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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2. Accidents can happen to anyone
When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to specifed limits. It can also cover lawsuit costs if you’re sued.
3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments
Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you’re in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
4. Most lenders require boat insurance
If you fnanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.
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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®
Florida Keys
By: Capt. Greg Poland
Ilove early morning fishing in September in the backwaters of Islamorada and Everglades National Park as it is an outdoor adventure that is truly magical!
The waters are warm, the fish are lively, and the scenery is out of this world. Get up early and be in your spot to watch the sun rise and you just might find some rolling tarpon or a tailing bonefish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just love a good adventure, this is the perfect time to cast your line. Islamorada is the nicknamed the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” due to legendary catches of tarpon, permit and bonefish. The shallow flats, mangroves, and estuaries create a fish paradise that is bustling with activity. Plus, the warmer September days and crazy tides crank up the action, making it a top-notch time to fish. In Everglades National Park, the wild landscapes are an angler’s playground. You might encounter a shoreline with juvenile tarpon or a snook busting on a live bait for breakfast. This time of year, can be great for redfish, snook, and trout. It’s all about getting off the beaten path and into the heart of nature.
September can bring occasional rain and thunderstorms, which may sound like trouble, but in reality, they stir up baitfish and get all those fish fired up! On board my Bay Boat, I have Sirius XM, which not only gives us great tunes to listen to but updates on the weather so I can keep an eye on things. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather and tides as they are your best friends when fishing here. Here are a few tips;
Practice catch-and-release to keep these waters healthy and thriving. Grab a local guide or charter as their insider tips will make your trip even more epic. Don’t forget your permits and follow the park rules, nature’s your playground!
September is the time to dive into the wild, beautiful waters off Islamorada and the Everglades. Expect adventure, incredible wildlife, and some seriously fun fishing. Pack your gear, bring your A-game, and get ready for an unforgettable backcountry adventure. I have some open dates so give me a call and let’s take my boat out or yours and I will show you around.
SHARK ENCOUNTERS
By: Capt. Angelia Swanson
There’s been a big topic of conversation with anglers over the last few years about the copious amount of fish and gear that we are losing to sharks. There is nothing worse than having a client on your charter lose that dream fish to a shark. I, personally, have lost more fish to sharks in past years than ever. But why? There are several schools of thought on this topic.
I knew that “shark finning” was outlawed, which is a terrible method of removing the fin of the shark for the prized Shark Fin Soup that is a luxury item food in China. After they remove the fin, they release the shark, dead or alive. Another theory is the commercial long liners. They are said to have a major impact on shark mortality, but their entire practice just attracts more sharks and is an unhealthy feeding process for the sharks.
The most talked about theory in my circles is that the sharks have simply become very adept at chasing that hooked fish of yours. Just that few drops of blood in the water is all that is needed to bring sharks for miles. But the simplest and most simple answer to our shark issues, they are smart!
They have trained themselves to follow the charter and commercial fishing boats knowing that they can hang out below and just wait for an easy meal. I tell people all the time that fish are way smarter than we give them credit for! I have reeled fish in as fast as I possibly could, but sharks swim faster. You can usually feel your fish panic and run at the end of your line, then you are just reeling in dead weight.
Disappointment is a terrible thing, but an everyday occurrence with fishing, but we keep doing it just waiting for our next score. I’ve been jigging on a Hail Mary in the final minutes of a tournament with five bull sharks circling the boat. Nothing will get past them to the surface. It was a futile effort. We call the sharks the “taxman” because you are literally paying your taxes for all of the great fish
you have caught today, or maybe that monster you will catch in the future, but taxes must be paid nonetheless, and we all know that.
Bull sharks account for ninety percent of the lost fish encounters and gear loss. Losing your fish is bad enough, but losing fifty dollars or more of gear gets expensive. So, go out there and catch some fish! And if the sharks give you too much trouble, simply move spots and hope they don’t follow you. The ocean is the shark’s home, not ours, so we must care for them like the rest of the marine life for future generations to come.
TUNATIME
As summer winds down and fall approaches, offshore fishing in the Florida Keys really starts to heat up, especially when it comes to blackfin tuna. September marks the beginning of some of the best tuna fishing we see all year, as large schools of blackfins gather around many of our offshore humps and seamounts.
There are several techniques we use to target these hard-fighting fish. Trolling small feathers and squid skirts can be very effective and is probably the easiest technique. Vertical jigging over these seamounts is another productive method that often results in fast hookups.
But my personal favorite way to catch blackfin tuna is with live bait, specifically pilchards. There’s nothing quite like pulling up to the spot, tossing out a few freebies, and watching the ocean erupt as tuna come crashing to the surface in a frenzy. Once the feed starts, we pitch live baits on light spinning tackle. The action can be absolutely explosive and there’s nothing like fighting a large black fin tuna on 20-pound spinning tackle! It’s an adrenaline filled experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
While blackfin tuna take center stage in September, we also continue to see some very solid mahi-mahi (dolphin fish) fishing. Floating debris and weed lines offshore still hold good numbers of mahi, and they can provide excellent action when everything comes together.
Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that September is the peak of hurricane season, and tropical systems can occasionally put plans on hold. However, in between these events, the conditions can be spectacular. Calm seas, light winds, and clear water often make for some of the most
comfortable and productive offshore fishing of the year.
If you’ve never experienced late summer offshore fishing in the Florida Keys, this is the perfect time to give it a try. Whether you’re after blackfin tuna, mahi, or just want to enjoy a day on the water with rod-bending action, there’s no better place to do it than here in the Florida Keys. Come join me aboard The Captain Easy and let’s get after it! — www.captaineasycharters.com | You can reach Captain Bruce Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120 or email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net
By: Capt. Bruce Andersen
LEAVE PROBLEMS AT THE DOCK
By Capt. Tim Ramsey
Over the years, I’ve found that the issues of life can get in your head and not budge, like someone plopping down on the last seat in a game of musical chairs and taking a death grip on the sides. Thoughts rattle around. Images swarm in and won’t fly out. Little problems fester and turn into big ones. Songs you haven’t heard recently annoyingly pop in the old noodle right after you get out of bed, and you can’t seem to get them out. Few things in life can help you flush out the headgear. For me, two things Trump everything else in the cause of forgetting your troubles, even for a little while. Those things are surfing and fishing.
Forgetting your troubles while out surfing is easy. Put on your ankle leash, leave your problems on the shore, paddle out and do it. Think about surfing and nothing else. Enjoy the sun, waves, and hopefully, your fellow surfers. Simple. Leaving your problems on the dock, however, can be a bit more difficult. Here’s how you crack that nut.
Your first option is to skip the dock. Go surf fishing. Go wade fishing. Just tie on a lure or a hook under a rattle float, get a bait bucket with some shrimp and have at it. Tie a little floater/diver lure on your rod and walk the beach. Simpler is better.
Next, if you tow your boat, get out early. The pressure at the ramp is lower and the parking spots are better. Buy yourself a set of wheel chocks. You’d be amazed at how much calmer you are when you know your vehicle won’t roll backward into the water as you launch the boat.
When you leave the dock, forget the problems at home, the stock market, current political events and so on and concentrate on the activity. Don’t think you can leave your problems at the dock? Here are some topics to fill your head and aid your conversation so you can help others forget their own issues for a while:
• The weather, tide, current, wind direction, temperature, time of day, and how they all influence your fishing destination
• The species of fish you are targeting, the fishing regulations, the last time you caught them, the other species around, catch and release, eating or not eating fish, how you like to prepare them, etc.
• Your tackle. The rod you like to use and why. Length, class, and tip. The leader type and size, knits you tie, rigs, lures, hooks. Your favorite rod, where you buy your gear, how you started fishing, your first fish, past fishing bloopers, etc.
• Casting techniques. If you find yourself with a newbie who holds their spinning reel on top of their rod and reels backward, you have material for at least an hour.
• How to properly fight and land a fish. How to revive them if you are releasing them.
• Sun protection
• The Grandfather Paradox
• The complete works of Monty Python
• How much wood a woodchuck chucks if a woodchuck could chuck wood. (Answer: Just as much wood as a woodchuck could if a woodchuck could chuck wood)
Anecdotes about the boat ramp, times you got stuck in the backcountry or on a sandbar, interesting fishermen you know.
These are but a few of the things you can concentrate on or discuss during a fishing day. Let your troubles wait for you to immerse yourself in fishing, have fun with America’s favorite pastime, and return with a new attitude. After all, isn’t that part of the reason why we fish? See you out there!
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BIRTHDAY BLUES
By: Jessica Hendrie
September is a special month for me! It’s my birthday month and you know what that means? Another excuse to go fishing! This year, we are going to set sail in the beautiful waters of Islamorada with a goal target of the one and only swordfish. Maybe I can get away with trying to get my first bonefish, too! I’ve caught swordfish before but they’ve all been small. Still, there’s no feeling like bringing one to the boat. I hope this is the year that I set a personal best swordfish catch. Have you ever been swordfishing? It’s not just your average day on the water. Most will get sick, get bored, you name it. But those who know, know! It’s a serious game of patience and the right gear, and a little bit of faith. From the rigging of baits with glow sticks to choosing the right reel that can handle the deep drop, the details matter. There’s something special about chasing swordfish. They’re not fast and flashy like a wahoo or sailfish. It’s deep. It’s quiet. These fish dwell thousands of feet down and pulling one up from the dark is just a whole other level. One trip, I fought a swordfish for 2 hours, only for it to be too small to keep. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. But I’m still getting to tell people about it so a win is a win. Back to my birthday, every September, I like to reflect on where I’m at in life and somehow, swordfishing has become part of that tradition. It’s like a gift to myself, a reminder to keep chasing the big ones, in the water and in life. One of the best parts about this tradition is sharing it with my family and friends. So, whether I land my goal sword or not this month, I know I’ll come back with something valuable. Maybe a new trick or story. Or maybe just memories. But if I do, you’ll definitely hear about it next month. Happy Fishing!
Beasts of the Mangroves
By Caitlyn Gatrell
In the mangroves tucked in the backwaters, there are quite a few species lingering around. There are schools of bait fish flickering around the mangrove lines, groups of snapper and jacks frolicking between the underwater branches, and larger predators like snook and redfish hanging around the shady structures. But there’s one species that you can commonly find here that puts on a different type of fight: The Goliath Grouper.
Goliath are one of the almost 160 Grouper species to exist across the globe. Not to mention they are among the strongest marine creatures out there, even the little guys. You can find goliath grouper in various oceans and countries, but the backcountry holds plenty of them, and the mangroves are amongst their favorite spots to hang out. We hook up to them almost every time we head out there, whether it’s one of our honey holes or a new spot we are just trying out. They are definitely very abundant down here.
We typically fish close to the mangroves, looking for pockets, fallen branches or submerged trees, and any surface activity. Goliath like to tuck themselves in anywhere they can get into and cover as well as a chance to ambush bait. You’ll want to cast as close as possible to the structure, just be careful! Sometimes they strike on bait and then immediately get back into their holes. From there it’s almost impossible to get them out.
We toss out live or dead baits like mullet, shrimp, pilchards, ladyfish and sometimes even lures if we’re running low on bait. When they hit, you’ll know. It’s not a nibble, it’s a full-on strike, like your line just got thumped hard. Once they’re hooked, the battle begins. They’ll run, trash, and do everything they can to fight back and make their way to their holes again. Once you feel the thump, you have a few seconds to get a hold on them or they’ll be back in there in a hurry.
It’s all about max drag and muscle. Basically, you want to rip them up and out quickly, but it’s a balance. If you crank on them too hard, you’ll snap your line or rip the hook. Just use your best judgement when you hook up to one. You’ll be able to feel the line and can get a feel for their location and movement as you battle against them.
Fighting these beasts of the mangroves is unpredictable, challenging, and downright addicting. Every hookup feels like a test of your gear, your skills, and your patience. Whether you pull a good one out or get broken off, you walk away with shaky hands, a racing heart, and a story worth telling. It’s an exciting battle, no matter the size you catch. And let me tell you, if you hook up to a large one you are in for a real treat!
NoPavement
JustSaltandDirt
CHANGE IS DIFFICULT
By: Capt. Rob Modys
Ihave personally witnessed and experienced the reluctance to try something different, especially in the realm of f ishing. I still like to visit known spots and use familiar lures and flies until recently, when I had the sudden realization that what I was casting wasn’t going to work, no matter how hard I tried.
If you’ve been fishing the backcountry waters of Florida Bay you might have run into quite a bit of floating grass. No, this is not the nearshore sargassum that has been getting a lot of attention. I’m referring to turtle, manatee and other grasses that when attached to the bottom are essential to the health of the ecosystem.
But when those grasses come loose during storms and high winds, they tend to float for days on the surface of the water. This makes tossing my favorite lures very tough.
I found that not only were topwater lures out of the question, but so were most of the soft plastic paddle tail lures I like to use. Yes, I could let them sink after the cast and then slowly retrieve them, but the grass was insistent on riding down my fishing line, and it would eventually wrap itself around the offering.
Having to pull the grass free after every cast got old fast, not to mention the fact that I wasn’t getting any bites.
It was time for a change.
So, I’m sitting on the boat doing the math and had a flashback to virtually the same problem I’d had years ago while fishing Pine Island Sound near
Sanibel Island.
The bottom of the upper Sound was covered in thick turtle grass that often wound up floating on the surface after summer storms. My solution back then was to tie on a popping cork rig.
The ones I used were the more modern versions where the cork rode freely up and down on a tungsten wire with ball weights and rattles attached. You tied the fishing line to the top and added a leader to the bottom along with an artificial shrimp. It was also possible to tie on a hook with a small split shot for weight and a live shrimp.
Honestly, I don’t carry a lot of lures on the boat, but this flashback got me to digging through what I did have, and low and behold I found a popping cork and something that was a handout from a recent fishing show or seminar. It was an artificial plastic shrimp made by Savage Gear and called the Manic Shrimp.
It worked! It looked incredibly life-like and was almost the exact color of a Gulf pink shrimp. I caught big mangrove snapper and lots of seatrout and ladyfish, so thanks to a change in plans the dilemma of the floating grass had been solved.
I’ve decided to add more variations of artificial shrimp to my tackle bag. An old favorite was the original D.O.A. shrimp along with Gulp! shrimp. Yes, New Penny was the color of choice. I’ve also picked up some Vudu Shrimp and the Z-Man PrawnstarZ.
Change is good.
FloridaKeys
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If you have a catch to brag about send your picture and caption to: flkeys@coastalanglermagazine.com
Catching Tuna with Capt. Easy Charters
Beth Steele of Hooker Booker with herlimitofBugs!
Junior angler with her mangrove snapper aboard the Main Attraction Charters
Enjoying
offshore mahi bite on the Main Attraction.
Huge cow mahi caught with the Irwin family, aboard the Main Attraction.
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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.
