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East Central Florida

Meet ThePublisher Approved Captains

Captain John Ellis is a fourth-generation charter captain out of Daytona Beach, Florida and the surrounding areas. With a long line of knowledge and a knack for finding fish, Captain John will make sure you have the time of your life! Growing up in the charter industry, he has the hospitality and skills to ensure everyone on his vessel is comfortable and havingagreattime!

Based out of New Smyrna Beach, Reef Wrecker Fishing Charters is yourticket to a memorable time on the water. Come on aboard with Capt. John, whose main priority is to get you on some fish. Expect to use techniques like light tackle, heavy tackle, bottom fishing, trolling, big game fishing, drift fishing, jigging, and spinning, based on the species you're targeting. You have the option of 3 to 12-hour trips, where you will be fishing for the likes of Redfish, Snook, Cobia, King Mackerel, and Sharks, depending on the specific seasonandtheday'sweather.

All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing. Your trip will include all the necessary fishing licenses for the day. You can keep anything you catch, as long as it's legal to do so. You will find free snacks and drinks on the boat for your convenience, but can bring yourown.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Reef Wrecker Fishing Charters.

386-402-3957

www.reefwrecker.com

Join Captain Daddy's Fishing Charters on a new adventure!

Captain Daddy, also known as Tim Russell, is a licensed USCG Captain with extensive experience fishing the stunning waters of the Daytona Beach, Florida region. Growing up in this picturesque area, Captain Tim’s childhood was dedicated to fishing various waterbodies while his peers focused on sports. Recognizing his profound passion his parents soon realizedthatfishingwasnotjustahobbyforTimbuta lifelongpursuit.

At the remarkable age of 14, Tim purchased his first boat, embarking on a journey of learning the intricacies of the local waters and honing his angling skills. With over 27 years of fishing expertise in the Daytona Beach area, Captain Tim has emerged as the go-to offshore fishing authority in yourcommunity. He takes great pleasure in sharing his knowledge with others.

The variety of offshore trips that Capt. Tim offers promises a great experience and a catch of a lifetime. You only need to decide what you want to catch and how long you want to stay on the water. Shorter trips offer trolling and bottom fishing for species such as Snapper, Grouper, Kingfish, Cobia, Barracuda, and Sharks. If you have your mind set on trophy species, such as Sailfish and Wahoo set off at least 40 miles offshorefor8hoursorevenlonger.

Your fishing license and the equipment is covered by Capt. Tim and you can bring your own food and drinks. Even if you are inexperienced, that should not stop you from striving for the most prestigious fish out there. Capt. Tim believes that all that matters is how seriousyouareaboutfishing–andthetrophyisyours.

Captain Daddy's Fishing Charters Book today and break a new record! 386-846-1675

www.captaindaddysfishing.com

Spiny Lobster Sport Season

July 29-30, 2026

(LastconsecutiveWednesdayandThursdayofJuly eachyear,forresidentsandnon-residents)

Daily Bag Limit: 6 per person for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park; 12 per person for rest of Florida

Possessionlimitonthewater:equaltothedailybaglimit

Possession limit off the water: equal to the daily bag limit onJuly29,2026,anddoublethedailybaglimitonJuly30, 2026.Possessionlimitsareenforcedonandoffthewater.

Regular Spiny Lobster Season

Season: August 6-March 31

Daily Bag Limit: 6 per person

Possessionlimitonthewater:Equaltothedailybaglimit

Minimum Size Limit: Carapace length must be larger than 3 inches, measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device required at all times. wwwmyfwccom/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lobster

Leary Family Owned Since 1999

CoastalConservationAssociation(CCA)Floridaisanon-profitorganizationdedicatedtotheconservationof Florida’smarineresources.Foundedin1985andoneof19statechaptersofthenationalCCAorganization,they work with 19,000+ members, including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, to conserve and enhance marineresourcesandcoastalenvironmentsinourstate. Nationally, CCA is committed to the sustainable health of coastal fisheries and fights for recreational anglers’ interests. Here in Florida, they push for fisheries management that keep fish stocks sustainable and abundant, they educate and engage the public to support habitat and environmental restoration, and they work with their members and state residents toensuregoodstewardshipofourcoastalresources Visit www.ccaflorida.org for more information.

OPEN7DAYS 6AM-6PM

rrozenBait rozenBait ozenBait Shrimp/MudMinnows/FiddlerCra Shrimp/MudMinnows/FiddlerCra Shrimp/MudMinnows/FiddlerCra Tackle/Rods&Reelsandmore Tackle/Rods&Reelsandmore Tackle/Rods&Reelsandmore

Ms. Trece her smile says it all with a couple nice drum a Black Drum and a Red Drum (Redfish) caught on Donald's Bait & Tackle shrimp! Donald’s is located by the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange.

Purchase a Fish Florida license plate for your vehicle to support kids’ fishing education and show your passion for fishing in Florida. The sailfish design looks great with any vehicle and boat trailer! The Fish Florida plate is available at your tax collector's office.

The northern coastal boundary is located at the Florida-Georgia border and the region extends south to the Lytle Avenue/South Causeway in New Smyrna Beach. Includes all inland waters of the area colored yellow on themap,andthewatersoftheSt.Johns River and its tributaries. Does not include the waters of the Withlacoochee and Kissimmee rivers, Cypress Lake, and lakes Hatchineha andKissimmee.

Closed Season: December15–January31 June1–August31

Slot Limit: Notlessthan28”ormorethan 32”totallength

Bag Limit: Onefishperpersonperday License Requirements: Snookpermit&recreationalfishinglicense

The CCA Florida STAR Competition presented by Yamaha Returned Memorial Day Weekend and runs through Labor Day

The summer-long Youth fishing competition offers young Floridians of all skill levels the opportunity to win $150,000inprizesandscholarships.CCAFloridaisproud to announce the 12th annual STAR competition presented by Yamaha is exclusively dedicated to youth providing scholarships, boats, community service hours and great prizesforkidsages6-17.

The summer long fishing competition encourages Youth anglerstofishwithapurpose–conservationandwinning STAR is the largest youth saltwater fishing competition in Florida, the event runs from Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, September 7 and boasts amazing prizes for youth anglers ages 6-17 of all skill levels,whocanfishfromtheshore,dock,seawallorboat.

“By focusing exclusively on young anglers, we are creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation to get on the water, learn conservation firsthand and be rewarded for it,” CCAFlorida STAR Director Capt Leiza Fitzgerald said. “Whether it’s earning scholarships, competing for life-changing prizes or simply spending timefishingwithfamily,STARisaboutbuildinglifelong connections to Florida’s fisheries. We’re proud to offer a program where every child, regardless of skill level or access, has a real chance to win and become a steward of ourmarineresources.”

Since STAR’s inception in 2015, the competition has awarded trucks, boats, motor and trailer packages, electronicsandfishingtackletotalingover$4millionwith $11 million of that being in youth scholarships For the 2026 competition, CCAFlorida STAR Youth competition willoffermorethan$150,000inprizesandscholarships. It is not just about young anglers winning but helping the fishery win too. Florida STAR focuses on conservation with its technology-based, catch-photo-release (CPR) format CPR promotes the proper handling of species and allows participants who are CCAmembers and registered in the STAR competition at the time of their catch, to photograph his or her fish with the Official STAR identifier,nomatterthesizeandthenreleasethefish.

Yet again, the STAR competition will award $100,000 in college scholarships from Guy Harvey Foundation, Realtree Fishing and other great partners and offer a Teen Challenge for young anglers to compete for new boat packages from Yamaha, Carolina Skiff and Custom Gheenoe.

The competition also provides a conservation-friendly alternative,theTrashDivision,rewardingadditionalprizes and community service hours Lastly, the “Most Fish” division presented by T H Marine will award one youth angleraNativeWatercraftSlayerMaxPropel12.5Kayak.

All saltwater species are included in the competition and most winners are determined by random drawing except for the “Most Fish” division Youth of all skill levels can fish from anywhere in Florida’s saltwater and have greater opportunities to win big. Registration is $20, which includesCCAFloridaNewTidemembership.

All STAR entries must include the 2026 STAR Identifier in the submission, which will be available for free at all West Marine stores, the preferred distribution location, and local tackle shops throughout the state. For a full listingofdistributionlocations,visitwww.ccaflstar.com.

For more information on CCA Florida STAR Youth Fishing competition or to register, please visit the www.ccaflstar.com or the Facebook page. Contact: Mary Hillyer Peelen (MHP) Walther 407.617.0604 | mhpwalther@ccaflorida.org

Denise aka MS Cookie caught this redfish off a live shrimp from E & J’s Bait & Tackle in Port Orange off US1.

Jr. Lady Angler of the 38 Annual HSFC Lady Anglers Tournament. Paisley Kinney Team Ocean Grown Gear. She caught a 10.7 pound Mahi. Paisley is photographed with her parents Walt & Taylor Kinney.

Matthew photo to the right and Mirella

are out for summer and taking advantage of their free time fishing with Capt Patrick Preston

1st Place Team Go FISH in the 38th. Annual HSFC Lady Anglers Tournament. Kingfish 36.1 pounds and Mahi 15.5 pounds.

4th. Place in the 38th. Annual HSFC Lady Anglers Tournament TEAM HOOKUMUP Mahi 19.4 pounds.

Laprade

2026 KIDS FISHING EVENTS

HavingFunWhile Sustaining ourLocalFishery

Written By: Captain Marty

As we know Central Florida offers world-class saltwater fishing.Asalocalfishingguide,Ipridemyselfonfishing smartandrelayingthesepracticestoeveryonethatboards my boat By combining ethical angling practices with local conservation efforts, you can preserve the region's unique ecosystems Targeting species like redfish, snook, tarpon, flounder, sheepshead, and speckled trout require a mindful approach to ensure these fisheries thrive for generations.

Respect Seasonal Closures and Bag Limits

Adhering to regulations is the easiest way to protect spawning populations Inshore species like snook, redfish, and speckled trout have specific slot limits and seasonal closures. Always check the current guidelines from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before heading out on the water. Keeping only what you plan to eat and releasing larger, breedingsized fish helps maintain healthy populations Before starting my fishing charters I ask my customers if they’ll beharvestingfishorjust‘Catching&Releasing’.

Master Catch-and-Release

Proper catch-and-release techniques are critical when targetingCentralFlorida’sprizedsaltwaterspecies

-Handle with Care: Always wet your hands before touchingafishtoprotectitsdelicateslimecoat

-Support the Body: Hold fish horizontally rather than vertically by the jaw to prevent internal damage.This is a criticaltiptoapplytolarger(Trophy)sizedfish.

-Quick Revive: If the fish is exhausted, hold it upright in the water and move it gently forward to pass water over its gills until it swims away on its own Be very quick whentakingaphotoofyourfish

Switch

to Non-Offset Circle Hooks

Whenfishingwithliveorcutbait,switchfromtraditional J-hooks to non-offset circle hooks. Circle hooks significantly reduce ‘gut hooking’by catching the corner of the fish's mouth. This makes unhooking faster and less stressful for the fish, improving release survival rates with saltwater species All of the Trophy fish caught aboard the Reel Harmony fishing vessel are on a circle hook.

Practice ‘Leave-No-Trace’Boating

Central Florida's ecosystems from the shallow flats of Mosquito Lagoon to Ponce Inlet are highly sensitive to pollutionandmanmadedisruption:

-Stow Your Trash: Never let loose fishing line, plastic wrappers, or bait containers blow overboard. Monofilament/Fluro-carbon/braid line is especially dangerous to birds and marine life I insist my charter customers deposit there trash back into the sealed cooler wheretheycamefromtoeliminateloosetrash.

-Tread Lightly: When navigating shallow water, use a push pole or trolling motor to avoid damaging seagrass beds,whichserveascrucialnurseriesforjuvenilefish.

Support Local Conservation Groups

Anglers are often the first line of defense for the environment. You can give back by participating in local habitat restoration projects, such as shoreline cleanups or oyster reef rebuilding initiatives. Consider joining grassroots organizations like the Coastal Conservation Association Florida to actively support marine habitat protection and advocacy As the sole owner and operator of Reel Harmony Fishing Charters I belong to the Florida chapter of CCAto help stay informed and connected with thelatestindustrypracticesandinformation.

Ifyouarelookingforafamilyfriendlyfishingexperience look no further than Reel Harmony Fishing Charters where we pride ourselves on customizing your group’s dayonthewater

www.ReelHarmonyFishingCharters.com

ReelHarmonyFishingCharters@gmail.com

@Capt Harmony or call (386)679-0317

First In, First Cast REEL AXING

TIMING

Reel Axing Fishing Charters is helmed by Captain John Kyp, a local firefighter with generational roots in the waters of Volusia County. Captain John first fell in love with fishing at a very young age after firsthand experiencing everything that the family lifestyle had to offer, and now passes that experience over to all of his charter guests Whether you want to bottom fish our local reefs or troll the wide open ocean for pelagics, he's got youcovered!

This 26' Center Console Trophy Pro is an angler's dream and is well stocked for an amazing day out on the water. Recently repowered with brand new twin 150 HP Suzuki outboards, ensuring you get to spend more time catching fish- the reelaxing way! She is outfitted with top-quality Penn & Shimano fishing gear, outriggers & planners, and all necessary navigational & fish finding electronics. This vessel can comfortably accommodate up to 5 anglers, and is docked atAdventure Yacht Harbor in Port Orange. The location is also home to a restaurant that will cook your catch,oneofthebestwaystoenjoythefruitsofyourlabor attheendoftheday.

Boat of the Month

Growing up at Kyp's Fish Camp, Captain John and his twin brother Mike (Captain, Fire Line Charters) were offeredahostofopportunitiesfromaveryyoungage.The camp, situated on Lake Beresford, is where Captain John firstlearnedhowtolaunchaboat Wellbeforehewasable to drive a truck, he was able to operate a vessel with confidence and ease. He has spent his entire life fishing both the fresh & saltwater fisheries here, and has been a local charter Captain for over 5 years now. Captain isn't the only title John holds though, he is also the Battalion Chief with Volusia County Fire Rescue He acquaints the charter fishing industry to being a firefighter in many ways;eachdayisverydifferentfromthelast Alifeouton the water often means working with a slew of forever changing elements, and he is always adapting to the days 'bite'.

Being a family man, Captain John's favorite part about running a charter business is being able to connect new families to fishing just as he has done with his own over the years He maintains that his favorite type of fishing to do would certainly be bottom fishing, noting that the allure of never knowing what's at the other end of the line is a thrill second to none. Our waters are home to a wide variety of species that can be easily found in our area, and hestillrelishesintheopportunitytogethishandsonarod himself No matter which trip you choose, Captain John will customize your trip based on your preferences and do his absolute best to put you on big fish, making sure you haveanunforgettabledayoutonthewater!

Trips aboard Reel Axing Fishing Charters include: 4 HR Shark Trip, 5/6 HR Nearshore/Offshore Trips, 8/10 Hour Offshore/TrollingTrips.

Nigel with a nice flounder caught on Donald's Mudminnows. Donald’s is located by the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange.

Marvin’s fishing adventures he caught these 2 trout and a snook on bait from Donald’s Bait & Tackle.

The Ultimate Rod Routine,

Boat of the Month

AROUND HERE THE ONLY DANCING WE CARE ABOUT HAPPENS AT THE INLET.

We’re proud to feature Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters, led by longtime local angler Captain Jeff Patterson. Known for his easygoing nature and commitment to giving guests an unforgettable day on the water, Captain Jeff welcomes anglers of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros, and families with kids are always encouraged to come along With all rods, reels, tackle, bait, and licenses included,plustheoptiontohaveyourcatchcleanedatthe end of the trip, Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters delivers a hassle-freefishingexperience.

The Pole Dancer itself is a 23’ C-Hawk a boat that mirrors Jeff’s practical approach to fishing It’s versatile enough to float in just a foot of water, perfect for sliding across the skinny flats and rivers, yet it handles the chop of Ponce Inlet and nearshore grounds with ease. What surprises most people, though, is the space. For a 23footer, it’s roomy and steady, giving anglers plenty of elbow room to cast, fight fish, and move around without bumping shoulders From the Halifax and Tomoka Rivers to the edges of the Atlantic just outside the inlet, this vessel is set up to give anglers a comfortable and productiveday.

Captain Jeff’s story is woven into the fabric of the Ponce Inletareaitself.Growingupfishingthebanksandbridges with his father, the water quickly became more than just a backdrop it became a calling That calling turned into a career 18 years ago when he earned his captain’s license, and since then, he has devoted his days to guiding others through the very spots he grew up learning. His knowledge of local waters and seasonal rhythms runs deep, the kind that only comes from years of time spent studying tides, bait movement, and fish behavior firsthand

Beyond the boat, Jeff’s greatest catch has been his family. He’s a proud father of twin girls who are already well on their way to becoming little fisher-girls themselves, often eager to tag along and help Dad whenever they can. His wife, Rebecca, is right there beside him too his biggest supporter and the steady hand behind the scenes who keepseverythingrunningsmoothly

Whether it’s prepping for trips, handling logistics, or just cheering him on from the dock, Rebecca’s presence is a reminder that every successful charter captain has a strong crewbothonandoffthewater.

More than just a captain, Captain Jeff is a teacher of sorts sharing not only the how-to of catching fish, but also the why behind each decision on the water His favorite pursuit, targeting mangrove snapper during their summer spawn,isproofofthepassionhestillfeelseachtimeafish inhales the bait behind the boat. For him, it’s about more than just filling a cooler it’s about creating moments worth remembering. Guests leave not just with fish, but with stories to tell, lessons learned, and a deeper connection to the waters of Volusia County On Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters, every trip is another chapter in Jeff’slifelongstoryoffishingourwaters.

Trips aboard Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters include halfand full-day inshore and nearshore excursions (4, 5, or 6 hours), tailored to give anglers the best opportunities the seasonhastooffer

East Central Florida

On May 21, just hours before Florida’s 39-dayAtlantic red snapper season was set to begin, a last-minute federal court ruling temporarily halted our Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) for Atlantic red snapper state management. This unexpected decision has caused widespread confusion and frustration for private anglers, charter captains, and for-hire operatorsacrossthestate

The FWC wants to make it clear: this ruling ONLY affects Atlantic federal waters. It does NOT impact the Gulf private recreational red snapper season or regulations inAtlantic state waters

*Temporarily Postponed* 2026Atlantic Red Snapper Season “The FWC will not back down,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “We remain fully committed to fighting for state-led management solutions that prioritize Florida anglers while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Atlantic red snapper fishery through improved data collection.”

Forthelatestrecreationalredsnapperupdatesvisit: www.MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater/Recreational/Snappers

CaptJJElliswith ReefWrecker

Charterscatching redsnapperwhen theydidgiveusa coupledaystofish.

A2017FairfieldRVwitha14x22open deckissituatedonlot#52(3,049sqft)in the Salt Springs Resort The unit has a new refrigerator, gas range, pantry, island w/ double sink, queen mattress, bathroom w/ walk-in shower, and a storage building with washer and dryer.Allfurnituretoremainwithunit. The resort offers a clubhouse, two pools, hot tub, tennis courts, dog park, dock & boat ramp to Little Lake Kerr. $82,000

Daily Bag Limit: GulfthroughNWTaylorCounty andLevythroughPascoCounty: Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat

Per vessel: Max of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat

Fenhollowaythrough SuwanneeRiverZone: June 15-30

Per person: 1 gallon whole bay scallops in shell or one cup shucked

Per vessel: 5 gallons whole or two pints shucked

July 1-Labor Day

Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat

Per vessel: Max of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat (1/2 gallon = 4 pints)

North East Florida

Florida student’s art wins Best of Show in Fish Art Contest!

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, is proud to recognize Sebastian Romo for his outstanding achievement in the 2026 Fish Art Contest Sebastian was named the Florida freshwater winner for grades 7-9 in April and advanced to the national competition, where he earned second place in the national grades 7-9 division before going on to receive Best of Show. Best of Show is the contest’s highest overall honor, recognizing the most exceptionalartworksubmittedacrossallgradelevels.

The Florida FishArt Contest is a free educational program that invites students in kindergarten through 12th grade to combine art, science and conservation by creating illustrations of native fish species in their natural habitats. Participants learn about the fish they depict, including their habitat, diet and role in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, to develop a deeper appreciation for the state's fisheries andnaturalresources

Sebastian’s award-winning artwork impressed judges at both the state and national levels, earning him a place amongthecontest’stopyoungartists.

Follow his work on Instagram @sebastianinthewildandonhiswebsite, Sebastianinthewild.com.

Congratulations Sebastian!

The FWC will host the FishArt Contest again next year. Learn more about the Florida Fish Art Contest and how you can participate next year at www.MyFWC.com/Education.

BASS AQUACULTURE

Protecting the genetic integrity of the Florida largemouth bass is critical to ensure the long-term viability of this important and iconic Florida gamefish Learn more about Largemouth Bass Aquacultureatwww.myfwc.com.

It's hot, but the fish are bitin!! We have just a few RV sites available and even fewer cabins, but we do have some availability. Call for a fishing report 386-467-2002 or book online Georgetownmarina.com

North Central Florida

Dixie County offers premier angling along Florida's "Hidden Coast," featuring a mix of freshwater rivers, winding tidal creeks, and Gulf of Mexico flats. Anglers target redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder, as well as largemouth bass and catfish inland.

Top Fishing Destinations

Horseshoe Beach

Steinhatchee River

Shired Island

Suwannee River

The 8th Annual North Central Florida Outdoor Expo is taking place on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM inside Expo Center 2 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.This familyfriendly event is highly accessible for those in Astor just a scenic 45-minute drive southwest via FL-40 W.What to Expect100+ Vendors & Exhibitors: Connectdirectlywithlocalexpertsandretailersspecializinginhunting,fishing, boating, camping, and backyard livingActivities: Enjoy hands-on displays, free outdoor-themed activities, and shopping tailored for adventure seekers of all ages.Event DetailsDate & Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMLocation: Expo Center 2, World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FLTickets: Usually around $5 for adults (kids often enter free).For the most up-to-date schedule of activities, vendor lists, and ticket purchasing links, be sure to keep an eye on the official 937 K-Country Expo page or follow the NorthCentralFloridaOutdoorExpoFacebookGroup