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fve things you should know about boat insurance
Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are fve things to know about boat insurance.
1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected fnancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.
2. Accidents can happen to anyone
When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to specifed 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 fnanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.
5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages
Ever worry about getting stuck on the water?
Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.
Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your voyage. Cruise with confdence thanks to Progressive Boat insurance. Because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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A Quiet Revolution on the Water PADDLEBOARD FISHING THE BACKWATERS
By Skye Burkhardt
In recent years, paddleboard !shing has quietly emerged as one of the most immersive and rewarding ways to !sh, particularly in the backwaters where nature whispers and big !sh lurk in shallow, untouched waters. Combining the stealth of a kayak with the freedom and perspective of stand-up paddling, paddleboard !shing o ers a unique experience that connects anglers to their environment in a deeply personal way. You become part of the environment—just another element in a quiet, dynamic system. Every ripple matters, every shadow could be a !sh. It’s !shing stripped to its essentials: a board, a rod, and your wits.
WHY THE BACKWATERS?
Backwaters—those slow-moving or stagnant tributaries and tidal creeks separated from larger bodies of water—are havens for !sh and wildlife. ey’re o en shallow, weedy, and di cult to access with motorboats, making them ideal for paddleboards. ese secluded waterways harbor species like red!sh, snook, bass, tarpon, and trout, depending on your region. e calm water allows for sight !shing and careful stalking, while the surrounding vegetation provides natural structure and cover for !sh. For anglers seeking peace, solitude, and the thrill of spotting and targeting !sh in crystal-clear shallows, backwaters are unmatched.
THE PADDLEBOARD ADVANTAGE
Paddleboards o er several distinct advantages in the backwaters:
• Maneuverability: ey can access shallow and narrow areas where boats can’t go.
• Stealth: Paddleboards glide silently, allowing
you to approach !sh without disturbing them.
• Sight Fishing: Standing gives anglers a better vantage point to see !sh and structure below the surface.
• Portability: Easy to transport and launch, paddleboards can be carried to remote areas with little e ort.
• Minimal Impact: Paddleboards have a low environmental footprint, making them a great choice for conservation-minded anglers.
GEAR ESSENTIALS
Fishing from a paddleboard requires packing smart. Space is limited, so prioritize:
• Rod and Reel: A medium-action spinning setup is versatile for most species.
• Tackle Box: A compact, waterproof tackle box with your go-to lures, so plastics, hooks and leaders.
• Anchor or Stakeout Pole: To hold position in wind or current.
• Cooler: Dual-purpose for storage and seating.
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device): Required by law and essential for safety.
• Dry Bag: Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables safe.
• Sun Protection: Hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
1. Practice Paddle Control: Master basic paddling and balance techniques before trying to !sh while standing.
2. Stay Organized: Use carabiners and bungee cords to keep gear secure and accessible.
3. Scout the Water: Stand and scan for tailing
!sh, bait activity, or subtle ripples.
4. Be Patient: Quietly dri or pole through likely spots, and avoid sudden movements.
5. Time Your Trip: Early morning and late evening o er cooler temps, calmer water, and more active !sh.
CONCLUSION
Paddleboard !shing in the backwaters is more than a hobby—it’s a return to simplicity and intimacy with nature. It’s a growing movement that emphasizes low-impact adventure, selfreliance, and a deep appreciation for wild, o en overlooked places. Whether you’re targeting snook in a mangrove tunnel, bass in a hidden freshwater creek, or red!sh on a mud at, the experience of !shing from a paddleboard is less about the catch and more about the connection— to the water, the !sh, and yourself. For anglers ready to trade noise and crowds for silence and solitude, the backwaters await.
If you’re interested in paddleboard !shing, but don’t have the equipment or gear, be sure to enter my “Ultimate Halloween Paddleboard Fishing Package” giveaway presented by Coastal Angler Magazine, where you could score a “Tricked Out” Live Watersports paddleboard equipped with an ePropulsion eLite electric motor, paddleboard !shing gear and accessories, apparel and more! Scan the code in the ad on the next page or visit coastalanglermag.com/CAM-giveaway for more details and to enter.
Find Skye Burkhardt on Facebook at “Inshore Adventures With Skye,” and on Instagram: @brassyangler87.
LITHIUM BATTERY POWER WINS BEST ENERGY AWARD AT ICAST 2025 FOR GAME-CHANGING POWERBOX SYSTEM
Lithium Battery Power (LBP), a leading innovator in advanced battery solutions, has taken top honors in the Energy category at the 2025 International Convention of Allied Sport!shing Trades (ICAST). e company’s groundbreaking Powerbox 2.5 kW / Solar Panel Lithium Battery Charging System was awarded the Best of Category: Energy, signaling a major leap forward in sustainable, high-performance energy technology for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Held annually in Orlando, ICAST is recognized as the world’s largest sport!shing trade show and a hub for innovation within the industry. Each year, hundreds of new products are submitted for consideration across multiple categories, but only the most impressive make it to the winner’s circle. LBP’s Powerbox system stood out for its combination of portability, power, and green energy integration. e award-winning Powerbox 2.5 kW system delivers robust, reliable energy storage and output
in a compact, rugged form factor. It’s designed to meet the demanding needs of outdoor enthusiasts who rely on consistent power in o -grid environments. Integrated with a high-e ciency solar charging panel, the system ensures power sustainability even during extended trips, reducing the need for fuel-powered generators or frequent dock visits.
outages, hurricanes and critical jobsite power along with the heavy 12 volt demands in marine environments got their attention over all others in the Energy category.
“We are honored to receive this recognition at ICAST,” said Don Mitchell, Sales Director for Lithium Battery Power. “Our goal has always been to push the boundaries of battery technology while supporting eco-conscious outdoor recreation. e Powerbox system is a direct response to what today’s anglers need— power that lasts, in a package that’s smart, clean, and easy to use.”
e judges at ICAST praised the Powerbox for its innovative design, versatility, and emphasis on clean energy. Weekend power
is win marks a signi!cant milestone for Lithium Battery Power, reinforcing its position as a leader in the renewable energy sector within recreational vehicle and marine markets.
As the industry shi s toward more sustainable and e cient energy solutions, Lithium Battery Power’s win at ICAST 2025 signals that the future of on-the-water power is not just electric - it’s solar, smart, and built for adventure.
By Will Schmidt
GO LIGHT FOR BIG SNAPPER
If you have spent any time bottom !shing you know that occasionally on the heaviest of tackle you can outsmart a big snapper and end up with a solid !sh. Other days you can struggle to get even shorts. If you really want to up your game, it is time to lighten up.
When I say light, I mean straight 20 or 30lb mono and light wire 3/0 hooks. You may get broken o at times, but it is worth it for a box full of stud mangos and ARS. My go to big snapper setups is G Loomis IMX Pro Blues 843 casting rod with Shimano Trinadad TN20. is out!t is light, sensitive, and deadly on snapper. Some might like a bit lighter action rod but I have found that even with straight 20lb test you can really put a lot of pressure on these !sh and the backbone is nice to get them o the bottom as quickly as you can. A bit heaver is also nice when that grouper inevitably grabs the bait.
Here is a pro tip. One of the key elements for success to get big snapper, especially mangos, is the ability to react fast. Snapper get their name because they will o en quickly snap at a bait and then release it. With these sensitive rods and a gear ration of 6.2 to 1 you can pick up 46 inches of line in a single turn. A sensitive rod and a fast
reel means when you feel that tap, you can come tight instantly even in deep water. Remember you must use circle hooks so reeling vs setting the hook is the way to connect to these A fast reel might be the most important tool when snapper !shing.
My go to bait is a live pin!sh because, everything eats a pin!sh. I like having a livewell full of nice hand size pins. I do also use thread!ns both live and dead. read are great baits, but a good stout live 7 inch thread is remarkably strong and can be tough to get to the bottom as they swim o with your lead. at means dead threads can be easier to get to the strike zone. Cut the heads and tails o and make a thread “plug.” read “plugs” are awesome for snapper bait especially when live bait is not available. If hook ups are tough, I will double up my hooks, snelling 2 circle hooks close together and getting both hidden inside the plug to increase my hookup ratio. Regardless, I use 3 to 4 feet of mono leader then a swivel and a 3 ounce lead to hold the rig right on the bottom.
light and you will likely !nd the results are worth it.
Whether you really want to target big snapper or the bite is just really tough, try going
Boston Non-Profit Flies Soldier Home from Poland for Birth of Twins
By The Coastal Angler Staff
BOSTON, MA – A Boston-based non-profit has made it possible for a U.S. Army soldier stationed overseas to be home for one of life’s most important milestones—the birth of his twins.
Miles for Military, founded by Dorchester resident and U.S. Marine mom Maureen Byrne, flew Army Specialist Mark Chandler from Poland to El Paso, Texas, on Thursday August 1st. Chandler had not seen his wife, Ashley, or their four children since February 12. Thanks to the organization’s unique program, which trades volunteer service hours for airfare, he was home
for the delivery of twins in mid-August.
"This is the first time I’ve seen them in person in six months,” said Chandler, moments after greeting his family at El Paso International Airport. “It’s great to finally be here. For a lower enlisted specialist like me, one thousand dollars is a lot of money, especially with four kids and two on the way. I can’t thank Miles for Military enough for what they’ve done for us.”
- Mark Chandler
Chandler earned his $1,000 ticket home by volunteering with the USO. The non-profit’s model allows active-duty service members to contribute volunteer hours
to a charity of their choice, which are then converted into travel miles for flights they often could not otherwise afford.
“I appreciate this. I did not expect or think this could happen,” she said. “The Miles for Military program is very important because there are many days when your husband or spouse is deployed and you feel that you have nobody. It’s a blessing to have an organization like this that is there for you.”
- Ashley Chandler
Ashley Chandler said the unexpected homecoming came as an enormous relief during a challenging time.
Founded just last year, Miles for Military has already provided flights for more than 50 Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines to return home for holidays, family emergencies, and other important life events. Byrne says the mission comes from a personal place. “As a military mom, I know the sacrifice,” she said. “Being able to reunite families for moments that matter is why we do this.”
The organization hopes to expand its reach in the coming year, with every donation at www.milesformilitary.org going directly toward funding future flights.
George K. Regan, Jr. Publisher Boston Edition
Julie Kahn President, Regan Marketing & Media
New Bedford Whaling Museum Launches First-Ever “Moby-Dick” Book Club Ahead of 30th Annual Reading Marathon
By The Coastal Angler Staff
NEW BEDFORD,
Mass. — For nearly three decades, the New Bedford Whaling Museum has drawn literature lovers and maritime history buffs from across the globe to its legendary Moby-Dick Reading Marathon — a nonstop, 25-hour tribute to Herman Melville’s sprawling 1851 classic. Now, for the first time in its history, the museum is offering a way for fans to prepare long before the marathon begins: an official Moby-Dick Book Club.
Launching this September, the free, virtual three-part series invites both first-time readers and longtime
Melville devotees to take a deep dive into the celebrated novel, guided by nationally recognized Melville scholars.
The sessions, held via Zoom, will take place on the third Tuesday of the month — September 16, October 21, and November 18, 2025 — from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Each discussion will explore a central theme, while participants follow a suggested reading schedule. But in true Melvillian fashion, the program welcomes those who prefer to chart their own course.
“Whether reading Moby-Dick for the
first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, these sessions will help all readers enjoy the masterpiece in a new way,” said Marina Wells, the museum’s assistant curator of history & culture and the book club’s moderator. “We’re thrilled to present our first book club, which will bring together readers, questions, and interpretations in conversation with some of the world’s leading Melville scholars.”
Alongside Wells, the book club will feature seven distinguished experts from the Melville Society, an organization of scholars dedicated to fostering critical understanding of the author’s life, times, and works. The museum’s collaboration with the society dates back to 2000, when they established the Melville Society Cultural Project — a partnership that has brought research, exhibits, and lectures on Melville’s legacy to New Bedford for 25 years.
“In 25 years of affiliation with the New Bedford Whaling Museum, we have cherished the Moby-Dick Marathon and events like “Stump the Scholars” and “Chat with a Scholar.”
The new Moby-Dick Book Club gives us a way to continue our conversations with the museum’s visitors, fans of Melville’s book, descendants of whaling men, and lovers of the sea. We can’t wait!"
Wells says the series is designed not only to unpack the dense symbolism and sweeping narrative of Moby-Dick, but also to offer context on the whaling industry, maritime culture, and New Bedford’s pivotal role in Melville’s own story. The author famously shipped out from the city aboard
(Continued from Page 2)
the whaleship Acushnet in January 1841, an experience that would shape the novel’s authentic detail and enduring mystique.
The book club will serve as a lead-up to the museum’s milestone 30th Annual Moby-Dick Reading Marathon, scheduled for January 2–4, 2026. Over the course of 25 straight hours, an eclectic roster of
readers — from local officials to students, actors, and everyday fans — will take turns reading aloud all 135 chapters of the novel. The marathon, first held in 1997, has grown into a beloved mid-winter tradition, attracting visitors from across the country and abroad. The event blends literary endurance with community celebration: interludes of live music, Melville-inspired performances, scholarly talks, and handson activities keep the energy alive through the long hours.
Next year’s anniversary edition promises even more spectacle, Wells said, with “special guests, unique programming, and
surprises for both veteran marathoners and newcomers.” The event remains free and open to the public, though seating is often at capacity, especially during the opening and closing sessions.
The museum hopes the book club will create a “warm-up lap” for readers, making the marathon less daunting and more rewarding. “When you’ve had the chance to discuss the book, ask questions, and hear different perspectives beforehand, the marathon becomes a much richer experience,” Wells explained.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum — which houses one
of the world’s largest collections of whaling artifacts, maritime art, and historical documents — has long been a beacon for Melville enthusiasts. Its permanent exhibitions trace the city’s whaling heritage, its global connections, and its deep imprint on American literature.
To register for the Moby-Dick Book Club, visit www. whalingmuseum.org/ program/moby-dickbook-club.
Details on the 2026 marathon are available at www. whalingmuseum. org/program/moby-dick-marathon-2026.
LOOKING FOR THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE BOSTON IN THE SUMMER? ON THE WATER OF COURSE!
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NEADS Service Dogs Join New England Revolution for Special Training Center Visit
By The Coastal Angler Staff
FOXBOROUGH, MA
– The New England Revolution welcomed some four-legged guests to the Revolution Training Center on August 12, as NEADS World Class Service Dogs brought Labrador Retriever Service Dogs in Training to meet the team and take in the atmosphere on the practice pitch.
The visit included NEADS Service Dog Ambassadors Bobby and Verna, along with two dogs currently in the final stages of their training at the NEADS campus. These future Service Dogs are being prepared to provide essential, life-changing support to clients with disabilities.
olution match — with fans voting to decide the puppy’s name.
The event marked the start of a new collaboration between the Revolution and NEADS, which will include several fan-focused initiatives. On August 16, Tricia Parillo and her Assistance Dog, Missy, will be honored as the team’s “Hero of the Match.” Then, on August 30, a NEADS puppy will be officially named during a Rev-
Cathy Zemaitis, NEADS Chief Development and Programs Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “We are honored to partner with this amazing New England franchise, especially ahead of such an exciting year in soccer with the World Cup coming to Massachusetts in 2026,” she said. “We also cannot wait to name one of our newest puppies with the help of the Revs fans.”
For the Revolution, the collaboration underscores their commitment to community engagement. “It’s
important to the New England Revolution to partner with local nonprofits who are changing lives in our community,” said Dave Campopiano, the team’s Senior Director of Fan & Community Engagement. “This is an excellent opportunity to do that, as well as to give our fans a chance to learn more about NEADS.”
The partnership aims to highlight the critical role Service Dogs play in improving lives while connecting sports fans to an important cause.
For more information on NEADS and its programs, visit www. neads.org.
45" Striper caught off Whale Cove, Rockport, MA by Finn Brady, assisted by Brian Cafarella
Photo Credits: Brian Cafarella
Sales Representative
Coastal Angler Magazine, Boston
JOB TYPE: PART-TIME REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: FISHING & SALES
Coastal Angler Magazine, Boston, a company of Regan Communications Group, has an immediate opening for a Sales Representative for our Boston location.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Selling all advertising (both print and web)
• Directing content development (for print, website and social media)
• Procuring and editing copy from 5-8 writers monthly
• Managing the layout and collaborating on graphic design
• Creating concept and copy for print ads
• Delivering and managing the distribution of 10,000 copies monthly
• Maintaining all vendor/client relationships
REQUIREMENTS:
• A keen knowledge of the fishing industry.
• At least two years of sales experience.
• Candidate must be able to work effectively in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
Now Hiring Now Hiring
Plum Island Surfcasters
Club Meeting:
Plum Island Surfcasters is off fishing for the summer. Club meetings will resume on September 16, 2025 with Paul Roell of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Native Fish Coalition presenting “Dinosaurs Among Us: the Sturgeons of New England.” Plum Island Surfcasters meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Check our website (www.plumislandsurfcasters.org) for more details on upcoming events.
Salisbury, MA Senior Center (behind the fire station), 43 Lafayette Rd (Route 1), Salisbury, MA 01952.
Meetings at 6:45 pm | Fishing seminar at 8:00 pm Free for all club members. $5 admission for Non-members
MISSOURI ANGLER REELS IN MASSIVE 86.8-POUND BLUE CAT
An angler from the Midwest recently had a !shing experience to remember along the banks of the Missouri River near St. Louis.
Wally Klein hooked an enormous 86.8-pound blue cat!sh—an incredible catch that tested both his !shing technique and physical strength.
Using gizzard shad as bait and a standard rod-and-reel setup, Klein fought the powerful !sh before !nally bringing it ashore near Washington, Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
A er snapping a quick photo to commemorate his achievement, Klein released the massive cat!sh back into the river unharmed.
Klein told MDC o cials it was the largest !sh he’s ever caught. e department congratulated him on the impressive feat, saying, “Congrats on this impressive !sh.”
e Missouri River is a well-known destination for trophy cat!sh, particularly blue cat!sh, which are prized for their size and their spirited !ghts—making them a favorite and true challenge among seasoned anglers.
Klein’s cat!sh was a monster, but it didn’t quite break the state record — which was also set in the Missouri River. Back in 2010, Greg Bernal landed a 130-pound blue cat!sh, a catch that was a world record at the time.
Want to learn more about cat shing Missouri’s big rivers?
Visit: https://mdc.mo.gov/ shing/species/cat sh/big-river-cat shing.
SNOOK FISHING WITH ARTIFICIAL SHRIMP
Capt. Mike Smith
The common snook, a.k.a. linesider, a.k.a. robalo, is one of the most sought a er game!sh in Florida waters. Sportsmen and women from all over the world come to Florida to catch these hard !ghting, jumping, head shaking, drag pulling !sh.
Snook will de!nitely eat top water lures, jigs, jerkbaits, wake baits, suspending hard baits, spoons, and ies but they love arti!cial shrimp.
Arti!cial shrimp will catch snook all year long; day or night; salt or fresh water; in every ecosystem, anywhere that snook live.
One of the best ways to catch snook with arti!cial shrimp is skipping them under and around structures like mangrove branches, docks, sea walls, sand bars and oyster bars. Pitch the shrimp to the structure and let it sink. en give it a twitch, twitch and let it sink again, then twitch, twitch and repeat the process until your arms get tired of reeling in linesiders..
Snook like a slower retrieve in the cooler months. Make sure to slow it down when the water temperatures approach the 70 degree level or less. A faster retrieve works better when water temperatures are between 75 and 85 degrees. Snook o en stop biting when water temperatures get above 90 degrees.
Another great characteristic of the arti!cial shrimp is that it skips like a dream. e 3 inch shrimp is the go to arti!cial shrimp lure for most hardcore snook !shermen. However, there are days when the snook are more discerning and a 2.75 inch or a larger 4 inch shrimp is the better size and pro!le choice.
e best color choices for shrimp lures are transparent, natural colors with gold or silver glitter in them for sunny days and clear water scenarios. More opaque and darker colors work better in dirty water and on cloudy days.
Many !shermen struggle when !shing arti!cial lures into tight cover scenarios. Sometimes, it takes about 50 casts and the loss of a half dozen shrimp lures to perfect the technique. But it is de!nitely a skill that any serious snook !sherman needs to master.
Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass O Charters, is an inshore shing guide who has been shing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass ats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@ shyourasso .com or visit shyourasso .com.
Unlocking Fall Panfish Patterns
Whether for sport or for the table, pan!sh—especially slab crappies and hand-sized bull bluegills—are a favorite target among anglers. And when the air cools and leaves start to fall, pan!sh !shing heats up. Autumn can be one of the best times to catch these !sh, but it comes with a unique set of challenges. Changing vegetation, dropping water temperatures, lake turnover, and bait!sh migrations can make !nding pan!sh feel like solving a seasonal puzzle.
Fortunately, by learning to read these fall cues you’ll consistently !nd success on the water.
As lake temperatures cool and turnover occurs, bait!sh begin shi ing toward shallower cover where they can !nd safety and warmth. is movement sets o a chain reaction. Pan!sh follow the food, o en stacking up around cover like submerged wood or rocky structure. ese areas become prime real estate for fall !shing.
Weather plays a major role, too. On cold, blustery fall days, pan!sh o en slide deeper, becoming more predictable and easier to !nd with electronics. Deep basin areas in 20 to 25 feet of water can light up with schools of crappies—and sometimes bluegills—suspended and ready to bite. ese deeper !sh are o en aggressive, making for a rewarding but ethically sensitive bite. When !shing at those depths, barotrauma becomes a real issue. Released !sh o en don’t survive, even if they swim o , so it’s important to harvest what you catch, regardless of size.
On the ip side, when the weather is mild and
the sun is out, pan!sh can be found shallower, relating to weedlines, cribs, and brush piles. Healthy, vertical weeds are a magnet for fall pan!sh and can hold !sh all the way into !rst ice. In fact, some of the best fall bluegill bites happen in just !ve to eight feet of water, especially in lakes where dense, green weedbeds persist.
Lake size also in uences fall behavior. On smaller lakes—200 acres or less—dropping water temps and decaying weeds tend to concentrate !sh even more. As long as green weeds remain, pan!sh will hold tight to them. But as those weeds die o , the !sh begin to push toward deeper structure or out into the basins in preparation for winter.
Crappies in particular become more predictable in the fall, o en schooling up tighter and acting more aggressively than during other seasons. ey’re easier to pattern as they transition from summer haunts to winter basins, o en stopping along the way at deep weedlines or submerged timber. In lakes with ample wood or crib structure, these can be hotspots that hold large schools well into late fall.
Bluegills, while more opportunistic and scattered, still relate strongly to weed edges and shallow cover when the conditions are right. eir adaptability means they can be caught both shallow and deep, but they may take more searching to !nd than their crappie counterparts.
Despite the variables, the recipe for fall pan!sh
success remains relatively consistent: follow the forage, !nd healthy weeds or cover, and adjust based on the weather. Whether you’re chasing aggressive schools of crappies in deep water or hunting bluegills in shallow weed patches, fall o ers a window of opportunity that savvy anglers won’t want to miss.
THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS: Naturally in Rhythm—No
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands embody a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and laid-back serenity. ese islands are more than just a picturesque getaway; they are a living testament to nature’s rhythm and resilience, e ortlessly 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. e 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. e 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.
e US Virgin Islands’ environment is a symphony of biodiversity with world class !shing and diving. ese natural elements are not static; they dance in harmony, in uenced by the tides, wind, and seasonal changes— further emphasizing the islands’ intrinsic rhythm. is delicate balance underscores the importance of conservation e orts, ensuring that future generations continue to
experience the islands’ natural cadence.
Culturally, the US Virgin Islands are equally in tune. e music, dance and festivals re ect a vibrant heritage rooted in African, European and Caribbean traditions. e spirited calypso beats and reggae rhythms are expressions of life's ongoing dance—celebrating resilience, community and joy. ese cultural expressions are an extension of the islands’ natural rhythm, showcasing how human life here moves seamlessly
with nature’s ow.
In a world o en 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. eir natural, cultural and ecological rhythms o er 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 ow and the enduring spirit of these remarkable islands. In the US Virgin Islands, being in rhythm isn’t just an ideal; it’s a way of life.
Learn more at www.VisitUSVI.com.
Buy One, Get One Free
Valued at over $90,000 MSRP, only 3000 tickets will be sold
CHANGE IS ON THE WAY
Tim Barefoot
September is a peculiar month. Some of the hottest days of the year, hurricane season is in full swing and the !rst northeast winds and cold fronts are about to occur. is is the time of year when wahoo and yellow!n can be caught right up against the beach on big schools of cigar minnows and sardines, or out in the deeper water. ere is no rhyme or reason to it this time of year; these !sh simply follow the bait schools
is is also the time of year when scamp grouper are very vulnerable. If you have the ability to keep a pin!sh trap in the water, it’s a good idea to take live pin!sh with you o shore for a number of reasons. One, pin!sh are very hearty and will live until the end of the day in the live well. Two, they are very sought a er by scamps because scamps view them as egg eaters and will kill them (eat them) so they don’t eat their eggs. And three, they are readily available at all !sh cleaning stations, at most marinas. Yes, I strongly suggest taking two or three boxes of frozen cigar minnows for bait, but live pin!sh are a ringer for scamps and other grouper/ snapper species in the deeper water.
with a cigar minnow. Proof is in the pudding...and here’s your proof. I’ve always said if you !nd the bait you !nd the !sh, and if you !nd big marks of bait (cigs, sardines, tinks, beeliners etc…) you’ll !nd the !sh. It’s always a good thing to have a “spotlight trolling motor” option to be able to sit on the bait or at least slow your dri in currents, but !sh under the bait on or near the bottom for grouper and snappers and keep the light line out for all the pelagics.
Designate one person in the crew to keep multiple light-line baits tended. Do not let this person get complacent and start bottom !shing. e same person should stay focused on the baits and working the Sabiki for whatever bait is below the boat. I’ve always said “Don’t walk in a Chinese restaurant and order a pizza,” meaning whatever is there is what they’re eating! A couple obvious execptions to this is pin!sh on the bottom and greenies/sardines; these baits are universal. We can’t keep gag grouper this time of year or American red snapper, but you can de!nitely !ll the box with other species.
September is when you will see all the tropical species in places you don’t normally see them. All the tropical snappers are everywhere now. Frozen cigar minnows on the Squid Decoy Jig are a wonderful option, but live cigs and sardines are a “whole nother story.” As shown in the photo, the all-time IGFA world record scamp was caught on the 12 ounce
Be ready for that big bite on the light line by choosing your tackle wisely as well. Yes, you need to keep the leader ( oro and wire) size small to get the bites, but use the correct size hooks, reel and line capacity to handle bigger !sh. Like I mentioned earlier, this is the time of year when wahoo are everywhere...and nowhere. You could catch a giant wahoo or tuna inshore, or in the deep water, just be prepared for it and be ready to chase it down if need be. e kite is always a great option if you have the team that can y the kite and bottom !sh simultaneously as it can be a challenge with wind speed, direction and current.
Learn more from Tim Barefoot on his YouTube channel and at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
