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

BIG SNAPPER GO LIGHT FOR BACKWATERS FISHING ON A SUP

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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.

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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

in the Keys Tuna Time Tuna Time

By A. deGruchy

Late summer in the Florida Keys means steady black!n tuna action. Look for them around o shore humps like Marathon and Islamorada, especially early in the morning, and over wrecks in 200 to 600 feet of water.

Troll small feathers, ballyhoo, or bonito strips when the !sh are feeding near the surface. If they’re holding deeper, vertical jigging is the way to go. Savage Gear jigs in the 100 to 200 gram range work great. Drop them straight down and work them quickly to trigger bites.

For gear, the new Penn Spin!sher VII combo in the 4500 to 6500 size is a solid choice. Spool it with 30 to 50 pound braid and 30 pound uoro. It’s a strong and smooth setup that handles tuna with ease.

Watch for bird activity like frigates and terns diving. at usually means tuna are pushing bait to the surface. And always !sh with respect. Don’t troll behind another boat or crowd or someone who is already on a school. Give space and enjoy the bite.

Black!n tuna grade is better than blue!n in my opinion; you can eat it raw, do poke bowls, sushi rolls or sear it with sesame seeds!

Be sure to follow deGruchy’s adventures on YouTube (Bean Sport shing TV) and @bean_sport shing on Instagram.

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Quiet Water, Violent Strikes: TEXAS STYLE SURF FISHING

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Chasing Giants on the Gulf Coast

When the end of summer is near and the tides align, there’s no place I’d rather be than Southwest Florida—with a rod in hand and visions of giant snook dancing in my head. !is year, my buddies and I made the pilgrimage with a simple mission: land a personal best. Big sh only. No compromises.

Hard Twitch Baits: Strike First, Strike Hard

If I had to pick just one, hard twitch baits take the top spot. !ere’s something about that sharp, erratic dart through the water that drives trout wild — and the strikes are violent. Like “wake-up-your-neighbors”, violent. Twitch it, pause it, twitch again — boom! Bonus: many of these lures rattle, which adds an extra layer of appeal in the slightly stained surf water.

Topwaters: The Surface Showdown

When I want a front-row seat to the chaos, I tie on a topwater. Watching a speckled trout explode on a surface lure in the calm surf is pure adrenaline. If it misses, keep working it. Trout in the surf are red up and aggressive — they’ll o en come back for seconds (or thirds). Like the twitch baits, these lures rattle too, which helps draw sh in from a distance.

Old School Silver Spoon: Timeless and Deadly

!e silver spoon has earned its place in Texas shing history, and for good

reason — it still at-out works. I prefer a steady retrieve style spoon for consistent action over a jigging one, but that’s just personal taste. And hey, I’m a paddle-tail guy at heart, so a steady retrieve comes naturally.

Soft Plastics: PaddleTails & Shrimp with a Twist

So plastics shine in the surf, but go for durability. !ese sh aren’t sitting around like they do in the bay — they’re moving, and fast. !e last thing you want is to waste time swapping lures er every catch.

I use paddle tails with built-in tail rattles and super-loud rattling shrimp. Yes, rattling shrimp exist — and when trout are keyed in on shrimp, nothing else will do. !e realism and noise can turn a slow day into a urry of action.

Live Bait: Sometimes, You Just Gotta Go Natural

Live shrimp under a rattling popping cork? !at’s trout candy. It’s simple, e ective, and deadly on calm days.

But if the bite gets nicky, break out the big guns: live croaker. Controversial? Sure. E ective? Absolutely. When the water’s crystal clear and the trout are being picky, croaker can be a day-saver.

Bonus Round: Redfsh in the Mix

Don’t be surprised if a slot red — or even an oversized bruiser — crashes the party. Every lure and bait on this list will get crushed by reds in the surf. Be ready. !e surf might be calm, but your drag won’t be.

Bring the Kids – And Leave the Southwest Wind Behind

Calm surf days are perfect for family shing. Easy wading, plenty of action, and good-sized sh make it a blast for kids and adults alike.

One nal tip: if there’s any southwest wind at all, do what the surfers do on at days — stay in bed. It’ll save you some frustration.

So check that forecast, grab your favorite rattling lure, and remember: always take a kid shing.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

17th Annual Gumbo Wars Event

Marine Grade Stainless Steel Parts Custom Axles • Accessories Large Parts Inventory For All Trailer Types.

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

It is soon to be “Gumbo Time” in Central Florida, right here in historic Downtown Sanford. West End Trading Company on the corner of Sanford Avenue and 2nd Street will be the host location for this 17th annual event on Saturday October 11th from noon till 5pm. More than 20 teams will be cooking and competing for the “Peoples’ Choice Award” for this year best Gumbo! Several vendors will be joining us also for this all-volunteer Fund Raiser. This wonderful event has raised over $150,000 in the previous 16 years! We moved the venue from the previous location at “Fish on Fire” restaurant in the South-Orlando and the Conway area, Due to our large crowds we out grew that location and wanted to have more impact on the youth fishing community and water conservation projects in Florida that we donate the proceeds too. Gumbo Wars president Phil Wolf says moving to downtown Sanford was a perfect fit for this type of event, more space, bigger crowds, means more funds raised for our mission. I have been apart of the “Get Hookd’ on Lake Monroe” a FREE TO ENTER fishing tournament for the last 6 years hosted by West End Trading Company every January, when they agreed to partner with us by hosting the event our team of all volunteers were all on-board. Last years event was just 3 days post hurricane and attendance was-less than predictions but still very successful. We are hoping this years’ event will be record setting. The proceeds raised are donated back to our local youth fishing community and Florida’s clean water issues. Our JAE (junior angler education) volunteer instructional program has introduced over 10,000 kids and parents to fishing over the last 16 years, making quite an impact through State of Florida’s “Hook Kids on Fishing” program. Local youth fishing clubs Seminole Jr Anglers, Osceola Anglers and Teen Sportfishing Association all provide volunteers from their clubs to help with our great event, we donate the proceeds raised back to their clubs for their efforts and they use it for whatever their clubs need. We also donate some of the proceeds to clean-water projects all throughout Florida. Pre-event tasting bands are now on sale for $20 on-line, that gets you all the gumbo you can eat and a voting ticket for “People’s Choice Award”, $30 day of the event. We are still looking for more teams to compete and more vendors. $50 gets you a 10’X10’ tent space for vendors or cooks, the cooking team has to provide 5 gallons of Gumbo for serving, the winning team will get 50% of the total funds from the competing teams. Live music, a DJ, lots of great raffle items and loads of fun to be had, for more info, for tasting bands, to volunteer or register as a cooking team or vendor visit Gumbowars.com or contact Phil Wolf at 407-7909515 or by email phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com we hope to see everyone there for a great time!

Hosted in Downtown Sanford with Hosted in Downtown Sanford with

17th annual

OCT

11th

An evening to celebrate & support Florida's marine An evening to celebrate & support Florida's marine resources! resources!

Get your tickets today by Get your tickets today by visiting: visiting: www.ccaflorida.org/chapter/orlando www.ccaflorida.org/chapter/orlando

Join us for drinks, catered dinner, raffles, auctions & MORE! Join us for drinks, catered dinner, raffles, auctions & MORE!

6:00 - 7:30: Cocktails and Silent Auction 6:00 - 7:30: Cocktails and Silent Auction

7:30 - 8:30: Dinner and Announcements 7:30 - 8:30: Dinner and Announcements 8:30 - 9:30: 8:30 - 9:30: Live Auction Live Auction 9:30 - 10:00: Announce Raffle Winners 9:30 - 10:00: Announce Raffle Winners 10.02.25 10.02.25 WINTER PARK EVENTS CENTER WINTER PARK EVENTS CENTER 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM FOR TICKETS AND OTHER EVENT-RELATED INQUIRIES, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CCAFLORIDA.ORG/CHAPTERS/ORLANDO OR CONTACT MANDY

Temperature relief needed –cooler weather is just around the corner. Get ready for the upcoming Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby! Crappie season begins in September then American shad will soon follow, typically around Christmas time.

Largemouth bass, sunshine bass (striped), and black crappie will be the targets for September. Look for schooling bass early mornings at the mouth of the river on both sides of Monroe and Harney. Bass anglers are having luck with lipless crank baits, shallow running slash baits, and topwater plugs. Devils horse lures thrown right at the shoreline are working, so are swim baits along weeds next to drop-offs. Stripers will readily hit topwater lures in the same areas you find bass in the river.

Speckled perch (crappie) season

begins in September with the first spawn typically occurring in the second half of the month. Large specks can be caught when they stage up in the 6-8 foot depths while males are prepping the beds. Longline trolling with a minnow tipped 1/8th ounce jig (use your favorite-colored tail) at about 1.2 mph should do the trick. Vertical slow-trolling known as spider-rigging will also tempt the big ones and speeds may vary between .4 and 1.0 mph. Make sure your weights correspond to trolling speed, keeping your lure in the strike zone. Faster equals heavier egg sinkers - use ½, ¾, and 1-ounce sizes. Jigging the pilings of the 417 bridge over Lake Harney is good early season. Recommended crappie baits: minnow-tipped Road Runner lures, Mylar Jigs, and Johnson Spoons for shad. Don’t forget; always tip your jigs with a minnow to get more bites.

Always remember your sunscreen and SPF clothing in Florida. Gloves made by Glacier Outdoor are a great way to protect hands from sun and fish hooks too. Take a kid fishing – make forever memories!

As September arrives here on the Harris Chain, we are hoping that the local temps start to cool-off some. With the hottest temps on record for the month of July and August the water temp is in the low 90s by mid-afternoon. The bite all over the chain has been decent even with the high temps. September also brings more breezy days and the beginning of fall and shorter days. Look for areas with any current from the breezes or running and moving water from our afternoon rains as the fish have been grouping up and feeding on schools of bait. Find bait and you will find the bass. The low light conditions of early morning have been best until about 8am or so. Top water baits like the trusted Zara Spook, Devils-horse, Pencil Poppers, hard or soft bodied frogs have been producing explosive strikes from above average size bass at first light. Try the mouths of canals, both ends of the Dead River and areas with off-shore spot-patches of hydrilla or eel grass lines in Big and Little Lake

Harris, Dora and Eustis. Once the sun gets up try finding shellbars, humps, eel grass all close to deep water, switch to large deep running crankbaits like a 6XD, big swimbaits or carolina-rigs with a large worm at least 10” or bigger. Fish them slow, once you catch one there are usually more in the area so work the area thoroughly. Flipping the heavy Kissimmeegrass and mats with black-blue creature baits or June-bug colored plastic trick worms have also been producing bites at the hottest part of the day. The larger deeper docks located all around the chain have been producing keeper bites later in the day as well, target areas on the docks with largest shaded areas skipping a ½ oz. jig or senko as far back under as you can, best when the breeze is blowing in on them.

The crappie bite will pick up towards the end of the month. Use jigs tipped with a minnow for crappie. Vary the depth of your baits until you find where they want it! The deeper holes in big Lake Harris have been producing the best bites for crappie. Great ready for the 17”h Annual Shad & Crappie Derby coming soon. Take a kid with you as crappie are great fun with light tackle great on the dinner table! Watch out for the afternoon thunderstorms and stay safe!

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Has Everything Central Florida Anglers Need!

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

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

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

Mud Hole Tackle

2133 Component Loop, Suite 1001 Oviedo, FL 32765

866-790-7637

Boat Dealers New & Consignment Sales

Boat Dealers New & Consignment

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

Astor Marine (352) 759-3655

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

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

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

12307 Wedgefield Dr., Grand Island, FL

AT Trailer (407) 892-1100

CJS Aluminum Inc.

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

31 - Pyramid Cabinets (407) 947-8499

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

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

Nobles Marine (352) 787-5792

437 N Palmetto St., Leesburg, FL

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

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

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

Craig Catamaran (407) 290-8778

4333 Silver Star Rd. $100 Orlando, FL

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

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

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

Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311

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

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

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

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

Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111

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

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

Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306

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

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

Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boat improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

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

Boat Improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

All America Marine (407) 855-9988

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

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

Advanced Marine Services (407) 498-5142

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

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

Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117

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

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

Portside Marina (407) 249-1124

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ahoy

(407) 323-8373

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

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

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

34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250

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

A&H Storage (407) 678-0507

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

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

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

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

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlands Marina & Camp Resort (336) 668-4491

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

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

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

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

Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619

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

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

Academy Sports & Outdoors

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

Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250

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

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

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

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

Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0015

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

Areas Best Picks for Restaurants

Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397

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

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

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

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

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

Area Best Picks for Restaurants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422

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

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

550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107

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

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

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

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

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

10 Locations – See our ad on Restaurant Page

Home Improvement Contractors & Service Providers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839 65 Harold

550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL

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

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

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

10 Locations - See our ad on restaurant page

Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401

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

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

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

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

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

TJ’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

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

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

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

Sanford Marina (407) 322-2910

531 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL

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

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

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

Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541

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

West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475

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

Community Service Providers Community Service Providers

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

12307 Wedgefield Drive , Grand Island, FL 32735

Always Looking for Captains

Lake, Orange, Western Volusia, Seminole, Osceola, Western Brevard, Eastern Sumter, Eastern Polk

All American Marine

7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809

Phone: (407) 855-9988

www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

Service All Outboard Brands – Stern Drives –Canvas – Interiors – Trailer Repair

Lake Fairview Marina

4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804

Phone: (407) 295-0117

www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

Consignment Sales – Outboard Service –Storage – Ship Store – Sailing Classes

Triangle Marine 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778

Phone:(352) 343-6146

www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

Bennington Pontoons – TideWater Johnson – Evinrude – Yamaha

Boat Max USA

9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817

Owens Fishing & Marine

935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

Phone: (352) 357-3030

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

Costa - Shimano Top Shelf Dealer

Outboard Service & Boat Parts

Hunting & Snorkeling Accessories Bow Fishing

511 E 25th St, Sanford, FL 32771

Phone: (407) 323-8373

Phone: (321) 866-0306 www.boatmaxusa.com

Mercury Marine Premier Service Center

Mercury Marine Repower Center

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

Factory Authorized Parts and Service Mariner Parts and Service

capt.troyperez@gmail.com www.allamericanmarineorlando.net

Thomas Lumber Company

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

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

Campbell Renovations Inc.

285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 Phone:(407) 349-0016 Cell: 407-947-5460 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

State Certified Contractor CBC 1255779

Residential & Commercial New Construction – Renovations – Kitchens –Bathrooms – Additions – Tenant Build Out

Vapor and Company

3621 S. Orlando Dr. Sanford FL 32773 Phone:(407) 878-7397 www.vaporandco.com

Electronic Cigarettes and E-Liquid Experts in Smoking Cessation

Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine Approved! Altamonte Springs, Orlando East SR 50

East CoastTide Charts

West Lake Toho - The summer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snook, mullet, and the magic of a mass migration. For Kayak Anglers there is hardly a better time to hit the water than the month of September. Of course, there isn’t a wrong time to go fishing in this area, but the best is easily discernable. Several factors lead to this common conclusion, but one event/scenario takes the lead of that list. The fall mullet run! This annual event is a highlight of my fishing year and gives Kayak Anglers of every skill level some of the best action you’ll see all year. This month(s) long phenomenon kicks off and continuously increases in intensity until late fall. Though the name in itself is a great descriptor. A bit of explanation is in order. The fall mullet run is a mass migration of mullet. One of the most prevalent inshore/near-coastal baitfish species in the entirety of the South Eastern United States. This subtropical to temperate ranging fish will populate coastal waters along that range in summer. However, they cannot survive the harsher winters felt north of Florida. As the first low pressure “cold” fronts slide into the south east and typically weeks before we ever see a break in the temperature outside. The shorting days and that weather change signals this baitfish to school and migrate south in mass. Flooding out of the bays and estuaries to the beach for their epic journey to warmer winter waters. It doesn’t take a two-decade fishing guide and life-long obsessed angler to understand that this means a bunch of predator action chasing these massive schools of migrating food. This is truly our local “National Geographic” moment. A display that is something every angler should take part in. Bait schools that go for miles and every manner of hungry fish taking part in the feast. Though many fish will be caught, there is one that stands out as a favorite among the mullet run, the snook! These fish will and feed hard along ambush areas as this moving buffet comes to town. The lagoons and inlets/ Port Canaveral will swell with bait, and you can bet the everincreasing snook population will be ready to take part. Live mullet, larger swimbaits, and top water plugs will all get you in on the action, try beach fishing or near-shore!

What a great month we had! Gotta love it. The bunker have been easier by the day to get. They have been in the port and fairly easy for a change. Some days in the bight, some days the steeple. But its around. Here’s the kicker, now that you’ve got the prime choice in bait, they don’t want it and want frozen. Yup. That’s right. So here’s the lesson, try both, one dead and one live and see what gets hit on better. We couldn’t figure out what the deal was with the live bait after marking fish till we tried the switch up. Who would’ve thought? Also don’t forget about the cans. They have been holding sardines and a sardine will always get hit.

Mixed in the kings have been cobia and still some lingering dolphin. Pretty crazy to have such a consistent pic of mahi this year. For the cobia, Keep the jig ready

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

September is the start of snook season. Try fishing in the surf and along the jetties at local inlets. The “Mullet-Run” usually gets started by mid-September or early October, depending on tropical storms. You will see the mullet exploding in those areas and along the beaches. Tarpon, jacks, blue fish, spanish mackerel and sharks will be feeding on the mullet schools so it can be a lot of action. Use a cast-net to catch finger mullet as bait. I use is 15-20# braid tied to a 30-40# fluorocarbon leader with a 3-0 J hook. If the tarpon are big and the sharks are around use wire on the sharks and heavier rods with 20-30# braid and 60# leader and up-size to a 7/0 circle hook. Try adding a ½ ounce slip sinker or split shot to your mullet to have a better chance to catch a flounder or redfish. Free lining mullet will also produce bites. Also, triple tail fishing will pick up with the change in the weather especially after we get a few of seasons’ North/ East blows.

for if that brown one swims up behind the boat.

This is a great month for wreck fishing. Use all your normal tactics from three ways to knocker rigs. Live bait definitely works the best. Use lighter tackle for more fun. Amberjack and every other species have been sitting right above the wrecks and it’s been great.

You can also try anchoring and chumming. Use some lighter fluorocarbon for the mangos. They have been plentiful! Even the muttons have been surfacing. Don’t forget about chicken rigging all the monster triggerfish! Man we have had some studs lately. It’s a lot of fun for the kids.

Get out there and enjoy the water.

Also the “Mullet Run” will be starting and fishing for all species will start to heat up by mid-month near-shore and just behind the shore-break. Load the net up with mullet and enjoy the fun!

Redfish, trout, black-drum, etc. bite will heat up in September because of the finger mullet run, change of weather and shorter days. When the water is high from summer-time storms, fish the Indian River and the Mosquito Lagoon closer to the shoreline. Try fishing underneath the mangroves, you never know what you will catch when the water is high. One of the best times of year to use artificials. Use a light 1/16 or 1/8 oz. jig-head with a paddle tail, or a soft-plastic jerk bait. I use 8-10# braid with tied to a 25# fluorocarbon leader when using artificial. After rains find drainage ditches or where culvert pipes are dumping into the river. If you prefer using bait, use live shrimp, finger mullet or cut bait. Fish points of land and drainage pipes where the wind is blowing onto it. The drainage pipes will often have smaller tarpon and snook around them. Fly fishing small flies and small jigs, like mini jigs work best for small tarpon and snook. The day after heavy rains and strong winds can be the best day to fish. I catch the most snook in September in the river due to the water levels being up and flowing to push the snook out from the mangroves and out of the marshes where they like to hide. Troy’s tip of the month: Fish after a hard rain

Tide Charts Brought To You By:

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

CENTRAL EAST COAST

SEPTEMBER

2025

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

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

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SEBASTIAN (IRL)

Lake Okeechobee’s water level is slowly rising and is currently just over the 12ft. mark. Both bass and bluegill fishing has been good lately fishing certain areas of the lake and Kissimmee River with the early morning hours being the most productive. Fishing after/around the noon hour can be tricky as there is always a chance of t-storms and extreme high heat/humidity this time of year so please exercise sensibility, stay hydrated and head towards the boat ramp when you hear the first crack of lightening. Fishing the Kissimmee River provides a lot of variety especially this time of year catching bass; bluegill; red ears; mayan cichlids and fingerling catfish. The River is also a great way to hone your deep water bass fishing skills such as Carolina-rigging; deep diving crank baits, working jigs on drop-offs and rock ledges. If you wanting to catch bream, you still have time to book an early morning trip and don’t forget

September brings shorter days and the start of the Fall transition all throughout the chain of lakes. The lakes are starting to fill back up with all of the summer-time rains. If you find running water after the storms, chances are you will find some bait and feeding fish. Running water from Shingle Creek, Goblets Cove, East Lake Canal, the lock areas, culverts in the canals and mouths of the canals as they enter and leave the lakes are all good places to check. Bass have been schooling and feeing in these areas early morning as the sun pops up. Great top water action can happen till about 730 am just after day-break. As the sun gets higher try fishing the edges and scattered patches of hydrilla with plastic frogs, flipping the edges with creature baits and plastic worms. Best colors are the local staples, black-blue, Junebug, watermelon-red and red-

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

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

to bring a cooler, they taste great and provide non-stop action for the kiddos. I provide all tackle; ice; bottles of water; sunscreen and Gill brand raingear if needed. If its big bass you are wanting to target, now is the time to book you’re Fall/early Winter time-frame trip and don’t forget the Crappie, both the bass and Crappie spawn about the same time of year, typically NovemberApril. When booking your trip, I can accommodate multi days and another guide boat for group trips. Areas on the lake to check out range from Observation Shoal (mid-area); edges of the Monkey box; Harney Pond Canal; Horse Island up to Tin House; some spots on Kings Bar; N/E side of Grassy and the water release area on east side. Try fishing the Kissimmee River, best areas are around the water release/lock through area; drop-offs/ humps/ledges. Bass lures that are producing are: top water; swim jigs/ baits; worms/senkos; frogs; crank baits and spinner baits. Colors range from bluegill patterns; white; red shad; june bug tilapia and shad Call me at 863-228-7263 or log onto: www.southfloridabassfishing. com to book your next fun-filled, educational day on the water.

Bonita and king are an excellent

shad. Try off-shore shell-bars in Lake Cypress and Kissimmee with rattle traps, crank-baits or slowly dragging a big plastic worm Texasrigged or Carolina rig. Once you find a bite or two, slow down and work the area thoroughly, usually they are more in the same location. Some afternoons, the heat of the day will produce the biggest and best bites, especially just before a rain storm. Flipping the heavy outside deep water edges of the Kissimmee-grass with a 3/4 oz. jig and trailer are also producing big fish bites. Black-blue color with craw style trailer in the outside 2ft of deep grass working best.

The panfish spawn is over but the crappie spawn and bite will pickup later in the month after the first of the seasons’ northern blows start. They will start to move to the shallow after the full moon in September and continue to get better all through the spring. Small jigs tipped with a minnow or a live minnow under a cork will produce the most bites. Take a kid fishing wit you once the speck action pick-up and create a memory that will last a life-time.

Miami Beach, Government Cut

Bubba & Landyn Myers with “Big Bass of the Year” a 10.10 lb. giant, largest ever weighed in at our Jolly Gator Bass Series events!

Hayden Lester & Luke Latherow with 22.92 lbs. 2nd place at Jolly Gator Bass “Classic” also 2nd in “Team of the Year” points. Congrats to these two Hight School Seniors!

Anthony Courtney & Sean Cunningham, “Team of the Year” point leaders for Jolly Gator Bass Series.

Jolly Gator “Classic Winners” Quinten Ferrell & Tish Cantrell with 23.87 lbs., including 2nd Big Bass of the Day at 6.00 lbs.

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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.

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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.