Every year in Maine, I get asked about what kind of clothes I should wear? Guiding year round always makes it difficult to plan an activity with having everyone dressed appropriately.
Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, protecting your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes
learn more.
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
Fishing is a beloved pastime that transcends borders, drawing anglers to new destinations around the globe. Whether it’s the thrill of chasing trophy !sh, exploring pristine environments, or immersing oneself in local cultures, traveling to !sh o ers a unique and enriching experience. But why do so many anglers feel compelled to venture far from their home waters to cast a line? Here are some key reasons behind this phenomenon.
For many anglers, the chance to catch a once-in-a-lifetime !sh is a driving force behind their travels. Di erent regions are home to speci!c species that can’t be found elsewhere. For example, the tarpon-rich waters of the Florida Keys, the salmon runs in Alaska, or the giant trevally in the Seychelles all serve as magnets for anglers. e challenge of targeting these iconic species and the bragging rights that come with landing them o en justify the journey.
requires anglers to adapt and learn. Di erent locations come with unique !shing techniques, such as y !shing in Montana’s rivers, jigging for tuna in o shore waters, or using traditional handlines in tropical locales. Each trip is an opportunity to
friends and family or encounters with local guides and fellow anglers. ese interactions create lasting memories and a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond borders. In turn, the stories and photos from these adventures become cherished mementos, sparking conversations and inspiring others to pursue their own !shing journeys.
Magazine and its digital magazine Magazine have always tried to bring you news and awareness about exotic !shing destinations around the world. Your trips and adventures are an integral part of our monthly compilation process. Your photos, videos and stories about your !shing trips are always welcomed here.
acquire new skills, re!ne existing ones, and deepen one’s appreciation for the art and science of !shing.
Fishing in new destinations allows anglers to experience a variety of ecosystems, each with its unique beauty and challenges. From tranquil mountain streams and sprawling freshwater lakes to turquoise saltwater ats and deep ocean trenches, the diversity of !shing environments is staggering. is variety not only enhances the adventure but also broadens an angler’s understanding of aquatic habitats and their importance to global biodiversity.
Traveling to new !shing destinations o en
Fishing inherently fosters a deep connection with nature, but traveling ampli!es this experience. Anglers o en !nd themselves in remote, untouched locations where the tranquility and beauty of the natural world are at their peak. is immersion provides a welcome escape from the stresses of daily life and fosters a sense of mindfulness and gratitude.
Fishing trips o en bring people together, whether it’s through shared experiences with
For many anglers, !shing is more than a sport—it’s an adventure. Traveling to new destinations satis! human desire to explore the unknown and conquer its challenges. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar waters, encountering unpredictable weather, or matching wits with elusive !sh, each trip is a thrilling chapter in an angler’s personal story. e reasons anglers travel to as diverse as the destinations they seek. From the pursuit of trophy catches to the joy of exploring new landscapes, each journey o ers a blend of excitement, education, and enrichment. For those who !sh, the world is not just a playground but a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be discovered. So, pack your gear, book that trip, and embrace the adventure—the next big catch might be just a plane ride away.
To submit your catch photos, videos or stories, email editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com.
You want new charts?
You got new charts! Explore the ocean with vibrant terrain & depth shading, using all-new TZ MAPS. Don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself. Scan here, and we’ll show you!
What started as a morning of unproductive wahoo trolling north of St. Augustine turned into an unforgettable battle with one of Florida’s most prized catches. Capt. Daniel Levesque and his crew aboard Rare Breed had spent hours searching for wahoo, battling against an uncooperative west wind, when they decided to switch tactics.
“A er passing over endless schools of blue runners and proli!c bottom structure, I pulled into a spot that had previously produced wahoo,” recalls Capt. Daniel. “ e sonar was marking !sh from top to bottom.”
By Brandon Shoaf
As two anglers at the bow dropped sabiki rigs to collect live bait, their lines became hopelessly entangled. While the captain worked to untangle the mess of braided line, angler Mike Lorenz noticed something interesting on the sonar screen. He dropped down an old, paint-worn butter y jig to about 60 feet.
“It got hit by what felt like a train,” Lorenz describes. “ e conventional reel was screaming. At !rst, I thought I had a shark, but it felt di erent.” e mystery !sh made several blistering runs, nearly spooling Lorenz’s reel multiple times. e battle switched between long runs and deep, powerful dives under the boat. “It felt more like !ghting a huge grouper when it was beneath us,” says Lorenz. “I think both the !sh and I were taking breaks between rounds.”
Capt. Daniel maneuvered the boat to help chase down the !sh. A er an
9.9/15/20
These compact yet powerful engines have all the features you would expect to see on larger outboards, such as bettery-less EFI technology, multi-function tiller handle* and a large displacement porviding outstandng power. All while maintaining lightest in its class, quiet opetration and ease of portability.
intense !ght, a massive silver ash appeared near the surface, prompting the captain to shout “AP!” e prize—a massive African pompano—was !nally secured with a well-placed ga shot by Capt. Daniel. e crew gathered for photos, marveling at their spectacular trophy, a testament to both the !sh’s size and the memorable nature of the catch.
What began as a “cursed” day of wahoo !shing transformed into the catch of a lifetime, proving once again that sometimes the best !shing stories come when plans go sideways and anglers remain ready for whatever opportunity presents itself.
Brandon Shoaf is Co-Publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Volusia County edition. Contact him at (386) 260-9600 or volusia@coastalanglermagazine.com.
George K. Regan, Jr. Publisher Boston Edition
By, Richard Yvon
Every year in Maine, I get asked about what kind of clothes I should wear?
Guiding year round always makes it difficult to plan an activity with having everyone dressed appropriately.
Here is a great opportunity to share what we b elieve will have you covered here in Maine! Because we cater to all ages and people who live all over our great country, clothing can be a challenge. It is by far one of the most important things you will want to
be prepared for in order to be comfortable.
The number one, year round article of clothing is rain gear. By far if you have rain gear you can enjoy the Maine outdoors all year long by layering according to the outside ambient temperature. In Maine, it does in fact have the potential to rain on your parade at any time of year. In fact, it is possible to get hyperthermia at any time of year e ven in summer! A good rain jacket and bib can save your outdoor adven-
tures from getting dampened! Today’s rain clothing has come a long way f rom the waxed cotton days of our mentors. Today’s material is breathable, water proof, wind proof and light weight. It can be easily stored in a day pack or even a fanny pack. Under layers can be polypropylene, wool, fleece and the latest technology of moisture wicking material with a UPF rating to boot! Layering with a good breathable rain jacket and bib can get you through nearly all weather conditions.
Good foot gear is essential…It is rather difficult to have “one type fits all”. So we always recommend a waterproof, breathable type shoe or boot that has good ankle support. When you venture out it is always a great idea to have an extra pair of shoes and extra breath-
able socks. On hikes especially, we often remind p eople to bring along extra foot gear in their day pack. It can save a hike and your feet! At the end of the day a boot dryer will ensure your next days comfort and also prolong the life of your gear. Happy Trails in the outdoors!
Our favorite winter clothing for Ice Fishing has to b e our Artic Armor floating ice-fishing suite! Our f riends from the “Official Hook, Line and Sinker” had us try the latest technology in clothing for out on hard water. It has become my favorite warm, lig htweight, breathable, wind proof and most comfortable suite ever! Yes, it even floats!!! I hope we never have to try that feature out in icy water but it is certainly piece of mind while out fishing!
By, Dan Kenney
Never tried iceout fishing? Well, this is when the big fish come out to play after months of being trapped under the ice.
Long story short, it’s time to get out on the water! That’s exact-
ly what my good friends Aaron
Orsi and Andrew Stidson did when they dropped their little plastic jon boat into a local lake. There were still chunks of ice floating around and they were able to pull a half-dozen largemouth
Regardless of when ice-out time starts in your neck of the woods, it can be a great experience. I’ve had incredible fishing adventures from Maine to South Dakota. After living with a roof over their heads for essentially three months, fish are enjoying the extra oxygen in the water caused by swollen rivers pumping in run-off and wind whipped waves which makes a
great formula for catching some hogs. And trust me, those hogs are ready to binge eat!
Of course, the weather’s never perfect so you need to plan ahead. Apparel is critical for dealing with conditions that can change daily or even hourly. I've always been a proponent of layering up with proper moisture-wicking socks and undergarments and fleece or wool pants and jackets. With the kind of fabric technolobass in the three to five pound range and another ten under two pounds.
gy we have these days there are great companies like Frogg Toggs with products like the Pilot II Guide Jacket. The Pilot II protects you from all of the rain and wind and also comes with a zipdown liner jacket. Most importantly, don’t get out on the water without a new and reliable PFD. With water temperatures hovering in the 30s or low 40s it literally takes minutes for you to be in major trouble or, to put it bluntly, dead.
So don't be a statistic—take the right safety measures first. Once
you have your gear in order though, the iceout world is your oyster. Think of it like this: we’ve been adhering to the strictest diet imaginable through the winter, not being allowed to eat steak, chicken, pasta, pizza or chocolate cake for three months. Then all the sudden we're invited to a buffet of epic proportions. And you guessed it—we’re going to eat until we get sick.
In a way, our favorite underwater friends probably feel the same way. They’ve had a tough go under ice cover but now
there are dazzling morsels of food freely swimming in front of their faces.
Boom! Fish on!!
So if you haven't enjoyed ice-out fishing yet, don't let the cold stop you. Don’t wait until a perfect sunny day in June or July because
you’ll miss out on some of the best fishing and the biggest fish of the year. Instead, get out on the water and celebrate the end of winter on a pond or lake near you.
Until then, God Bless and Go Fish!
LOOKING FOR THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE BOSTON IN THE SUMMER? ON THE WATER OF COURSE!
NOW ACCEPTING CHARTER REQUESTS
Now accepting charter requests for summer 2025
Fresh air, calm waters & adventures await
By, Pete McManus
I'll never forget the smell. We had started our journey through the sand over an hour before the stench hit us. I stopped dead in my tracks. "Do you smell that?!" My buddy was already freeing his lure from his bottom guide as I finished my question. While he fired off his cast, I noticed a shimmer in the wave breaking at my feet. SANDEELS! I yelled over. Not a couple sandeels. Not a couple
hundred sandeels. Thousands of 4-7 inch sandeels are being pushed onto the beach in the middle of a moonless cloudless night on the atlantic side of truro.
When i received the "we should go hit truro.." text, I knew exactly what he was thinking. A Lot of walking. A Lot of casting. And a lot of explaining to do when I inevitably don't get home till 8 a.m. No brainer. I picked
of the night was. We fished that half a mile stretch of empty beach from around 1 a.m until the sun came up. The smell of fresh sandeels and bass in the air the entire time. No trophies were taken. Just photos. And some amazing memories of a trip to a place abandoned by the surfcasting community. him up at 10pm in Dennis, and we were trekking through the dunes onto the sand by 11:30. Perfect timing to fish the 2 hours before and 2 hours after the 3 a.m high tide.
It didn't take long after the lures hit the water to hook up. I'm not sure what the exact number of fish caught was. I can't even be certain of what the best fish
This month's COTM comes to us all the way from Værøy – a small island off the northern coast of Norway rich with fishing history. This lively fishing village is known for its stockfish production and the Nikolaisen family has been at it for generations aboard Nordtind. Here’s to another season underway - Lykke Til.
Happy 40th Birthday, Morten Espeland!
Club Meeting:
Plum Island Surfcasters meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Plum Island Surfcasters club meeting on March 18, 2025: Sight-Fishing for Striped Bass by Alan Caolo
Check our website (www.plumislandsurfcasters.org) for more details on upcoming events.
Salisbury, MA Senior Center (behind the fire station), 43 Lafayette Rd (Route 1), Salisbury, MA 01952.
Meetings at 6:45 pm | Fishing seminar at 8:00 pm Free for all club members. $5 admission for Non-members
Coastal Angler Magazine, Boston
JOB TYPE: PART-TIME
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: FISHING & SALES
Coastal Angler Magazine, Boston, a company of Regan Communications Group, has an immediate opening for a Sales Representative for our Boston location.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Selling all advertising (both print and web)
• Directing content development (for print, website and social media)
• Procuring and editing copy from 5-8 writers monthly
• Managing the layout and collaborating on graphic design
• Creating concept and copy for print ads
• Delivering and managing the distribution of 10,000 copies monthly
• Maintaining all vendor/client relationships
REQUIREMENTS:
• A keen knowledge of the fishing industry.
• At least two years of sales experience.
• Candidate must be able to work effectively in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
For more details contact: Ashley Boiardi aboiardi@regancomm.com 617-488-2842
I’ve been incredibly blessed to !sh with some of the best anglers on the planet, guiding me through my journey. To complete that journey, I always keep a couple of rods in my truck, ready to !sh farm ponds, lakes, and rivers during my travels as a Boat Li US salesman. It brings me back to my roots.
Last month marked my 64th birthday, and I !nd myself enjoying the simple !shing of my youth more and more. Don’t get me wrong—I still love a gag grouper or wahoo bite like Peter loved our Lord—but I also love catching whatever is in season. March can be a slow month for nearshore and o shore !shing, making it the perfect time to switch focus to hickory and white (American) shad in our rivers.
Tim Barefoot
their birth. eir migration mirrors that of Paci!c salmon, using an innate
learning their seasons over the years. Hickory shad arrive !rst—smaller but plentiful—making them perfect for introducing kids to !shing with non-stop action. When the larger white shad show up, it’s game on. ese !sh pull hard in the cold water, !ghting until the moment you unhook them.
I strongly recommend mashing down the barbs on your hooks to make dehooking easier. Let’s be honest—most anglers aren’t eating shad, so reducing injury before release just makes sense. Also, always wear eye protection when !shing for these powerful !sh. A jig popping free near the boat can come ying back at the angler, as my son learned the hard way in a recent trip to the James River.
ese !sh are truly amazing. ey leave the coastal rivers of the eastern U.S., migrate to Nova Scotia, take a hard right into deep waters, then journey back south to spawn in the rivers of
GPS to !nd their way home. ey travel in vast schools, surviving intense predation, just to return to their spawning grounds.
Knowing this, I position myself to take full advantage of this mass migration. I !sh for shad in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina,
White shad will be in rivers all the way down to Florida this month, so if you’re looking for a fun !ght on light tackle, now is the time. Check out my YouTube channel for the tackle and techniques I use to catch these childhood favorites. And, as always, take plenty of videos of your kids—they’ll cherish those memories later in life.
For more from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.
May 9th & 10th, 2025
Online Registration: MothersDayDolphinTournament.com
Captain’s Meeting
Liechty Marine
Friday May 9th - 6pm to 7pm
Lines In: Saturday, May 10 - 7:30am
Lines Out: Saturday, May 10 - 3:30pm
Weigh-In
Curly’s Co ee
Saturday, May 10th - 3:30pm to 6pm
Awards Banquet
Marathon Yacht Club
Saturday, May 10th - 7pm
Sunday Honor
From February through April, bass ood the shallows to spawn, creating an exciting opportunity for anglers to catch monster !sh. While various techniques can be e ective, !shing with a big worm consistently tempts big, wary females. is method has proven successful nationwide, not just in the South.
Fishing a worm may not be the most thrilling technique, but it allows for a slow, precise presentation—ideal for enticing cautious bass. e key is patience and targeting highpercentage areas where these !sh are likely holding.
One e ective technique is casting a Texasrigged stick bait. Many anglers waste time on unproductive water, but focusing on isolated cover—small patches of grass, pads, wood, or rock structures—maximizes success. A 6” worm in darker colors like black-and-blue works well, paired with a 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz weight for a natural presentation. Given the thick cover, 17-20 lb uorocarbon is ideal for strength and stealth.
Another productive method is retrieving a big speed worm. is subtle, vibrating motion excites bass and helps locate !sh before slowing down for precision tactics. In stained water, darker shades like June bug work best, while
TYLER WOOLCOTT
green pumpkin with ake is ideal for clear water. A 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz weight with 15-17 lb uorocarbon balances presentation and control.
e wacky rig is highly e ective in shallow water, particularly for pressured bass. is weightless presentation targets isolated cover, making it a deadly !nesse option. A 10-15 lb uorocarbon leader on a spinning setup provides the necessary balance of stealth and strength. As with other worm techniques, darker colors suit stained water, while natural tones excel in clear conditions.
Flipping a worm is less stealthy but allows precise bait placement in thick cover, such as pad !elds, wood, or dense grass. is method is excellent for working through cover quickly while thoroughly breaking down key sections. Using large Senko-style baits and braided line ensures maximum strength. Weight selection varies from 3/8 oz to 3/4 oz, depending on cover density. Slowing down and targeting overlooked spots can set you apart from other anglers.
Rod and reel choices remain fairly consistent across these techniques. For casting and ipping, a 7’6” medium-heavy to heavy action rod, such as the 13 Fishing Omen Series, paired with a high-speed baitcasting reel like the Concept
A 7:5:1, ensures control and power. For wacky rigs, a 7’3” medium-heavy spinning rod with a quality reel like the 13 Fishing Axum provides sensitivity and strength.
ese big worm techniques have helped me land giants during the spawn, and I hope they do the same for you. Whether !shing Florida’s grass beds or rocky northern structures, these methods are time-tested and e ective. Get out there this spring and hook into some monster bass!
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.
In the misty Scottish Highlands, where mountains meet shimmering lochs, the dirk dagger has been a symbol of heritage and honor for centuries. Originating in the medieval battles and clan rivalries, these daggers were not just weapons but treasured heirlooms passed through generations.
One stormy night, a young warrior named Ewan was called to the forge by his grandfather, Duncan, a revered blacksmith. “Ewan,” he began, “our clan’s strength lies not only in our courage but in the blades we wield. Tonight, you will learn the art of crafting a dirk that will carry our legacy forward.”
Ewan selected premium Damascus steel, layering it over 242 times to create a blade with intricate, swirling patterns reminiscent of ancient Highland rivers. Each fold whispered stories of battles won and lost, of honor and sacrifice. He crafted a classic spear point blade with a ¾ tang for enhanced strength and balance, ensuring it stood the test of time and combat.
The handle was crafted from solid Micarta, a material as resilient as the Scottish spirit. Adorned with stainless steel and brass file work, the spacers and guard shimmered like northern stars. The rounded pommel provided perfect balance and a textured grip, making it feel like an extension of Ewan’s hand.
As dawn broke, Ewan held the completed dirk in his hands. Measuring 12 inches overall, with a 7-inch blade, it was more than a weapon; it was a tribute to his ancestors and a beacon of his clan’s legacy.
Ewan’s dirk became legendary, said to cut through the strongest armor, with patterns holding the essence of the Highlands. Today, the Damascus Spiral Dirk Knife stands as a pinnacle of craftsmanship, a modern marvel carrying the spirit of ancient Scottish warriors. It is a legacy reborn, ready to be part of your collection, where every inch tells a story of dedication, tradition, and excellence.
Embrace the legend. Hold the history. Own the Damascus Spiral Dirk Knife today for just $99 plus S&H when using special offer code CA5MDK at checkout. This offer is limited to the first 1,200 orders so be sharp and call up today!
Specifications:
Overall Length: 12”
Blade Length: 7”
Blade Material: Premium Damascus steel, layered over 242 times Tang: ¾ tang for enhanced performance
Handle Material: Solid Micarta with stainless steel and brass file, worked spacers and guard Pommel: Rounded for balance and ergonomic grip
Damascus Spiral Dirk Dagger Knife
Was - $249
Now Only - $99 (plus S&H)
Use o er code: CA5MDK
*California residents please call 1-800 733 8463 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
