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
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2. Accidents can happen to anyone
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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
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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.
CENTRAL FLORIDA FORECAST
By: Capt. Scott Taylor
One of the best and most accurate memes I’ve seen online the last few weeks goes something like this: “It’s almost fall in Florida and you know what that means? Nothing. Absolutely Nothing. It’s still Florida and it’s hot.” Considering it’s 91 outside as I sit under the fans on the lanai writing this I couldn’t agree more.
Although there is some activity in the tropics the Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a drier month in the mid-80’s. Let’s hope it’s not drought-type dry because that can have some adverse effects for the big lakes. The smaller, deeper, spring-fed lakes won’t feel the pressure.
...insulated from pattern changes because they have deeper water, deeper vegetation, and are spring fed. All of that means you may not always bust them up top but they are always...
So let’s get to the fishing in these conditions and start on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes fishing out of Camp Mack, an Old Florida Lodge, Marina, and RV Resort. The water is falling slightly but as it stands there is an awesome morning topwater bite in scattered pockets around pads and kissimmee grass, as well as out in open water over shell beds, eel grass, and contour breaks. This is the time to throw your favorite black and gold Devil’s Horse, Spook, or any other bigger profile topwater including bigger Pop’Rs. Once the sun gets up high, and depending upon wind or cloud cover that game will end and it’s time to switch to Z-Man EVO chatterbaits and Gambler EZ Swimmers. Flipping junebug or black & blue senkos is always a safe bet around pads, outside grass lines, or holes in the hydrilla.
Moving back to Winter Haven and the South Chain I don’t really expect to feel too many effects from the weather. Many of these lakes are insulated from pattern changes because they have deeper water, deeper vegetation, and are spring fed. All of that means you may not always bust them up top but they are always there and you can find fish actively feeding. Now to clarify, I will still have a Pop-R or Jumpin’ Minnow tied-on every single trip out no matter what. I will also have my usual arsenal of Z-Man jerk shads & flukes, 1/4oz jig heads and smaller swimbaits, both shallow and mid-depth crankbaits, and more than likely a jerkbait or two. Here, I’m 99% sure to have all of these in more natural colors in the white/pearl, watermelon reds, chrome/black back families.
CAPT. SCOTT TAYLOR
Capt. Scotty Taylor
855-FL-GUIDE (855-354-8433) TMCGuideService.com
Capt. Scott is the Senior Pro Guide for Camp Mack and he is also the Official Guide for VisitCentralFlorida.org the Polk County Tourism Board.
KISSIMMEE CHAIN FORECAST
By: Capt. Dave Ochs
Every year I am always happy to see the end of summer beginning of fall. I always considered October as the beginning of the new year for fishing. Through the years I’ve learned you can have two different patterns for fishing the Kissimmee chain. A high-water pattern and a low water patten. This year it’s going to be high water pattern on the Kissimmee chain and Central Florida.
Keep in mind during a high-water pattern on the Kissimmee chain that slow falling or slow-moving bait ...
Most professional anglers will tell you that high water scatters the fish. This is true, to an extent. But even scattered fish have feeding patterns and certain tendencies if you know what you’re looking for and where to look for it. For Bass, Bream and crappie concentrate your efforts on fishing the mouths of the canals on the outflow and land on half mile of cover on each side of the outflow end of the canal. The same would be true where creeks also dump into the lakes on the chain. It really doesn’t matter what type of cover you have around the mouths area of creek and canals fish are going to be present in these areas during the high-water pattern.
Keep in mind during a high-water pattern on the Kissimmee chain that slow falling or slow-moving bait is critical to your success. Many lakes in Central Florida are spring fed, for these lakes it a different pattern during high water. Concentrate your efforts on cover that comes further out into the lakes. Again, it doesn’t matter what type of cover it is. These peaks in the cover are perfect ambush points for game fish. Moving baits in these areas work better than slower moving baits do. Why the difference? It took me years to understand that there is a big difference between a Bass in waiting and a Bass in ambush will. This is why a change in presentation is important in lakes with running water verses lakes that are spring fed. On lakes with running water outside that half a mile zone I revert to ambush tackle. The most important skill that you can use this month is patience. It is said by many that patience is a virtue, I never saw it that way I always saw patience as an acquired skill. When fishing in Central Florida you need a lot of patience and time on the water. Your skills as an angler will be tested here more than anywhere as conditions change daily here. Not everybody has the luxury of being able to spend lots of time on the water. For those of you who fall into this category, the anglers who write for Coastal Angler and the Angler magazines are here and dedicated to making your fishing trips the very best that they can be. As I start my 11th year with Coastal Angler Magazine, it has been my honor and privilege to have served your readers for as long as I have.
CAPTAIN DAVE OCHS
Back Water Fishing Adventures
T: 863-605-2181
FLY FISHING IN LAKELAND
Jim Melvin & Trevor Brown Lakeland Fishing Outfitters’ Fly Fishing Experts
Jim Melvin: A Lifetime on the Water
Fly fishing in Lakeland isn’t just about catching fish — it’s about tradition, creativity, and the pure joy of being on the water. At Lakeland Fishing Outfitters, two anglers embody that spirit: seasoned champion Jim Melvin and rising fly angler Trevor Brown. Together, they bring decades of knowledge, passion, and local insight to the community.
When it comes to fishing in Florida, few names carry the weight of Jim Melvin, the 1974 American Bass Fisherman Champion. His passion for fly fishing began at age twelve, thanks to his grandfather. “He was the one who first put a fly rod in my hand,” Jim recalls. “We’d target bass, and that’s when I fell in love with the sport.”
Over the years, Jim has developed many fly patterns, most recently - the “Prince of Ties,” inspired by legendary angler Flip Pallot. His favorite waters reflect his wide-ranging love for Florida fishing — from Tampa Bay and the Florida Keys for redfish, tarpon, snook & bonefish, to Lake Kissimmee and Lake Hatchineha for trophy bass.
His advice to beginners? “Be a trained observer. Understand your surroundings. By watching what’s happening above the water, you’ll know more about what’s going on below the surface.”
Trevor
Brown:
Hooked from the Start
For Trevor Brown, the journey began just seven years ago. On a fishing trip with a buddy, Trevor used a spinning rod while his friend cast a fly rod. The outcome was clear — and convincing. “I noticed right away he was catching more fish than I was,” Trevor laughs. “But more than that, it just looked like a lot more fun. After that day, I was hooked.” Since then, Trevor has found his confidence on the water, often
reaching for his black popper fly. His favorite spots include kayaking the Tenoroc Fish Management Area and Lake Parker, where he hones his craft close to home.
Trevor’s advice to newcomers is all about preparation. “Practice, practice, practice. Fly fishing will humble you real fast if you show up green without putting in the time to learn the right techniques.”
Upcoming Fly Fishing Classes at Lakeland Fishing Outfitters
Ready to sharpen your skills or try fly fishing for the first time? Join us for two special classes designed for all levels: Thursday, October 23 –Advanced Class Thursday, October 30 –Beginner Class Registration is required.
Stop by the shop or give us a call to reserve your spot and get full details.
Spaces are limited, so don’t wait — come learn, practice, and enjoy the art of fly fishing with fellow anglers!
Prince of Ties Fly
Jim Melvin & Trevor Brown
Black Popper Fly
OCTOBER FISHING
Florida Bass:
October brings more comfortable water temperatures, and bass activity at Tenoroc starts to pick up throughout the day—not just at sunrise and sunset. While topwater baits like frogs, walking baits, and buzzbaits remain productive in the mornings around shallow cover, bass will also feed more aggressively in mid-day as baitfish schools become active. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits that mimic shad are excellent choices this month. Soft plastics—stick worms, flukes, and creature baits—continue to work well when fished slowly along drop-offs or near submerged cover. Lakes Pine, Halfmoon, 10, F, and 5 remain top producers, check out TrophyCatch.com to view all of the submitted bass over 8 lbs. here at Tenoroc.
Bream/Panfish:
Panfish fishing remains strong in October as bluegill and shellcracker take advantage of the cooler conditions. Look for them around shallow grass lines, brush, and sandy bottom areas in 2–6 feet of water. Red wigglers, crickets, and grass shrimp under a float are still the go-to baits. For more action, cast small inline spinners or beetle spins when fish are schooling. Lakes Cemetery, Derby, 3, 4, and the Wetland Wandering Trail continue to offer steady bream action for family-friendly outings.
Catfish:
As temperatures drop, catfish become even more active during the day as well as at night. Deep holes, ledges, and areas with current or inflow are still prime spots. Chicken liver, cut bait, and stinkbaits remain reliable choices, while larger channel catfish often respond well to nightcrawlers or live golden shiners. October is a great time to target catfish just before or after cold fronts move through. Lakes Coronet, 2, C, G, and Lost Lake East continue to be strong catfish waters.
Black Crappie:
October signals the beginning of improved crappie fishing as water temperatures cool and fish become more active. Look for them holding around deeper structure—brush piles, timber, and artificial habitat in 8–15 feet of water—but expect more fish to move shallower as the month progresses. Vertical jigging with minnows or small jigs in white, silver, and chartreuse is productive, while slow trolling along drop-offs can locate scattered schools. Lakes 3, C, Cemetery, Picnic, and Shop offer some of the best fall crappie opportunities at Tenoroc.
P.S.A.
Currently, Tenoroc staff are looking for dedicated crappie anglers to be a part of a citizen science program that will help address crucial aspects about their population. If you are interested or would like more information, please call Logan Masterson at (352) 800-5012 or Aaron Entrekin at (863) 397-2791.
Tenoroc Public Use Area
On The Spot Fishing
By: Capt. Ashley Beall
October is one of my favorite times of year to fish Tampa Bay cooler temperatures in the morning in the evenings do affect water temperature and have a tendency to get fish fired up and more active than the hot sluggish days of summer. It’s also a lot more comfortable on the water in general.
This time of year redfish are usually in big schools through October. You can still find them screwed up in the mangroves and around oyster bars, and on shallow Flats any flats that are close to a deeper channel are always prime targets for redfish, You can use live pilchards Or large shrimp or fiddler crabs or you can touch them on cut, ladyfish or pinfish, as the water temperature is cool down, they will concentrate in deeper flats or drop offs around mangroves. This time of year I start throwing larger shrimp under the mangroves for red fish because in my opinion, they will never turn one down.
Snook season is open and snook can be harvested as long as you have a snook permit which you can get anywhere you can buy fishing licenses, or you can do it directly online, but in order to keep them, they have to be in a very small slot given, which is 28”-32”. This is by far one of my favorite times of year to fish for snook because they are concentrated in the back countries and creeks And that’s not uncommon to find some really big ones Under the mangroves, sitting in the darkness, room city in the to ambush your bait. You can touch them using white bay pan, fish or large shrimp free lined Under the mangroves or around structure. This time of year, I also really love to throw artificials for snook. Some of my favorite lures include a bone colored spook jr, a mirrolure 7m18 and a white fluke rigged weedless under the mangroves. Always remember to revive these fish when you let them go.
The sea fishing is just incredible this time of year and you can’t find them on any grass flat and the ones With a good mixture of sand and grass are the best ones to fish. I like to start off with a top water of some sort or a mirrodine shallow and early And then as the sun gets higher, I will switch to a 1/8 to a 1/4 ounce jig head rig with a plastic jerk bait or a DOA shrimp. One of the most deadly rigs for trout fishing is a popping pork rigged with a live shrimp or a DOA shrimp. I like to drift with the wind or current until I’ve drifted as far as I want, and then I will turn around and drift over in the area and then I will repeat the process. That’s not a comment to catch 30 trout on my boat in one morning.
The grouper bite remains pretty strong on the deeper structures and shipping channels And the cooler water temperatures which are cooler than normal for this time of year have been bringing some sheepshead around the local docks and structures. Overall, the water temperatures are cooling down and the action is heating up!!!
So if you’re wanting to get out and go fishing With friends or family don’t be shy to reach out to me. I am more than happy to get you out on the water for an unforgettable day of fishing. I’m just a With friends or family don’t be shy to reach out to me. I am more than happy to get you out on the water for a unforgettable day of fishing. I’m just a phone call away!!!
Polk County Folks Catches
TiffanyHaines City
Brock East Coast Florida
Lane Lake Juliana
Kylie Redfish
Will Central Florida Pit
Trevor Tenoroc
Dylan Redfish Little Gasparilla Island
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.
