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.
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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
Handling Business with B uggs !
By: Nathan Rich
TYOU CAN ALSO VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL, WHERE WE HAVE SEVERAL VIDEOS GOING IN DEPTH ABOUT THESE RIGS AND SETUPS
he fall bite is upon us and there is no better time to head out into the marsh systems and target redfish. This is the time of year when the creeks and ditches become loaded with shrimp and crabs, which will become the main attraction for redfish throughout the month of November and early December. When selecting a lure to target redfish I would keep this in mind and tie on something that very closely resembles shrimp and crabs. One of my favorite lures that achieves this is none other than the Buggs Fishing Curl Tail Redfish Jig. This jig has landed countless redfish for me in some of the toughest conditions. This jig is unique in that it is designed to be fished very slowly yet still maintains a life like action that triggers many strikes when worked through thick marsh grass and pockets. These jigs feature thick weed guards that allow you to fish marsh systems with minimal snags, a rattling chamber that grabs the attention of nearby fish, and a flat style head that minimizes mud plumes when fished on bottom.
I prefer to throw these jigs on a 6’9” medium, fast action rod. The line size I use is 20 pound suffix 832 braid. This setup allows me to cast with precision deep into the grass and work this lure methodically around grass pockets where redfish are roaming around looking for crabs. The retrieve that I use for these lures is very light twitches with a slow retrieve inching it around bottom back towards the boat.
You can find several videos of me using these lures to catch loads of redfish on my YouTube channel “Southern Salt Kayak Fishing”. Be sure to visit buggsfishing.com and check out the Curl Tail Redfish Jig and give it a try this fall. In the mean time be safe out on the water and tight lines!
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FISHIN’ IN NOVEMBER
BY: SONNY SCHINDLER
November has easily become one of my most favorite months of the year to fish. The cooler temperatures bring a lot of positive changes to the fishing. For the most part, the waterways are very much less populated. The majority of the boating traffic is in the woods hunting and/or watching football. The big thing to watch out for, are the cold front, but getting out there ahead of them is some of the best fishing you will ever see.
November somewhat hinges on the temperatures. It doesn’t matter if it stays warm or gets very cold. You just have to adjust for either scenario. We have even caught triple tail the first week of November during a warm spell. The flounder fishing is probably the best you will see all year. Please remember, if you are fishing in our neighboring states waters in Louisiana, their flounder fishing is closed the entire month of November. Mississippi waters is wide open, but just keep what you need. We will be focusing on shorelines and ditches all along Hancock and Harrison County. Typically the falling tide is the best. The ledges and the mouths of these drains are where we seem to do best. Slow slow, slow, retrieves on the bottom.
The speckled trout and white trout fishing is usually stellar in November. What we lack in size we make up for in numbers. Our weapon of choice is usually a boat monkey cork, 2 foot of 20 pound flourocarbon leader, and a soft plastic like the matrix, or a voodoo shrimp, or any kind of shrimp invitation. Drifting over oyster beds in 3 to 5 feet of water is usually our go to move. It is typically feast or famine. Seldom will you get a fish here or there? It’s usually big schools of feeding fish or nothing, so don’t be afraid to move around.
The red fishing is probably my favorite in November. The cooling temperatures just seem to send the redfish into feed mode. The cooler it gets, the more time we will spend back in the shallow ponds, looking for tailing, fish, or reds pushing wakes. If it stays a little on the warmer side ,
the reefs off Hancock and Harrison County are teaming with Reds and puppy drum. Live or dead shrimp will be our go to. Yes, the cold fronts will always be an issue in November. Just do your best to plan around them. When those suckers hit, they are usually packing a lot of wind and rain. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and great fishing. Have fun and be safe.
Shimano Vanford A
Continuing a legacy of pursuing reduced weight, lower start-up inertia and enhanced sensitivity, the Shimano Vanford A elevates the MagnumLite lineup of spinning reels. An MGL Rotor highlights the all-new Vanford A to provide anglers with heightened performance when employing “start-and-stop” nesse bass techniques or when needing quick hook-setting execution. Combined with the lightweight CI4+ body, the Vanford’s low startup inertia enables anglers to maintain complete control using tactics requiring immediate reel action to keep the lure within the strike zone, enabling them to adjust cadence based on sh behavior. Equipped with In nityXross technology — a re ned gear design that enhances winding e ciency and provides supremely smooth retrievals — o ers heightened control when nesse shing, enabling delicate presentations and precise lure manipulation. Shimano also incorporated In nity Drive technology to reduce contact between the spool sha and pinion gear to enhance smoothness and e ciency during retrieval. Merging the smooth performance of felt with the wear resistance of carbon, DuraCross drag technology increases drag durability, providing con dence when battling big sh. e
All New Shimano Vanford A is the premier reel or nesse shing anglers.
Mississippi Kitchen Delights
Smoked Whole Chicken
Now that it is starting to cool down on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, family gatherings will soon become frequent. Lighting up a smoker and seasoning some fresh meat is the perfect way to feed a bunch of people with little time invested. Nothing is better than a nice whole smoked chicken that has been seasoned with local seasonings from right here on the MS Gulf Coast.
Ingredients: 3-5 Pound Whole Chicken
¼ Cup Brown Sugar
¼ Cup Compass Point Blend All Purpose Seasoning
¼ Cup Compass Point Blend Steak Butter
Barbeque of your choice
Table Salt (For Dry Brine)
How to Dry Brine a Whole Chicken:
If your chicken has any innards, take those out and throw away. Take paper towels and dry your chicken completely. Once the chicken is dry, generously sprinkle salt all over your chicken and place in the fridge uncovered. Allow chicken to dry brine for at least 8 hours but I recommend overnight brining.
How to Spatchcock a Whole Chicken:
Once your chicken has been in the fridge overnight, take a pair of chicken shears and cut down the side of the backbone on both sides to remove the backbone. Flip the chicken over and press firmly to flatten chicken to lay flat open. This allows the chicken to cook evenly at a faster pace without risking drying out.
What to do next:
Once the chicken has brined and been spatchcocked, lightly coat your chicken in Olive Oil. Once you have coated your chicken, blend your seasonings together to make a dry rub and coat the chicken generously with the combined seasonings. Now that the chicken has been seasoned, allow the chicken to sit while you heat up your smoker. For this recipe, I am specifically using a pellet smoker. Using a mixture of flavored pellets, heat the smoker to 225 degrees and place chicken cut side down on the grates. Place temperature probe in the thickest part of the breast and allow to cook until 135-degree internal temperature is reached. Once Temperature is reached, turn the heat up to 400
degrees (this step is for crispy skin) and cook until an internal temperature of 165 degrees and reached and then remove chicken and allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting. If you want to add barbeque sauce, brush on the chicken in the last 10 or so minutes of cooking to allow it to caramelize.
This is a perfect recipe for a big crowd and easily multiplied. I usually pair my whole smoked chickens with some veggie skewers and corn on the cob. I also will cook some Sausage on the smoker at the same time to allow for sausage dogs the next day.
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.
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