 L

27M 12:23 AM 2.47 H

6:14 AM 0.75 L

1:11 PM 2.58 H

6:48 PM 1.14 L

28TU 1:12 AM 2.4 H

7:05 AM 0.82 L

2:03 PM 2.53 H

7:47 PM 1.16 L

29W 2:10 AM 2.37 H

8:07 AM 0.87 L

3:00 PM 2.52 H

8:53 PM 1.09 L

30TH 3:15 AM 2.4 H

9:15 AM 0.86 L

3:58 PM 2.56 H

9:56 PM 0.94 L

31F 4:22 AM 2.52 H

10:20 AM 0.79 L

4:54 PM 2.65 H

10:52 PM 0.71 L DAY TIME HEIGHT

21TU 2:36 AM 0.36 L

9:14 AM 3.05 H

3:00 PM 0.67 L

9:18 PM 2.85 H

22W 3:10 AM 0.37 L

9:50 AM 3.02 H

3:35 PM 0.72 L

SEBASTIAN (IRL)

Lake Okeechobee’s water level is rising and soon the lake will be buzzing and busy with people enjoying the fun outdoor activities of bass and crappie fishing and naturewatching that the big O can offer. The Fall months and prime fishing time is approaching very soon, so don’t delay in booking you’re funfilled day(s) on the water. Areas that bass are being caught now are the Kissimmee River; Kings Bar; Buckhead Ridge area; Tin House; Point of Horse; Parts of Observation Shoal and on down towards Uncle Joe’s area. Top water lures both hard/soft baits such as Devils Horse; Frogs are catching bass; senkos/ worms; swim jigs/swim baits and flipping/pitching into thicker grass areas/reed clumps. Plastic colors to use are: Junebug; Red shad; White; Bluegill/Tilapia color pattern and Green Pumpkin/purple flake. The Crappie bite will start to pick up this month and continue till mid spring time, they will start showing

I cannot wait for the first cold front in October to get the fish stirred up. I am already noticing big groups of blue winged teal ducks heading south. Bass and crappie are preparing for the spawn; get ready for fall fishing action!

Kissimmee Chain of Lakes - West Lake Toho produces good numbers of bass. The state sprayed the Kissimmee chain and canals in September. They are also spraying the boat runs throughout the thicker areas. Good places to fish are the edges of the hydrilla, and anywhere you can find a defined edge. Shiners fished right against the hydrilla works best. Other good areas are Goblins cove, the flood gate structures have been open all of September moving water south.

well, many fish in the 40/50lb class have been caught recently. Captain Joe of the FireFight had a 48-pound kingfish last week. Stud of a king. Nice work Joey

Nearshore beach fishing is going to really be picking up. Tarpons are there and rolling every day. You can slow troll them or just drift in the mornings with live bait. We have caught them on everything. Chunk baits, live baits and artificial. There is not much they won’t eat. Beach fishing in 20-30 feet is a blast. You’d be amazed how shallow all these fish come in. Kings, bonito, jack crevalle and many other extreme fighting fish. Look for the schools of bunker. If you find them, you will find the fish. Shark fishing is about as good as it gets right now. If you’re looking for some fun with the kids, anchor up in 20 feet off the beach and hold on. Bonita and king are an excellent are there and rolling every day. fish come in. Kings, bonito, jack

Bonita and king are an excellent

up in the shallows on the changing moon phases and as the cold fronts start to come and go. These great tasting slabs are fun for the kids and are easy to catch with a live minnow under a cork, So bring a kid along to make a memory. I can accommodate “group trips and “multi-day trips”, I offer a deep-discount on the newest hotel in Okeechobee and offer eating-out suggestions and other sight-seeing things to do for those who don’t enjoy water activities. Mid March is Okeechobee’s Annual Music Festival so be sure and book your date(s) early for that timeframe. As a Note: Please use caution when boating on the lake as you become re-familiarized with the layout of the lake. If you have any questions, call me at (863)228-7263, I do answer my phone and return messages in a very timely manner. Check out my website www. southfloridabassfishing.com where you’ll find all the information to booking a trip of a lifetime; customer pictures; trip details; toll-free number to purchase fishing licenses and etc. A big Thank you to my Sponsors: Caymas boats; Mercury; Gene Larew; Bullet Weights; Gill; Real Magic; BnM Poles; Mid-South Tackle; Lews; G-Loomis and Rapala.

Fish the flow - swim baits work well in moving water. The water levels are up for the winter. Lots of fish will be in the Kissimmee grass in shallower water.

East Lake Toho - The bass are holding close to the edges of the reeds early in the morning. Once the sun gets up, they move out to open water vegetation. East Lake is a good artificial lake. Plastics such as trick worms, vibe, and skinny dipper are working great. Colors are watermelon seed, June bug as your best bet. East Lake has a lot of open water Illinois pond weed.

Crappie - fish open water; trolling, or at night with lights are your best bets. Panfishlook for open water shell beds and use live red worms fished on the bottom. Slow trolling with mylar jigs works great. Tip with a minnow for best results. Add a ¾ ounce weight about twelve inches above the jig to a couple poles and troll them deep in the water column while you are longlining.

Miami Beach, Government Cut

Crappie Time in Central Florida! Make a lasting memory for your kid!

sure you register for

Wally Cheslock with an over-slot Snook from South Melbourne Beach during the “Mullet Run”

Mason Metcalf with an over-slot Snook from Pine Island Sound West Coast Trip

Crappie Fishing will be heating up in October, make

the 17th Annual Shad and Crappie Derby, “FREE” to enter!

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.

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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.