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.
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
Quiet Water, Violent Strikes: Surf Fishing Texas Style
BY CAPT. MICHAEL OKRUHLIK MyCoastOutdoors@yahoo.com www.MyCoastOutdoors.com
HARD TWITCH BAITS: STRIKE FIRST, STRIKE HARD
If I had to pick just one, hard twitch baits take the top spot. There’s something about that sharp, erratic dart through the water that drives trout wild — and the strikes are violent. Like “wakeup-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 fired up and aggressive — they’ll often come back for seconds (or thirds). Like the twitch baits, these lures rattle too, which helps draw fish in from a distance.
OLD SCHOOL SILVER SPOON: TIMELESS AND DEADLY
The silver spoon has earned its place in Texas fishing history, and for good reason — it still flatout 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: PADDLE TAILS AND SHRIMP WITH A TWIST
Soft plastics shine in the surf, but go for durability. These fish aren’t sitting around like they do in the bay — they’re moving, and fast. The last thing you want is to waste time swapping lures after every catch.
I use paddle tails with builtin tail rattles and super-loud rattling shrimp. Yes, rattling shrimp exist — and when trout are keyed in on shrimp, nothing else will do. The realism and noise can turn a slow day into a flurry of action.
LIVE BAIT: SOMETIMES, YOU JUST GOTTA GO NATURAL
Live shrimp under a rattling popping cork? That’s trout candy. It’s simple, effective, and deadly on calm days.
But if the bite gets finicky, break out the big guns: live croaker. Controversial? Sure. Effective?
Seabrook, Texas
Absolutely. When the water’s crystal clear and the trout are being picky, croaker can be a day-saver.
BONUS ROUND: REDFISH 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. The 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 fishing. Easy wading, plenty of action, and good-sized fish make it a blast for kids and adults alike.
One final tip: if there’s any southwest wind at all, do what the surfers do on flat 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 fishing.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
Photo courtesy of Knockin Tail Lures®.
LookLook Freedom Boat Club
CLEAR LAKE
SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR MARINA
2400 South Shore Harbour Blvd, League City, TX 77573
DALLAS
LAKE LEWISVILLE
1481 E Hill Park Rd, Lewisville, TX 75056
LAKE TEXOMA
GRANDPAPPY POINT
1789 Harbor Dr, Denison, TX 75020
CENTRAL TEXAS
NORTH POINT MARINA
3681 Cedar Ridge Park Rd, Temple, TX 76502
LAKE CONROE
WALDEN MARINA
12050 Melville Dr Suite 6, Montgomery, TX 77356
LAKE CONROE
WATERPOINT MARINA
15320 TX-105 Suite 500, Montgomery, TX 77356
LAKE TRAVIS
ROUGH HOLLOW IN LAKEWAY
105 Yacht Club Cove, Lakeway, TX 78734
LAKE TRAVIS
SANDY CREEK MARINA
8714 Lime Creek Rd, Leander, TX 78641
AUSTIN
1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732
CORPUS CHRISTI
MARKER 37 MARINA
13317 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
GALVESTON
PELICAN REST MARINA
7819 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77554
ROCKPORT
COVE HARBOR YACHT CLUB
121 Cove Harbor Rockport, TX 78382
DALLAS
LAKE TRAVIS
CLEAR LAKE
CENTRAL TX
GALVESTON
CORPUS CHRISTI
LAKE TEXOMA
AUSTIN
TIDES
3
2
5
6
7
8
9
4 Thu 7:50 1.2 6:57 7:38
7:31
11 Thu 8:27 1.1 4:35 0.9 4:56 0.1 7:01 7:30
12 Fri 12:25 1.2 8:06A 1.1 5:32 1.1 5:54 0.0 7:01 7:29
13 Sat 2:12 1.3 6:59 -0.1 7:02 7:27
14 Sun 4:10 1.3 8:13 0.0 7:02 7:26
15 Mon 5:37 1.4 9:32 0.0 7:03 7:25
16 Tue 6:28 1.3 10:46 0.0 7:03 7:24
17 Wed 7:00 1.3 11:50 0.1 7:04 7:22
18 Thu 7:20 1.2 3:44 1.1 1:27 1.1 7:04 7:21
19
20 Sat 7:39 1.1 6:16 1.1 1:28 0.3 2:00 0.8 7:05 7:19
21 Sun 7:45 1.1 7:23 1.1 2:05 0.4 2:24 0.7 7:06 7:17
22 Mon 7:50 1.1 8:28 1.1 2:36 0.6 2:50 0.6
23
24
26
28
29 Mon 6:18
7
2
7:32
11 Thu 12:53 1.3 4:19 0.1 7:01 7:30
12 Fri 3:01 1.5 5:11 0.0 7:01 7:29
13 Sat 4:41 1.6 6:11 0.0 7:02 7:28
14 Sun 6:02 1.6 7:22 0.0 7:02 7:27
15 Mon 7:12 1.7 8:39 0.1 7:03 7:25
16 Tue 8:11 1.6 9:54 0.1 7:04 7:24
17 Wed 8:57 1.6 11:00 0.2 7:04 7:23
18 Thu 9:27 1.5 11:55 0.3 7:05 7:22
19 Fri 9:42 1.4 7:05 7:20
20 Sat 9:41 1.2
23
September: Month of Transition
CAPT. DAVID C DILLMAN
832-228-8012
galvestonbaycharterfishing.com
Summer is close to being just a memory. It sure did fly by fast! Now we wait the arrival of Fall. September is the month of transition, October is the first month of Fall. Lots of folks put the boats and rods up in favor of guns and the hunting season. Not me, I just get ready for some of the best fishing that happens in Galveston Bay.
The first couple of weeks into September, Speckled Trout and Redfish get scattered as they begin their movement to the back reaches of the bay. Sand Trout and Croakers start to show up in abundance. These fish can be caught along the deeper reefs, passes and the jetties. Fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom is the top bait when fishing for these "panfish". Their excellent table fare and lots of fun and action all anglers of any age. There is no size or number limit on Croakers and Sand Trout, but be responsible and only take what you need for a couple of dinners.
Those anglers in search of Speckled trout and Redfish this time of year will see a different pattern. In my experience the first weeks of September are fairly difficult
on catching good numbers in any one place. Once we settle into the last couple weeks of September, the fish will become easier to target. Usually by this time we should see the arrival of our first cool/cold fronts. Fish will congregate towards the northern ends of all our bays. This is where the bait fish will depart the marsh, as the water temperature and tide levels drop. Thus flushing the bait out of the marsh, only to be intercepted by waiting schools of hungry Trout and Redfish. We will see our first bird action, where Seagulls and Terns will pinpoint the schools of fish.
Every angler no matter if they are using live bait or lures should see plenty of action. Croakers will take a backseat seat, as live shrimp fished under a popping cork will draw more strikes for live baiters. Any type of soft plastics for the artificial anglers will be the lure of choice, especially when fishing the birds.
Weather this time of year is nearly perfect with cooler mornings. Daytime temps will still reach into the 90's, but hopefully we'll see a cool front or two to lower the humidity levels. Now, of course and I pray we can get through September without a hurricane threat.
Best Bait on Galveston Bay since 1929
What’s made Eagle Point Fishing Camp unique since 1929 is its location and business model. Because it’s in the center of the Galveston Bay, EPFC allows anglers to conveniently fish a vast stretch of water spanning from Houston to Galveston. Using the same full-service concept as its date of establishment, EPFC has proven for nearly a century that easy access to the water combined with a skilled staff creates the perfect fishing experience. Along with the boat ramp, boat storage, live bait for purchase, tackle shop, and RV park, EPFC has always had a fleet of shrimp boats to supply the bait that so many of their regular customers desire. Their successful commercial shrimping business has been an intricate part of what makes EPFC unique.
SPECIALS
SAVVY WADE FISHING: CLASSROOM 101
As we try to find other methods to capture those pesky speckled trout and redfish, this writer would suggest that one might try and get out of a perfectly dry boat, commonly referred to as wade fishing. Many are called, few are chosen to this art of catching really good fish. It seems that there is some who would believe that you could successfully catch bigger fish, while in the boat. That is further from the truth.
Successful wade fishing depends a lot on how you dress. Wearing apparel that can be seen under water from more than a few feet can penalize you by spooking the fish. Remember that fish are skittish when they search for food in shallow water.
Additionally, the wrong apparel can be downright dangerous, especially in waters with deep holes or along the fringes of cuts and channels or in areas where very soft mud can become dangerous bottom.
Don’t wear clothing that will reflect light. A person all decked out in white clothing can really spook fish, especially speckled trout, in shallow water. Instead wear any dark colored pants. When wet, these materials will make your legs look like posts. It’s not at all wise to wade fish bare legged. Long pants will protect your legs from hooks, fins and jellyfish. Guys that wade in shorts, spend a lot of time in the boat, recovering from the sting of those pesky critters. Jackets are useful to keep your upper body warm during the fall and minimize the chill in the winter. Simms Outdoors has the ultimate covering.
Some kind of footwear is a must when wade fishing the bays. Bare feet can get you into all kinds of trouble. I prefer Bart’s Bay Armor boots or lightweight wading shoes by Simms. Boots can get you into a lot of trouble if you happen to step into too deep a hole. So be careful when you purchase those wading boots. Make sure they are at least one to two sizes larger. This is especially true if hip boots are worn. They can quickly fill with water and will practically anchor you to the bottom. Never wade alone. I know what you are thinking. No one else will go or you want to move more quickly to cover the water area. This writer has personally saved several from possible serious injury or worse. Wade in teams of at least 2(two) fishermen. You can really cover more water and when you find those speckled trout or redfish, you can hold them for a time.
The very worst way to wade fish is to go bare footed. I still see this often when the water along the beachfront is clear and waders are out seeking
speckled trout. Instead of going bare foot, wear very lightweight tennis shoes. It’s very important that these shoes can be easily kicked off if you happen to slip into water over your head and be faced with a situation of having to swim for shore. This is a thing that occurs all too frequently when waders invade the waters of San Luis Pass. Sometimes the rip tides are extreme. Wear a life jacket. No exception. Swim with the current till released, then to shore.
Of course, some sort of insulated wear is needed for wading in the winter. I prefer chest high waders by Simms Outdoors or wade-lites. Waders, however, can get you into trouble if you venture into water too deep. So always walk with a shuffle to feel the ground ahead so you can dodge holes and avoid slipping off the edge of cuts and channels.
A belt around the outside of the waders can make the apparel serve as a makeshift flotation device if you step into a deep hole or slip into a channel. The belt will help to trap air inside the waders to give you a certain amount of flotation. The thing to do if you go into a hole is to abandon your fishing gear and start paddling to shore. Buying new fishing gear is far less expensive than having your family come to visit you at the area hospital. Remember that you can become numb very quickly in cold water. Hypothermia is nothing to fool with. The water temperature today is 54 degrees...
Be sure and layer you apparel when wading. It’s much easier to take it off, instead of not having that pair of sweats or light jacket.
The ideal way to wade fish is to wear some sort of flotation device. There are several on the market that instantly inflate when an access cartridge is popped. With a device like that you can save your life as well as your fishing gear. Otherwise, you can purchase those that are already made to wear. Be sure that they would hold your weight. Check the tags for instructions.
It’s extremely important to wear gear that will seal out moisture as well as the cold when wade fishing in the winter. Wearing several layers of clothing is better than a single heavy garment.
Another important aspect of wade fishing is to always let someone know just where you plan to fish. Your family and friends can use this to start a search for you, if you fail to arrive in a timely fashion.
As
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.
