POMPANO
Smooth Sailing
navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
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.
Unpredictable waters
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.
Damage and injury
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.
Theft and vandalism
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.
Incurred medical payments
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.
Peace of mind for fnancing
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.
Navigational fexibility
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.
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DESTINATION FISHING
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.
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Catching an Unexpected Trophy in the Atlantic
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
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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.
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A Sucker for Springtime
By Katie Jo, Pluff Mud Princess Outdoors
Well, break out the fishing rods and fuel up the boat, it is officially Springtime in the Lowcountry.
And that means warmer temperatures, longer days and happier fish who are ready to feed! And if you’ve been waiting for a good time to get out fishing or ready to warm up from all that winter fishing. Then you are in luck!
Springtime is one of my favorite times of the year to fish in the Lowcountry, not only for saltwater species, but those freshwater bass are getting ready for making Baby Bass and eating anything in sight to prepare for the Spawn!
I typically find using live bait such as Mud Minnows or Shrimp on a Carolina rig can be a great way to target those saltwater species as it warms up. But you can’t go wrong with a Paddle tail on a jig head in Fresh water or Salt water this time of year. Those fish are going to start moving shallower as the sun gets warmer and the days get longer, so now is a great time to start exploring those tidal creeks or neighborhood ponds near you. And 2-3 hours before that Low tide mark and 2-3 hours after is always a great opportunity to find those inshore species and I always say, less is more when it comes to tackle / gear. Don’t overdo it with heavy braid, weights or leader. Keep it simple!
Remember, that humidity will be back with a vengeance very soon. So don’t spend all your time dying easter eggs or looking for that leprechaun… Get out there!
Pluf f mud princess outdoors
Pluf f mud princess_outdoors
OFFSHORE REPORT
by Capt. Mike Able, Contributing Writer
On-the-Move Fishing Report
We couldn’t think of a better thing to do this time of year but to travel to warmer waters and better fishing! Our fly shop, Haddrell’s Point Fin to Feather, just hosted a destination fly fishing trip to Punta Herrero, Mexico!
We compiled a group of ten anglers from South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Colorado to go on an adventure to fish Espiritu Santo Bay at the chance of bonefish, tarpon, snook, and the elusive permit. The journey to get there was just that, a journey! We flew into Tulum and then made the drive to the Tail Inn Lodge located in Punta Herrero. The whole group was anxious to get there for sure! As we got closer, we traveled on a long bumpy dirt road but encountered a lot of wildlife paired with an awesome view of that clean and clear ocean water!
Upon arrival that night we all got settled in, excited for the days ahead! Nothing but fishing was on the agenda for the next six days! We set out the next morning with high hopes and curious minds as to what we’d see and hopefully catch! Many anglers out of the group started out with bonefish for the first day, yet seeing other species like tarpon and permit. One of the neatest ideas about this place is that on most days you can have a good chance at any one or all of the four species for the Super Slam!
The next few days followed suit with guys catching bonefish, some catching their first snook, and some catching juvenile tarpon. High on most anglers list was the permit. While some anglers got to see them throughout the week it was a matter about getting a really good shot to land one. For me, I had never caught a permit so that was on my bucket list for the trip. Conditions were not always ideal as we either had cloud cover (unable to see them) or we consistently had a solid fifteen plus mile an hour wind to battle. On the second day of our trip, I got that chance. We were idling out of the spot we had just seen bonefish in and moving to another spot. My buddy Kyle and I had just cracked some beers while slowly motoring out when they spotted a school of permit flashing and moving away. Being that I was on the bow, I grabbed a rod, stripped off some line as quickly as possible and laid a cast in front of the school. With a few strips of the crab pattern, I was tight on my first permit! Ecstatic would be an understatement. While I was hooked up, we went for the double for Kyle but unfortunately could not find the school quickly enough!
As we finished out the week of great food, fellowship, and fishing it was extremely hard to get back to the real world! For me being barefoot on the beach or on the flat with a rod in hand with friends was all that I could ask for! If you want to join us on our next adventure reach out to Randy or Dave at Haddrell’s Fin to Feather! See you at the next destination spot somewhere tropical!
Capt Mike Able
Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply • Since 1983 843-881-3644(Mt Pleasant) • 843-573-3474(West Ashley)
EDISTO FISHING FORECAST
Capt. Ravenel's Report
by Capt. Justin Ravenel, Contributing Writer
Bull reds blitzing on the water’s surface is a sight to behold! We have been having lots of luck spotting these large schools of fish off the coast for about a month now and it’s been exhilarating to say the least.
Unlike the Albies, these fish are a little pickier when it comes to eating on the surface. Usually we can catch 2 -4 when we first approach the school. After that they drop to the bottom and won’t come back up for a while. However this doesn’t mean they can’t still be caught on rod and reel. Once they drop down you can bust out your heavy jig heads and drop down to their level. They should respond to just about anything tackle wise. As with most red fish, the real trick is just getting your bait in front of them.
These fish are always around but winter seems to get them to the surface. As with most species that periodically feed on the surface the trick here is to find the birds. Sometimes this means long runs and other times it means finding the birds and the fish aren’t there. It’s a little luck and a little skill but it’s attainable.
I recently had a “guide’s day off” with my good friend and colleague Captain Jimmy Skinner with “Fontaine Fishing Charters”. The sea was agreeable so we decided to head out there and see what we could find. Luckily he has some really nice electronics on his boat so we had no trouble locating a big school of hungry bull redfish on a bait fish school the birds were eating on. On our particular outing we couldn’t find any bulls feeding on top but they were lurking beneath a large biomass of baitfish. Jimmy didn’t hesitate to put his lucky buck tail down and it was an instant hookup from there on out!
No need for live bait this time of year, just pick your favorite color lure and get it either down on the bottom or out in front of them when they are on a top water feeding frenzy!If you are interested in booking a charter for you are a loved one call me or book online on my website:
Captain Justin Ravenel
RavenelFishingCharters.com
843-864-5056
Facebook: ravenelfishingcharters.com
Instagram: @justin_ravenel
LAND Where to fish from in Charleston
FOLLY BEACH
Folly Beach Pier
Folly River Park
MT. PLEASANT
Mt. Pleasant Pier
Pitt St. Bridge
JAMES ISLAND
Bowens Island Sol Legare
Sunset/Demetre Park
WEST ASHLEY
Higgins Pier
West Ashley Greenway
West Ashley Park
Northbridge Park
DOWNTOWN
Waterfront Park Pier
Colonial Lake
Alberta Sottile Lake
Brittlebank Park
WFISHING FORECAST
Mount Pleasant Pier
by Chris Pounder, Contributing Writer
e’re coming out of a stretch of winter weather that was less than ideal for pier fishing in the Charleston Harbor. Water temps dipped and some fish around the pier took a little vacation. Once we get a nice run of warmer weather and the harbor temp reaches 60 degrees, we expect to see the return of several species around the pier.
Anglers should expect to see the return of flounder and black drum around the pilings and structure. Black drum can be targeted with shrimp or fiddler crabs on a Carolina rig. Our resident flounder population can be enticed with mud minnows, live mullet, or hopping your favorite artificial lure along the bottom. Casting lures parallel to the railing and working along the shadows can produce an aggressive ambush strike when conditions are right.
Red drum and trout will become more aggressive in the warmer water so you’ll want to have options in your tackle bag to rig up for different species. A Carolina rig with live mullet or mud minnows works for both, but don’t underestimate the fun to be had fishing with artificials. The end of the pier on the north side can be a great spot for trout during the slack tide. The key when fishing that area is to keep your rig off the bottom. The area off the tip of the pier has 350 cubic yards of old bridge debris that’s known for snagging rigs if you fish too deep. Eventually everyone that fishes the end of the pier makes a donation to that reef.
Check in with staff anytime to get some helpful advice and then head down the pier to see what’s biting in March. Don’t forget to check out Charlestoncountyparks.com for information regarding summer tournament dates, open employment opportunities, and happenings at all the county parks. There’s a lot going on for the non-fishing members of your family as well.
For any additional information about the pier or what’s biting this week feel free to call the River Watch Cafe & Gift Shop on the pier at 843-762-9946
Chris Pounder, CPRP Manager Mount Pleasant Pier
Choi with 8lb and 9lb sheepshead
SPRING SHAD: IT’S MARCH MADNESS
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,
FISHING IS BETTER IN
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
A PRO FISHING A BIG WORM FOR SPAWNING BASS
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.
A Legend in Every Blade
The Legacy of the Damascus Steel Spiral Dirk Dagger
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
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