WINTER FISHING TIPS
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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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MAHALO, RODNEY...
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
On December 11th at 3:00 p.m. the marine industry lost one of its kindest and most heartfelt supporters. A lifelong supporter of environmental awareness, the love of nature and teaching kids how to !sh, Rodney Smith was the earliest proponent of Florida’s groundbreaking net ban. He was the founder and publisher of the original Coastal Angler Magazine, creator and tireless volunteer of its Hook Kids On Fishing Program. Capt. Rodney Smith spent the better part of his life trying to improve the marine environment and sharing the wonders of the art and sport of !shing.
Rodney’s love and kindness was boundless.
Lifeguard, !shing captain, surfer, author, entrepreneur, and friend to all, Rodney Smith’s time on this earth was well spent helping others and showing love to Mother Nature and the marine environment.
Anyone whoever walked with Rodney would have invariably returned with a bag or pocketful of trash that he picked up along the way and then a erwards meticulously separated for recycling. Anyone whoever disparaged anyone else in Rodney’s presence would have immediately heard something positive about that person from Rodney. at’s just who he was.
Loving father, caring husband and faith driven entrepreneur, Rodney’s life was truly exemplary and saintlike. He will be missed, but he will also surely receive the same pat on the back and heartfelt “Good Job” that he gave to so many others while here.
The Water
Those Who Seek Simplicity & Smooth Performance On The Water
Powered by twins, it runs over 30 knots and cruises efficiently at 20-30 knots. It’s a versatile, no-frills boat focused on rock-solid performance. Ideal for those needing a reliable, easy-to-maintain platform.
Hightlights
Powered by twins, the 20CC runs over 30 knots and cruises efficiently at 20-30 knots.
It’s a versatile, no-frills boat focused on rock-solid performance. Ideal for those needing a reliable, easy-to-maintain platform.
Whether you’re fishing in a kayak, canoe, or small boat, the ePropulsion eLite 500W redefines your on-water experience with innovative features and commitment to sustainability. Designed to be the most
and lightweight electric outboard in its class, it is an easy-to-use alternative to small internal combustion engines for enthusiasts worldwide. Max 5.6 miles at half throttle and 3.5 miles at full throttle. Experience the eLite Difference. Go Electric. Go Silent. Go Fishing!
DISCOVER BOATING MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2025
A BOATER’S PARADISE AWAITS
The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (DBMIBS) is set to return from February 12–16, 2025, bringing an extraordinary showcase of the marine industry. is annual event continues to draw boating enthusiasts, industry leaders, and newcomers alike, o ering a combination of innovation, and community.
Highlights of the 2025 Edition
Spread across six iconic Miami locations—Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande—DBMIBS provides a multifaceted experience.
e Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park will host the latest in marine technology, boating gear, and vessels up to 49’’. On the water, Herald Plaza and Venetian Marina will feature a lineup of vessels, from sleek center consoles to high-performance powerboats.
A Boating Community Experience
e Progressive Boat Show Experience promises an engaging lineup of seminars, boating classes, and the popular AquaZone, an interactive space where attendees can test products and gain hands-on skills. For those looking to elevate their visit, Windward VIP tickets grant access to exclusive lounges, curated dining options, and concierge service.
Digital ticketing ensures a seamless entry process, with water taxis making it easy to explore the show’s sprawling venues. Water taxi tickets are sold separately.
From anglers to luxury yacht a!cionados, the show caters to all corners of the marine world. With its rich blend of exhibits, educational opportunities, and waterfront allure, it remains a must-visit event on the global boating calendar.
For more details and ticket options, visit www.miamiboatshow.com.
Cold Water Winter Fishing for Trout in the Smoky Mountains
By Joe Woody
When winter descends upon the Smoky Mountains, the streams and rivers transform into a serene and picturesque setting. For avid anglers, this season o ers a unique and rewarding opportunity to !sh for trout. Cold water !shing in the Smokies during winter demands preparation, knowledge, and patience, but the solitude and satisfaction of hooking a trout in these crisp conditions make it all worthwhile.
Trout are cold-water !sh, and they remain active during the winter, albeit at a slower pace. eir metabolism decreases as water temperatures drop, making them less aggressive and more selective in their feeding habits. During this season, trout tend to conserve energy by holding in deeper pools or near submerged structures where currents are slow and food is more accessible.
e Smoky Mountains, known for their pristine streams and diverse aquatic habitats, provide excellent winter !shing opportunities. e recent storm damage has not changed that, although access and former topographical structuring may be somewhat altered the !sh have adapted and so will anglers. Rainbow, brown, and brook trout can all be found in the cold, clear waters of this region, with brook trout being particularly prevalent in the higher elevations.
Winter !shing requires careful planning to ensure success and safety. e Smoky Mountains can get bitterly cold in winter. Dressing in layers, including moisturewicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear, is crucial. Gloves and a hat are always a must: Nymphs, midges, and small streamers are excellent choices for winter trout !shing. Patterns like the Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail, and Woolly Bugger o en prove e ective. Since aquatic insect activity is minimal in winter, imitating small and slowmoving prey is key.
clear, low water conditions. Using light tippets (5x or 6x) and uorocarbon leaders can improve your presentation and increase your chances of a hookup.
Focus on deeper pools and areas with slow-moving water. Dead dri ing nymphs under an indicator or slowly
Winter trout can be extra wary due to the
Townsend, this stream is a favorite among anglers for its healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout.
• Deep Creek: Known for its easy access just outside Bryson City, this area o ers a true remote !shing experience with just a short walk up its trail.
• Abrams Creek: Featuring clear waters and ample trout habitat, Abrams Creek is a reliable option for winter anglers
Winter trout are o en more active during the warmer parts of the day. Plan your trip to coincide with midday or early a ernoon. Low, clear water makes trout more alert to movement and noise. Approach the stream cautiously and keep a low pro!le. As any angler in these parts will tell you, always be mindful of slippery rocks and cold water. Wearing wading boots with good traction and a wading belt is essential.
retrieving a streamer can entice a bite. Pay attention to subtle strikes, as trout in winter o en feed so ly.
e Smoky Mountains are home to numerous streams, many of which are accessible year-round. Some top spots for winter !shing include:
• Little River: With easy access near
Fishing for trout in the Smoky Mountains during winter is a serene and ful!lling experience. e combination of tranquil surroundings, reduced crowds, and the challenge of cold-water angling creates an unforgettable adventure. With the right preparation and approach, you can enjoy the magic of winter !shing and make memories that will last a lifetime.
CHARTER BOOKINGS:
CALL THE CAPTAIN!
By Capt Quinlyn Haddon
Ihave been prompted to cover the topic of booking a charter a!er a recent experience I had that could have easily been avoided.
I was asked to work a charter with a company that I had never shed with before. e charter was booked last minute through a booking agency, that I will not directly mention. e notes of the booking repeatedly and clearly requested a full day o shore trip for yellow n. I went to meet with the captain, and helped him rig up for a tuna trip for the following day.
Yellow n tuna are not prevalent in the Florida Keys, but black n tuna are, so we informed the clients of this as we headed o shore in the morning.
Nearing the end of the trip, with a box full of tuna, the clients asked when we were going to get into the yellow n snapper.
e clients had wanted to sh inshore for yellowtail snapper, but they accidentally paid more for an o shore trip, simply because they used a booking agency and didn’t understand that yellow n and yellowtail were di erent species.
If you are wanting to book a charter, please call captains directly! Charter captains do not want to take you out on the water for a boat ride, we want to customize your day so you get the most out of it. Hearing about your expectations and helping answer your questions is paramount in our planning of your trip.
We do not do this job for the money, and most of us are scraping by. We have respect for what a big expense it is to book a charter. We understand that some groups may have saved up a long time to have this experience only once in their lives, and it is extremely important that we give you the trip you are looking for. We might even tell you to rethink the timing of your trip so you can come when your bucketlist sh is most targetable, something a booking agency knows nothing about. ey might be designed to take your money, but that is not what we are about.
If you nd a charter company you like through a shing booking agency, I would recommend going around them and calling a charter captain directly. Chances are that they have raised their prices to stomach the 30% fee the agency takes from them, and you can save money. Alternatively, they have not done so, and a direct call will put the money into the pocket where it belongs.
Booking agencies help ll the calendars, and for a lot of shermen whose strong suits are on the water, booking charters and advertising can be challenging. Some of the best captains have zero online presence. ere are a few agencies who aren’t as greedy as the one from this particular experience, and who may actually have knowledgeable people assisting you with your booking. However, nothing is going to beat speaking with the captain who you are hiring and sharing your day with.
We aren’t scary pirates or too busy to put in that phone time with you, and we are happy to connect with you before you book your trip. Give us a call!
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, Florida Keys - (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
WINTER FISHING: SIZE OVER COLOR FOR SUCCESS T
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
he question of lure size is a common debate among anglers, and while di erent situations require di erent approaches, one thing is clear: sh don’t read shing articles or watch YouTube videos. ey eat when they want, and as anglers, it’s up to us to adapt. In my experience, adjusting lure size is more important than focusing on color—especially in winter shing for coastal species like trout, red sh, and %ounder.
Size vs. Color
When things aren’t going as planned, many anglers immediately reach for a di erent color. However, I nd size to be the more important factor. Fish are typically feeding on prey of a speci c size, not necessarily a speci c color. In my experience, changing the size of the lure is usually more e ective than changing its color. If size doesn’t produce a bite, I might try changing the style of the lure next.
Changes in Estuaries
As winter approaches, our estuaries undergo several changes: cooler water temperatures, shi!ing forage patterns, less boat tra c, and o!en clearer water. ese changes create two schools of thought about lure size: go bigger or go smaller. Some anglers upsize their lures for the entire season, while others prefer downsizing. Both strategies can work, and I will utilize both methods.
Cooling Water and Fish Behavior
Cold fronts trigger cooling water temperatures and unpredictable sh behavior. Unlike the more consistent feeding patterns of stable weather, sh during early winter can make sh moody, switching between aggressive feeding and total inactivity. Late fall and early winter can be some of the best shing of the year, especially when schools of bait are %ushed out by falling tides. Hungry speckled trout and red sh follow these schools, and I prefer using smaller lures in these active feeding conditions. Fish are typically feeding on smaller prey like shrimp or shad, so a similarly sized lure is o!en the best match.
During these times, I also favor non-natural colors. When bait is abundant, sh can more easily spot a contrasting color, helping them target your lure amid the feeding frenzy. is is di erent from spring shing, where matching the color and size of the bait is key. In the fall and winter, standing out with an eye-catching color can be more e ective.
Clearer Water and Smaller Lures
Another reason for downsizing in winter is clearer water. In some bays, water visibility improves signi cantly during the winter, reaching depths of 6-7 feet of clear water. Fish aren’t accustomed to this level of clarity and can be more cautious. In these conditions, a smaller, less intrusive lure will o!en get more bites. When I can clearly see my lure bouncing along the bottom, a small presentation tends to be more successful.
Conclusion
Winter shing requires %exibility. By focusing on size and action rather than color, and adjusting to factors like water clarity and post-frontal conditions, you’ll increase your chances of success. Fish may be moody, but with the right approach, you can adapt and still catch plenty of sh.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
Florida Keys
The Backcountry
By: Capt. Greg Poland
The fishing both in the Backcountry and around the Florida Keys has been on fire lately and my clients have been catching everything from bonefish to sailfish. The live bait has been plentiful, now is the time to get out on the water, load up your live well, grab a fly rod, and have some fun! I have been finding a lot of finger mullet and pilchards here in the Islamorada area and also around the Flamingo areas. If you don’t find them close to your home, cruise on out into the Backcountry, and just to be safe, carry various soft plastics which will work almost as good as the live bait if you are in the right spot. My personal preference is to use a 2-4ft piece of fluorocarbon just above the hook, fishing a 12-15lb spinning outfit on a 7ft rod in the Backcountry. If you are looking for any of this type of gear, check out your local bait and tackle shops as they have a great selection.
As the cold fronts start coming through one of my favorite species will start showing up and it will be game on for action packed fishing out on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, here are some tricks on how to fish out that way for spanish mackerel. You will need some light wire for your leader and either a 2/0 circle hook or a jig head on a light spin rod, the lighter the better so you will have more fun. Buy a few blocks of chum in case you need to move spots and load up on pilchards or live shrimp. I like to drag the chum in a circle to get the spot worked up then put down your trolling motor or anchor up current of your chum slick and start fishing. If you are a fly fisherman or always wanted to give it a try, this is a great time to do so, and after you catch a few on bait give the fly a try and use a fly with a bit of flash to it or a popper.
If you would like to come out with me and see how we get it done, or have me aboard your boat give me a call at 305-393-3327 and let’s get out for a 1/2 day or more!
Wishin’ I Was Fishin’
By: Capt. Angelia Swanson
It’s 2025, and WOW did that happen fast! With a new year comes reflection on the past and hopes for the future. With January being our coldest and windiest weather of the year, it is also one of my favorite times to fish. Yes, all of those amazing winter sportfish like wahoo and sailfish. But due to the windy days we don’t always get to go chase those fish. With big seas come big challenges and a lot of time the wind kicks up those seas to where we are grounded for many days at a time. That time allows me to clean up and sort my gear for the new year ahead. Respooling reels and going through the tackle boxes and bags in my collection can be a chore, but I like to be ready for anything, so I load them up with all of my ammunition for that next day on the water. Having your gear in shape and your favorite lures on hand can make all the difference on getting that next bite and landing your next dream fish.
I also spend time making my goals for the next year on the water. I may have caught a lot of fish, but my fishing bucket list is massive! I line up in my mind what I dream of catching in the next year, whether it be traveling or in my own back yard. This year I’m dreaming of marlin in Cabo, roosterfish in Costa Rica, the invasive species of snake fish that reside in the residential canals of South Florida, and I’d even like to make my way north to some fresh water and try “noodling” for catfish! In a perfect world I would throw a bluefin tuna on that
list. If you are going to dream, you might as well dream BIG! So, while this wind persists, and I’m still making meals out of my last wahoo, I’m setting my sights on a prosperous new year with plenty of new fishing stories. Repairing and respooling reels, tying some new skirts for trolling, doing boat maintenance and repairs, etc. It’s all part of the fishing lifestyle and it never leaves us with a dull day with nothing to do.
What are you dreaming of catching this year? If your destination is in the Florida Keys, give me a call and we’ll go catch that dream fish! If your destination is elsewhere, find a good guide because it will make all the difference in the world. And for me, for now, I’m just wishin’ I was fishin’!
VARIETY
For instance, one day I might be heading off shore to fly my kites or trolling live baits in search of sailfish, black fin tuna, wahoo, king mackerel and other pelagics. The next day, I could be headed 20 to 30 miles back into the Gulf of Mexico in search of spanish mackerel, snapper, and cobia. And another day we might be back on the ocean side fishing wrecks for large mutton snapper and amberjack, or reef fishing for yellowtail snapper, or maybe patch reef fishing in the shallow water for various snappers, grouper, and cero mackerel.
It is a new year, and another winter season is here! Another season of having fun running fishing charters here in the Florida Keys! Whether we’re chasing jumping sailfish for sport or trying to pull mutton snapper up off the bottom for dinner, we’ve always got a lot of choices here in the keys especially in the winter season.
It seems like we’re doing something at least a little bit different every day. All based on what the weather looks like, what the fishing conditions look like, and what type of fishing is going to work out best for the customers.
All of this variety does several things. It makes it so that there’s always something good to fish for no matter what the weather or the fishing conditions may be. It keeps every day just a little bit fresh, because you never know exactly what type of fishing or combination of types of fishing you’ll be doing, and it’s a great reason to go out several times while fishing here in the Florida Key!. You can experience different types of fishing on every trip. You can also come down year after year and either do what you really enjoyed the year before or try something totally new. This year will be my 31st season fishing here in the Florida Keys. Looking back, I can’t ever say I had a bad one! Of course, there’s always a few bad days, but luckily, they seem far and few between. The fishing overall has been pretty darn good year after year. Every year is a little bit different and there are times that are a little more challenging than others and exciting highlights that stand out. I’m looking forward to another great season that will hopefully be packed with plenty of those highlights this year! Happy New Year!
— www.captaineasycharters.com
You can reach Captain Bruce Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120 or email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net
FISHIN’ HOLES Capt. Joel’s
BULLY NETTING
By: Capt. Joel Brandenburg
The best nightlife in Marathon! For those who don’t know, bully netting is the sport of shining a light at night down to the bottom of the ocean to spot lobster and catch them in a special bully netting net. Bully netting has been a sport that has been around for generations here in the Florida Keys. Lobster are nocturnal animals. They typically hide under a
rock in the daytime and stay there all day. At night they move from point A to point B. They also migrate in large groups at night and sometimes you can find hundreds of them traveling nose to tail like a colony of ants.
That’s when it’s easy “pickens”. If you want to try bully netting in Marathon Florida Keys with Ana Banana fishing charters, here’s how it works, and this is how it works with most bully netting guides. We typically recommend going on a four- or six-hour bully netting trip. We like to take up to two people, but we will take a third person. Everybody participating in the sport of bully netting must have a Florida fishing license and separate lobster license. Here’s the out of state license requirement and cost: Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing License =$17.00 plus you must purchase a lobster license which is $25 plus a $5 annual donation fee. You go online and buy it from myfwc. com and your total license cost is $47.00.
This license allows you to harvest 6 lobster per person per day or night and a day is defined as within a 24hr period. Our bully netting boat is a fully equipped and Coast Guard Safety approved 16ft Carolina Skiff. With seating for up to 3people and the captain. Special bully netting lights on both port and starboard are attached. The average Caribbean or Floridian spiny lobster weighs one pound each.
For example, Poncho’s fuel dock and Marina sells full live lobster for around $10 per pound. You can buy your limit of full live lobster for six times $10 which equals $60 or you can go bully netting with us on a four hour trip for up to three people for $695.00 or a six hour trip for $895.00. Obviously, you are paying for the experience of going out and harvesting your own lobster from Mother Nature rather than buying them from a store. Bully netting is just like Fishing sometimes we nail them and sometimes they are tough to find.
The factors that typically determine a plentiful bully netting harvest is the time of year, the water clarity, the wind, the moon, etc. and I can go on and on with barometer, water, temperature, etc. When we take you out on a fishing charter, we have a No Fish No Pay policy. If you don’t catch fish, you don’t have to pay us.
On bullying charters, we also have a program that hopefully assures your satisfaction. We guarantee that you will leave the charter with at least one limit of lobster. If it’s a bad night and there’s three bull netters on board for example and nobody catches a lobster well guarantee you leave with a six-lobster limit.
This rarely happens in fact, it’s only happened once this year. Our no Fish no pay policy has only happened three times in 25 years, our goal is to make sure that everyone leaves happy and satisfied. Bully netting can be very fun. I compare it to bow fishing at night from an airboat or flounder gigging at night from a flats boat. Instead of using a gig or a spear or an arrow, we use a long-handled landing net, and the circular part of the net is bent at a 90° angle from the long handle like a capital letter “L”.
We are typically bully netting in 1 to 5 foot of water and the goal of the captain is to locate the lobster and position the bully netter to be straight up and down from the lobster underwater so the bully netter can quickly lower the net over the lobster and scoop the lobster up in a quick sweeping motion. Then once we get the lobster to the surface and into the boat, we dump the lobster out of the net and into a basket. We grab the lobster out of the basket and measure it with a lobster measuring device because there is a size limit on the lobster if it’s a keeper, we place it in the live well if it’s too small, we throw it back in the ocean. A lot of our bully netting business is based on repeat customers so that tells us that people love bully netting and so do we. It’s like hunting and fishing together.
For a bully netting charter or a fishing charter with Ana Banana fishing charters in Marathon Florida Keys, visit www.marathonkeyfishingcharters. com or call Capt. Joel or Jojo Brandenburg at office 305-395-4212 or cell 813–267–4401. Or come meet us in person at 1280 Ocean View Ave. Marathon Florida Keys or Ana Banana marina at 11699 Overseas Highway Marathon Florida Keys.
— For a charter with Ana Banana fishing company and CAPTAIN, Joel or Jojo Brandenburg Call 305-3954212 cell 813-267-4401 office or visit our website at Marathonkeyfishingcharters.com or visit us in person at Ana Banana marina located at 11699 Overseas Highway.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
By: Capt. Tony Young
It is hard to believe we are now jumping into 2025! Looking back on the previous year, it’s hard not to think about the incredible fishing and spearfishing we have been blessed with. From the yellowtail spawn in April/ May to the amazing offshore Mahi season, it truly was a year to remember. Moving now into 2025, we have seen this trend continue. There is a lot of bait around and this has our winter pelagics fired up, we are in for an amazing January!
It is fun to watch our different fisheries shift each year and even though you might not think about it, all species seem to play off one another. With the amount of bait available on the reef and wrecks, we have been seeing more wahoo than previous years. Along with wahoo, come big jacks and sailfish. It is all about food and there is plenty of it. Coming into January, we are in the prime of wahoo season. This will be one of the best years of Wahoo fishing/diving we have had, so gear up and dive in!
I don’t use live bait very often for wahoo fishing, but it’s best to dive and fish for wahoo where the bait is located. Speedos and rainbow runners are two of my favorites when it comes to wahoo fishing. For diving, we use flashers to attract the fish to us. If you’re able to, catch a live speedo or rainbow runner and hook one to the bottom of your flasher rig. Any wahoo or large jack in the area will go crazy over this! One observation that stands out in particular this season is the quantity of fish. We have dove on a few mega schools of wahoo with well over 100 fish in them and numerous small schools of twenty or so fish. With these larger schools it is very important to get a shot that will stick. Wahoo, yellow jack, and mahi will all school together around an injured fish. If you shoot and stick your shot, slowly bring the fish in and let your dive partners load up on fish as well. We often have multiple loaded guns on the boat for this very reason. However, on the flip side of things you can miss. If you miss a shot on a fish, it could be all over. We had a pack of 100 plus wahoo come through and our diver missed, just like that the school disappeared. If you don’t like your shot, then do not rush it. Come back to the surface and redrift over them, they will still be there. If you miss and the school spooks off, they won’t go far but you will need to relocate them.
When trolling for wahoo, it is easy to get excited when you hook up. Personally, I like to hear the reel scream and keep my speed up. If you’re working through a large school of fish and you keep up your speed, you can double or triple up. After the fish is done with his initial run and you’re ready to back off the throttles, do it slowly. These fish are amazing at shaking lures, and it is very hard to land a fish if they get their head turned. It is very important to keep tension on the fish at all times, I never take the boat out of gear when fighting a wahoo. Believe it or not, wahoo will even strike the leads if you’re high-speed trolling. We have even had two fish hit the same lure as well. If you have the time, it is worth painting the leads a color that matches the water. In my opinion, this will help prevent Wahoo from striking the silver lead as it cruises by them. These are a few key points that have helped us make the most of our hookups.
There are a lot of factors that play into Wahoo fishing and diving, overall, they are an easy fish to get when the conditions are right. A good way to learn these fish is taking notes of the conditions that you are fishing in. Taking notes on when you’re not catching wahoo is just as important, don’t just pay attention to the times you land one.
Same for diving, if you are not seeing them, it’s for a reason. Enjoy learning these fish and be appreciative of the time on the water. Keep in mind that the wahoo fishery has become very popular over recent years, be courteous of other divers and anglers. Help one another be successful and Dive Safe!
WINTER FISHING
By: Capt. Rob Modys
Wintertime fishing in many areas of the United States is tough, if there’s any fishing at all. Winter survival clothing is needed, and even special tools and augers are used to drill holes though ice-laden lakes. Boats are seldom employed since they’ve been winterized and laid up until spring, and fishing gear has to be treated with spays that will prevent icing.
That’s not the case here in the Florida Keys. While we do get the occasional cold front that will push the low temperatures into the 50’s, the normal wintertime range is mid 60’s at night with high 70’s during the day.
Personally, I enjoy the winter months. It’s nice to head out for a day on the water without needing gallons of water for hydration, and only wearing a lightweight jacket that will be shed by late morning. However, a bit of local knowledge is often required to have a successful fishing day in the month of January.
First of all, it’s very important to understand tides and their relationship with winds. In the winter months we go from light easterlies to almost no wind, and then to the roaring northerlies after a cold front passage. Obviously, the lighter winds are preferred, but windy days can be good too.
In Florida Bay there are dozens and dozens of small islands that can be used for wind breaks, however some work and some don’t. An island with a deeper cut or overhanging mangrove works well, but then the tide also has to be considered. The absolute best combo, in my opinion, is when an angler can line up the direction of the tide with wind direction.
grove structure. These locations are ready-made feeding areas for big fish. I know it’s not mfortable to sit on the windy side of a fishing spot, but there’s a very simple process happening there. The small bait struggles in the wind and current, but a big fish, like a snook or dfish, can easily pick off the sardines or shrimp. Your job is to land a live or artificial bait in the target zone.
A trick I like to use on breezy days incorporates a popping cork and live shrimp. The rig is simple. First tie on the cork, and then add a short leader and a circle hook. If extra weight is needed add a split shot about 4 inches or so above the hook. Place the hook through the horn on top of the shrimp’s head, but be careful, you want the offering to stay lively. Make sure you’re in a position with the wind at your back. Make a cast, and keep in mind, you don’t have to be perfect when trying to get close to the mangrove overhang. The wind will carry the cork into the target zone for you. The wave action also comes into play. It will cause the cork to gently bounce up and down, so there’s no need to provide extra action to the cork.
When the cork disappears, reel like crazy. Easy.
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By A. deGruchy
GULF FISHING! Wintertime
If you’re looking for an unforgettable start to a 2025 adventure, Islamorada is the place to be. Known as the “Sport!shing Capital of the World,” this gem in the Florida Keys o ers easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, where the waters are packed with some of the most exciting !sh around: cobia and permit.
Cobia are a favorite for good reason. ese !sh are curious, strong, and put up one heck of a !ght. You’ll o en !nd them hanging out near wrecks, buoys, or even %oating debris, and when they bite, you’ll know it. ey can grow up to 60 pounds, so get ready for a battle when one hits your line. ey also make excellent table fare! We are coming up to the best months to target cobia, so de!nitely keep this species in mind when booking a charter.
Permit !shing is next-level stu . ese sleek, silver beauties are as smart as they are strong, making them a bucket-list catch for many anglers. ey love to hang around wrecks and %ats, and they’re picky eaters. ey love crustaceans, but o en get spooked so your casts must be close to perfect. e real thrill of !shing for permit is in the chase. Spotting a permit tailing in the gulf waters, casting just right, and then feeling that line go tight is pure adrenaline. ey’ll test your patience and your skill, but the payo is worth it.
For the ultimate Gulf !shing experience in Islamorada, check out Bean Sport!shing. Capt. Bean specializes in targeting cobia and permit, ensuring a day on the water you’ll never forget. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a !rst-time angler, his expertise and passion for !shing will make your trip both exciting and successful.
To book a charter, visit www.beansport shing.com. You can also nd Capt. Bean on Instagram @bean_sport shing.
THE NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITY
Tim Barefoot
As winter deepens, cooler waters push more !sh o the beaches and toward the warmer edges of the Gulf Stream. With grouper and snapper now o -limits due to regulations, it’s time to shi our focus to productive species still on the table—trigger!sh, vermilion snapper (beeliners), and seabass. For those looking to venture even deeper, deepdropping remains an exciting option.
e December full moon o en marks a turning point in !shing. Grouper and speckled trout seasons wind down, leaving anglers to adapt to what the regulatory environment allows. Fortunately, the stacks of triggers, beeliners, and pelagics in deeper waters o er excellent opportunities. Start your search around the 150-foot mark and use your !sh!nder to locate promising spots.
Tools of the Trade
For precision !shing, modern tools like spot-lock trolling motors—such as the Rhodan or Minn Kota—are game changers. ese motors allow you to hover directly over schools of !sh with ease. However, they can be limited when deploying a kite, as the wind necessary for kite !shing can drain trolling motor batteries quickly. at’s
where anchoring, a classic yet e ective technique, comes into play.
Yes, anchoring may feel like a step back for those spoiled by spot-lock motors, but it’s a reliable method for staying on productive marks without straining batteries. Once anchored, consider adding a kite to your !shing arsenal. Kites are particularly e ective for enticing leader-shy species like yellow!n tuna and wahoo. When properly deployed, they minimize visible leader material in the water, o en resulting in immediate strikes.
Teamwork and Preparation
provide hardy, versatile bait. Supplement your live bait with cast-netted !sh to use as live chum or cut into chunks.
A sabiki rig is another indispensable tool. Jigging up live bait at your !shing spot o en produces exactly what predatory species are feeding on. Don’t hesitate to use small snapper, grunts, or other bait!sh you catch with a sabiki as o erings on your light line or kite. Wahoo, for example, have been known to eat everything from full-sized grunts to snapper. Frozen or fresh Spanish mackerel also make excellent bait for wahoo and tuna.
Successful kite !shing requires teamwork. Assign one crew member to manage the kite and bait while others focus on !lling the cooler with trigger!sh and snapper. Proper setup is essential. Bring live bait from inshore or nearshore waters; cigar minnows, sardines, pin!sh, and menhaden are excellent choices. A pin!sh trap can also
The
Experience Fishing during this time of year is about more than just !lling your cooler; it’s about enjoying the process and making memories. Whether you’re targeting bottom-dwellers like trigger!sh or keeping a light line out for the chance at a wahoo or tuna, the key is to stay adaptable and prepared. As always, take the kids along and capture plenty of videos of your adventures. Fishing is more than just a hobby— it’s a way of life.
For more from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.
Junior Angler Breaks World Record with Massive Payara
At just six years old, Nathan “Bibil” Barreto is already making waves in the angling world! On July 8, 2024, while !shing Brazil’s iconic Juruena River, Nathan landed an incredible 11.79-kg (26-lb) payara. is catch shattered the IGFA Men’s Smallfry World Record for the species.
Nathan hooked the record-setting payara using cut bait, showcasing his growing skills as an angler. A er verifying the weight on a certi!ed scale, he ensured the safe release of this magni!cent !sh. Nathan’s actions not only highlighted his talent but also demonstrated that conservation is a value no angler is too young to embrace.
What Are Smallfry World Records?
e International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has established guidelines for Smallfry World Records to encourage young anglers. Here’s what you need to know:
• Species: Records are maintained for the heaviest !sh of any eligible species.
• Age: Categories exist for male and female anglers aged 10 years and under.
• Weight: Fish do not need to be weighed on land, as long as the weight is veri!ed appropriately.
• L ine Class: Records are recognized for all line and tippet classes covered under IGFA rules.
• Other Rules: All IGFA International Angling Rules apply, except for the standard weighing requirement.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Encouraging young anglers to aim for world record catches—or simply to submit outstanding catches for consideration—o ers a fantastic opportunity to foster a love of !shing. e IGFA’s Smallfry division plays a vital role in promoting the sport among young enthusiasts.
Taking a kid !shing doesn’t just teach them valuable skills—it can improve their lives and create unforgettable memories. Who knows? You might even help them reel in a world record!
For more information on the IGFA Smallfry records division, visit www.IGFA.com.
Braid vs. Monofilament Fishing Line: Which Is Best?
Choosing the right !shing line is crucial for success on the water. Two popular options— braided and mono!lament lines—o er distinct advantages, and your choice o en depends on your !shing style, target species, and conditions. Let’s compare their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
Braided line stands out for its high strength-todiameter ratio. Its thin pro!le allows for less drag and greater line capacity on reels, making it ideal for deep-water !shing. For instance, a 30-pound braid can match the diameter of an 8-pound mono!lament. Mono!lament, while thicker, provides added durability and is o en preferred in situations requiring extra shock absorption, such as battling !sh with sudden, strong runs.
Braid has minimal stretch, giving it superior sensitivity. is makes it perfect for techniques like jigging or bottom !shing, where detecting subtle bites is crucial. It also enhances hook-setting power. On the other hand, mono!lament’s stretch acts as a cushion during hard strikes, reducing the risk of breakage.
Mono!lament generally o ers better abrasion resistance, making it a top choice in areas with rocks or heavy cover. However, it is prone to UV damage over time, which can weaken the line.
Braid is more resistant to UV exposure but can fray easily when rubbed against rough surfaces.
Braided line’s thin diameter and lack of stretch give it an edge for long-distance casting, especially in open water. However, mono!lament’s low visibility underwater makes it advantageous for targeting skittish !sh in clear water. To counter braid’s visibility, many anglers use a uorocarbon leader.
e choice between braid and mono depends on your needs. Braid excels in strength, sensitivity, and casting, while mono shines in shock absorption, abrasion resistance, and stealth. Many anglers carry both to adapt to various scenarios or use a braid mainline with a mono or uorocarbon leader for versatility.
Ultimately, knowing when to use each type can make all the di erence in your !shing success.
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