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
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2. Accidents can happen to anyone
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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.
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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®
ST. AUGUSTINE EDITION
Franchise Owners Eric & Gina Diesl
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Capt. Tommy Derringer St. Augustine-Inshore www.inshoreadventures.net
Capt. Robert Johnson St. Augustine-Offshore www.jodielynncharters.com
Capt. Kirk Waltz Mayport www.enterprisefishingcharters.com
Capt. Tony Bozzella Sisters Creek www.tonybozzella.com
Noel Kuhn Pier & Surf www.thesurfangler.com
Capt. Dominic Anderson Instagram: staugustine_fishing
WEBMASTER Ryan Clapper
DISTRIBUTION
Bob Bueno
For advertising inquiries, Call Capt. Eric at 904-829-7571 or e-mail eric@coastalanglermagazine.com
Dear Readers,
September fishing in Northeast Florida marks a transitional period as summer heat begins to wane and fish respond to subtle shifts in daylight and water temperature. Inshore, redfish become especially active, with the fall mullet run triggering aggressive feeding behavior. Schools of finger mullet flood the estuaries, drawing predators like snook, flounder, and trout into ambush zones along creek mouths, docks, and grassy shorelines. Sight fishing for tailing reds on flood tides is a highlight this month, offering visual excitement and rewarding precision. Topwater plugs and live mullet are prime choices, but soft plastics rigged weedless can be deadly in shallow grass.
Offshore, September offers a mix of late-summer pelagics and early fall bottom fishing. King mackerel and cobia continue to patrol bait pods nearshore, especially around the reefs and wrecks off St. Augustine and Jacksonville. As water temps begin to cool, snapper and grouper bite more consistently, especially on days with light current and clean water. The mullet run also draws tarpon and sharks closer to the beaches, creating dramatic surface strikes and fast-paced action for surf and pier anglers. With fewer crowds and more stable weather windows, September is a prime month for both seasoned anglers and weekend warriors to take advantage of Florida’s shifting seasonal bounty.
We are excited to share our Facebook page that will now feature more articles and links to local events happening throughout the month. www.facebook.com/CAMStAugustine> Please send in pictures ,tournament dates and ideas for articles to us at: gina@coastalanglermagazine.com.
We currently have a choice of advertising options available ranging from print & digital to video & social. If you would like us to add your business to our monthly delivery route or any other assistance you may need, please contact us:
Capt. Eric Diesl - 904-829-7571
Eric@coastalanglermagazine.com
Gina Diesl - 904-540-2311
Gina@coastalanglermagazine.com
You will find our St. Augustine edition in print for free at over 200 fine local retailers every month as well as online at coastalanglermag.com & vidmag.com.
Until next month, we wish you tight lines and warm breezes. - Capt. Eric & Gina
Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Inshore
By Capt. Tommy Derringer
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 • www.InshoreAdventures.net
Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Offshore
By Capt. Robert Johnson
Still
September in Northeast Florida brings a unique blend of summer warmth and some tranquility on the water, but the temperatures remain high and the seas mostly calm. In years past, the decrease in fishing pressure was a welcome change. I prefer calm seas and fewer crowds but everything’s changing.
Bottom fishing remains excellent, with a variety of Snapper species in abundance. Mangrove and Mutton Snapper are biting well in depths of 120’ to 150’. Vermillion Snapper have been plentiful and large with 2-pound fish being common from 80’ out to the shelf edge. For those targeting Amberjack, Cobia, and Grouper, deeper water from 21 fathoms to the shelf edge has been productive. For Mangrove and Mutton Snapper, a long, light rig with leaders ranging from 50 to 80 pounds and 12-15 feet in length is recommended.
Remember Gag Grouper are closed but Red and Scamp Grouper remain open.
If trolling is your preference, Sailfish tend to appear ahead of upcoming northeasters. King Mackerel have been a little scarce this year but should pick up, especially for those using live bait. Look for fish where there’s bait, usually 80 feet out to the shelf edge. For Sailfish, monofilament leaders are essential, and small ballyhoo rigged on 80-pound line are effective. For King Mackerel, wire leaders are advisable to withstand their sharp teeth.
Captain Robert Johnson (904)540-2628
Jodielynncharters.com
Jlfishing@bellsouth.net
Summer. Still Fishing
Fishing Report Pier and Surf
By: Noel Kuhn
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 50LB 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 30lb fluorocarbon leader with a 1/0 to 3/0 light circle hook. A five inch long 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
Surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. 904-945-0660
www.TheSurfAngler.com
Fishing Report & Forecast North River / Ponte Vedra
By Dominic Anderson
September is a fishing fest here inshore northeast Florida! We tend to catch a little bit of everything and in numbers too. Plenty of mullet and shrimp around. Fish to be caught around every corner in a creek and just about every other dock on the (ICW) intercoastal waterway. Dragging a small mullet can get you a trout, jack, redfish, flounder and the occasional sneaky snook. A shrimp on a jighead will definitely do the trick too, it can be effective for the fish that won’t eat a mullet like a sheepshead or black drum. The snapper will eat anything that could fit in its mouth. Fishbite strips on a jig head will do great when the water is a bit dirty. They are scent oriented and the fish can’t resist a smelly fishbite in its feeding path.
Water temperature is up and you can often find fish schooled up in one spot so if you find them, put the time in at that spot. Try different baits and presentations to see what’s working best on that tide and repeat it. If it works it’s not by luck, you’re doing something right and apply that in spots you think are similar with an attitude of a similar outcome. Not much better than finding a new spot and it working in your favor. This month if you find the reds biting you can count on catching a few in the same area, many times in September we’ve had fishing trips where we’ve caught so many reds that we lose count. Have options when it comes to bait because one day they’re eating shrimp and the next day it’s crabs or mullet. If you want a screaming drag find yourself a topwater(I like the all white ones with a little red on it) and a seawall or
some rocks, the jacks are fierce and can’t resist. That could easily get you a trout too, although we get most of ours in the morning when all is calm throwing lures towards the banks flowing with the tide coming into a creek or starting at the back and going out. Black drum are being caught on the bridge fenders and jetty rocks with shrimp and quarter sized crabs. Sheepshead are starting to be seen a bit more these days, showing up feeding on the sides of docks. A small hook with a free lined fiddler crab and a light leader should entice one of the convicts. Flounder will be tucked up in the shallowest pockets and right on structure feasting on any bait that dares to come across its strike zone. My favorite way to catch them is to throw the all white curly tail by fishbites into the pockets or a flat by some structure and drag it around working the area like a clock(bunch of cast). Mullet are all over the north river and a bunch of them, you cast netters go and catch them up because the large ones are around waking the banks like a hungry redfish. There have been several snook caught on the Palm Valley docks light as of recent. Tarpon are still rolling, we’ve actually hooked three back in a creek on some recent trips fishing for reds with live mullet.
Needless to say the fishing is good and should be good through this month and as summer nears its end. The waters become less and less crowded. This giving you the time on your days off to give the fish a proper go for there money. Artificial, live or dead bait the fish are here for it all right now. If you can’t find them,we can help. Let’s go fishing!
Capt. Dominic (904)-962-6184
Instagram:staugustine_fishing www.fishardy.com
Last Blast
by Carson Kent
Fallis approaching! Inshore fishing this year has been very good relative to past years. It seems like that thermocline offshore helped our river and intercoastal fish continue to feed heavily when they usually become slightly lethargic with how hot the water can get. We got lucky with cooler than normal temps all summer.
Redfish, trout, flounder, and tarpon have been going off the chain lately. The reds are pushed up shallow in creeks and estuaries eating grass shrimp and mullet on both the high and low tides. The evening top water bite has been ideal on a falling tide, casting at redfish wakes and some even with their backs out of the water. The skinnier the water, the better. Although trout are always caught in the creeks, the bigger trout I’ve seen this season have been running up and down the intercoastal ledges. Usually around creek mouths where they meet the main channel on the initial drop from a few feet down to around 8 or 10 feet.
For these fish I always prefer a ¼ ounce jighead with a 3” doa paddletail in a bright color when the waters dirty or a natural brown or silver when it’s cleaner usually during incoming or early outgoing. Other people have been doing well on lipped divers that can reach that mid water column. Flounder have been consistent with where they are at. I can almost always rely on casting in creek runouts on a mid to late outgoing tide using paddletails; just hopping them on the bottom until the bottom starts to fight back. You also can’t beat a finger mullet on a jighead in spots that you know flounder are going to be sitting, just adjust weight according to depth.
Tarpon have been doing their thing in the river following the shrimp run. I’ve seen a handful of tarpon caught in palatka already, where now is pretty early relative to other years. This month they’ve been crushing the 13.5” gravity eels and huge shrimp lures. I prefer heavy weights (1-2oz) so I can burn the bait with some speed without it blowing out of the water. Look for current breaks that would allow fish to get out of very strong flows. You can usually find these near boils or ledges. Always be sure you gear up with heavy rods and reels and 60-80 pound leader as you don’t want to spend over an hour fighting one fish, likely killing it.
I’m writing this as I’m seeing the first tropical storm pop up on the weather app. Take advantage of whatever fishing time you’ve got and out there before it all gets stirred up! It’s well worth it right now
-Carson Kent
Call me to book your inshore redfish trip 904-805-3949 Carson@historiccoastoutfitters.com
THU 05:12 AM -0.14 L 11:41 AM 6.17 H 05:53 PM 0.33 L
FRI 12:07 AM 5.35 H 06:05 AM 0.10 L 12:35 PM 6.10 H 06:54 PM 0.59 L 13 SAT 01:03 AM 5.13 H 07:04 AM 0.35 L 01:33 PM 5.98 H 07:58 PM 0.83 L 14 SUN 02:03 AM 4.94 H 08:08 AM 0.55 L 02:36 PM 5.85 H 09:03 PM 0.99 L
15 MON 03:08 AM 4.82 H 09:12 AM 0.66 L 03:44 PM 5.76 H 10:07 PM 1.05 L
16 TUE 04:16 AM 4.81 H 10:16 AM 0.67 L 04:51 PM 5.75 H 11:07 PM 1.02 L
17 WED 05:21 AM 4.90 H 11:17 AM 0.62 L 05:52 PM 5.79 H
18 THU 12:03 AM 0.89 L 06:19 AM 5.06 H 12:15 PM 0.52 L 06:45 PM 5.81 H
19 FRI 12:53 AM 0.70 L 07:10 AM 5.25 H 01:08 PM 0.42 L 07:33 PM 5.78 H
20 SAT 01:38 AM 0.52 L 07:57 AM 5.41 H 01:56 PM 0.37 L 08:16 PM 5.70 H
21 SUN 02:19 AM 0.39 L 08:39 AM 5.53 H 02:41 PM 0.39 L 08:56 PM 5.56 H
22 MON 02:56 AM 0.36 L 09:19 AM 5.59 H 03:23 PM 0.49 L 09:35 PM 5.37 H
23 TUE 03:32 AM 0.44 L 09:58 AM 5.59 H 04:04 PM 0.67 L 10:14 PM 5.17 H
24 WED 04:08 AM 0.63 L 10:36 AM 5.54 H 04:45 PM 0.91 L 10:53 PM 4.97 H
25 THU 04:44 AM 0.90 L 11:14 AM 5.46 H 05:27 PM 1.20 L 11:32 PM 4.78 H
26 FRI 05:22 AM 1.19 L 11:54 AM 5.36 H 06:12 PM 1.49 L
27 SAT 12:13 AM 4.62 H 06:04 AM 1.46 L 12:37 PM 5.26 H
Advertising Account Executives -- Coastal Angler Magazine is seeking experienced Advertising Account Executives in St. Johns, Flagler or Putnam County. Our ideal candidates will have a minimum of two years’ previous advertising sales experience and be familiar with the creative requirements of the advertising field. We are looking for advertising industry professionals who understand relations selling and who can manage multiple accounts and professional fol low-up as part of a daily routine. In an era when other print publications are shrinking, Coastal Angler Magazine, through its co-publisher business model, has achieved exponential growth and industry leader status. Qualified candidates interested in the position should submit a one-page resume to the contact information provided.
September 27th-28th
Phoenix Bass Fishing League Tournament
Palatka Riverfront Park, Palatka FL
October 4th 2025 904 Redfish Tournament
October 25th 2025
November
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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.
