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:
Capt. Kevin of Strippin’ Lips Fishing Charters caught this Cobia offsore Ponce Inlet.
Despite having saltwater roots fishing inshore waters of Flagler and the offshore depths of St. Augustine with grandpa. His career began on the Great Lakes, where he spent four years chasing walleye, musky, salmon, and trout professionally. Those experiences built the foundation for his precision, patience, and understanding of what it takes to consistently find and catch big fish. After years of running charters up north, Capt. Kevin made his way south to pursue his saltwater dreams purchasing Strippin Lips Charters. The previous owner/captain left a legacy behind and Capt. Kevin was up to the challenge to keep that going.
“Coming into a new community is always a little nerve-wracking, but I was just going to show everyone I’m here to catch fish and work hard providing exceptional trips for my clients like nothing ever changed.”
At Strippin Lips Charters, every trip is about more than just catching fish it’s about creating lasting memories. From inshore adventures chasing redfish, snook, trout, and black drum to offshore trips targeting pelagics like mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish, kingfish, and tuna, or bottom fishing for grouper, snapper, triggerfish and whatever else may bite that day. Capt. Kevin tailors each outing to match his clients’ goals and skill levels. Whether it’s an experienced angler looking for a trophy or a family
wanting their first big catch, every trip is personalized and hands-on.
Capt. Kevin takes pride in sharing his knowledge and genuine passion for the ocean, ensuring every guest leaves the boat a more confident and capable angler armed with new skills, techniques, and insights they can carry into every future fishing adventure. His goal is to make each day on the water something special, with plenty of laughs, learning, and big fish along the way. As he looks to the future, Strippin Lips Charters continues to grow offering top-quality equipment, safe and comfortable trips, and unforgettable experiences off the coast of Ponce Inlet. (224) 501-2802 - www.Strippinlipscharters.com
JUSTIN LEWIS OWNER & DESIGNER
Justin Lewis is a lifelong resident of the Spacecoast in Florida. He grew up fishing the waters of the Indian River Lagoon and St. John's River. Justin started his career in car audio designs with his 1st business, JL Services, then dabbled in upholstery & jet ski repair, by necessity. He furthered his professional career in media systems for jets with companies such as JetBlue & Thales. Justin began researching CNC machines and started the process of building his own, capable of cutting custom designs in EVA non-slip boat decking. When COVID-19 forced Justin into furlough, he decided to take the plunge and follow his dream by formalizing East Coast Marine Services & Design in 2020. ECM has quickly grown into an established, local company providing affordable, custom designs. Justin resides in Brevard County. You can find him out on the water or the soccer field on the weekends...if he isn't working!
All your Marine Decking & Upholstery needs (321) 431-0475 www.eastcoast-marine.com
Written By: Captain Martin Goldys Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
As an avid angler the draw to fishing is behind the excitement of not knowing what fish species you will pull up to the surface. Sure, you can plan to target a specific species but, there is never a guarantee on what you’ll end up hooking. On the other hand, we’ve been pleasantly surprised on more than one occasion while fishing.
In recent years I have been stunned by a few rare catches. The three that come to mind occurred while fishing with customers on my charter fishing adventures.
Most recently we landed a 14 pound Cubera Snapper in the waters I routinely fish. To be clear, Cubera Snapper are typically found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Southern Florida and the Gulf of Mexico all the way down as far south as Brazil. While I’ve heard of smaller Cubera Snapper being caught and tagged in Southern Florida backcountry regions, I’ve never seen them caught locally. For this reason, he was considered a Prize Catch on a recent fishing charter I hosted.
The next species that was quite surprising to see landed on my boat right here in Daytona Beach was the Bonefish. We actually managed to catch two bonefish on back-to-back weekend charters. If you are not familiar, Bonefish are most commonly caught in shallow, warm waters in tropical regions of the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Southern Florida as far north as Biscayne Bay. You can imagine how shocked I was to catch this prized fish in our home waters on a consistent basis.
Lastly, while deep dropping some larger baits, we managed to hook two 200 plus pound Swordfish and bring them to the boat fairly quickly while hand cranking a Shimano Tiagra TI80WA. Please keep in mind we were fishing in 1,300 feet of water. These were quite possibly two of my personal favorite catches on a recent fishing charter. Swordfish are most commonly caught in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific oceans and sometimes in the North Atlantic waters. These fish have also more recently been caught in the Indian and Mediterranean Oceans.
As a charter fishing captain, I will always remain enthusiastic by the wonder of what we’ll catch next. While some call it Luck, I call it Fishing!
If you have the desire to target a new species or explore the waters of the Atlantic, don’t hesitate to connect with Reel Harmony Fishing Charters as I’ll guarantee a great time on the water while documenting our thrilling adventures, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Captain Martin Goldys
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters (386)679-0317
ReelHarmonyFishingCharters@gmail.com www.ReelHarmonyFishing.com @capt_Harmony
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
Mud
Fiddler
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Sand
Clams
Finger
Pinfish-Pigfish
Ribbonfish
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
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
Fish Cleaning Station Book NOW!! 1-2-3 Bedrooms w/kitchens
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
bats from
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that if you have bats roosting in your home or other buildings, the fall season is an ideal time to exclude them. Florida’s native and beneficial bat species typically roost in trees, caves or other natural spaces, but can also be attracted to humanmade structures. Bats are protected in Florida and exclusion devices – which allow bats to safely exit structures while preventing reentry – are the only legal and appropriate method to remove them.
Exclusion devices can be used without a permit from Aug. 15 through April 15 each year, which is outside of bat maternity season (when most of Florida’s bats give birth and raise their young). Autumn is one of the best times for bat-proofing your home, after maternity season has ended and bat pups are no longer present. It is illegal to harm or kill bats in Florida and it is illegal to block bats from their roosts during maternity season to prevent flightless young from being trapped inside structures.
Billie with a nice Gator bagged during our gator hunt season in Florida.
Photo courtesy of Ike’s Granada Pier Bait & Tackle in Ormond Beach.
Female alligators rarely exceed 10 feet in length, but males can grow much larger. The Florida state record for length is a 14foot 3 1/2-inch male from Lake Washington in Brevard County. The Florida record for weight is a 1,043 pound (13 feet 10-1/2 inches long) male from Orange Lake in Alachua County. Armored plates (scutes) cover the body dorsally, and alligators have a vertically flattened tail. Alligators occur from southeast Oklahoma and east Texas on the western side of their range to North Carolina and Florida in the east. www.myfwc.com
Autumn is the ideal time to exclude bats from buildings
Exclusion guidelines were developed to prevent harm to bats while still allowing for safe and effective removal from buildings outside of the maternity season. Bat exclusion is a multi-step technique, which begins by identifying potential bat entry and exit points in a building. To legally exclude bats, exclusion devices must be left up for a minimum of four nights and must be conducted when the overnight temperature is forecast to be 50ºF or above. 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.”
Bats are both ecologically and economically beneficial. They serve critical functions worldwide due to their roles in insect pest control, and as pollinators and seed dispersers. All of Florida’s bats are insectivores, and a single bat can eat hundreds of insects, including mosquitoes and other garden and agricultural pests, each night. Florida is home to 13 resident bat species, including imperiled species such as the Florida bonneted bat. While bats benefit people, they need our help! Become part of Florida’s Bat Force by supporting bat conservation in several ways:
Be a bat host by preserving natural roost sites, including dead fronds left on palm trees and trees with Spanish moss, cavities and peeling bark. Install a bat house on your property as an alternative roosting spot.
Be a bat champion and get involved in participatory science by counting and reporting numbers of bats emerging from bat houses to the Florida Bat Working Group.
Be a bat supporter Visit www.MyFWC. com/Bats and click on “How to Help Bats page” for more details.
Andy Leary with a nice snook caught using bait from Ike’s Granada Pier Bait & Tackle in Ormond Beach.
Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Success of Everglades Python Removal Program
Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the success of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Python Action Team – Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program in achieving record-setting removal numbers of invasive Burmese pythons from Florida’s Everglades. The governor also called on funding for the program to be continued annually to build off of the state’s initial $2 million investment in 2025.
“FWC’s partnership with Inversa has supercharged the removal of invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The new program accomplished more removals in July 2025 alone than in the entire year before. Our $2 million investment in python removal in the state budget has made this partnership possible, amplifying the success of the PATRIC program. We must now build on their achievements and continue investing in this proven strategy to protect the Everglades for many years to come.”
“Governor DeSantis has consistently been a champion for conservation and protecting the Everglades,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Our partnership with Inversa and the Python Action Team Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program highlights the milestones we’ve achieved against the invasive Burmese python, which will benefit generations to come.”
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
"The success we are achieving against invasive species wouldn't be possible without the support of Governor DeSantis and the Legislature,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. "Thank you to the Inversa team for helping us combat this problem using emerging technological advancements."
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The Python Action Team – Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program has achieved historic success at removing invasive Burmese Pythons from the Everglades since its establishment in 2017. Last year, FWC partnered with Miami-based company Inversa to help achieve its goal of increasing python removals by three times in two years. Today, PATRIC has already delivered on its Year 2 objectives, a full year and a half ahead of schedule. In just three months (May – July 2025), 1,022 pythons were removed, compared to 343 during that same period in 2024, and 748 were removed in July alone—more than the entire previous year’s total. Furthermore, FWC management workload is down 89% and python hunters’ pay has increased by 60% in that same period.
Since 2019, the state has taken unprecedented action to remove pythons in Florida:
• Governor DeSantis directed FWC and DEP to allow for the removal of invasive Burmese pythons from all state parks. The agencies entered into an agreement that resulted in an additional 135,000 acres of land that are now accessible for python removal.
• Governor DeSantis announced the U.S. Department of the Interior granted Florida’s request to increase access to federal lands for python removal, particularly within the Big Cypress National Preserve in southwest Florida.
The Florida Python Challenge is intended to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology, while offering the public a way to get directly involved in Everglades conservation through removal of invasive Burmese pythons. Competitors have the opportunity to win tens of thousands of dollars in prizes based on the size and quantity of pythons captured and removed. During this year’s 10-day competition, 934 participants from 30 states and Canada helped support Everglades conservation by collectively removing a record 294 invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida. Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida, where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. A female Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. Since the year 2000, more than 23,000 wild Burmese pythons have been removed from the state of Florida and reported to the FWC. In addition to the Florida Python Challenge, there are other ways people can continue to help control nonnative species such as Burmese pythons. Anyone may remove and humanely kill pythons and other nonnative reptiles at any time on private lands with landowner permission and on 32 FWC-managed lands throughout south Florida. The public can also help control invasive species by reporting nonnative snakes, tegus and monitor lizards to the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), and by reporting sightings of other nonnative fish and wildlife online at IveGot1.org or by downloading the free IveGot1 smartphone app. For more information visit www.myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives
Prime commercial property with 1.28 acres and 223’ of CR 314 frontage in Salt Springs, FL! Beautiful mature trees offer a picturesque setting. Has been underbrushed and is zoned B-2, This property is ripe for development or a great investment opportunity! $50,000
Escape to the Heart of the Ocala National Forest in this charming two-bedroom, onebath home nestled on 0.56 acres in Salt Springs, Florida. With its rustic country charm, this property feels like a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The one-car garage offers ample storage space, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, gain access to Little Lake Kerr through the Kershores Club membership, which includes beautiful waterfront views and recreational opportunities for just $100/year. $145,000
$85,000 ATTENTION HUNTERS! Deep in the forest, you will find this retro MH with living room, dining room, bathroom, bedroom, and screened porch addition. Has a 1-car garage with power, and an 11’ x 20’ storage building with power and window unit that could easily be converted to a bunkhouse situated on 1 lot with an additional 3 lots under separate tax ID, all totaling .79 of an acre. Pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for hunting season! Located in the Ocala National Forest near miles of ATV trails and 1 mile away from the boat ramp to the Ocklawaha River! $92,000
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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
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Fishbites Celebrates 25 Years with Anniversary Event Surf Fishing Tournament Benefiting Matanzas Riverkeeper
Fishbites is proud to announce a milestone celebration, its 25th Anniversary Event, which will be held in conjunction with a charity surf fishing tournament on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Fishbites Trading Post in St. Augustine, Florida. All registration proceeds from the tournament will be donated to Matanzas Riverkeeper, supporting their mission to protect and restore the Guana, Tolomato, and Matanzas river systems.
Event & Tournament Highlights
*Anniversary Celebration: Festivities will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, featuring fishing seminars, vendor booths, a huge holiday sale on fishing and outdoor gear, BBQ food truck, live music, giveaways, and opportunities to meet & greet with the USA Surf Fishing Team.
* Surf Fishing Tournament: Anglers of all levels are invited to compete using Fishbites products. The tournament is “Fishbites-only,” meaning competitors are required to fish using Fishbites baits and lures.
* Beneficiary Partnership: Fishbites will donate 100% of the registration fees to Matanzas Riverkeeper. This marks a significant commitment to support local watershed health and community engagement.
Matanzas Riverkeeper is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the health and vitality of the Guana, Tolomato, and Matanzas rivers through advocacy, education, monitoring, and community engagement initiatives.
Their work strengthens habitat for aquatic life, which supports recreational fishing, and safeguards water quality for residents and visitors alike. “Fishbites has always celebrated the sport of fishing by giving back to the fishing communities we serve, and we are so excited to support this local organization for our 25 th anniversary event,” said Terry Dillinger, President & CEO of Fishbites. “This tournament is about fun and friendly competition, but more importantly, it’s about honoring our roots and supporting the health and the future of coastal ecosystems we all rely on.” “We are thrilled to partner with Fishbites for this watershed event,” said Jen Lomberk, Executive Director and Riverkeeper at Matanzas Riverkeeper. “This generous donation, along with the awareness this tournament brings, will help us expand our work in water quality monitoring, habitat protection, and community education.”
For more information about the tournament or to register, please visit: fishbites.profishingtournaments.com For more information about Matanzas Riverkeeper, please visit: matanzasriverkeeper.org
Rules:
3rd Annual Squirrel Rodeo Youth Hunt
Presented By: Swamp Donkey Outfitters & G&G Hunt Club
Date: 2/21/2026
This is a FREE Event For KIDS! TIME: 7am Sign up Starts RSVP By 02/20/2026
HUNT: 8am to Noon. RSVP: not Required to Participate Hunters Safety Meeting at 7:45am Location: G&G Hunt Club 2101 Shunz Rd Port Orange FL 32128
* 4-WHEELERS, GOLF CARTS, AND VEHICLES ARE WELCOME TO BE USED DURING HUNT.
* Please be respectful while riding in the club! Please be aware the hunt club maybe wet and muddy.
* There will be many door prizes, and special prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers. Lunch will be provided at noon. Gun requirements: Pellet, BB, Rimfire Rifles, 410, & 20 gauge shot gun ONLY!
• Buck Shot, Slugs, or Turkey loads Prohibited!
• All hunters must 15 years old or younger.
• All hunters must use basic hunting safety! No loaded guns at camp!
• All Hunters and companions (Parents, Guardian, Etc) must wear Orange vest or shirts at minimum, while hunting.
• All hunters must be registered and have signed release before hunting.
• Must be courteous and respectful to other hunters and attendees.
Breaking any rules, fighting, or disrespect will cause automatic disqualification and immediate removal from event!! Remember this is for kids and for them to have fun! Contact: Jeremy Childress 386-233-4796 or Ander Goiriena 386-631-4008 for more information if needed.
Mention this ad and receive $100 off Hog, Deer & Turkey Hunts!
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.
Certified Bow Techs on hand 7 days a week (with 110 Years combined experience)
Hoyt-Mathews-Ravin & Killer Instinct Crossbows
Buy-Sell-Trade Firearms
Whole Corn-Premium Deer Attractants and more...
