BIG SNAPPER GO LIGHT FOR BACKWATERS FISHING ON A SUP
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fve things you should know about boat insurance
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1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
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3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments
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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®
COASTAL ANGLER
North Central Florida/Nature Coast
Cary & Lynn Crutchfield
ALACHUA, CITRUS, COLUMBIA, DIXIE, GILCHRIST, LEVY, MARION, SUWANNEE
SEPTEMBER
As I write today, Hurricane Erin has past the United States, but I have the feeling that the Hurricane Gods are saying, “Hey y’all. See what I can do? Maybe I will visit you next time!” I am praying for no hurricanes, and no Suwannee River floods this Fall. We had enough last year. and even with hurricane season, I am grateful for September and hopefully lower temps. Fall is my favorite time of the year.
New advertiser this month, Forget Bugs Pest Control. See page 5.
This month’s recipe, page 2, Shrimp and Asparagus with Pasta is fast, easy and delicious. Cary said that he would like to have it again. If you don’t like asparagus, you could substitute broccoli or fresh spinach.
Last month I forgot to thank Stevenson Septic Tank Services for the fabulous annual 4th of July fireworks on SR 349 in Dixie County. Thank you so very much. Our granddaughter looks forward to it every year.
Be sure to thank our advertisers and the pick-up location where you get your Coastal Angler, the world’s greatest FREE fishing magazine.
With Fall, comes time for your annual flu shot and be sure to get your Covid booster. We older folks need to also check with our providers about the RSV vaccine. Stay smart; stay well and stay alive.
Lynn Crutchfield Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida/Nature Coast
North Central Florida Nature Coast Staff
Cary Crutchfield
EDITING & PRODUCTION
Lynn Crutchfield
GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN
Kathleen Stemley
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Kevin McCarthy Noel Kuhn
Capt. Jason Clark
Capt. Katie Jo Davis
Capt. Tommy Derringer
Capt. Andrew Fagan
Capt. Jonathan Hamilton
Capt. Tony Johns
Capt. Dallas King
Capt. Pat McGriff
Capt. Brent Woodward
CONTACT INFORMATION crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com 352-542-0356
Photo by: Suwannee River Water Management District
SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS WITH PASTA (FOR TWO)
Thank you to The Crab Plant for the shrimp. Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. You are welcome to sit at their table and view
beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, Fri-Sat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.
DIRECTIONS
Cook the pasta in large pot of salted water. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
COOKING DIRECTIONS
While pasta is cooking, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In same skillet, add remaining oil and butter and the asparagus. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until the asparagus is tender crisp.
Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (If using, I didn’t.) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
INGREDIENTS
•12 Jumbo Shrimp
•Asparagus for two, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (Optional)
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley minced
• Salt and Pepper to taste
Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
Stir in the Parmesan and parsley, tossing to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.
Fast, easy and delicious. If you don’t like asparagus, you can substitute broccoli or fresh spinach.
Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida
Weather Lore FLORIDA WATERWAYS
By Kevin McCarthy
Iwas a teenager, I lived with my family on an island off New Jersey. My brother and I spent countless hours in the summer sailing in a little Sneakbox, honing our skills for the day when we would graduate to a larger boat. In sailing and also fishing, we heard many nuggets of weather lore from more seasoned sailors/ fishermen, nuggets which have stayed with me for decades and influenced my behavior as I contemplated a day on the Gulf in a boat or at the beach.
For example, for years I have quoted the saying ‘Red sky at night, sailors’ delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.” Whether the saying dealt with sailors or shepherds, I have always believed the saying and acted accordingly. I think that our primeval ancestors had to develop such beliefs even before they studied the stars. Predicting the weather was essential for everyone, whether farmers, shepherds, merchants, seafarers, etc. The field of astrology developed, as did the practice of examining the innards of birds and other animals to foretell the future.
I remember reading an 1899 list of socalled telltale signs for the weather, e.g. “If chicks seek shelter, the weather will be wet. If geese bathe, it will rain. Fish appear on the surface of the water before rain and go to the bottom before a strong wind.” Etc. Other expressions include these: “When clouds look like black smoke, a wise man will put on his cloak.” Or “When a halo rings the Moon or Sun, rain’s approaching on the run.”
Scientists can give plausible explanations for such sayings, for example citing stats on high pressure, the wavelengths of sunlight, atmospheric conditions off Africa, etc., but many of us still rely on such sayings as “When windows won’t open and the salt clogs the shaker, the weather will favor the umbrella maker.”
These are just some of the sayings in our weather lore. If you’re still not sure of the weather, you can check out the Weather Channel or read the Farmer’s Almanac or even consult Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day.
Even if they deny it, many if not most people have entrenched weather superstitions. One I heard growing up was “When cows are lying down in a field, rain is on its way." As we experience another hurricane season and come to depend more and more on weather prognosticators, we may still remember and follow weather lore from our youth.
Of all the cow sayings about the weather, the one I like the most is this: “When a cow tries to scratch its ear, it means a shower is very near.” Anyway, stay safe in this hurricane season, keep your eye on the sky (and cows), and don’t stand under a tree in a storm.
Kevin McCarthy can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com
By Dr. Kevin M. McCarthy
Black clouds
Cows lying down
A moon corona or halo
Red sky in the morning
Punxsutawney Phil
An umbrella maker
Rain,
Rain stay away! That seems to always be the theme for September. Between the torrential downpours and crazy winds, to even a hurricane scare or two, it always keeps us on our toes this time of year! We are definitely praying for an easy-going year. With the continued success on the fishing, it has been stellar thus far and September never disappoints.
Inshore, the redfish migration will be in full swing for us here in Yankeetown. Large schools of upper and overslot fish will be sweeping across our flats in search of any bait, that will fit in their mouth! I like to target the outer points two hours
before high tide and two hours after, using a plethora of baits including shrimp, live finger mullet, pinfish and mudminnows. Fish any of these baits under a float on the shallow rocky places, or on a freelined light jighead on the deeper places.
Offshore the short two-week gag grouper season is upon us. We’re all hoping for good weather and hungry fish, to fill the freezer for the year with some fat grouper! Trolling is most effective this time of year.
Tight lines guys!
KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES
Water
temps begin to cool slightly in September, so sluggish summer behavior eases off and fish become more active again. Snook season opens— expect good opportunities. Best fishing is around the outer oyster bars, spoil islands, and areas around rocky dropoffs. Recommended lures include Rapala X-rap in olive green or a DOA Glow nose hooked on a 1/8 ounce jigged. Snook can be feisty—use at least 30 lb. fluorocarbon leader and ensure you have a valid snook stamp if keeping a slot fish. Expect increasing activity from redfish (reds), speckled trout, and flounder. Great bull reds are combing spoil islands; trout begin moving in from deeper grass flats, and flounder become easier to locate on sandier flats. Try a jig head tipped with a mud minnow.
Nearshore/offshore action also picks up. Gag grouper also opens for 14 days and are found around wrecks and reefs—use large live baits.
Welcome to Fall in Florida, where we have more easterly winds that help cool the water temperatures, creating cool mornings to get out and have productive days on the water.
Captain Katie Jo Davis
KD OUTDOORS FiSHING CHARTERS 772-882-8932 www.fishcrystalriverflorida.com
Lugger grasshopper in Lynn’s back yard.
BAIT & TACKLE
IN NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
CAPTAINS COVE OUTFITTERS
39 West Hwy 40 Inglis, FL 352-447-5610 www.CaptainsCoveOutfitters.com
DW&D BAIT HOUSE
12831 Whiddon Ave Cedar Key, FL 352-543-6109 352-222-9383
44 TACKLE CO.
1522 US 41 North Inverness, FL 34453
352.726.6100 www.44Tackle.com
SUWANNEE
September is a transition month; as the days are getting shorter, the average daytime temps will be dropping. These two things are major indicators to the wild critters who roam the lands and swim in the waters, that Fall is right around the corner!
OCKLAWAHA BAIT & TACKLE
13600 East CR 25 Ocklawaha, FL 32179
352-816-5853
BUBSIE’S BAIT & TACKLE
7 1st Ave Se Steinhatchee, FL 32359
352-275-7666
If you look closely, you will begin to notice changes in the feeding patterns of animals; primarily you will notice that they will be feeding more often and for longer periods. This is a response to their internal clocks signaling them that winter is on the way! You will also notice fish schooling up more often and in larger schools, as this makes them more efficient in catching their prey!
This is really true for the speckled trout who have just completed the final segment of their annual summer spawning season and are looking to fatten up before Winter.
If speckled trout is your preferred species, then the Autumn/Fall season is a great time for you! At the beginning of September, with water temps in the mid 80s, the trout will still be hanging close to the deeper, cooler water.
The offshore grass flats like the "Spotty Bottom" and the scattered grass to the North, are great trout locations (weather permitting) this time of the year. A bonus when fishing out there, are the pelagic species who will be starting their migration South, this includes Spanish King Mackerel, along with cobia and quite a few sharks!
When fishing out there, you can drift or anchor up. While chumming is not very popular in my area, it can be a big plus out there, especially if you anchor up! I like to use a ⅜ or ½ ounce jighead out in this deeper water (8 to14 feet) paired up with FishBites Fight Club
Lure 5-inch Dirty Boxer. I catch more fish on the lighter colors like Hammer Fist and Haymaker. If you are looking for a bait to float back in your chum slick, I use a weighted worm hook, 1/16 ounce and the same Fight Club Lures, free lined back with the chum.
The redfish, just like the speckled trout, know that Winter is coming, and likewise will be feeding more often and for longer periods. In September, with bait everywhere, finding the right bunch of bait will be critical! I will use a search bait like the ole tried n true Gold Spoon and a variety of topwater plugs when "prospecting" a school of bait. When I want to add scent to my presentation, I will switch to a vibrating jig or inline spinner bait paired with the FishBites Fight Club Dirty Boxer 5 inch curly tail. I use all 8 colors, it just depends on conditions.
Don't forget to use a stout leader when fishing inshore, each year we are catching more Snook and larger Snook!
Until next time be safe and Catchemup!
Captain Tony Johns | 352-221-2510
www.lowersuwanneriverfishing.com
Instagram: captaintonyjohns
Facebook: Lower Suwannee River Fishing Adventures
CEDAR KEY
Hey anglers, September is my favorite time of year. The redfish spawn! This past month there's been no shortage of redfish, and with the spawn here, it's only getting better!
I've personally just been sticking to running mainly morning trips, just due to how hot these afternoons have been, and its honestly paid off pretty dang well. The redfish are everywhere we go. We've had our best luck at the start of incoming tide. Honestly, though we've been catching them on all tides.
My go-to bait has been cut mullet on a knocker rig and I've only been fishing the main islands. There's
So get on out here and enjoy the spawn while you can!
Until next month, stay safe out there.
KEATON BEACH HORSESHOE BEACH
Hey guys and gals. Hope everybody is staying nice and cool. We’ve had some scorcher days, but as per usual, that hasn’t stopped the fish.
Redfishing has been amazingly great! We are starting to see some schools and when you run into them, it’s game on. I throw shrimp when I can get them, but to be honest, when they are fired up, it doesn't matter what you throw at them.
Trout are good when they are good, and ain’t when they ain’t, pretty much. They seem to either be moving quite a bit or spots are getting fished out quickly.
Triple tail and tarpon are still hanging around, so if you’d like to try to get a big fish of a lifetime, give us a call. Duck season is around the corner too, if you’d like to go ahead and get on the books for that.
Until next time keep it Reel native!
ReelNativeFishing.com
352-284-5514
September used to be cool towards the end of the month; however, over the last several years that pattern has evaporated. Of course, there also used to be high school bonfires for homecoming during football season and now you can wear shorts to most football games. These warmer temperatures have fish somewhat confused, and I guess scattered, due to fewer white bait schools to feast on for the fall season. August has been brutally hot, and if there is any respite from this heat, expect to find trout beginning to move back to slightly shallower edges, say around 5 to 6 feet. IF we are lucky enough to see some pelagic bait, take note of what depths they settle into and work those areas for trout.
Reds, which have moved out to deeper water, (We caught a 21-inch red today, August 14, in 7 feet of water.) will stay with the food and where you find trout willing to feed, so shall ye find some reds. Our trout, which also came out of 6 to 7 feet of water, ate Assassin's 5 inch shads in Stinky Pink, Laguna Shrimp and Pink Ghost, all bounced rigged up on Assassin's 1/4-ounce Flash jigheads in the Electric Chicken color.
Can't say whether the weather will cooperate for you, but try to
go on the days with a breeze. Until waters cool down, the fish need the added "boost" of oxygen in the current provided from a decent breeze. I would choose days with an incoming tide starting around 7:00 a.m. or so, peaking around 1:00 p.m. If you can't go on those days, at least choose an incoming tide near the "new or full" moon, with a range of over 3 feet. Again, it is all about the oxygen in the stronger tidal current.
Meanwhile, Let's Go Fishing! Pat McGriff dba One More Cast guide service for 33 years! www.onemorecast.net onemorecast@gtcom.net cell: 850.838.7541
Captain Pat with a nice Black Sea Bass, taken with a Stinky Pink Assassin, 6-inch Shad.
Bert Deener of Waycross, GA, with a nice red, caught Aug 14th.
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CRYSTAL RIVER
September is the inshore fisherman’s dream: Low pressure systems, high tides, slightly cooler water temperatures, and lots, and lots, and lots, of redfish.
Redfish will be schooling up thick along the mid to outside islands, south of the channel and long spoil islands, north of Crystal River. Big live baits like mud minnows and pinfish will get you the bite you’re after. If you find a school that’s sluggish and slow moving, a big hunk of cut mullet or cut ladyfish will get the ball rolling. It’s also the time of year that I keep 50 shrimp in the boat at all times. Shrimp presented to a sluggish fish on a 1/16-ounce jig head with 20-pound leader will also get the bite you’re after.
Snook season kicks off on September 1st, and big, high energy live baits is the best thing I find to get a big slot snook boat side. Don’t kill every slot snook you catch; take what you need and turn the rest loose. The freezes and hurricanes last year, took a big hit on our snook population! We can help them recover by practicing good catch and release habits. Target your snook in the summer, by pitching live baits or fast artificials in deep drenches that rip through shallow areas on the flats or islands.
Gag Grouper season starts and it can be argued, Crystal River has the best shallow water grouper fishing in the state. I have spots from 3 to 10 feet of water that produce year after year. Lively pinfish are my live bait of choice. Depending on depth, I’ll either free line them in to the rock, or add just enough weight to get it to the bottom. If the floating grass isn’t terrible, I’ll throw a rapala XRap across the rock pile or a heavy-duty
swimbait. Ripping a Rapala across a rock pile and waiting on that THUNK, is exhilarating.
Scallop season will be winding down with one of the best seasons we’ve seen in the last ten years. Mind your dive flag regulations and common courtesy when folks are snorkeling. The scallops have been thick from south of the candy cane (Ozello) to the Chaz River; 4 to 6 feet of water seems to be the sweet spot.
God bless and tight lines
Captain Dallas King
Pirate Flag Charters and Tours
352.601.8460
www.pirateflagcharters.com
www.crystalriverfishingpros.com
HOMOSASSA
Havewe made the turn, and made it through the dog days of Summer? I hope so; it’s been hot! I know one thing that’s coming, and that is grouper season! Our coast is one of those special places in Florida. You can catch gags here in 4 feet of water or 100 feet of water! There’s plenty of room for everyone. From what I have been seeing, I think we will have a great 14-day season. September isn’t all about grouper. September to me is a good transition month. Redfishing is hot, trout start firing up a bit more and the nearshore fishing is good!
Look for redfish to be hot in September. Start looking for big schools around the outside rocky points from Chaz point all the way to the spoil banks. Look for mullet activity on the incoming tides. A lot of guys like to use cut bait this time of the year. (mullet, lady fish, or lizard fish) I like to throw spoons or live pin fish. Early on in the tide, look for these schools to float in with the tide. I have had some of my best red fishing in September. For my fly guys, I like to fish with shrimp or bait fish pattern flies this time of the year.
Trout should start moving inshore from the deeper grass, that they like to go to in the hotter
months. Thorough out the fall inshore, I like to throw cork rigs (DOA oval cork with 24 inches to 30 inches of 30 lb. fluorocarbon, matched with a chartreuse 1/16oz jig head). I have the best success with the MirrOLure Lil Johns in glow or watermelon flake. Look for the yellow bottom areas outside Chaz point and St. Martin Keys. September is the beginning of the fall season for trout, and it should only get better from here!
Grouper action will fire up on the near shore rocks once the water starts cooling down. Throwing plugs or trolling is definitely a sought after technique on the Nature Coast, however the floating grass can be problematic. So with that being an issue, I would resort to cut bait or live pin fish. While you’re out there, the snapper, grunt and mackerel action should be good. So make sure to carry plenty of live shrimp.
September is a great month to get out and enjoy what the Nature Coast has to offer!
As always Stay safe.
Capt. Stump
Jonathan Hamilton 352-403-2073 www.stumpnation.us
SURF & PIER
The mullet are here! September is undoubtedly the most exciting month here in northeast Florida. That is, if you like hearing your drag screaming! What follows the mullet right up into shallow water? All of the predators which include tarpon, sharks, Spanish, seatrout, flounder, Jack Cravalle snook, ladyfish, bluefish and redfish. If you are going after tarpon or sharks, your mullet cannot be too big. When it comes to rod and reel selection, lots of line is mandatory, because there is no chasing them down in the boat. My big Penn Spinfisher LC’s are loaded with 50 lb.braid. Just last month, we landed a seven-foot Hammerhead shark quickly. I deployed a research tag, took a pic and released her to fight another day. The key is not fighting a big fish too long, because of inadequate tackle.
When targeting all of the other species, I like going light, so I can enjoy the fight. I like a 30 lb, fluorocarbon leader with a 1/0 to 3/0 light circle hook. A five-inchlong live mullet is my favorite. Next to that, would be a fresh cut chunk about two inches long. This is helpful if you are getting short
strikes which are usually small bluefish.
In the heat, keeping mullet alive is tough. Fresh frisky bait can make a world of difference. My key to success is a 5 or 10 gallon round cooler. Since they are insulated, it keeps the water from overheating. Inside the bucket, I carry my cast net, aerator, and small dip net. The dip net is to keep contaminates, i.e. sun block, sweat and skin oils, out of the water. To make your cooler a live well is simple. Drill a hole in the side near the top just big enough to slide your air hose through. Next make a strap to hold your aerator, and mount it to the side near the air tube hole. Last thing, refresh your water with another bucket every 30 minutes to keep the water fresh. If you do this, you can keep them alive for the day.
So, dust of the cast net and get to the beach! Tight lines
Noel Kuhn
43 years of surf fishing experience, surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. Founding member of Florida Surf Casters club. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com
ST. AUGUSTINE
It’sstill hot out there, the fishing and the air temps, but Fall is coming. How do you still beat the lingering heat? Get out at first light, or wait for the last few hours of daylight, right around dusk. Those are typically the best times to catch the fish feeding this time of year. It’s a great time of year to toss top-water plugs inshore during those lower light conditions and along the beach the tarpon will be feeding early and late as well.
One very important ingredient for catching fish this time of year is to look for the bait. Whether it's finger mullet, shrimp, or pogys, if you find the bait, you'll find the fish. The bait can be easily located by looking for nervous water (small disruptions on the surface, like a very small boat wake). You can be sure that redfish, trout, and flounder will be hanging around the schools of bait looking for an easy meal. Don't overlook the banks along the ICW on the lower tide stages this month. A lot of the baitfish will come out of the creeks and hang along those ICW banks, especially the ones that have oysters scattered on them. Again, the bigger fish will be in close pursuit.
The top-water bite turns on this month. If the tide is up and you’re on the water at first light or right before dark, you need to be tossing a top-water plug. Target grass lines or oyster bars that are holding bait. As the mullet start to get thick, the trout and redfish will be fired up to eat a walk-the-dog style plug. My favorite plug is the Berkley J-Walker 120. It’s just has the perfect action that the reds and trout can’t resist.
This will still be a good month to look for the silver kings (tarpon) to be feeding early in the morning on the bait pods just off the beach. Free line a pogy around the bait pods and hold on. You’ll also find some big tarpon behind the shrimp boats in the by-catch slicks. If the tarpon don't want to play, do some trolling along the beach for some line-screaming kingfish action. (There will be plenty of them out there.) There will also be plenty of smaller tarpon inshore in the canals and deeper creeks and flats. A back hooked free-lined finger mullet, a free lined select shrimp, or medium sized pogy, will all make for a great tarpon snack.
The mullet run will be coming through as we head into the Fall months, and that means there will be some big predatory fish giving chase. The inlets will come alive with the aforementioned tarpon, along with big bull reds, huge jacks, doormat flounder and more. It’s easy to locate the schools of mullet, but look for the ones that have nervous or fleeing fish in them. You can bet that whatever is underneath making the mullet nervous, is going to give you a great fight. Use a large swim bait around the mullet schools, or if live bait is your thing, rig a mullet on an appropriately sized circle hook. Depending on what you’re targeting, you can free-line him around the school, or add enough weight to get just under the school and--and then--hold on!
Capt. Tommy Derringer
904-377-3734
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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.
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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.
