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
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.
Captain Marshall Wallot, owner and of New Legacy Fishing Charters, was born and raised in Volusia County, Florida. Growing up along the East Coast, he spent countless days fishing the Intracoastal Waterway, and nearshore waters of the Atlantic. With over 20 years of fishing experience, Marshall has turned his lifelong passion into a career, guiding anglers to unforgettable adventures on the water.
For him, fishing has always been about more than the catch—it’s about creating memories. From early days spent casting lines with family and friends, he now shares those same experiences with his clients. Whether it’s chasing redfish on the flats, battling snook and tarpon, or exploring the backwaters, Captain Marshall aims
to make every trip both exciting and meaningful.
When you step aboard, his goal is simple: provide a safe, fun, and positive environment for anglers of all skill levels. He customizes each trip to fit his clients—whether you’re a seasoned fisherman looking for a trophy catch or a family hoping to enjoy quality time on the water.
Specializing in inshore and nearshore charters out of Port Orange, Captain Marshall targets some of Florida’s most iconic species, including redfish, trout, snook, tarpon, and more. His knowledge of the local waterways ensures not only a productive day of fishing but also an authentic connection to Florida’s coastal lifestyle.
Infinite Possibilities.
The 2026 Cobia 245 CC
Engineered with Cobia’s signature ride quality, smart design, and the kind of versatility that adapts to every kind of adventure. Whether you’re chasing the horizon or anchored up at the sandbar, this boat was built to do it all.
If you’re looking for more than just a fishing trip, join Captain Marshall Wallot with New Legacy Fishing Charters. Come experience the adventure, the fishery, and the memories that will last a lifetime.
Captain’s DireCtory
CAPTAIN MARSHALL WALLOT
386-214-9595
New Legacy Fishing Charters newlegacyfishing.com Inshore/Nearshore
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Snapper, & Weakfish
CAPTAIN NICK SICILIANO
386-405-7786
Beast Coast Fishing Charters beastcoastfishingcharters.com
Inshore/ Offshore
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Snapper, Grouper, Sharks, Cobia, Grouper, Pompano, Mahi, Triggerfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish
SRC Adventures srcadventures.com Nearshore/Offshore
Target Species: Wahoo, Mahi, Tuna, Cobia, Sailfish, Kingfish, Tuna, Amberjack, Pompano, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish
Sudden Strike Offshore Adventures Suddenstrikeoffshore.com
Nearshore/offshore
Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Sheephead, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Cobia,Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, Shark, Golden Tilefish
CAPTAIN EVAN SANDERS
407-796-2088
SOL FISHING www.solfishing.com
Inshore, Nearshore, Offshore
Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Trout, Cobia, Tarpon, Snapper, Triggerfish, Mahi, Kingfish, & Wahoo.
Target
CAPTAIN DANIEL LEVESQUE
386-295-4581
Rare Breed Charters rarebreedcharters.com
Offshore/ Nearshore
Target Species: Grouper, Red Snapper, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, African Pompano, Alligator, Deer, Hog, Elk, & Wild Turkey
Captain Daddy’s Fishing Charters captaindaddysfishing.com Inshore/Offshore
Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Snook, Tarpon, Cobia, Grouper, Wahoo, Snapper, Seabass, Kingfish, Mahi, Sailfish
CAPTAIN MARTY GOLDYS 386-679-0317
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters reelharmonyfishing.com
Inshore/Nearshore
Target Species: Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Cobia, Tripletail & Shark
EDGEWATER BACKCOUNTRY FORECAST
Fall weather patterns in October bring the first cool fronts of the season, pushing south through Central Florida and bringing breezes off the ocean after a summer of calm mornings. Water levels rise in the Intracoastal Waterway and Mosquito Lagoon. Early morning topwater lures with a louder rattle work best in breezy, choppy water. With higher water on the flats in the Edgewater backcountry and lagoon, fish close to shorelines where skinnywater fish prowl for food. Tail-hooked finger mullet or mud minnows fished tight to oyster bars, mangroves, and shallow flats in 12–18 inches of water produce reds, trout, and snook. On lower tides, target oyster and mangrove edges.
The fall mullet run should be in full swing on the beach, inlet, and ICW, with gamefish busting schools. Jack crevalle and bluefish drive much of this surface action, and a live mullet or topwater lure is best for quick hookups. Ponce Inlet draws attention for spawning redfish averaging 20–40 lbs. They feed on drifting blue crabs, mullet, and baitfish pulled through the inlet on outgoing tides. Boats can drift or anchor along the western entrance, inner channel edges, or jetty tip. These oversized fish are catch-and-release only—use heavier tackle for quick fights and healthy releases. Hold fish horizontally for photos, never by the jaw. Snook, tarpon, and sharks are also likely here on live bait.
This is the time for trophy mangrove snapper,
which have grown in the backwaters all season and are moving offshore. The inlet, jetties, New Smyrna docks, bridges, the ICW, and Edgewater backcountry are prime spots. Use larger baits—shrimp, finger mullet, or cut bait—to target bigger fish. Minimum size is 10” with a 5-perperson limit. Dock light fishing heats up in fall. Oak Hill and Edgewater lights hold trout and snook, with outgoing tides best. Freelined live shrimp are the top choice. Closer to the inlet, New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet lights often hold blues, jacks, and occasional snook, while ladyfish feed heavily outside the lights along the ICW. Shrimp, lures, or fly casting all work well.
Cooling, clearing water brings variety to the backwaters. Resident trout, snook, redfish, mangroves, and black drum mix with migrating bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, tarpon, and pompano. Live bait options include shrimp, mullet, pigfish, pinfish, or mud minnows—free-line or lightly weighted
for holes and channels. Lure anglers can throw topwaters early, then switch to subsurface twitch baits, spoons, or 1/8–1/16 oz. jigs once the sun is up. Redfish remain protected (zero bag limit) south of the SR44 bridge in New Smyrna Beach, and flounder season closes Oct. 15.
Under NEW Ownership by Cody Moore, Third Generation Fisherman
New Smyrna Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear. Along with carrying all of the equipment you need, NSO offers services like rod/ reel repair, line spooling, splicing, rigging, outrigger setup, and much more. If you are not looking for fishing tackle, that’s ok, NSO also offers the best in apparel, eyewear, drinkware, and more. Some of the quality brands include but aren’t limited to Costa, Bajio, Olukai, Free Fly, Marshwear, Aftco, Anetik, Yeti, Stanley, Hemlock, Salty Crew. New Smyrna Outfitters strives to carry the best brands and offer the best customer service.
NSB Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle, as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel and accessories. New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience to guide through whatever type of fishing you’re looking to do.
CAPTAIN & THE KIDS SOL FISHING
Captain & The Kids strives to always promote youth anglers both at the local level as well as nationally through our “Youth Angler Program.” If it was not for passing down techniques, traditions, and the love for the water, it would slowly fade away. It is our mission to always instill conservation and ethical fishing to our youth!
Capt. Evan started the Youth Angler Program after finding out how many kids in the New Smyrna Beach area had never been fishing, never been on a boat, and was born and raised in the area. Since that day Capt. Evan strives to getting more and more youth anglers on the water each and every year! Sol Fishing will do everything possible to make every young man or lady's fishing dreams come true. It does not matter if the kids want to go offshore or inshore, Sol Fishing will target whichever species they want to catch. Some of the most recent species that the youth anglers have been wanting to target are red snapper, lane snapper, cobia, amberjack, sharks, barracuda,
redfish, and snook.
The Youth Angler Program is made possible by all our retailers who stock Sol Fishing’s gear such as our Hats, Decals, and Performance shirts and many more products. Stop by New Smyrna Beach Outfitters
Outriggers, Donald’s Bait & Tackle, 38 Live Bait & Tackle, E & J Bait & Tackle Sunglass Cabana, Shades of New Smyrna Beach, Boaters Exchange, and Pedago of NSB to get your Sol Fishing gear to help support the Youth Angler Program! Sol Fishing’s amazing sponsors such as Tidewater Boats, Legacy Marine, Black Oak LED, Penn, Plano, Fenwick, and many more all make this amazing program possible!
Central Florida Favorites Best Boat Dealership & Best Boat Service & Repair 2025 Winner
PONCE INLET & BACKWATERS FORECAST
October is by far my favorite month of the year to fish. It’s also my favorite month of the year in general, weather-wise, but when it comes to fishing the inlet, it doesn’t get any better. Bull redfish and snook are the main targets in October, but I’ll also go after a few silver kings when we see them blowing up the baitfish. With the mullet run in full swing at the beginning of the month, using them as bait will almost certainly get you a pull on the end of the line.
For bull reds, I use 40 lb fluoro with about a 3–4 oz egg weight on a Carolina rig, and I prefer a 4/0 offset circle hook. These fish are on the bottom, so 24–30” of leader is just about right. I don’t like using only one type of bait since you never know what the fish want, so take some pinfish, blue crabs, or croakers if you can get them. If you’re marking fish and not getting a bite, then try cut mullet, or if you happen to get a ladyfish, cut it up—you’ll be surprised how fast they eat it. I’ve even had days where I’m marking fish, tried everything I could think of, then cut up a bluefish, and bam—fish on!
Snook are usually on fire in October as
well. I’ll use similar baits as above, minus the blue crabs and cut bait. The difference is snook aren’t always on the bottom, so you have to use less weight and drift the baits along the structure, like the jetty or docks. I also like longer leaders for snook—around 36–40”+—and I’ll dial it down to 25 lb fluorocarbon with a 3/0 offset circle hook. Drifting outgoing tides at the inlet is a great way to get hooked up, but you also have to keep in mind you’re going to snag a bunch, so don’t get caught without enough tackle!
If you want to experience some of the best fishing our area has to offer, I highly recommend fishing in October. From shore, boat, or kayak, I think you’ll really enjoy this time of year—you just have to get out there. If you’d like to come along and see what it’s all about, give us a call to set up your trip! As always, if you see us out there, say hello!
CAPT. JAMIE THRAPPAS
Yellow Dawg Fishing www.yellowdawgfishing.com (386) 366-3424
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The Dog Days of Summer have come to an end. Hurricane season is upon us, and for the surfing crowd, it’s been some of the best swells ever. All my surfing buddies are really beat up from all the fun they had. The fishing, on the other hand, has been pretty slow. Until now. I have been using fish gum, all different flavors, Pompalicious, Fleacicle and Pompsmash, and the results are in: when I pair them with sand fleas or crab knuckles, I’ve gotten red fish, black drum, whiting and pompano. Ya, Mon!
Fish gum is easy to use, but it melts off quicker than you’d like, But, while it’s still on the hook, it works. Some of the best fishermen I know are using it all the time. Mixed with fresh bait, it’s the way to go. i’m out here in the Ponce Inlet with my buddy Nick today. He called me early this morning and said he was on it heavy, going for his limit. Which is six. He needed some help so he called me. Ya, Mon!
That’s the kind of call I like to get. We are using two types of crab, blue crab knuckles and calico. As I’m trying to set up my poles, his are going off two at a time. I’ve never seen anyone as fast as this guy. He’s running and reeling and reeling and running. He’s doing
the Bamba before I set up my second pole. My first pole goes off: that tap-tap-tap-tap, a few zigzags, and a nice pompano comes onto the beach. I’m in the game. I don’t even have time to bait up, they are hitting so hard.
After the doldrums of the summer, this is what we wait for. As the water cools, more and more fish will come. I’ve set up four poles, and within minutes the two outside poles dance in the dance I like. I run to the furthest one, and a few minutes later a really nice pompano slithers onto the beach. I go for the next pole. I’m grinding. It’s coming in! Oh, no! Just at my feet, it spits the hook. So it goes. I’ll get him another day. And, of course, that day is today.
All of a sudden the pompano show up in force. The local fishermen are all out here today. Some are getting their limits. As for me, I just scored a couple of big scouts. Those are the ones that come in first. It’s time to get the hickory going. The reggae music of Freddie McGregor is blasting in the background, and me and this new season of pompano are heading to the smoker.
A KAYAKING BLAKE ABBEY
s the Bassmaster Kayak Bass Fishing Tournament Trail continues to grow nationwide, I can’t help but wonder how far it will go. My passion for the sport is stronger than ever, fueled by the innovation and technology that have transformed what was once just a small plastic boat and paddle. Beyond the fun, kayak bass fishing offers health benefits and unique advantages for catching more fish. With the Florida Bass Nation Kayak Series season approaching, I want to share the upcoming schedule and a few tips for getting involved. The first step is downloading the TourneyX app on your Android or iPhone. This app handles all registrations and fish submissions. Next, you’ll need an approved measuring device—either a Ketch Board or YakAttack Leaderboard Every fish must be measured and photographed on one of these boards. All tournaments follow the CPR format: Catch, Photo, Release. This system is designed to protect fish health by reducing handling time. Unlike traditional weigh-ins, CPR events keep fish in the water longer
and minimize stress. This is the four step process in the Florida Bass Nation Kayak Tournament: 1. Catch the fish: Anglers land the fish using a net to avoid damage. 2. Take a photo: The fish is placed on a tournamentcertified measuring board and a photo is taken, often with a unique identifier card. Anglers keep their hands clear of the fish's gills and ensure the mouth is closed against the bump board. 3.Release the fish: The angler immediately releases the fish back into the water, typically within moments of it being caught. 4. Submit the photo: The photo is uploaded to a tournament app (Tourney X ) to be judged by length rather than weight.
The 2025–2026 Florida Bass Nation Kayak Series features sixteen tournaments across the state. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow anglers, explore new waters, and enjoy competitive fishing in a conservationminded format. To join or sign up, visit www.floridabnks.com.
I hope to see you on the water November 1, 2025, chasing Florida’s giant bass!
FISHING THE MULLET RUN IN FLORIDA FISHING REPORT
October is prime time for action in the Intracoastal Waterway, stretching from Flagler Beach down through Edgewater. As the first real cool fronts of fall move in, massive schools of mullet begin their migration. These baitfish are the heartbeat of the season, and they draw in some of the most sought-after predators on the east coast of Florida. Tarpon roll and crash on the surface, snook prowl the
mangrove shorelines, redfish cruise the flats, and jack crevalle explode through bait pods. It’s one of the most exciting times of year to be on the water.
When the mullet run is in full swing, success often comes down to “matching the hatch.” That means throwing lures or baits that closely resemble the size and profile of the mullet you see around your fishing grounds. However, blending in with the bait isn’t always the best strategy. Personally, I like to throw something that stands out — a lure with a slightly different swimming action or a color that contrasts against the massive schools. This makes it easier for predators to single out your offering rather than chasing what feels like a needle in a haystack.
Whether you’re casting topwaters at first light, freelining live mullet in the current, or working swimbaits along the edge of a bait school, the key is to stay mobile and stay observant. Watch for the nervous water, bird activity, and sudden explosions on the surface — those are your cues that the predators are feeding. With so much life in the water, October is the month to take advantage of fast-paced action.
WHITNEY TENJUM (Pole Dancer Fishin' Charters)
TOM DEVINE (Ferg’s Guide Service)
CLAYTON GUY (SRC Adventures)
SCOTT HOUSEL (Sudden Strike Offshore Adventures)
HEIDI BEYER CHAD SHATUS
(Captain Daddy's Fishing Charters)
Scan the QR code to submit your photo for a chance to be showcased on our Brag Board! Your submission automatically enters you into our monthly random drawing for a $50 Gift Card!
Tired
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.
