navigating peace of mind
Unpredictable waters
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.
Navigational fexibility
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.
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes
learn more.
DRESSED TO KILL & FULLY LOADED
The quest to find the ultimate men’s watch has traditionally been a difficult one in the world of fashion. A timepiece with the perfect look and functionality has long been the goal of both watch designers and enthusiasts alike.
The Renegade Blue Chronograph Men’s Watch is the perfect combination of style and function. With a sleek design that features a bold blue dial, rose gold hands and hour markers, and a durable sports silicone band, this timepiece will instantly elevate any outfit.
The three sub-dials provide a precise timekeeping function. The sports silicone band is durable yet comfortable, providing a secure fit that won’t slide around on your wrist. The band is also easy to clean and maintain, making it perfect for everyday wear. The watch’s 30 Metre Water Resistance rating ensures that it has you covered whatever the occasion.
The Renegade Blue is also built to last, with a sturdy stainless steel caseback and exquisitely detailed bezel. The watch is powered by a super reliable quartz movement, which is covered by our incredible 5 Year Movement Warranty - ensuring accurate timekeeping for many years to come!
At the amazingly low price of just $99 plus S&H, this watch is an absolute steal. Don’t miss out on the chance to own the Renegade Blue and Rose Gold Chronograph Men’s Watch - order yours today!
THE FASCINATING JOURNEY OF TARPON MIGRATION
By Dr. Benjamin Cole
Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), known as “silver kings,” are renowned for their acrobatic leaps and strength, making them a top target for anglers. However, their fascinating migration patterns also play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
Tarpon migration is largely driven by the need for feeding and reproduction. Tese highly
migratory fsh can travel thousands of miles, infuenced by water temperature, food availability, and spawning needs. Preferring temperatures above 72°F (22°C), tarpon move south during colder months, seeking warmer waters.
the U.S. Atlantic coast, they travel from Virginia to Florida and the Caribbean, while in the Gulf, they move from Texas and Louisiana to Mexico. Teir northward migration begins in late spring, driven by rising temperatures and abundant food. By summer, tarpon reach as far as Virginia, signaling the start of fshing season. As fall sets in, they return south to warmer wintering grounds.
A key driver of tarpon migration is spawning, typically occurring between May and September in ofshore areas with strong currents. Afer spawning, larvae are carried into estuarine environments like mangroves and marshes, crucial nurseries for juvenile tarpon. Tese habitats are essential for the species’ survival, but environmental degradation threatens their health.
While tarpon are primarily a catch-andrelease species, improper handling during fshing can lead to mortality. Conservation eforts, including safe fshing practices and habitat protection, are essential for sustaining tarpon populations. Organizations like the Bonefsh & Tarpon Trust work to monitor migration, protect critical habitats, and promote responsible fshing.
Found in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, tarpon migration varies by region. Along
Tarpon migration is a remarkable journey, driven by the search for favorable conditions. By protecting these iconic fsh and their habitats, we can ensure their survival and preserve their role in marine ecosystems for future generations.
RIG IT RIGHT FOR THE OPTIMUM BITE
Capt. Russ Walker
If a fsh can see the bait, they’ll hit it much faster than if they must search through grass or mud. Tat’s why I rig to suspend the bait, keeping it above the bottom where fsh can easily spot it. Grass fats are incredibly productive fshing grounds, and targeting the edges where the fat drops of into deeper water is the key to catching bigger fsh.
In around fve to six feet of water, grass growth stops, forming a natural erosional edge where fsh like trout, cobia, tarpon, and mackerel hunt. Tese edges act like a “superhighway” for predatory fsh. While smaller fsh are found on the fat, the big ones hang near the edge, diving into the deeper channel when necessary.
Te best tool for this fshing method is a fat-topped popping cork. Te cork keeps the bait suspended at the desired depth and makes a popping sound when tugged, drawing fsh to the noise. Tis is especially useful for beginners, as it’s an easy technique that produces great results. With just a few pops, the live shrimp below the cork will jump into plain sight, attracting the fsh.
As a charter captain, I’ve found this method efective for anglers of all experience levels. It’s not uncommon to catch 80 to 100 fsh during a four-hour trip using this rig. It works equally well ofshore near wrecks, suspending bait for species like permit.
I make my own 200 lb. rated, fat-topped popping bobbers, stronger and shorter than store-bought versions. Tey’re perfect for fshing
everything from trout to tarpon, with only the hook size and leader changing. Te leader length is always four and one half feet, and the magic depth on the grass-fat edge is fve feet.
Typically, I use a 3/0 Mustad Wide Gap Hook with a 1/4 oz. egg sinker and a 30 lb. fuorocarbon leader. Tis rig works wonders for trout, pompano, mackerel, snook, redfsh, and ladyfsh.
So, give it a try! Pop the cork a few times, remove the slack, and hang on. When the bobber disappears, just “yank it and crank it.” You’ll see your catch increase by at least 40 percent. Fish On!
Capt. Russ Walker is a USCG Masters licensed fshing guide and owner of Tide Walker Charters out of Cape Coral, FL. www.tidewalkercharters.com
brooks@coastalanglermagazine.com
Ladies Ultimate Offshore Fishing Experience
By Katie Jo, Pluff Mud Princess Outdoors
It all kicked off with a surprise phone call in early April. They asked, “Hey, I’ve got a friend who wants to get some ladies out offshore fishing. Want to help?” Of course, I leaped at the chance! More women fishing? Count me in, especially in the often-daunting world of offshore fishing!
I had this vision of crafting a space where ladies could learn, ask all the burning questions, and feel like total fishing queens! Not just “let’s take a bunch of girls fishing” and hope they’ll come back someday. So, when we finally planned our offshore fishing trip and it didn’t pan out, it felt like fate was whispering, “Hold on, there’s more magic to come!”
Fast forward a few months and I crossed paths with Brittany Daemer and Capt. Anthony Whitford at Salt Fever Guide Service in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. They were beyond excited about this unique event and jumped right on board! It felt like the universe was doing a little dance because they shared my dream of empowering more women to conquer the offshore waves! Plus, Vapor Apparel from my hometown of Charleston, SC, swooped in to gift our ladies and crew with some seriously stylish performance shirts and buffs!
When we finally gathered for our Ladies Captain Meeting that Friday night in Ocean Isle Beach, I wanted every woman to leave feeling like a fishing rockstar, equipped with the basics of offshore fishing and the confidence to succeed. As our awesome Captains, Riley Adkins & Anthony Whitford introduced themselves, they promised to be our guiding lights on the high seas. After I wrapped up my spiel about making offshore fishing accessible with the right tools, it hit me: fate had totally curated the perfect team for this event! The captains dove into topics like trolling, ideal weather, the best baits, and safety protocols. And our fabulous First Mates, Bailey & Ashley, showed off their secret weapons for success in offshore fishing. I knew our lady anglers were in great hands as we set sail the next morning for a thrilling 10-hour fishing adventure!
As the sun peeked over the horizon the next morning aboard Salt Fever’s stunning 42’ Freeman—more like a chariot for our lady anglers! —the energy was electric. Our ladies were radiating confidence and empowerment from the night before, armed with skills to rig ballyhoo, set teasers, and dive into the art of offshore fishing. So, it was no shocker when bucket list checks started happening left and right! Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, and even a wild encounter with a school of feisty Amber Jacks! This event was one for the books, and I can’t wait for next year! Huge shoutout to everyone who attended, supported, or believed in my wild dreams… because they really do come true!
“That’s some good stuff."
Additional catch photos on Fresh Catch page 16
WhatBaitDo I Need?
by Jiggin’ Jerry, Contributing Writer
TROUT
Mud Minnows
Finger Mullet (frozen or live)
Shrimp (frozen or live)
Small Croaker
Small Pinfish
FLOUNDER
Mud Minnows
Finger Mullet (live)
Shrimp (live)
RED DRUM
Mud Minnows
Finger Mullet (frozen or live)
Shrimp (frozen or live)
Small Croaker
Small Pinfish
Crabs (Fiddler or broken up Blue Crab)
For years of fishing, the most common question that I have been asked by individuals interested in catching some of the most common inshore game species targeted by anglers is—what bait do I need? My usual reply is—what are you fishing for?—answering a question with a question. This comes down to the most common answer I have received, and that is—whatever bites!
With a chuckle, I start to explain that to help yourself have a successful day of fishing and turn it into a day of catching, you need to know which fish or what species you are targeting first and, of course, what these fish feed on. This comes back to—what bait do I need? So, to help individuals have a great day of fishing this spring, here is a list of the five most common targeted inshore game species and what bait I recommend for each one.
All of the baits listed do not include artificials. Using artificials can be a more advanced technique and a whole other story. The bait listed can be used with your common Carolina rigs set up with different styles and sizes of hooks and weights; likewise, for drop shot rigs and bottom rigs.
As individuals become familiar fishing with these baits, they will discover that hook sizes will vary, depending on which bait you are using and the size of your bait. For instance, a 2/0 Kahle hook will work nicely using common size Mud Minnows, but you might find a 2/0 Kahle hook may not work as well with the larger Finger Mullet, and one would have to move to a 3/0 to 4/0 size for the bait to be properly rigged and the most effective.
So, feel free to grab a Coastal Angler magazine, stuff it in your bag or in your back pocket with a list of which fish to go for and what bait you will need for your next fishing adventure. I hope it helps. Until next time, good luck out there and have fun fishing!
SHEEPSHEAD
Fiddler Crabs
Clams
Oysters
Barnacles
Shrimp (live)
Sand Fleas
YouTube Channel
Fishing With Jiggin Jerry or follow me on Facebook @fwjigginjerry
BLACK DRUM
Shrimp (frozen or live)
Clams (frozen or fresh)
Mussels (out of the shell)
Blue Crab
OFFSHORE REPORT
by Capt. Mike Able, Contributing Writer
t’s hard to believe that October has come and gone and a new year is approaching rather quickly! Even though October is behind us, it left us great memories of catching shrimp in the deep holes, catching bull reds in the surf, blistering the sailfish offshore, and the start of a very productive inshore bite! One of the most impressive fishing reports from October that I wanted to mention was from a boat called Sportin Life, captained by Mike Glaesner and owned by Graham Eubank. The Sportin Life team set a new unofficial state record of catching twenty three sailfish and one blue marlin in ONE day off Charleston, SC! Congrats to Capt Mike and crew on an outstanding day!
Now that we are in the month of November we are in full swing for a tremendous inshore fishery! Temperatures really start to drop and the bait leaves the creeks! That means everything starts to eat, and typically eat most of the day as they store up for the long winter!
The bite can be long and heavy when you find them this time of year! It truly can be a numbers game. Live bait can always be a good go-to, but why not try some artificial lures this time of year. It is the best time of year to try it and build confidence in using them! I love a good topwater bite in the early, calm parts of the morning starting off with a Heddon Super Spook Jr or a Rapala SkitterV10. These plugs will provide an explosive bite on the surface from redfish, trout, and sometimes even flounder. If the topwater bite subsides I’ll move over to either a Vudu, DOA, or Z-Man shrimp rigged three feet under a cork. Popping the cork along the grass edge with an artificial shrimp is almost a guarantee this time of year. If you have not tried a Vudu or the new Z-Man Prawnstar shrimp then make your way down to Haddrell’s today! It really is almost guaranteed this time of year! One thing you will need to focus on is temperature as we get closer to the months of December and January. Once it gets below 62 degrees you may need to lose the cork on that artificial shrimp rig and just work the bait all the way to the bottom. Despite being in shallower water, having a bait go all the way to the bottom versus suspended can make or break the day! Be sure to visit our website, www.haddrellspoint.com for more fishing, tools, and reel maintenance tips!
Because Thanksgiving is right around the corner I wanted to take a minute to share some of the things we are thankful for! We are very thankful for our family, friends, customers, and employees, to start. We are especially thankful to the customers that continue to support our family business by choosing us first, by trusting us to better help and serve them in their outdoor passions. We are especially thankful for those employees that have the grind and passion for the outdoors to better serve every customer that graces our doors! We are so fortunate to have a terrific employee roster and an even better customer base! So thank you all so much and we hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov 6th @ 6pm Haddrell’s West Ashley
Women’s Wednesday (a seminar series for Women led by Women!) Capt Kelsey Dick covers techniques to better your inshore fishery for flats fishing!
Dec 5th (5-8pm) ALL Haddrell’s Locations
Ladies Night! This is special night for ladies to come do some Holiday shopping, with huge discounts, free gift wrapping, snacks and wine, and an extremely helpful Haddrell’s staff to help guide you to choose the BEST gifts for the Holidays!
Jan 18-19th, 2025
Haddrell’s Point Fishing Expo
Event is located at the Omar Shrine Temple in Mt Pleasant. The event hosts all of your top fishing and boating manufactures from around the nation with the latest and greatest that they have to offer. We also offer free seminars the entire weekend of the event, covering most anything inshore, offshore, and fly fishing related! Check our Facebook page and website for more details in the weeks to come.
Jan 31- Feb 7, 2025
Join us on a hosted fishing trip to Mexico to target bonefish, tarpon, and permit on the fly! See Haddrell’s Point Fin to Feather for all details regarding the trip!
Capt Mike Able
Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply • Since 1983
843-881-3644(Mt Pleasant) • 843-573-3474(West Ashley)
Ocean Dybowski with a nice red on a topwater plug
Alex Duncan with his first redfish on fly, guided by Capt Jonny Crislip
SCDNR Fishing Events at Folly Pier
Taking women fishing that are new to fishing and even better when it is calm enough to go offshore. Captain
Holt took us, and we caught cobia, hogfish, and amberjack.
Dad and son catch their first whiting at Folly Pier
Pamela Corwin, with SCDNR, teaching women new to fishing how to throw the large cast nets.
Chris
NFORECAST
Mount Pleasant Pier
by Chris Pounder, Contributing Writer FISHING
ovember may be last call for some species at the pier for a few months so don’t miss out on the action. It’s one of my favorite months to fish as the weather is cooling and the fish are typically pretty active. It’s a month when you can still target a “Lowcountry Inshore Slam” consisting of redfish, flounder, and spotted sea trout.
The large flat to the north of the pier should continue to be productive for both redfish and trout. That spot is popular these days so we ask that fishermen share the space and follow pier rules that limit rod usage to 2 rods at a time. Live finger mullet or fresh cut bait fished on a basic Carolina rig is a great way to target trophy size reds. Live shrimp or artificials like Vudu and Zman fished under a cork is an effective method for trout. Depending on the tide, you can catch trout in a variety of other locations along the pier. Towards the end of the pier is a popular spot during low tide as the water first starts to come back in. If fishing the very tip of the pier, you will want to keep your bait off the bottom to avoid getting snagged on a large collection of old bridge debris.
If you like the challenge of catching the ninja-like, bait stealing sheepshead, this is the time of year the big boys start to show up. While sheepshead can be caught year-round at the pier, the biggest catches are typically recorded between November and February using fiddler crabs, fresh mussels, or sand fleas as bait. Small Gamakatsu size 2 or 4 hooks on a light Carolina Rig with half ounce of weight or less is a popular setup. The River Watch Café & Gift Shop carries frozen sand fleas year-round as well as the hooks you’ll need if you are feeling like giving it a go.
For any additional information about the pier or what’s biting this week feel free to call the River Watch Cafe & Gift Shop on the pier at 843-762-9946
Chris Pounder, CPRP Manager • Mount Pleasant Pier
EDISTO FISHING FORECAST
Let's Talk Tournaments
by Capt. Justin Ravenel, Contributing Writer
There are lots of different tourney’s that are held locally and they are a great excuse for local’s to meetup face to face and get to know each other during the Captains meet. Some tournaments focus on big winnings and require the angler to travel along with the event as it makes its way either up or down the East coast. Typically though in my opinion, the best ones take place locally and focus on donating the proceeds to a good cause like “The Charleston Waterkeeper” for example.
Personally I like to enter FLY fishing tournaments because that’s the way I prefer to fish. The usual rules require the angler to catch the fish on fly, then take a picture on a ruler that’s provided by the tournament. The idea is to get pictures of your 3 longest fish each day and then total up the number of inches in the end. Pretty straight forward and a good plan is always important but another important factor to weigh in is the perfect balance of seriousness and triviality. Too much of either and you are bound for disappointment. Being how 90% of Fly fishing in the Lowcountry is based on sight; your windows for catching fish are limited. High Flood tides means you are in the grass flats looking for tails. Low tide means you are poling your boat through creeks looking for reds running the edges and busting bait. Also, typically Fly tourneys are in the Fall and they require the angler to have lines out at a certain time; usually a while before sunset. The best part about these tournaments is the comradery between fellow anglers. Bragging rights are a close second to that of course but with this niche, even the most skilled angler can find themselves on the struggle bus.
Currently there on only a few Fly tournaments held each year in Charleston but I really hope to see more. Fly fishing is a growing industry and it has a lot more to offer than simply catching fish.
I run Flood tide trips in the summer months on and near Edisto. In the winter I focus all my time at the bottom of the tide.
My best trips for red fish run from November – April; the colder the better. If you are interested in booking a charter for you are a loved one call me or book online on my website: RAVENELFISHINGCHARTERS.COM
Captain Justin Ravenel
Ravenel Fishing Charters
843-864-5056
Facebook: ravenelfishingcharters.com
Instagram: @justin_ravenel
UPCOMING COASTAL EVENTS
October 7
Free Surf Fishing Seminar
Haddrell’s Point Tackle @ 6:00 RSVP @ 843-881-3544
October 12
Palmetto Society
Redfish Tournament
Register at Eventbrite Virtual Captain’s Meeting Oct. 6-7pm
October 12
Folly Beach Pier
Cast Off Tournament
7am-2pm.. More info at 843-762-9516
October 12
2nd Annual CPR Fall Tournament
Sea Sea’s Honey Hole • 901 8th St. Port Royal, SC *Inshore slam tournament
October 14
Free Inshore Fishing Seminar
Haddrell’s Point Tackle @ 6:00
RSVP @ 843-881-3644
October 26
Mt. Pleasant Pier
Cast Off Tournament
7am-2pm.. More info at 843-762-9946
January 24-26
Charleston Boat Show
Charleston Area Convention Center
Details @ Charlestonboatshow.com
brooks@coastalanglermagazine.com
MCorrosion Prevention for Boats: Using Starke Yacht Care Salt Clean
By Noah Corcoran
aintaining your boat is essential for ensuring longevity and optimal performance, especially when it comes to corrosion prevention. Corrosion can severely damage metal components, leading to costly repairs and compromised safety. Fortunately, using the right cleaning products can help protect your investment. Two standout products from Starke Yacht Care, Salt Clean and Simple Clean, offer effective solutions for keeping your boat in top condition.
Understanding Corrosion: Corrosion is a natural process that occurs when metal reacts with environmental elements, such as saltwater, moisture, and air. Boats are particularly susceptible to corrosion due to their constant exposure to these elements. Saltwater is particularly harsh, accelerating the corrosion process and damaging sensitive components like engines, fittings, and hulls. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help mitigate these effects.
The Importance of Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning is crucial for preventing corrosion. When salt and grime accumulate on your boat, they can create a breeding ground for corrosion. This is where Starke Yacht Care products shine. Their Salt Clean and Simple Clean formulas are specifically designed to tackle the challenges posed by marine environments.
Starke Yacht Care Salt Clean: Starke Yacht Care Salt Clean is a specialized product designed to remove salt deposits and prevent corrosion. Its powerful formula breaks down stubborn salt build-up, making it easy to rinse away. Regular use of Salt Clean is essential, especially if your boat spends time in saltwater.
How to Use Salt Clean:
1. Preparation: Ensure your boat is out of direct sunlight to prevent the product from drying too quickly. Ensure your boat is out of direct sunlight to prevent the product from drying too quickly. If that’s not possible, work in smaller sections to maintain effectiveness.
2. Application: Spray Salt Clean directly onto the affected areas, focusing on areas prone to salt accumulation.
3. Scrubbing: Use a soft brush or cloth to agitate the surface, ensuring all salt deposits are lifted.
4. Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove any residue. Using Salt Clean regularly not only helps to remove harmful salt deposits but also leaves a protective layer that inhibits future corrosion.
Starke Yacht Care Simple Clean: For general cleaning, Starke Yacht Care Simple Clean is the ideal choice. This versatile cleaner removes dirt, grime, and oils without harsh chemicals that could damage your boat’s surfaces. Keeping your boat clean prevents the buildup of contaminants that can contribute to corrosion over time.
& Simple Clean
How to Use Simple Clean:
1. Preparation: As with Salt Clean, work in a shaded area to prevent the product from drying too quickly. If that’s not possible, work in smaller sections to maintain effectiveness.
2. Application: Spray Simple Clean onto the surface you wish to clean.
3. Wiping: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces, removing dirt and grime effectively.
4. Rinsing: Rinse with fresh water to reveal a clean, protected surface.
Creating a Maintenance Routine: To effectively prevent corrosion, it's essential to establish a regular maintenance routine. Incorporate the use of Starke Yacht Care Salt Clean and Simple Clean into your cleaning schedule. After each outing, especially in saltwater, clean your boat with Salt Clean to eliminate salt deposits. Use Simple Clean for overall maintenance to keep your surfaces spotless.
Conclusion: Corrosion is a significant threat to boats, but with Starke Yacht Care Salt Clean and Simple Clean, you can effectively combat this issue. Regular cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your boat but also extends its lifespan. By incorporating these products into your maintenance routine, you can enjoy peace of mind and ensure your boat remains in excellent condition for years to come. Protect your investment and keep your boat ready for every adventure!
AFolly Beach Pier
by Noah O’Brien, Contributing Writer
s November rolls in, anglers at Folly Beach Pier can anticipate a dynamic fishing experience. This month marks a transition period where cooler temperatures encourage a shift in fish behavior, creating excellent opportunities for various species. November typically sees water temperatures ranging from the low to mid-60s°F. These cooler waters often lead to more active fish, as they start to feed more aggressively in preparation for the winter months. Expect clearer waters, especially following any storms, which can make for great visibility and an increased chance of spotting fish.
As we head into late fall, redfish will be one of the primary targets. Look for them in schools, especially around structures like pilings and rocks. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics can be very effective. Known for their tough mouths and challenging catches, sheepshead will be more prevalent this month. They tend to hang around the pier’s pilings, so be sure to bring along some fiddler crabs or mollusks (oysters, barnacles, etc) for bait. The cooler weather often pushes them to feed more, making them a great target. Though the flounder season is winding down, and wasn’t particularly great in 2024 at the pier, some fish may still be lurking near the pier. Target them with live bait or jigs along the bottom, especially during the incoming tide.
Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the best times for fishing this month. Tides play a significant role, so plan your outings around the high and low tides. The incoming tide is particularly productive, bringing in baitfish and encouraging predator fish to feed. Bring appropriate tackle for the species you’re targeting. A medium to heavy rod with a 2500-5000 size reel can handle larger fish, while lighter tackle can help with smaller species. Live shrimp and fiddler crabs are excellent options for sheepshead, while cut bait, like mullet or bluefish, works well for redfish. November can see varying weather conditions, so patience is key. If one spot isn't yielding results, don’t hesitate to try different areas along the pier. Ensure you’re up to date on size and bag limits for each species to promote sustainable fishing practices, as SCDNR just released their new regulations for the year 2024-2025. November at the Folly Beach Pier offers exciting fishing prospects with a variety of species on the bite. Embrace the cooler weather, enjoy the stunning coastal scenery, and tight lines!
Noah O’Brien, Operations Manager II Folly Beach Pier 101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439 Office: 843-762-9516 / Mobile: 843-814-7344
Noah O’Brien@ccprc.com / ccprc.com
Brett, age 9, caught this Red fish in James Island, South Carolina
FOR THE LADIES
WHY COSTA RICA IS A TOP DESTINATION FOR LADY ANGLERS
TRACY PATTERSON
Costa Rica is a renowned destination for anglers, ofering calm seas, ideal fshing conditions, and worldclass fshing. It is especially popular among female anglers due to its safety, tournaments, and supportive crews, making it an unforgettable experience.
If you’re seeking high odds of catching billfsh, Costa Rica is the place to be. On a full day ofshore, it’s common to get multiple strikes. Te fat, calm seas make it enjoyable for anglers of all levels, letting you focus on reeling in catches rather than battling rough waters.
Costa Rica hosts two ultra prestigious women-only tournaments: the Ladies Angler Tournament at Los Suenos Resort and Marina, and the Pescadora Billfsh Championship at Marina Pez Vela. Both tournaments create a supportive
yet competitive environment for anglers of all skill levels. Te Pescadora Championship is
particularly unique, ofering two Female Angler of the Year awards based on diferent fshing techniques. It encourages women to challenge themselves and grow in the sport.
Costa Rica is ranked #1 in Central America for safety, and recent laws further protect women from harassment. Female anglers can feel comfortable walking around resorts and marinas. Charter feets also adhere to strict safety regulations, ensuring peace of mind while on the water.
Whether you’re staying at a boutique hotel or a private home, Costa Rica ofers a range of accommodations for groups of all sizes. Many resorts are conveniently located near marinas, allowing easy access to fshing trips and other adventures.
Costa Rica is home to many women who support the lady angler movement. Te captains and crews are eager to teach beginners, helping them hook their frst billfsh or refne their skills. With women accounting for a growing percentage of anglers, Costa Rica ofers a welcoming and empowering environment for female anglers.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a frst-timer, Costa Rica ofers an unbeatable fshing experience. Its exceptional conditions, tournaments, safety, and camaraderie make it the top destination for lady anglers.
Cast Lures in a Mitzi Tournament 17
FALL=FLOUNDER
IBy Capt. Michael Okruhlik
t’s that thrilling time of the year, founder time! Te fall migration, reaching its peak in November along the Gulf Coast, promises an exciting infux of founder to their spawning grounds. Louisiana, following Texas, has also implemented a closed season during this peak run. But remember, the inability to keep fatties during this time doesn’t dampen the thrill of catching them.
Flounder will be migrating into the Gulf during this time, so the apparent ambush areas will be around passes that lead to the Gulf. Te founder will position themselves in diferent regions based on the tide level and current strength. In addition to using their burying-in-the-sand ambush technique, they also utilize structure in several ways.
First, any object that protrudes above the bottom is a great ambush point. Tis ofers a current break for forage fsh to gather directly above a buried founder, making for an easy meal. Objects such as bulkheads are also great ambush points. Flounder like to position themselves against the solid barrier and I think this can be for two separate reasons depending on what other factors are at play. As mentioned above, it could be a current break, especially if the bulkhead has a corrugated shape. When a founder settles against a bulkhead, its prey has less direction in which it can fee, allowing the founder greater odds of capturing it. When targeting founder, never pass up a bulkhead.
Secondly, founder can be caught using a variety of lures and live bait, especially if you keep it in contact with the bottom to increase your chances of a strike. When it comes to live bait, a frisky mullet is your best bet for landing a larger founder. If you’re aiming for a trophy, this is the way to go. Personally, I prefer fshing with lures, particularly the paddle tail style. Jerk-style sof plastics and bucktails can also be efective when worked in the same manner.
If I had to pick a tide to maximize my time on the water, I would choose a medium fow outgoing. Although there are no set rules that fsh always follow, I feel the founder feed more on their way out to the gulf, utilizing
the current to ease their journey. Contrary to the incoming tide, they bury themselves rather than fght against the current.
Don’t let the closed season discourage you from targeting founder during this migration; it will have its advantages. Going forward we will undoubtedly have a larger founder population, but the instant gratifcation will be a lot less trafc in our favorite founder spot! I will use the closed season to target a new personal best this season, as should you.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
PHOTO COURTESY
OTim Barefoot
f course, October is when it all starts, but if you like to bottom fsh, then November is the month the turbo kicks in, leading to the crescendo of the year… December. I’ve always said the week of Christmas is the apex of the grouper fshing calendar, and I’ll stand by that statement now. Tis is when larger (male) gags move inshore to establish their territory on inshore ledges, wrecks, and live bottom, much like buck deer making scrapes and rubs to mark their territory. Tese males now wait for the smaller females to show up in numbers to spawn, and the bite traditionally goes of the charts.
A small piece of hard bottom can attract large numbers of fsh if it contains the right ingredients. First and foremost, you need to locate their food. Go to the places that have traditionally held the bait—cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc. “Find the bait, fnd the fsh” has been my thought process for years. Tese fsh won’t show up to a party without food—common sense. You can anchor up on a stack of bait without seeing a big mark of fsh, but afer a few bites, you’ll notice the screen light up with more and more fsh showing up.
Anchoring up is key to shallow water grouper fshing. Te sound of fsh feeding travels great distances and doesn’t go unnoticed. Once an area is fred up, constant bites supercharge the atmosphere down there. If you’re drifing, you won’t get a specifc area fred up; you’ll only go back where you got bites. But if you anchor, the fsh come to you to join in. Tis draws the alpha predators—big sharks. Yes, you’ll lose some fsh and tackle to these bruisers, but enjoy the ride while it lasts. When sharks show up, it’s time to move on to another ledge or further down the same one.
Back to noise... Keep in mind that while we hear very little, fsh hear everything. Sound travels far underwater, and everything you do on deck—slamming cooler lids, dropping hard objects, loud music, yelling—is heard by the fsh. It could be the diference between catching smaller cows or big bulls. Large male groupers didn’t get old by being dumb. You don’t kill big bucks by being noisy, so treat your fshing with the same respect.
Te folks that target grouper come home with grouper. Te ones who go “bottom fshing” with cut bait and chicken rigs come home with “bottom fsh.” As Franklin Covey said, “begin with the end in mind.” If you’re targeting grouper, think and act like it. Put baits on the bottom that avoid trash bites. Spend time jigging up some of that “trash” and drop them back down on a Decoy Jig for optimal results. Watch some of my videos on YouTube (Tim Barefoot) for examples of what I’m saying.
For more information, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.
You want AI Routing! Let TZ MAPS with AI Routing make route planning a snap. Don’t take our word for it. Scan here to see for yourself how easy it is!