VOLUSIA COUNTY
By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins
Written By: Captain Martin Goldys Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
As much as I love fishing, I understand there is a level of responsibility that goes along with this lifestyle.
In Florida, responsible fishing practices are important for maintaining healthy fish populations and preserving marine habitats. This includes catch and release approaches, using appropriate fishing tackle and gear, and following state regulations to protect our fish populations and surrounding environment.
Below I’ve outlined things to consider when fishing in Florida.
Practice Catch and Release Fishing
-Minimize time out of the water: Take a quick photo of your catch and practice proper reviving techniques. Keep fish out of the water for the shortest time possible to ensure full recovery.
-Proper handling: Use a de-hooking tool and wet your hands when handling your catch.
-Learn from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): They offer guidance catch and release methods.
Abide Florida Fishing Regulations
-Stay updated on FWC regulations: Know the rules and regulations for fishing in your Florida regions before taking to the water.
-Learn about commercial fishing regulations: Understand the licensing requirements for various types of fishing (Recreational, Commercial, & for Hire).
-Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for assistance: They can provide information on fishing regulations and conservation efforts in your region.
Consider Your Gear and Techniques
-Use appropriately sized Tackle/ Gear: Reduce the stress on larger fish by using heavier tackle and bringing the fish to the boat quicker. Don’t draw out the length of your fight.
-Use barbless circle hooks: They reduce fish injuries and make it easier to dehook.
-Limit catch to what you need: Don't take more than you can use/harvest.
-Respect other anglers: Share the fishing grounds and avoid causing conflicts.
Understanding Sustainable Fishing
-Participate in environmental/ educational opportunities: Learn about fishing regulations, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices.
-Purchase a Fishing licenses: These funds often help to support local sustainability efforts.
-Choose sustainably harvested seafood: Check where it came from and how it was caught (Wild Caught vs Farm Raised).
-Get involved in sustainable outdoor activities: Participate in marine debris cleanups, beach clean-ups, or local research programs.
If you are looking to experience a Family Fun Fishing Charter adventure with a Licensed and Insured Local Captain, look no further than Reel Harmony Fishing Charters with Captain Martin Goldys. Fishing tutorials and guided tours in the Daytona Beach region are of his specialty. This is the perfect experience for any level angler whether novice or experienced. You are guaranteed to catch fish when on a Reel Harmony Fishing Charter!
P.O. Box 290002
Port Orange, Fl. 32129
386-478-3725
www.fishnhuntmag.com
Email: fishandhuntday@gmail.com
Published By:
Desiree’ Harbster
Capt. Shelby Harbster Zona
In Loving Memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009
Dorothy F. Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018
WRITERS:
Desiree’ Harbster
Capt. Lynda Hawkins
Haley w/ Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters Capt. Marty
Front Caption:
• Atlantic Gag Grouper Season will kick off May 1 and be open until June 26 this Year. Capt Chris Endicott caught this gag offshore Ponce Inlet.
Get Ready To Set
The Hook®
Anglers around the world agree: Fishbites catch more fish! For over 25 years, Fishbites has been busy revolutionizing the fishing industry with our game-changing brand of baits. Using a concentrated formula replicating the natural chemicals that fish use to detect and track their prey, Fishbites have become the go-to synthetic alternative to natural bait. Each bait is heavily infused with a mixture we call Flavor/Scent. The scent replicates feeding stimulants found in prey animals that trigger feeding behaviors in fish. The flavor replicates the taste fish are expecting when they strike. The result is a very aggressive bite, giving anglers a better chance to set the hook!
Anglers around the world are using Fishbites as their confidence baits, knowing that by using these baits the chances of catching more fish dramatically increase. It’s the bait that stays on the hook longer, lasts longer, and has the scent that melts in the water not in your hand. As the bait gradually dissolves, Fishbites baits release a trail of powerful feeding stimulants that fish simply cannot resist.
Fishbites® is family-owned and operated in St. Augustine, Florida. We pride ourselves on making reliably consistent fishing products for anglers of all ages around the world.
To learn more, visit fishbites.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
Joe Guarraci came from Ice Storms in Canada on April 1 to fish with Captain Patrick Preston in the Mosquito Lagoon and captured this nice redfish.
Karen Fanning’s grandson, Trevor Hemphill from OK, who is seven years old. He absolutely loves to fish this is a picture of him fishing But he also shot his first squirrel. Great Outdoorsman in the making!
Bud Burnsed caught this snook off the Granada Pier bridge on bait from Ike’s.
Dennis with a nice redfish caught off the Granada Pier bridge on bait from Ike’s.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides May 2025
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
New Smyrna Outfitters
Select
Regular
Mud
Fiddler
Blue
Sand
Clams
Finger
Pinfish-Pigfish
Ballyhoo
Sardines-Squid Shrimp
Herring
Ribbonfish
Mackeral-Mullet
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides June 2025
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
Another fine Granada Pier Snook.
Aaron Gunter with a Granada Pier Snook Ormond Beach.
Fish Cleaning Station Book NOW!! 1-2-3 Bedrooms w/kitchens
Anchored in Adventure:
Backwater Provisions Brings Coastal Style and Outdoor Spirit to Ormond Beach
Tucked into the lively heart of Granada Plaza in Ormond Beach, a new storefront is calling all coastal adventurers. Backwater Provisions, a rising star in premium fishing apparel and outdoor lifestyle gear, has officially cast anchor in Northeast Florida—and it's already making waves.
Blending high-performance gear with laid-back, coastal charm, Backwater Provisions has built a loyal following among anglers, explorers, and those who simply love living life by the water. Now, with its newest location in Ormond Beach, the brand is bringing its signature experience to a community that lives and breathes the outdoor lifestyle.
“We’re excited to plant roots in Ormond Beach, a place that embodies everything our brand stands for—salt air, local pride, and a passion for adventure,” says Darren Loscalzo, founder and owner of Backwater Provisions. “Granada Plaza is the perfect spot to connect with locals and travelers alike, offering the gear they need for life outdoors and creating a space where community thrives.”
Curated for the Coastal Life
Step inside the new Backwater Provisions store, and you're immediately immersed in a lifestyle. Wooden accents, nautical details, and thoughtfully merchandised displays create a warm, welcoming environment for shoppers. The product lineup is as well-curated as the space itself.
• Top-tier Outdoor Brands: Featuring YETI , Traeger, AFTCO, Marshwear, Free Fly, and our own branded apparel the shop stocks gear built for serious performance and effortless style.
• Fishing Apparel & Equipment: Featuring top names like Penn, Starr, and Florida Fishing Products, the store offers everything from moisture-wicking shirts to durable reels—ideal for casting off at sunrise or kicking back at sunset.
• Locally Inspired Merchandise: Unique finds that pay homage to Ormond Beach’s coastal charm, designed with both function and local flavor in mind.
At the helm of this new location is franchise owner Tony Puglia, a longtime outdoor enthusiast with deep roots in the area.
“Opening this store in Ormond Beach is a dream realized,” says Puglia. “This town lives the lifestyle we’re here to support—fishing, exploring, connecting. Backwater Provisions is more than a store; it's a hub for people who share a love of the outdoors.”
A Grand Opening Celebration
To mark the launch, the Ormond Beach store is hosting a Grand Opening Celebration on May 10th. Guests can expect exclusive giveaways, in-store promotions, family-friendly activities, and a chance to meet the Backwater team. Whether you're an avid angler or just love coastal style, the event promises something for everyone.
Where Community Meets the Coast
What sets Backwater Provisions apart isn’t just the products—it’s the philosophy. Born from a love of adventure and the water, the brand blends performance and lifestyle with a deep focus on community.
“In every location we open, we strive to build more than a store,” says Loscalzo. “We want to create a place where people who love the outdoors can gather, gear up, and get inspired.”With its warm welcome, quality offerings, and undeniable coastal spirit, Backwater Provisions in Ormond Beach is already on its way to becoming a favorite local destination—for adventurers, families, and everyone in between.
PUTNAM COUNTY
Maternity season started in April for
Florida’s bats
Florida’s 13 native and beneficial bat species typically roost in trees, caves or other natural spaces, but are sometimes attracted to buildings and other humanmade structures, including buildings still undergoing construction. With bat maternity season starting April 16, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds the public that April 15 is the last day to legally exclude bats from buildings without a permit, until Aug. 15.
Florida’s bat maternity season, the time when most of our state’s bats give birth and raise their young, starts on April 16 and lasts until Aug. 14 each year. During maternity season, it is illegal to block bats from returning to their roosts. This helps prevent flightless bat pups from being trapped inside structures — something that wouldn’t be good for either people or bats.
If you have bats roosting in your house or building, the most effective and only legal method to remove roosting bats from structures is the use of exclusion devices, which allow bats to safely exit a structure but block them from returning to their roosts. It is only legal to use exclusion devices from Aug. 15 until April 15, which is outside of the maternity season. Permits are required to use exclusion devices during
Florida’s bat maternity season.
Exclusion guidelines were developed to ensure bats are removed safely and effectively from buildings outside of maternity season to avoid problems for people and prevent the killing or harming of bats, which is illegal in Florida. Bat exclusion is a multi-step process that begins by identifying all potential bat entry and exit points in a building. To legally exclude bats, exclusion devices must be installed on key exit points, left up for a minimum of four nights
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
and the exclusion must be conducted when the overnight temperature is forecast to be 50ºF or above.
Bats are highly beneficial, both ecologically and economically. Florida’s bats are insectivores, with a single bat eating up to hundreds of insects a night, including mosquitoes and other garden and agricultural pests. Worldwide, bats serve critical functions due to their roles in insect pest control, and as pollinators and seed dispersers, and their guano can be a valuable fertilizer.
Our state’s native bat populations include endangered species including the Florida bonneted bat. Want to help our bats? There are several ways that residents and visitors can support bat conservation:
Preserve natural roost sites, including trees with cavities or peeling bark.
Leave dead fronds on palm trees to provide roosting spots for bats.
Install a bat house on your property.
Add native plants when landscaping your property to attract native pollinators and benefit bats.
Report unusual bat behavior and sick or dead bats to MyFWC.com/ BatMortality.
Volunteer with the Florida Bat Force!
For more information about how to properly exclude bats as well as other tips to bat-proof your home, visit MyFWC.com/Bats and click “Bats in Buildings.” If you have questions or need more assistance, contact your closest FWC Regional Office to speak with a wildlife assistance biologist. Learn more about bats in Florida and ways you can help them thrive by visiting MyFWC.com/Bats.
Appearance
• Gray, dark or iridescent blue back, shading to silver sides
• Fish from dark waters have golden tints on belly
• Dorsal fin begins over anal fin
• Dorsal, anal and caudal fins long and sloped back
• Forehead sharply rises to a “hump” then slopes back
• Compressed body that is deeper than Florida pompano
• Caudal fin has a narrow fork
Rates starting at
Permit spawning season closure inside the Special Permit Zone started April 1
The spawning season closure for permit inside the Special Permit Zone in south Florida started April 1. Permit will reopen inside the Special Permit Zone on Aug. 1. For more information on recreational permit regulations, visit MyFWC.com
Special Permit Zone (SPZ)
The Special Permit Zone includes state and adjacent federal waters south of a line running due east from Cape Florida in the Atlantic at 25° 40’ North Latitude, waters of Biscayne Bay south of Rickenbacker Causeway, and south of a line just south of Cape Sable running due west through federal waters at 25° 09’ North Latitude.
Minimum Size Limit: 22” fork length
Daily Bag Limit: 1 per harvester
Vessel Limit: No more than 2 per vessel
Season: Closed April 1-July 31
• Small permit have teeth on their tongue (absent in pompano)
• Similar Species: Florida pompano, (dorsal fin begins in front of anal fin)
• Size: Common to 50 pounds
• Habitat: Offshore near structure; inshore over grass flats, sand and in channels.
• Behavior: Spawning occurs primarily in early summer and again in fall.
Permit have a specialized plate at the back of their mouth that helps them crush hard-shelled animals such as clams and crabs. Feeds on small fishes and invertebrates.
Allowable Gear: State waters: Hook and line only. Federal waters: Hook, line and spearing.
Prohibited Gear: Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait; snatching prohibited
Donald Mccormick was at Highland Park Fish Camp in DeLand · He got to spend a morning with the legend himself (Crab) Scott Dickinson they put some really good fish in the boat. Pictured with a Speckled Perch (Crappie)
A 2017 Fairfield RV with a 14x22 open deck is situated on lot #52(3,049sqft) in the Salt Springs Resort. The unit has a new refrigerator, gas range, pantry, island w/ double sink, new queen mattress, bathroom w/ walk-in shower, and a storage building with washer and dryer. All furniture to remain with unit. The resort offers a clubhouse, two pools, hot tub, tennis courts, dog park, dock & boat ramp to Little Lake Kerr. REDUCED! $69,000
Olympic-sized pool, community building, laundromat, restrooms/showers, playground, dog park, volleyball pit, fire pit, cornhole, beach area, access to forestry ATV riding/hiking trails, & scenic views of Lake Ocklawaha! $78,000
Great opportunity to turn this 0.23-acre parcel into your rural retreat just minutes away from the Lake George Conservation area. Georgetown Cove Commons Area boat ramp is a 6-minute drive away from property location. Restaurants, groceries, and other retailers 15-20 mins away. $14,000 Vacant wooded lot, zoned R-2 close to the St. Johns River in Georgetown.
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Capt. Lynda Hawkins
Welcome to Dixie County!
Nestled between the Suwannee and Steinhatchee Rivers, Dixie County, Florida is a hidden gem where untouched nature and timeless southern charm seamlessly intertwine. This enchanting destination offers a haven of tranquility and adventure, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the unspoiled beauty and captivating allure of old Florida.
As you explore our enchanting landscapes, peaceful waterways, and vibrant communities, you'll discover the true essence of Florida.
This county is a haven of untouched beauty, where natural landscapes and charming small towns coexist in perfect harmony. Dixie County is known for its rustic charm and tranquility, offering a peaceful retreat from the fast-paced world.
Hike through scenic trails, paddle along serene waterways, or cast your line into the abundant fishing spots.
What truly sets Dixie County apart is its timeless southern charm. You'll find friendly faces and a local community that takes pride in preserving their heritage.
Leave behind the traffic and the noise, and let the tranquil landscapes and unhurried pace of life wash over you.
Whether you seek outdoor adventures or a peaceful getaway, Dixie County is the place to go to shut off the noise of the world. Fishing For Red Drum in Florida’s Big Bend
The red drum is the most popular fish to target and catch inshore fishing. The Big Bend, located in Dixie and Taylor counties, offers some of the state’s best inshore flats Red fishing. It is the perfect habitat for them to breed and survive.
A nice Red can put up an explosive heart pounding battle, bending the rod, and pulling in the drag. Redfish can be found in the creeks, the mouth of the creeks, and on the flats. When looking for reds on flats, I generally look for a specific type of bottom. A hard rock bottom with rock grass, also known as pepper grass, is a good area to target.
Redfish will eat a variety of types of bait, live and artificial. When they are feeding, the Reds will hit almost anything. Top water plugs work great in the early morning or late evening. Live baits including pinfish and shrimp are always well received. They can be presented under a pop-in cork or a free line. The old-fashioned gold spoon is a fantastic option. It could be weedless or have a treble hook. I like to include a swivel on my gold spoon. An easy alternative for the lazy fisherman is to cut mullet or cut ladyfish, put the pole in the pole holder, and sit back and observe the action. However, a warning is you probably will catch some catfish, also.
The red drum is a beautiful fish that can help create some good pictures and great memories of a day on the water.
Its population is good in the Big Bend area, and with exemplary conservation and following the FWC laws, it should remain that way for years to come.
Come visit us and enjoy a weekend of fishing and enjoying our small fishing villages of Suwannee, Horseshoe, and Jena.
We look forward to introducing you to “Florida’s Hidden Coast”
Captain Frank Taylor / 904-759-6777
RockyCreekCharters@yahoo.com / Rockycreekcharters.com
100 miles of coastline
300+
Species of Birds
1,000 CAMPSITES
25,000+
Acres of public lands
In Dixie County, Florida, the bay scallop season in 2025 is from June 15th to Labor Day. www.visitdixie.com
Hook, Line & Safety: The Aussie Invention Making Fishing Easier for Everyone
For many anglers, tying tackle is one of the least enjoyable parts of the sport—fiddly knots, sharp hooks, and tangled line can quickly take the fun out of a fishing trip. But one Aussie inventor saw an opportunity to change that. Meet HookEze—a clever little device that’s taken the fishing world by storm by making knot-tying safer, faster, and more beginner-friendly than ever before.
The idea was born on the water. The Inventor– a keen fisherman from the Gold Coast, came up with HookEze after watching countless family members struggle with tying hooks. Realising there were no tools on the market to make the process easier or safer, he got to work on a solution. The result was a compact, easy-to-use tool that not only helps tie perfect knots, but also covers the hook completely—preventing injuries and making rod transport worry-free.
Since then, HookEze has grown from a clever homegrown invention into a globally recognized product, helping thousands of anglers across all experience levels. Whether you’re teaching your kids to fish, returning to the sport later in life, or just want to spend less time rigging and more time casting, HookEze has become a tackle box essential. It fits a range of hook sizes, works with various knots, and is perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
With a range of colours and Fishing Kits available—including handy packs with lines, swivels, and tackle—HookEze isn’t just practical, it’s fun and giftable too. And right now, you can save 10% off your order with code HOOK EZE10 at checkout. Proudly Australian-made and designed to help everyone fish smarter, HookEze is proof that the best fishing gear often comes from those who live and breathe the sport. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global favourite, HookEze continues to make life easier for anglers—one knot at a time.
The Premiere Beach Fishing Guide COVERING ALL VOLUSIA COUNTY SHORELINES
Professional Guidance: Led by one of our seasoned fishing experts, we provide personalized instruction and tips to enhance your fishing skills.
Prime Locations: Access to the best local fishing spots, carefully chosen for a memorable and successful outing.
Top-Quality Gear: We supply the latest fishing equipment and tackle, ensuring you’re fully equipped for an enjoyable experience.
Safety First: Comprehensive safety briefings and adherence to all local regulations to ensure a secure and pleasant trip.
Contact us today to book your trip and start your fishing adventure! FUNCOASTFISHING.COM
Custom Aluminum Work
*Fuel Tanks *T-Tops
*Platforms and more!
735 Airpark Rd Hanger B-3
Edgewater • 386-957-3756
Fishing Knot Tying Tool
Good Luck to our next generation of anglers during the 2025 Kids Can Fish Too Events sponsored by SSFHMagazine.
The crew from the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Counsel during the Next Generation Anglers Zone at The Florida Saltwater Fishing Expo held this past March.
February 1
February 20
February 22
March 20
March 21-22
March 29
April 4-5
April 17
April 19
Fish/Marine Flea Market
General Meeting & Seminar
KCFT Fishing Carnival
General Meeting & Seminar
Roy’s Surf Fishing Tournament
KCFT Next Generation Anglers
Volusia County Sheriffs Tournament
General Meeting & Seminar
KCFT South Daytona Kids Fishing Tournament
April 26
May 10
May 3
May 15
May 17
June 5
June 7
June 10
June 19
June 21
June 28
July 17
July 19
August 7
August 9
August 21
September 13
September 18
September 20
October 11
October 16
October 25
November 8
November 20
December 11
December 13
River Clean Up & Island Party
Special Needs Tournament
General Meeting & Seminar
Members Only Poker Run Tournament
Lady Anglers Captain Meeting
Lady Anglers Tournament
Lady Anglers Awards
General Meeting & Seminar
KCFT Home Run Kids Fishing Day Daytona Tortugas
Members Only Redfish, Sheepshead & Ladyfish Tournam
General Meeting & Membership Drive
Members Only Poker Run Tournament
Summer Slam Captains Meeting
Summer Slam Tournament
General Meeting & Seminar
KCFT Edgewater Kids Fishing Derby
General Meeting & Seminar
Members Only Snook, Redfish & Trout Tournament
Members Only Redfish Tournament
General Meeting & Seminar
River Clean Up & Island Party
Members Only Sheepshead, Black Drum & Mango Tournam ent
Fishgiving
Christmas Party & Awards
KCFT Fishmas www.HSFC.com
Bucket Sponsor
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DEER HUNTING SEASON
August 15th-January 1st 3 DAY HUNTS $1,295 // 5 DAY HUNTS $1,995 Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing! www.collinslowcountryhuntingclub.com • 803-267-2825 • 10640 Ehrhardt Road Ehrhardt, South Carolina
We have the longest deer season in the US August 15th-January 1st, with weapon of choice for the entire season. The velvet hunts last through Labor Day weekend and the rut is throughout the months of October and November. We hunt seven days a week and allow two bucks per day, only with one small (under 12" wide) per hunter, per season.
We have open areas where first timers can take a buck, Long Managed Trophy Areas where bucks must be a minimum of 15" outside spread. Then we have our special Big Trophy Area, where the bucks have been on strict management for only mature bucks for the past 13 seasons, the bucks there have to be 16" outside spread of 110 Boone and Crockett Score. That area will be for very serious Trophy Hunters only.
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