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.
*Tiller Models Only.
By Brandon Tourigny
FLORIDA’S CHAIN PICKEREL
In the northern parts of our great country, anglers enjoy chasing down enormous pike and elusive musky. We Floridians don’t usually give this toothy family of sh a second thought since the lake monsters of the north are nowhere to be found in our waters. ere is, however, a smaller cousin of northern pike and musky that Florida anglers willing to do a little searching can have the pleasure of shing for: the chain pickerel.
Named for their greenish and dark colorations creating a chainlike pattern, these sh stand out among the pike family. Alongside their smaller relative, the red n pickerel, these are the only pike family members commonly found in Florida.
Chain pickerel are found statewide and most o en inhabit densely vegetated areas of ponds, swamps and rivers. ese predatory sh are solitary hunters that prowl the shallows in search of small minnows and shad. e chain pickerel’s lightning-fast strikes and long snake-like body make for an exhilarating battle on lighter tackle. e best place to start in terms of selecting baits would be to go with small Rapala jerkbaits and crankbaits, topwater plugs and spinnerbaits. To be able to fully appreciate the ght in these feisty predators, a good rod and reel set up would be a medium-light action spinning rod paired with a 2,500 to 3,000 size spinning reel spooled up with 10- to 20-pound braided line. Don’t be surprised, however, if these toothy sh cut you o$ on occasion. eir mouths are full of needle-sharp teeth that can tear through shing line, and your ngers, very easily.
If you are looking to gain some recognition for your chain pickerel, be sure to check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s big catch program, which gives wellearned recognition to large sh of a number of species caught in Florida. In terms of chain pickerel, any sh 3 pounds and heavier will qualify for this program. Also, as I always like to remind anglers across Florida, these sh are a native species to our state and deserve our respect when shing for them. Try to return sh unharmed to the water as quickly as possible to ensure your catch can continue to grow and carry on the population so our children a er us can have the chance to catch these magni cent sh.
FWC Applauds Governor’s Recommended Budget for Prioritizing Florida’s Natural Resources
Recommendations include $30 million to Restore Apalachicola’s Oyster Habitat, $10 Million for Shooting Sports Facilities, and $10 million for Artificial Reefs
Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced his 2025-26 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommendations, solidifying Florida’s status as the nation’s leader in sh and wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.
“Governor DeSantis’ recommendations reinforce his unwavering support to Florida’s sheries, hunting and angling community, public access to shooting sports, and the long-term recovery of the Apalachicola Oyster Habitat,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “ ese investments are in addition to the Governor’s law enforcement pay plan, support of enhanced training capabilities for FWC O cers, and funding to bolster our operations to combat illegal immigration and drug tra cking.”
Florida is home to some of the country’s premier destinations for top-tier shing, hunting, and outdoor recreational opportunities. ese activities draw outdoor enthusiasts to our state and contribute signi cantly to the state’s economy with nearly $15 billion dollars. With more than 34 million acres of public and private land and over 12,000 square miles of water, maintaining our sh and wildlife resources is critical to sustaining a healthy way of life and a robust economy.
• Restoring Apalachicola Bay Oysters:
Historically, nearly 90% of Florida’s and 10% of the nation’s wild oysters came from Apalachicola Bay. is year, the Governor is recommending $30 million in funding to expedite FWC’s e$orts to restore and recover the oyster habitat. is investment is in addition to an additional $10 million investment in the Department of Environmental Protection’s budget to invest in projects that support the Apalachicola Bay Area of Critical State Concern.
• Promoting Floridians’ Access to Public Boat Ramps: As the Boating Capital of the World, Florida’s coastal communities must have enough publicly accessible boat ramps. As such, the budget recommends $9 million to increase public access to maritime facilities while providing another year of %exibility in the Department of Environmental Protection’s Working Waterfronts program.
• Investing in Florida’s Arti cial Reefs: e Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget provides $10 million to support additional reefs across Florida’s coastlines.
• Increasing Public Access to Shooting Sports and Wild Game: e Governor’s Budget invests $9.2 million to support the construction of two new shooting sports facilities in Liberty and Polk counties while also calling for a “Second
Amendment Summer” tax holiday on rearms and ammunition. Additionally, the budget provides $9 million to manage FWC’s wildlife management areas.
• Prioritizing Fresh and Saltwater Research and State Management: As recommended by the Governor, FWC is provided additional funds to support FWC’s marine lab in Cedar Key and increased funding to support the management of Red Snapper o$ all of Florida’s coastlines. e budget also prioritizes investments in Florida Bass, Snook, Tripletail, and other Bone sh species.
• Defending Florida’s Everglades from Invasive Species: Governor DeSantis includes more than $3 million to remove pythons from the Everglades utilizing traditional methods and innovative technologies.
• Maintaining Law & Order: e Governor provides $5 million for a dedicated state training facility for waterborne rescues and $4.4 million to codify the FWC’s Special Immigration Law Enforcement Unit.
FWC’s mission is to manage sh and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the bene t of the people. To learn more about FWC, visit MyFWC.com.
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT
BY: CAPT. WADE OSBORNE
WATER TEMPERATURE MATTERS
The record low temperatures that the Tampa Bay area experienced in late January had a huge effect on the fishing. Multiple days with highs only reaching in the 40’s to 50’s dropped the Bay’s water temperature to 55 degrees, which can be detrimental to snook. Snook, being a subtropical
and tropical species, are very water temperature sensitive. Once snook are exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees they can go into shock and begin to die.
During the winter of 2010, such temperatures persisted for two full weeks, which ended in a huge loss to Florida’s west coast snook population. It was estimated that up to one million snook died that winter. Fortunately, this year the water temperatures rebounded into the upper 50’s quickly, and Tampa Bay’s snook fishery was spared. All winter, cooler water temperatures and low tides had kept the fish in deeper water.
As we move into March, the water temperature is usually right at 70 degrees. That’s the magical number for the grass flats throughout Tampa Bay to start coming alive. As the water temperature steadily rises, the fishing
Continued on page 6
BY: CAPT. GEORGE HASTICK
MARCHING INTO FISHING SEASON
March is a spectacular fishing month. Everything is coming to life. Not only can you still catch winter fish like large sheepshead, but the flats and docks will be holding plenty of snook, trout and redfish, along with some Spanish mackerel showing up.
One of the great things about this month is the ability to sight-cast fish in the shallows of Tampa Bay’s flats, due to the clear water we typically have this time of year. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a large red or snook in shallow water and making the perfect cast while watching the fish turn to intercept your bait or lure. Then, at the last second, you see the rush of water and the explosive strike, where the water erupts, and the line comes tight. Then, the sound of the drag screaming and your adrenaline is flowing in excitement; but, is too much line going out? Your excitement turns into concern, and you must get that big fish’s head turned before it makes it to the mangroves or dock. Now the heart is pumping, so you lightly palm the spool to put just enough pressure to turn the fish, but not break the line! This might happen a few times, depending on the size of the fish. After a few close calls, you have the fish and your hands are shaking with excitement, because it is your new personal best fish! This is the rush from fishing that keeps us coming back.
March is one of those months that will give you many sight-fishing opportunities, so take advantage of this. This is also a great month to catch an inshore slam of snook, trout and redfish; which is what many Tampa Bay tournaments are.
If you are looking to pull off an inshore slam, there are a few things that can help you have an advantage; one of which is to plan your day around the tides of the day you can fish.
Now, of the three fish, redfish are more willing to eat during the slack or slow-moving water times. Of course, all fish bite better when you have water
Continued on page 10
Boats
Species Spotlight:
The famed Western town insult is actually a woodpecker that is native to the United States. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are migratory and show up locally in Florida during the fall migration and leave Florida during the Spring migration heading north.
The sapsuckers, as the name suggests, eat sap that oozes out of trees from the holes they open on trees. Sapsuckers often drill a line of holes in the bark of a tree, then return later to see if sap begins to leak from the tree. Their favorite trees in Florida seem to be palms and cypress. Other species like ants and honeybees benefit from the sapsucker holes by also collecting the sap from the trees.
I found this sapsucker in my neighborhood! They have a unique black and white pattern on their feathers, a yellow-ish underbelly, and some have a red cap on their head. See if you can find one today before they migrate north in April.
— Captain Wes Tallyn was raised in Florida and is a fisherman, birder, avid outdoors-man, photographer, and environmental scientist.
Wes has a focus on conservation and education in the community and is the owner of Snook Jam Outdoors. You can find him on Instagram @snookjam or call 727-410-5853.
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER Chassahowitzka COLD WEATHER, HOT BITE
Afishing trip can be a memorable experience for both young and old. During the shooting of our new TV show, we traveled to Chassahowitzka, a small community just a one-hour drive north of Tampa. As we entered the quiet little town, I had memories of yesteryear as a young boy living in Ybor City.
We all felt like we had traveled back in time at least fifty years. The locals are great; still plenty of old homes and some bed and breakfast places, just before you get to the campground.
Things are changing, but at a much slower pace. I suggest you give it a try and enjoy what Florida used to be like before it’s gone forever. Kurt Frahn was our host at a place called the Chassahowitzka Outfitters--a beautiful fish camp (house) right on the river. It is quiet and peaceful. The camp is tastefully decorated to accommodate the angling crowd, a place to relax, enjoy
wildlife and some terrific fishing. Our chef Mark, the owner’s brother, spent many years overseas fine tuning his cooking skills until setting down at Chassahowitzka Outfitters.
The Chassahowitzka River is a spring-fed river located in Citrus County. The river runs a good five miles, being a natural haven for hundreds of species of birds, and even bald eagles. It’s fed by a magnitude of springs keeping the waters clear and abundant with fish. Downstream, the mixture of fresh and saltwater of the Gulf turns into a fisherman’s paradise, catching anything from spotted seatrout, redfish, snook and mullet, just to name a few.
Now, let’s talk fishing. With names like Eagle Beak, the most knowledgeable guide on the river, and our other guides Capt. Al and Capt. Randy, we had the cream of the crop taking us out for two days of fishing.
Problem number one extreme cold weather; second, very negative tides to contend with, but both were overcome and plenty of fish were boated. Everyone limited out on trout with a few trophy ones caught and the captain (me) boated one of the biggest snook caught in the area for while a beautiful female, which I quickly released and, what made it even better, it was caught on my favorite artificial bait, the Saltwater Assassin in chicken on a string color.
The way to fish the river is to never let your bait sink to the bottom; or, it becomes catfish time. Rather, work your artificial bait slowly with an upward
BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
into the outgoing tide. The creeks can produce nice redfish, black drums, trout and some flounder. When fishing the creeks, you can use fresh dead shrimp on a 2/0 circle hook with a light weight. My go to is a #4 split shot just above the hook. The secret is to not drag the bottom, but lift the tip of the rod quickly and retrieve at a steady pace, or you will get stuck at the bottom.
A chart of the area is an important must have, and I do recommend a GPS to find your way back. It could be tricky when it’s time to head home and you are in some creek and have no idea how to get out.
Recap on fishing the river:
motion to keep it just off the bottom. It takes some time to get the hang of it but, once you do, it’s game on. As a suggestion, try using a 1/8 jig head and you won’t need a leader. Remember, you are going to lose some tackle no matter what, and my experience is the fish don’t seem to care. The river channel itself changes-the deepest water is not necessarily in the center of the river, but moves in and out from the shoreline. This is where an experienced guide can well be worth his price. Let him teach you the best areas and where to stay away from; or, you can always buy a new lower unit, unless you are a kayaker.
Tides play an important part in fishing the creeks and small bays. It’s best to work your way into the creeks with an incoming tide and plan to exit about an hour
• Watch the tides.
• Current chart.
• GPS.
• Light tackle 10-pound test braided line.
• 2/0 circle hook for bait fishing.
• 1/8 oz jig heads for artificial baits.
• No leader, saves time and money.
• 7ft medium light action rod with a 2500 or 3000 spinning reel.
Good fishing and tight lines.
— Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He also hosts Fishing Adventures Florida TV show airing on YouTube, Waypoint TV, Carbon TV, Outdoor Action, and Angling TV. Owner of Reelfishy.com Charter business covering the west coast of Florida with over 135 captains on staff. For information contact Capt. Sergio at (813) 973-7132 email: atanes@msn.com.
opportunities increase. Not only are the temperatures rising, so are the tides. The increase of higher tides brings more water onto the grass flats for longer periods, which gives snook, redfish and seatrout more time to hunt for food.
Soon, the scaled sardines that were holding up in deeper water begin to move onto the grass flats. Once this happens, more game fish will follow. During this transition, look for fish along the deeper edges of the grass flats and mangrove points with deep water access.
Most of February, I was still fishing the creeks, residential canals and backwater channels. These areas will slowly become less productive moving into March. Even though every day is different, most days seatrout, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, silver trout and the unavoidable ladyfish are the most prevalent species. Other days, clients are catching the added bonus of snook and rat reds along with an occasional keeper redfish.
March is a great month to use “fake bait.” When working artificials, let the bait sink after the initial cast before stating your retrieve. Once retrieving, do so in a slow pop, pop motion giving the bait a chance to drop back near the bottom. Upon feeling a bite, simply lift the rod for a hook set. There’s a saying when jig fishing during the winter, “If you think you’re working the bait slow enough,
slow it down even more.” Cooler months are also a good time of year for using artificial baits. Berkley Gulp three-inch shrimp is an excellent bait; D.O.A. shrimp is too. Additionally, paddle tails and curly tail plastic baits are productive. The jig head weight I use depends on the water depth. Usually, I’m using a quarter ounce but, occasionally, I’ll switch to an eighth ounce. When using any of these baits, the key to success is to work the bait slowly back to the boat.
Cut bait works well in March too. As you’re fishing, if you catch a ladyfish, keep it for cut bait. Cut it into one-inch chunks, place it on a 3/0 hook, cast it out as far as possible, place the rod in a holder at the stern of the boat and wait for a bite, as you continue to fish at the front of the boat.
Afishionado, “Adventures in Fishing.”
—Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Capt. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info., visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474
movement. Snook and trout can literally shut off during slack tide, so you must plan your day accordingly. So, if we have a high tide at noon, I will plan on catching my trout on the start of the incoming at the drop off of a grass flat where the fish are waiting for the water to come up. I would throw soft plastics like a sea shad on a 1/8-ounce jig head, in colors like chicken on a chain or electric chicken made by Saltwater Assassin. This will give you the ability to make long casts to cover more area to find the trout faster. Then, on the second half of the incoming, the redfish will follow the tide into the oyster mounds or grass flats and mangroves. Do not chase them--get set up where you can cast
to these areas. The sea shad in chicken on a chain or live white bait or chunk bait is what I would use for them. Now, you can use the outgoing tide to concentrate on catching the snook to complete the slam. Look for funnel areas like mangrove points, cuts in the mangroves, smaller bridges or anywhere baitfish will be moved by the outgoing current. This will stack the snook up at what I call feeding stations or danger zones. Live baits like scaled sardines, pinfish or finger mullet are hard to beat.
Adjust your line and leader to where you are fishing; but, typically on the flats & docks, I run 10 to15-pound Fins Windtamer with 4 to5 feet of 20 to30pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader and an Owner 1/0 to 2/0 circle hook. This would be on a 7-foot 6-inch medium fast rod in the 8 to17-pound range with a 3000 to 4000 sized reel.
Remember reel, reel, reel
— Capt. George Hastick of “Fish Hunter Fishing Charters” in St. Petersburg, Fl. is the co-host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report and co-hosts Fishing Adventures Florida which is on five streaming channels and You Tube. He has been fishing the waters of the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years and guiding over 20 years.
So Many Options
Florida locals know March for boating and baseball. With spring break, spring training and the spring bait run all arriving right around the same time, there is no shortage of options to peak every interest. Our Winter conditions should subside, as the waters make their way back into the 70’s off of the central Gulf Coast. Traffic on the water will rival Times Square on New Year's Eve, and patience will be at a premium crossing bridges to get to most Florida beaches. For the charter for hire and boat rental industry, the days will be a blur for six solid weeks, as we host guests from all over the country.
We expect fishing conditions in our favor, as the warmer water temps fire up everything we enjoy catching. Anglers who stay close to shore should see bent rods all day. Either bottom fishing for snapper and hogfish or trolling for Spanish and king mackerel, you can’t go wrong. Out of season amberjack and gag grouper stack up on large structure from 45 to 80 feet, offering anglers a solid catch-and-release fight and photo op. To land legal size red grouper, we will make the run to at least 110 feet. This normally puts us near a few sink holes and wrecks that are well worth trolling, once we reach our limits of grouper. Tuna,
smoker kings and even a few wahoo always seem to make their way into the fish box this time of year. While certain times of the year can be a grind with the poles, Spring time fishing tends to deliver memories to last a lifetime.
For those who scuba this time of year, we welcome putting away the 7 and 5 mil suits and start to get back to normal Florida diving. Drier conditions yield clear, clean water for divers to be greeted by just about every Gulf species. Those yearning to see sharks may just get lucky, as spinners and sand bars come out in higher numbers following the Spanish mackerel. Before rolling in, remember to check your gear that has probably been stored away for a few months. Nothing can ruin a dive trip faster than broken straps and free flowing regulators.
With any luck, March brings light winds and sunny skies, allowing us to play our favorite game. When that’s not the case, a beer and a brat at a ballpark, reminding us of when we were young, isn’t a bad backup plan either.
— Capt. TJ Shea. Owner/Operator 2 Shea Fishing and Diving Charters. TJ has been exploring above and below the Gulf of Mexico since he was 8 years old. Contact us at 813-385-2169 and at info@fishanddivetampa.com
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RECIPES
CILANTRO SHRIMP WITH LIME OVER YELLOW RICE
We have been enjoying the Latin flavors lately and wanted to share this one with you. All you need is one large skillet or pot with a lid.
Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of shrimp peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped plus more for garnishing
Instructions:
• I medium or large pack age of yellow rice
• Salt to taste
Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions start to soften. Make sure to stir so the garlic does not burn.
Add the shrimp and chopped cilantro to the skillet and sauté until the shrimp is pink and no longer translucent--about two minutes on each side. Add two tablespoons of lime juice to the skillet as the shrimp cooks. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside in a bowl as you cook the rice. Reduce the heat to low and add the rice to the pan. Cook over low heat for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice in the sauté leftovers. Follow the instructions on the rice package for the amount of water and cook time. Add the last tablespoon of lime juice to the finished rice and stir. Add the shrimp back to the rice and garnish with a little cilantro. ~ Enjoy!
Old Salt 32st Annual Spring King Of The Beach Tournament & Festival
April 24-26, 2025
Have you ever tried tournament fishing? If so, you already know about the legendary “King of the Beach.” If you haven’t had the chance yet, this is your moment—this is the best tournament in town!
This spring, we proudly celebrate our 32nd Annual Tournament, and we’re taking the excitement to a whole new level with even more opportunities to win! This year, we’re introducing an incredible new prize: an Owen & Sons Aluminum Slide On Trailer with a whopping 10,000lb capacity, worth $10,200, awarded to the fish weighed in closest to 20.25 lbs. And guess what? Any team can snag this prize! This prize is winnable from any division, including youth.
Here are three compelling reasons why you simply must fish the King:
**LEVEL PLAYING FIELD:** Thanks to the Old Salts, our competition is one of the fairest for all anglers out there. We maintain a 30-mile boundary to ensure boats of any size can compete, and we provide additional opportunities for single-engine vessels. Plus, forget about intimidating checkouts or shotgun starts—this is all about fun!
**OVER 60 PLACES TO WIN:** With six divisions—Overall, Single Engine, Spanish Mackerel, Traveling Angler, Ladies, and Youth—there’s something for everyone! Each division boasts cash and/or prizes, with approximately $300,000 up for grabs. Our first-place prize for the single-engine division is a stunning new 200hp Suzuki with a repower package valued at over $20,250.
**LOW ENTRY FEES:** You can enter this fantastic tournament for as little as $300—almost half the cost of most Kingfish tournaments! That means less risk for you and far greater rewards. The overall first-place winner will be awarded approximately whopping $50,000! But wait—this event is about so much more than just fishing. It’s a full-blown 3-day festival featuring a variety of marine-related art and craft vendors, a vibrant food festival showcasing local flavors, and Friday night is Community Night, complete with a free Kids Fishing Slam and live music! “Bringing together a community food festival and live music into our tournament seemed natural to us. Fishing is part of our community, and we warmly welcome everyone to join us,” shares Old Salt President Tom Verdensky.
Don’t forget, the Kids Seawall Tournament is on Friday night! Our team will be ready to assist the kids in fishing and measuring their catches, and we have exciting prizes for each age group. Everyone has a shot at winning in our Kids Only Raffle, and the first 250 sign-ups will receive a free Rod/Reel combo to fish with!
ST. PETE REPORT
If the weekly cold fronts are still here, fishing can be difficult if you don't have a plan. The snook are still in their backwater winter homes. The redfish will get lockjaw after a front and the trout can be hit or miss on the flats. You have to adjust your plan, if you want to put a bend in your rod. Luckily, there are options.
Some of the biggest negative tides of the year are in the winter months. This will trap the fish in the potholes and channels. Live
shrimp are a best bet. For artificials, go with a soft body jig or a suspending bait like a MirrOlure. The water is crystal clear this time of year, so don't be afraid to drop down on your leader to 15-pound fluorocarbon.
Another best bet is fishing the many residential docks that line the Bay. Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, trout, flounder and snapper will stack up under the docks and can provide nonstop action. The additional bonus is that many of the docks are protected from the harsh winds.
Again, live shrimp are your best bet. Soft body jigs like Gulp can fill the cooler as well. When fishing the docks, pay attention to the direction of the current. Make your presentation in the direction of the flow. Live shrimp should be freelined with the addition of a small split shot, if needed. Throw lures up current and work them slowly back toward the structure.
The final option is targeting sheepshead. As mentioned, they will be found at residential docks, but the hot action will be at area bridges. The Skyway, Dick Misner and Gandy bridges are famous for both big fish and hot action. Knocker rigged shrimp, both live or dead, cut in pieces are a popular choice. Fiddler crabs and barnacles also work well. Use the smallest hooks, lightest line and weights you can. The sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Sometimes when you feel the bite, it's too late. That's why they wear stripes. They earned the nickname "convict fish” for a reason.
Just remember, don't let the cool weather keep you at home. If you adjust your game plan, the fishing can be red hot. Now, it’s time to take these tips and get out there and fish!
— What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN, YOUR TRIP IS FREE! This is our way of giving back to our veterans.
Capt. Anthony Corcella, Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter 727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com Check us out on
and TikTok
Freshwater Report
The spawn is in full swing in Florida. The bass fishing is really kicking off and they are chewing, making this time of year some of the best months for an angler to go out and target a trophy bass.
After lots of cold weather and fronts, there is finally some warmer weather coming in with the lows around 60 degrees and the highs being around 80 degrees. This is causing the bass to get fired up and ready to spawn. With rising water temp's, anglers this month will see a mix of pre-spawners starting to stage up, along with many spawners on beds, and post-spawners ready to feed back up after doing their business.
Some of the best areas to look in for pre-spawners and post-spawners is offshore grass and vegetation. Common spawning areas are brush piles, pinch points and transitions to where these fish can set up before they move up to spawn. To find spawning bass, look in protected northern banks, canals and creeks with hard bottoms. If the water is a little dirtier, flipping cattail reeds, lily pads, arrowheads and anything shallow with hard bottom around it will be a big player.
lipless crankbaits in any of the vegetation with a constant reel. The key to getting a lot more bites is changing up the cadence in your retrieval. I will also throw jerk baits around the structure. A chatter bait, Neko rig, Texas rigged worm, crankbait or jig head minnow all work well.
To target spawning fish, if I am sight-fishing, I keep it very simple. I use a 3.8 ki-
To target the pre- and post-spawners, my main choices of artificial baits are
BY: CLAYBURN
etec swimbait with a ½ oz flipping weight Texas rigged, and I will have a 5-inch Senko with a ¼ oz flipping weight. If I am blind-fishing spawners, a topwater prop bait with warmer water temps is always a player. You can also use a Texas rig, a wacky rig or a flipping set up.
In my recent trips, I have had amazing numbers along with quality and many trophy catches at the Harris chain. Bass fishing has been unreal with many great guided trips. Now is the time to get out there!
— To book a trip or for more information call me at 352-279-1307 or message me on social media at instagram@clayburn_reed_fishing.
COURTESY AT THE BOAT RAMP
By CAM Staff
Every angler is thrilled that daylight savings time has finally arrived and we have an extra hour to fish every day. But with improving weather and extended opportunity come the crowds. Everyone seems to want to go fishing just when you do. And so comes the chaos at the boat ramp. We are certainly blessed with great access with many parks and public boat ramps, but those are largely unsupervised leaving us all at the mercy at the folks in front of you on any given day.
So let’s all agree to be thoughtful and considerate of the boaters behind us and adopt a few ground rules that every civilized boater should observe.
1. Most ramps have staging areas… a place to park and unload all the gear from your vehicle and transfer it to your vessel. Tie the ropes to the cleats, if you are going to use them to launch your vessel. All of this should be done before you
get in line to launch!
2.If you are next in line, make sure everyone has all their belongings together that they intend to take for the day and get out of the vehicle, and use the restroom if needed, so only those involved with actually launching the vessel are on the boat ramp.
3.Pull up and back down onto the ramp, as close as possible to the side of the ramp, allowing ample space for others to utilize the ramp. I’ve even pulled in the middle of two boats launching on either side of me when there is room. Launch your vessel and pull completely away from the boat ramp area. Move quickly to the appropriate parking area and secure your vehicle.
4.If you are lucky enough to have someone drive the vessel off of the trailer, take it to a vacant dock staging area, and away from the boat ramp,
to wait for the additional members of your party. If you have to walk the vessel back with ropes, move it far enough back to allow others to use the boat ramp.
5. The reverse is true when you are returning. Use the dock staging areas to unload passengers. Do not pull up to the boat ramp and block the area until your trailer arrives. If you have to get the trailer, secure the vessel in the staging area with a member of your party and fetch the trailer. Once in place you can quickly get the vessel to the trailer.
If all of us make an effort to be considerate of those behind us, we will all be smiling all the way to our favorite fishing grounds!
NEW PORT RICHEY REPORT
$5000 IN CASH PRIZES
While the rest of the United States are still scraping ice and wearing jackets, Floridians are entrenched in “no man’s land,” as far as, weather is concerned. There will be chilly mornings and warm afternoons this week and another cold front next week dropping temperatures back down into the 50’s. This time of year can be difficult for anglers to really dial in any kind of pattern or consistency, as far as, what is biting and where.
The best advice I can give you is to be versatile. Have a plan the night before based on the weather but, also, prepare a backup plan. When the water is chilly (70 degrees or less) shrimp and fiddler crabs are a great bet for backcountry or dock fishing for sheepshead, redfish and black drum. However, when the water temp ticks up a bit, you may notice that the sheeps haven’t left your favorite spot just yet, but they can be really finicky. Generally, when I have planned a shrimp and fiddler kind of day and the bite is just off, I can adjust fire fairly easily and fish for redfish or trout that are on the flat. Redfish that aren’t stacked up in the canals or deep water should be out patrolling the flats and oyster beds and would jump at your generous offering of an easy-to-eat cut bait. Trout that aren’t in the back feeding on shrimp love to eat a swimbait and, usually, aren’t too picky.
In my region specifically, the Anclote Power Plant offers a great hunting ground for a wide variety of fish that are dealing with the same “no man's land” water temp fluctuation. Fishing a shrimp in the runoff area can produce trout, pompano, permit, redfish, snook, tarpon and even some wandering cobia this time of year. It is a great place to go by land or sea when the water temperature is just a bit too warm for sheeps and a bit too cold still to fire up the snook.
Speaking of snook, some of the best snook fishing you can do on the Gulf Coast happens when that water temperature hits the high 70’s after months of it being cold. Be versatile, and stay ready for whatever mother nature throws your way this time of year!
— Captain Bill is a Florida native who grew up fishing the Gulf Coast. Being a proud Army Vet himself, he founded a charity called VetCatch that takes disabled veterans on cost free fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area. He guides out of New Port Richey fishing a Bulls Bay tower boat as well as the custom 25foot VetCatch pontoon if needed for elderly/disabled fisherman.
Mountain Style
FLY FISHING IN FLORIDA
Rainbow Trout In The Sunshine State
Believe it or not, there’s a place in northern Florida where you can fish for rainbow trout. The Hiamonee Plantation, a large ranch in a beautiful pine forest, contains a hidden gem. Dr. Galt Allee, a prominent cardiologist and the property owner, created a man-made pond he stocks every winter from late November through the end of February. It’s here that fly fishermen can come to fish for monster rainbow trout in the sunshine state. Trout as large as 16 pounds have been caught. The stocked fish are a mix of Triploid Kamloops and regular Kamloops Rainbow Trout.
Dr. Allee has been stocking this pond for nearly 20 years, and it’s one of a kind. He stocks it when the water temperature reaches 68 degrees or below, which is what rainbow trout need to survive. The first batch delivered, usually in late November or early December, is 400 fish. Again, in January or February, he has another 400 fish brought to the pond. In early March, when the water temperature becomes too warm to sustain the fish, he drains the pond and sells them to local restaurants. Anyone is welcome to help him drain the pond in the spring.
This unique environment is at the very northern part of Tallahassee, almost to the Florida/Georgia line. The terrain is much more like Georgia red clay. Dr. Allee has an honor system in place in which you leave the daily fee, $30, in a mailbox adjacent to the pond. You can leave a check or cash and must sign into a logbook each day. While signing in and out, it is encouraged to list: how many fish you caught, how many fish you kept and what fly worked best. There are a few rules in place that the angler must follow, including using a fly rod only, crushing the barbs on your fly, harvesting only one fish per day, and keeping released fish wet as much as possible. Snapping a couple of pics is ok, but keeping a rainbow trout out of the water for more than 30 seconds usually kills it.
Three feeders on automatic timers are set up across the pond from one end to the other. The pond is close to one acre and approximately 10 feet deep in the middle. In addition to the feeders, the pond has aerators, a well for filling, and a sluice to drain it. Fishing is limited to the bank only and
there are several long-handled nets there for easy landing.
I’ve been fishing the Hiamonee Plantation pond for about eight years now and, like most fly fishing, it can be tricky. The bite can be red hot for an hour or so, then completely shut down. I like throwing a #10 Woolly Bugger, using a slow sinking intermediate line. There are some risers though that will willingly take a dry fly. When the feeders go off, that’s your best chance to get a fish on top. Using a dry fly like an Elk Hair Caddis can be productive, as it mimics the feeder pellets. Dr. Allee prefers that you use a 4-weight rod or bigger to land the fish as quickly as possible and reduce stress.
As the season moves on, many of these fish have been caught and released numerous times, so they can become extremely leader shy. I’ve had days when it was tough to get a single eat… other days were non-stop action. Taking the time to experiment with different flies, whether nymphs, streamers or dries, is a must.
If you plan to fish the pond, Dr. Allee requests that you call the day before arriving and leave a voicemail, if nobody is available to answer the phone. If the water gets too warm to fish, he will leave a message on his answering machine or send out an email blast. If you want to inquire about fishing the pond, send an email to: galtandfrancine@embarqmail.com.
— Joshua Broer, a Tarpon Springs native, is the Facility Manager for the College of Arts & Sciences at USF. His specialties include flats and bass fishing, fly fishing, and sea kayaking. Reach him at joshua.broer@gmail.com.
Stay Up To Date with SALT STRONG ALLIANCE
Salt Strong is more than a fishing club; it is a movement to unite, inspire, and empower anglers nationally. Salt Strong Chapters are located from Texas to Florida to the Carolinas and offer the opportunity to Meet Local Anglers, Learn from Informative Speakers, Participate in Conservation Activities, and Win Awesome Giveaways. Go to SaltStrong.com to Learn More.
FISHING ETIQUETTE IN 2025: THE DO'S AND DON'TS FOR ANGLERS
Fishing is supposed to be relaxing, but poor etiquette can ruin a peaceful day faster than a boat blasting through your spot. Picture this: you’re casting your line, perfectly set up on the shoreline, and then— bam—a boat speeds by, cutting right through your line. Or you’ve scouted the ideal wade fishing area, only to have someone jump in front of you like they own the place. It’s frustrating, right? Unfortunately, it’s happening more and more these days, and it seems like the unwritten rules of fishing are being forgotten. The big question is: do you know what those rules are?
Joe and Luke Simonds have got some crazy stories to share! Some of the things they’ve seen (and experienced) will blow your mind. But they’re not just here to rant. They’re breaking down the essential tips every angler needs to avoid being that guy on the water. Fishing etiquette hasn’t changed much over the years, but with more people hitting the water, it’s a topic worth revisiting. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, good manners on the water ensure a better experience for everyone. Here’s your refresher course on fishing etiquette in 2025.
1. Respect Personal Space
Picture this: You’re casting along a shoreline, dialed in on a perfect spot, when another boat buzzes right between you and the shore, even running over your line. Not cool. Give fellow anglers plenty of space. A good rule of thumb? Stay at least a par-five golf hole away (think 500 yards) when fishing open flats. If you're in tighter areas like docks or bridges, just use common sense—don’t crowd.
2. Dock Fishing: Treat It Like It’s Yours
Love dock fishing? Great! Just imagine every dock is your own. If you wouldn’t skip a lure under your own boat, don’t do it under someone else’s. If you snag a lure, resist the urge to climb onto private property— it’s illegal and impolite. Politely move on if someone is outside enjoying their dock. There are plenty of fish (and docks) in the sea.
3. Wade Fishing Wisdom
First come, first served. If you arrive at a prime wading spot and someone’s already there, don’t play leapfrog to get ahead of them. Instead, fish behind them or find another spot. Remember, the fish aren’t going anywhere.
4. Pier and Jetty Protocol
When fishing from piers or jetties, go with the flow—literally. If everyone is drifting bait with the current, don’t be the person casting sideways and tangling lines. Not sure of the routine? Just ask. Most anglers are happy to share tips, especially if it helps keep the peace.
5. The Wake-Up Call
No wake zones mean no wake—simple as that. A “tiny” wake can still rock anchored boats, potentially causing damage or even flipping smaller vessels. And when you see a kayaker or paddleboarder, either maintain speed well before reaching them or slow down early to avoid sending a rogue wave their way.
6. Jet Skis & Wave Runners: Awareness is Key Jet skis can be fun, but they’re notorious for ignoring fishing etiquette. If you’re zipping around, stay clear of anglers, especially those fishing shorelines or flats. Anglers, keep an eye out for erratic drivers to avoid unpleasant surprises.
7. Take the High Road
Inevitably, someone will break the unwritten rules. When that happens, stay calm. Educating with kindness often works better than confrontation. A polite, “Hey, just a heads-up, this area is tricky because...” can turn an awkward encounter into a teaching moment.
At the end of the day, fishing is about enjoying nature. Respect the water, respect each other, and tight lines to all!
ENTER TO WIN A BOAT
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With a $100 raffle ticket, you could help clean over 500,000 gallons of water per day forever by supporting the deployment of clams and oysters in restoration projects.
Buy a ticket. Release a legacy. Support conservation. Win a boat.
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Stay
BRAG BOARD
Terrie Huffmaster was in 8-12 feet of water and fished a live pinfish under a Four Horsemen cork to hook this nice cobia.
Josh Larew took his skiff out 20 miles offshore on a calm day in search of mahi, but it was quiet and he didn’t see any birds or weed lines, so he decided to just troll back and got this monster 48-inch barracuda to slam a Rapala lure.
This 8.13 pound bass was caught by Christopher Smith while fishing a spawning flat at Edward Medard Conservation Park. She was photographed and safely released back into the reservoir.
Haylee Green with the first snook she ever caught. You go, girl!
Trolling a naked ballyhoo, Juli Brown found this nice 30-pound mahi in a weed line in about 150 feet of water.
For your chance to get featured on the Brag Board, upload your high-quality photos (at least 1MB) with all of the catch details at:
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MASTERING CONDITIONS
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
Spring shing brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. As water temperatures rise, targeting inshore species like trout, ounder, and reds requires adapting to their changing behavior. Early spring o en means downsizing lures. As sh feed on tiny bait sh and shrimp, small lures mimic these natural prey more e$ectively. Large trout and reds may already have full stomachs, expelling small bait when caught, signaling the need for a smaller o$ering to match the size of the food they’re consuming.
With the warming water, sh become more aggressive, and it’s time to speed up your retrieval techniques. A er a slower winter, anglers should bring out faster-action rods and smaller versions of topwater and twitch baits. While spring can bring calm days, cool fronts and high-pressure systems still a$ect sh behavior. When this happens, adjusting to the conditions—rather than just relying on the calendar—is key. Opting for colors like white or silver for hard baits can pay o$ during this time.
However, spring also brings sti$ winds and crowds. In South Texas, gusts can reach up to 30 knots, making conditions challenging, especially
for kayakers. It’s crucial to check the forecast and plan for these challenging winds. Additionally, spring break brings an in ux of boaters and kayakers, many of whom may be rusty from the o$season. Defensive driving and boating have become essential, and leaving early is recommended to avoid congestion at ramps and on the roads.
Conditions are still variable when targeting sh in March. %e water can remain chilly despite warmer air temperatures. Cold fronts a$ect sh behavior, making them seek deeper water with more stable temperatures. While some sh may move closer to ats as the day warms, they rarely stray far from deep water. Focus on areas near the outer edges of guts that lead from deeper water to ats, adjusting as the day progresses.
During high-pressure conditions, downsizing lures remains reliable, especially as young forage species become abundant. Natural or translucent
colors work well; slowing the retrieval to keep lures closer to the bottom can increase success. When this approach doesn’t yield results, switching tactics can help. Using noisy lures, such as rattling crankbaits or loud topwaters, can provoke a reaction bite when sh are less willing to chase actively. Experimenting with these extremes—quiet, slow presentations versus noisy, aggressive ones—can help you nd the right approach in high-pressure situations. Spring shing requires patience, adaptability, and a keen eye for weather and water conditions. Whether you’re dealing with shi ing sh patterns or navigating spring break crowds, it’s a great time to get out on the water—and maybe bring a kid along for the adventure.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.
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
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