DEAD-BAIT BIG REDS
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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.
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT
RED OCTOBER
October--my favorite time of year. Cooler weather means cooler water temperatures, and the cooler water means more inshore action around oyster beds and mangroves.
October is also when the redfish spawn is in full swing. Massive schools of redfish move into Tampa Bay every October, many times by the hundreds. I’ve had the most catches ever during October aboard Afishionado. It’s safe to say, you can catch the biggest redfish of your lifetime this month. Catching 40 inchers and longer is common, during the fall.
When targeting redfish, look for schools of mullet. It just so happens that the mullet run peaks during the redfish spawn, so mullet are everywhere. This makes for a win, win! Redfish travel with mullet for an easy meal. As mullet travel and feed throughout the seagrasses, they flush out baitfish and crustaceans from their hiding places. Redfish like to tag along,
so they can scoop up what the mullet won’t eat.
The best areas to encounter large schools of redfish are in the “no motor zones” scattered around Tampa Bay. These locations are excellent starting points to locate redfish, due to the lack of high-speed boat traffic.
A sure way to catch multiple redfish after locating a large school is to anchor up, live bait chum heavily and a stay put until the action gets started. Once a roaming school of redfish zeroes in on your chum and starts to feed, they will remain in the area as long as they’re not spooked by other anglers trying to move in on the action.
You can read more at afishionado.com on the “about redfish” page. You’ve probably noticed that the days are getting shorter. Fall snook fishing is greatly affected by water temperature and length of daylight. Shorter
Continued on page 6
ST. PETE REPORT
BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
Cooler weather is on its way!
When the first big cold front of the season ushers in the fall season and lowers the water temps, the fishing will be on fire. The inshore and nearshore bite is in full swing. Reds, snook, trout, flounder, snapper and sheepshead are best bets inshore. Snapper, grouper, mackerel and kingfish are best bets nearshore and on the reefs in the Bay. It's possible to have a shot at all the species on one full day trip.
The low tides in the mornings are a perfect time to target the inshore bite, as the fish will be stacked up in the deeper potholes and channels surrounding the flats. Whitebait is still around and works like magic. A freelined live shrimp is also a go-to bait. Cut bait like threadfins, pinfish and ladyfish will catch all of the inshore species except for the sheepshead. If you’re targeting sheepshead and snapper around the docks, rockpiles or bridges, live shrimp is a safe bet. Cut shrimp has its days, so always have a few dozen fresh dead onboard, even if you don’t bring live.
For the lure fisherman it’s the peak time of year. They all will work, including topwaters, jigs, spoons and subsurface.
As the tide comes in and scatters the fish, it’s a good time to check the inshore and nearshore rockpiles that are scattered throughout the Bay.
Grey snapper, mangos, sheepshead and gags are stacked up on structure, the shipping channel and around most of the towers. Live pinfish and whitebait are best bets, as is cut threadfins and live or frozen shrimp.
Cobia are a welcome addition to the party and tripletail will be around the markers and buoys, too.
The mackerel, both king and Spanish, will be around the bait schools. Look for the birds, and the macks will be there. For Spanish, live whitebait and shrimp are a safe bet. Small silver spoons or gotcha lures will provide steady action too. If targeting the kingfish, slow trolling a live blue runner, sardine or ladyfish on a stinger rig is a proven technique. A spoon or diving plug trolled on a planer is also a tried-and-true method for the hard bait crowd. The areas around the skyway are top mackerel and kingfish grounds.
Remember to check us out at waypoint TV. Now it’s time to take these tips and get out there and fish!
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Capt. Anthony Corcella, Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter 727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com
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THE LEAST BITTERN
By Capt. Wes Tallyn
Hiding among the reeds and marsh grasses of freshwater bodies is a very reclusive bird called the Least Bittern. Least Bitterns are the smallest of the heron species found in North America. The bird has adapted to a life of hanging or walking on the grasses with large feet like a person on stilts. They are much more commonly heard than seen. The more common sightings of this bird are individuals who are flying from one patch of marsh grasses to another. This occurs usually around dawn and dusk, as they use the cover of darkness to stay hidden to avoid predators. The edges of lakes is an ideal place to start looking for one. If you can, stake out in a stationary location above the marsh or walk along the edge of your local pond.
The
bird that is sometimes confused with them is the Green Heron. If you look at side-by-side pictures though, you will see how much lighter the plumage of the Least Bittern is compared to the Green
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CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER
Catching Tampa Bay Reds
October is a great month for catching large redfish in Tampa Bay. Although redfish are year-long residents of the Bay, the large breeders prefer the mangrove shoreline. October water temperatures are a welcome relief after the long sizzling summer months and a turn on for the big bruisers.
A short trip to catch bait at my secret spot and from there it was off to Weedon Island, one of my favorite spots for large redfish this time of year. Once we reached the no motor zone, I lowered the trolling motor and, with the push of a button, 112 pounds of thrust from my JL Marine Power Move came to life propelling my 25-foot West End Bay boat in the direction of Weedon Island. In Tampa Bay's protected areas, use a trolling motor or push pole and follow FWC regulations.
We slowly worked our way to the southeast point of the key and, here, we anchored and waited for the school to appear. Patience is important, since a school can appear in a moment’s notice.
We were prepared for action; one rod with live pinfish suspended just below the surface of the water using float, the other one with greenbacks free lined just beyond our float and one with cut pinfish using a small split shot
to keep the cut bait on the bottom.
The sun’s rays were slowly breaking into the clear water, and you could see movements of small pinfish darting in and out of the grass and mullet starting to jump. I could tell by my clients look that they were ready for action, and so was I. Just beyond our reach, we could see a small wake as if a small boat had buzzed by. We looked at each other and without a word prepared for an attack. The reds were coming; Alice drew first blood and, within a split second, mine was next. Three hook ups and no one around to see it. We had them all to ourselves for over two hours. We engaged in combat with the reds, achieving victories in some encounters, while facing defeats in others.
Large schools of redfish gather around mangrove islands; some schools are so large they create a visible wave as they move through the shallow waters of the flats. My favorite baits for these large bruisers are 3 to 5-inch pinfish, cut fresh dead pinfish and dollar size pass crabs. Casting distance is necessary and medium tackle works best. I prefer to use a 15- pound test FINS braided line, 7.6 medium fast taper rod and 3000 to 3500 reels for best casting distance.
BY: CAPT.
Reds in shallow water will spook easily, and the stealthy system works best; this means keeping a safe distance from the school and being quiet. Remember, sound travels seven times faster through water, and the slightest noise can break up schooling fish.
I like to fish for reds at the beginning of an outgoing tide, since they get concentrated in cuts and potholes around the mangrove island, creating a prime casting spot for my clients. First, get there early ahead of the tide change. I sat and waited for an hour for the fish to move in, and it was well worth it. While other boats are trying to follow the fish, let the fish come to you. Never cast into a school of fish. Always cast ahead of them and let them come toward your bait. On days with strong currents, I will use a float and let the current drift my bait towards the fish. My clients had a wonderful day and one they will never forget.
— Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He also hosts Fishing Adventures Florida TV show airing on YouTube, Waypoint TV, Carbon TV, Outdoor Action, and Angling TV. Owner of Reelfishy.com Charter business covering the west coast of Florida with over 135 captains on staff. For information contact Capt. Sergio at (813) 973-7132 email: atanes@msn.com.
days equal lower water temperatures. By the end of this month, the water on the grass flats should be in the mid-to-upper 70’s. Seventy-six degrees is an ideal water temperature for snook fishing.
The snook bite in the Bay was decent last month, but as the water temperature keeps decreasing, the snook bite will keep increasing. The grass flats adjacent to the mangroves are loaded with bait right now and, with cooler temperatures, snook will become more active and willing to aggressively chase bait.
The seatrout fishing has been exceptional all summer long, and it only gets better as the cooler water triggers ever better trout fishing. Seatrout have been abundant on just about every deep-water grass flat in Tampa Bay. As the water cools though, more and more seatrout move into shallower water to feed.
Just like when you’re fishing for snook and redfish, “Chum and they will come” applies to seatrout. While chumming the deep-water grass flats this summer for sharks and Spanish mackerel, I’ve been amazed by the sheer numbers of large seatrout that were drawn to my boat.
The Spanish mackerel fishing has been rather good all summer, too, but whenever we got periods of heavy rain, it would slow. As October progress-
es, we experience less rain. Less rain means more Spanish mackerel move into the bay providing a more consistent bite.
By mid-October, king mackerel start to pass through the area. These fish have been gorging themselves all summer long, so I expect to catch some “reel smokers.” Many tournament winning kings are caught at the mouth of Tampa Bay, while slow trolling large live baits. Some anglers prefer to anchor their boats and start a chum slick to bring them to the boat.
October is a wonderful time of year to explore Tampa Bay, so get out there for an adventure of a lifetime.
Afishionado, “Adventures in Fishing.”
—Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Capt. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info., visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474
BY: CAPT. JOSHUA TAYLOR
Skyway Bull Redfish Madness
If you’re a Tampa Bay angler, few things get your heart pumping like the thumping headshakes of a bull redfish in heavy current. The Skyway Bridge, specifically the old Sunshine Skyway fishing piers and adjacent shipping channels, become a bull redfish battleground each year, if you know when to go and how to gear up.
If you’ve never experienced the bull redfish run at the Skyway Bridge, you’re seriously missing out. I’m Capt. Joshua Taylor. Every fall, I gear up for one of the most exciting bites Tampa Bay has to offer. We’re talking giant reds 30 to 45 inches, stacking up in deep water and absolutely smashing baits. It's a blast!
The run typically kicks off in late August and really fires up from September through early November. These bull reds gather in big numbers along the Skyway shipping channel, hanging around bridge pilings, rocky ledges and anywhere bait is getting funneled through the current. If you time it right, especially around the new or full moon, you’ll run into nonstop action.
Some of my best sessions have been in the late afternoon into evening, when the boat traffic slows down and the fish start chewing. The tide really gets things moving, and that’s when the bulls show up looking for a meal.
Now, let’s talk tackle. These fish are no joke; you need the right gear to land them. I like a 7’6” to 8’ heavy-action spinning rod matched with a 5000 to 8000 size reel.
Spool it with 40 to 65-pound braid and tie on a 2 to 3-foot fluorocarbon leader, around 40 to 60 pounds. I use a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook with a 1 to 3-ounce egg sinker or knocker rig, depending on how fast that current’s ripping.
Bait? Keep it fresh. Cut mullet and ladyfish chunks are absolute killers. Live pinfish and threadfins will get crushed too, especially around the structure. As temps start to drop, I’ll mix in some fresh crab or shrimp--bull reds can’t resist 'em. Don’t be shy about chumming either, it keeps the party going! Keep an eye out for bait schools, birds diving and moving water. Those are your signs. Sometimes it takes a few drifts to dial it in but, once you hook into one of these beasts, you’ll know it was worth the wait.
Catching bull reds at the Skyway is something every angler should experience. They fight hard, they school up, and when you’re hooked into one under the bridge with the sun setting behind you, it’s just magic.
Just remember; these are the breeders. Snap a quick photo, give them time to recover, and let them go strong. That way, we can all enjoy this run for years to come. Tight lines and see you out there
— Capt. Joshua Taylor is a professional angler, apparel designer, and influencer whose passion for fishing and dedication to storytelling meet. With years of experience on the water and behind the pen, Joshua ensures each issue is packed with expert tips, local reports, and stories that resonate with the angling community. Connect with Capt. Joshua Taylor: joshua@saltyscales.com | www.saltyscales.com | Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/SaltyScales | YouTube: youtube.com/saltyscales | Instagram: instagram.com/saltyscales | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saltyscales
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Redfish Bite is HOT!
BY: CAPT. GEORGE HASTICK
Toward the end of the year, October has been well known in the Tampa Bay area as one of the best months to target schooling redfish. Years ago, it was nothing to see multiple schools of 100 to 300 plus redfish in a school. Places like Double Branch, Weedon Island, Picnic Island, Tierra Verde, Fort DeSoto, Tarpon Key, The Clam Bar, Rattle Snake Key, South Shore and Cockroach Bay hosted these schools. It was nothing to go out and find your own school of reds, or join the many boats fishing a well-known school of redfish. With the schools being so large back then, they would actually turn the water color a reddish hue that could be seen from a good distance away; especially, if you were wearing copper or amber colored polarized fishing glasses.
At the present time, many of those areas I mentioned still get their share of redfish and some still get decent size schools but, sometimes, it is just smaller schools of 8 to 15 fish. It just depends on what area you are fishing in and how noisy you are. Many times, the redfish will wait at low tide at the edge of a flat waiting for the tide to come in, so they can get to a feeding zone.
Feeding zones can be many different types of structures from passes, bridges and reefs to grass flats, oyster mounds, islands and mangroves to name a few. When fishing in Tampa Bay on the flats, I like to look for good grass that is holding plenty of bait. Bait can be finger mullet, scaled sardines, pinfish, shrimp and more. Now, on the flats, if you can find an area alive with bait or schools of mullet with structure, you are heading in the right direction.
If you can find an area that combines multiple redfish attracting structures, it will up your odds of finding them. So, if you find mangroves on an island with an oyster mound off the point of the island (which will usually have a deep hole from the current) there is a good chance that redfish will visit a spot like that. This would combine several different things at once that all attract reds.
Many times, in places like this, redfish will follow the tide in as it comes up. If you can get to the spot and set up before they get there, they will be most complacent and happy to eat your offerings. The worst thing you can do is chase the school of reds--it will give them lockjaw. If you spot a school, get in their pathway, anchor down and let them come to you. Start throwing out live chum and cut bait to get the water by your boat to attract them to you.
Redfish have a very keen sense of smell, so the cut bait should bring them to you. Try cut Ladyfish, threadfin, pinfish or anything oily. Fish with both live and cut baits in the rod holders.
Good Luck,
— Capt. George Hastick of “Fish Hunter Fishing Charters” in St. Petersburg, Fl. is the co-host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report and co-hosts Fishing Adventures Florida which is on five streaming channels and You Tube. He has been fishing the waters of the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years and guiding over 20 years.
TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY
By: Bruce Butler
Welcome back Yak fans. This month, the story is about the art of fishing backwards! As some of you know, I have a favorite spot I always head to at high tide--it's called home! But, due to circumstances, a trip to Ozella got cancelled. I had everything loaded and nowhere to go, so I went fishing!
I suppose an explanation is in order as to why I don't like high tide fishing. The area I was fishing is about 20 miles of salt marsh and flats. As the tide comes up, the fish move in making them way harder to find. Therefore, on the outgoing tide I set up and let them come to me. The day called for a mid-morning high tide at about three feet, but it went way beyond that!
If you've ever fished the marsh and grass flats, then you know that your buddy can be on the other side of the grass line and you can hear them, but not see them. That wasn't the problem on this day. The water was within inches of the top of the grass. I could see the other kayak nearly a quarter mile away--there was that much water. So, I figured if the fish move in, so will I. We worked our way back in further than I have in years. The little foot wide creeks were now three to four feet deep--it was awesome. The deeper we paddled the more movement we saw. We were getting back into the actual tree line--places you can only paddle to a very few times a year. To give you an idea, you know how the snails will work up the grass to stay out of the water. At the high end of the tide we were so far back in, the critters at
the top of the grass we're grasshoppers. LOL.
As we got all the way back to the forest tree line, I asked my buddy “When we're this far back, do we need a fishing license or a hunting license?” We turned at the tree line and I immediately caught a couple of nice black drum and then ran into a school of big reds. This is why I call it fishing backwards. We were so far in that the fish following the high tide were coming to us.
Well, I'm not going to change my habits or my preferences for an outgoing tide. It was interesting to be able to paddle around a half a mile back in from the outer mangrove line.
By the end of the day, we had landed some nice reds and then we saw some big snook, but they didn't want to play that day. The other benefit of fishing a super high tide is that you can explore your favorite marsh area and pick up details for later trips. I learned a lot just being able to see over the saltgrass-give it a try. Hope to see you out there.
Till next time, Bruce
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1
Hernando Beach
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25 Sat 2:23 3.1 4:15 2.5 9:50 0.0 9:36 1.5 7:36 6:53
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29 Wed 5:14 2.8 7:45 2.2
Sea W orthy
RECIPES
SHRIMP COCKTAIL
Everyone loves a shrimp cocktail as an appetizer. We decided to do our version of cocktail sauce. We like to use large shrimp. We think they are the tastiest. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Ingredients:
• ½ pound of fresh uncooked, shelled, heads off, de-veined shrimp
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning.
• ¼ cup ketchup
Directions:
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon lemon
Shrimp: Boil shrimp and Old Bay seasoning for 4 minutes. Drain and chill over ice.
Cocktail Sauce: Mix ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire and lemon in a serving dish.
Serve and enjoy!
Reels
Old Salt 32nd Annual
Fall King of the Beach Tournament & Festival
November 6-8, 2025 Madeira Beach, FL
Experience the excitement of the King of the Beach, one of Madeira Beach's most beloved events! Join over 500 teams competing for more than $300,000 in cash and prizes as they chase the elusive King Mackerel, aiming to be crowned the tournament champion. This annual event, a staple for over 30 years, is more than just a fishing tournament—it's a vibrant festival featuring live music, delicious local food, marine-themed art and crafts, boat displays, and a fun-filled kid zone. From Thursday through Saturday, enjoy the festivities, watch the fish being weighed in, and marvel at the spectacular fireworks show on Saturday. You don’t have to be a fisherman to enjoy the fun—this festival is perfect for everyone!
Why should you fish or support this tournament? Whether you're a seasoned angler or a greenhorn, this competition offers a level playing field, low entry fees, and over 60 ways to win. It's a fantastic opportunity to bond with family and friends, build camaraderie, and create unforgettable memories.
Moreover, the Old Salt Fishing Foundation, a dedicated non-profit run entirely by volunteers, organizes this event to give back to the community. Last spring, they provided over 600 kids with fishing rods, and last fall, they used proceeds to aid hurricane victims in Madeira Beach, helping over 60 families rebuild their lives.
Join us in celebrating community, supporting a great cause, and making lifelong memories. Visit our website, check Facebook for updates, or contact us at www.OldSaltFishing.org • amy@OldSaltFishing.org, or 727-201-7777 to learn more or register. Don't miss out on this incredible event—be part of the fun and the community spirit today!
School Bass ADDICTION
By: Joshua Broer
There is nothing on this planet more exciting to me than the run and gun game of chasing false albacore on fly. I live for it. But, there’s a similar game I’ve been playing even longer and chasing freshwater school bass is its name.
When I was 15, my dad bought a house on a large, spring-fed lake in Land O’ Lakes, FL. I was quickly addicted to bass fishing. An old-timer who lived on the lake taught me how to use a bait caster, rig a plastic worm and work the edges of the lake using
a slow “yo-yo” technique. This became my weekend routine, casting from my paddle boat equipped with a 30-pound thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. Chapter two: enter the school bass game. My neighbor, Mike Kneapler, taught me just about everything I know about this lake that I still fish to this day. He showed me where the deep holes were, how to catch wild shiners and how to rig them, where to find schools of speckled perch in the wintertime, etc. However, the thing he introduced me to first, and is still my favorite, is fishing for school bass.
Here's the deal. Largemouth bass (aka: Black Bass or Micropterus salmoides floridanus) love shad. There are two kinds of shad in our Tampa Bay area freshwater bodies; gizzard shad and threadfin shad. Mostly, it’s gizzard shad that dominates our large local lakes and ponds and what largemouth bass love to eat in masses. Much like billfish and other pelagic fish in the ocean, black bass will form in packs and hunt down schools of shad, coordinating calculated strikes which come together in massive blitzes on top of the water. The fish will circle the shad, pushing them close together from all sides until they’ve become tucked into a tight little ball. The fish then strike from all angles. It’s a chaos of bass and bait flying all different directions. The fish will sometimes fully breach, leaping and sailing through the air in the frenzy.
When the blitzes happen, you’ve got to be fast to the game. It can be done in a canoe, kayak or john boat with a trolling motor; but, the best way to get to the fish fast, before they disappear, is to use a motorboat. This allows you to hit the throttle hard in the direction of the next blitz – “run & gun” as it were. The blitzes sometimes only last for half a minute or shorter, so it’s important to get on them quickly. Try to cut the motor about 100 feet before the blitz, because the sight and sound of the boat will often push them down.
For tackle, if they’re in super eat mode, you can throw just about anything you want. I like to throw topwater plugs, because the strikes are so aggressive and fun to watch. Some prefer subsurface lures because, often, larger fish are below the blitz, picking off injured shad. Perhaps what’s most important is to use a heavy lure. Distance is key here. For the best castability, I’ll sometimes use a large saltwater plug like a Bomber or Zara Spook to reach the school.
Make sure to cast your lure beyond the blitz, to the far side of the school, for better odds of hooking up. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that, despite how easy this fishery can be, the fish are sometimes so locked into the natural bait, they won’t hit anything else. Be prepared to switch it up a bit, if you’re not getting any strikes.
I’m addicted to freshwater school bass fishing and for good reason!
— Joshua Broer, a Tarpon Springs native, is the Facility Manager for the College of Arts & Sciences at USF. His specialties include flats and bass fishing, fly fishing, and sea kayaking. Reach him at joshua.broer@gmail.com.
NEW PORT RICHEY REPORT
BY: CAPT. BILL RUTHERFORD
Red October is Upon Us!
Arguably the best time of year to target Redfish on Florida’s Gulf Coast is the month of October, mostly due to the spawning patterns and cooler water temps. The big bull reds will mostly be milling around the
nearshore waters from 40 feet on in and will, often times, ball up in the passes like Johns and Egmont. But, fear not my fellow skinny water anglers, there will be stragglers and even large schools scouring the flats and river systems, as well.
Schools by the thousands are fairly easy to spot in the nearshore waters on a sunny day, or with the help of your sonar. Once you’ve found them, a large live shrimp is a safe choice, but they will eat a variety of baits, including artificials. I encourage all of you to get out there and try for your PB, and I implore you to make sure you thoroughly revive these fish, as they are responsible for the future of our fishery!
The shallow grass and sand flats will look like Cirque De Soleil as the sun comes up this month with schools of redfish stirring and mullet flying about the area. There is no better time to creep up in the skinny water and enjoy the show than October. Cooler and clearer water calls for lighter tackle and a quiet presentation. I like using 15-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 circle, if I’m using live or cut bait or a 1/16th to 1/8th ounce jig head for artificials. Put your hard plastics back in the box and try a Q8 bait, or something similar that is scented to attract feeding fish to your bait. I like to cast way out in front of the schools and only start working the bait when they are nearby, because landing on or near the school could spook them.
When all of the actual
pumpkin carving is done, get up early and visit the Nature Coast’s “pumpkin patch”, and find out why they call these fish BULL reds!
— Captain Bill is a Florida native who grew up fishing the Gulf Coast. Being a proud Army Vet himself, he founded a charity called VetCatch that takes disabled veterans on cost free fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area. He guides out of New Port Richey fishing a 24-foot Shoalwater tower boat as well as the custom 25-foot VetCatch pontoon if needed for elderly/disabled fisherman. www.rustybucket.fish.
$14.99
– INCLUDES YOUR CATCH + 2 SIDES OF YOUR CHOICE
Bring in your fresh, same-day catch and let us do the rest. We'll cook up to 2 lbs. of your filleted fish (bone-in okay) and serve it alongside two delicious sides of your choosing. We’ll accept just about any fish, except ladyfish, sea catfish, or bait fish.
ENDS NOVEMBER 1ST
We reserve the right to refuse any catch that appears unfit for preparation. Consumption of any outside food is at your own risk. The restaurant is not responsible for illness related to the handling, storage, or preparation of guest-provided fish.
CHAPTERS MEET-UP
GUIDE TRIPS AND CHARTER GIVEAWAYS! Where Fishing Meets Fellowship: Don’t Miss it!
Salt Strong Fishing Club Chapters are teaming up with ALL FLORIDA to bring anglers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts together for a one-of-a-kind day celebrating fishing, fellowship, and conservation.
Shriners Center, Tampa, Florida
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THIS EVENT?
EMAIL DShuman@ShumanFoundation.ORG
Skill Building, Hands-On Learning Sessions and Conservation Education
How to Toss a Cast Net
Wade Fishing Techniques
Beach and Surf Fishing Techniques
How to Find YOUR Own Secret Fishing Spot
Bridge Fishing Techniques
KIDS Fishing Workshop
Hanging Oyster Garden Workshop And Much More!
Only 2,500 tickets left!
Winner Announced at the MEET-UP
BUY ONE TICKET, GET ONE FREE
WIN your dream boat, valued at over $90,000 MSRP At 22’ in length with a 97” beam, the Micro Draft Skiff 22 Extreme is built for versatility!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Salt Strong Fishing Coach
“Wader Dave”
Captain Dave Pomerleau “The Mad Snooker”
Meet Salt Strong Founders Joe and Luke Simonds
Egypt
Stay Up To Date with SALT STRONG ALLIANCE
Salt Strong is more than a fishing club; it is a movement to unite, inspire, and empower anglers nationally. Salt Strong Chapters are located from Texas to Florida to the Carolinas and offer the opportunity to Meet Local Anglers, Learn from Informative Speakers, Participate in Conservation Activities, and Win Awesome Giveaways. Go to SaltStrong.com to stay up to date and to learn more.
Oysters, Anglers, and a Cleaner, Healthier Tampa Bay
This summer, a milestone was reached along the north side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Old Tampa Bay: the installation of the first Oyster Catcher Mats (OCMs), an innovative shoreline restoration tool designed to clean water, restore habitat, and enhance fisheries.
For Salt Strong Alliance, this was more than just another project—it was the culmination of eighteen months of planning, permitting, and partnerships. Working together with Faller, Davis & Associates, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and supported by a Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) Bay Mini-Grant funded through sales of the Tarpon Tag specialty license plate, the effort represents a new model of conservation: anglers, scientists, engineers, and agencies teaming up for clean water.
Why Oyster Catcher Mats?
Brennan Wehrhahn, Environmental Scientist with Faller, Davis & Associates, explains:
“Old Tampa Bay has seen poor water quality and oyster loss in recent years. The sandy bottom here simply doesn’t provide the hard surfaces oysters need to grow. Oyster Catcher Mats—cement structures designed with varying shapes and elevations—provide that missing substrate, creating a foundation for natural oyster recruitment.”
Once oysters attach, their benefits multiply quickly. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day. Multiply that by thousands of oysters colonizing each mat, and suddenly these structures become living water treatment systems. The 20 mats installed in this first phase are projected to filter 265,000 gallons of water daily once fully established – in about 6 months!
The mats also double as habitat. Different sizes and elevations create shelter for fish, crabs, and shrimp, while acting as natural wave breaks to reduce shoreline erosion. Smaller mats are placed nearshore, while larger, higher-profile mats are set in deeper water, building a diverse ecosystem layer by layer.
From Workshop to Water
Before hitting the water, volunteers and partners gathered for several handson workshops to build the OCMs. Employees from Archer Western Construction stepped up earlier this year, rolling up their sleeves to help fabricate the Oyster Catcher Mats. Using flexible molds and pipe forms, they experimented with different shapes and heights, ensuring a mix of structures to suit the varying conditions along the causeway. That collaborative energy carried forward into the installation day. “What excites me most,” I shared on site, “is seeing all of us come together to put substrate in the water. This isn’t just about oysters—it’s about restoring Tampa Bay so future generations can fish, swim, and enjoy it without worry.”
By: Darlene Shuman, PE, President of Salt Strong Alliance
Partnerships Make It Possible
This project is proof of what can be accomplished when diverse groups unite behind a shared mission. TBEP’s Bay Mini-Grant program—powered by Tarpon Tag license plate sales—provided the funding spark. FDOT supported site access and logistics. Faller, Davis & Associates led the science and engineering. And Salt Strong Alliance brought anglers and volunteers to the table to drive awareness and action.
How You Can Help
Next time you renew your license plate, consider choosing the Tarpon Tag—those funds directly support projects like this one. Better yet, roll up your sleeves and join us at a future Salt Strong Alliance workshop or conservation event. Together, we can ensure Tampa Bay’s waters stay fishable and enjoyable for generations to come.
WIN the ULTIMATE SKIFF
Only 2500 tickets left — your odds have never been better! The future of Florida fishing starts with clean water — and you can help protect it with just one raffle ticket! Want to win the ultimate shallow-water skiff AND protect our Coastal Corridors? Here’s your chance — and now it’s BOGO: Buy One Ticket, Get One FREE — double your chances to win, double your impact.
This isn’t just about winning a dream boat (valued at over $90,000 MSRP) — it’s about taking action.
As anglers, we’re the first to notice when the bite slows down or the flats go quiet. Now we’re the ones stepping up to restore our waters and rebuild the fishery.
Enter now at:
SaltStrongAlliance.com or MicroDraftSkiffs.com
Let’s protect what we love — and maybe win the skiff of your dreams while you’re at it.
— Darlene Shuman is a Florida Registered Professional Engineer, President of Salt Strong Alliance and President, of the Tampa Chapter of Salt Strong Fishing Club
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.
