UNICORN HUNTING INSHORE AFTER DARK
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, safeguarding 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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THEHIGHS OFUNICOR HUNTING
Throughout chc year, the Florida KC)'S provide excclltnt billlish oppor1unitics.
Bycapt.QulnlynHaddon
Sailfish c.an be foulld year.round and are most reliably targeted in late autumn through the spring when they feast on ballyhoo at the reef.
Swordfishing is grc.1t any time ofthe year. as lcmgasM!3.lhcr accommodal('S!he l<>nsrnn l() the decpwa1cr JcdgcS. Tai:gcting them during tht:: day re<1uii:csdroppingabaitLothebottom.
�fariinfishi11gjsdoableduri11gsummer.butit$ certainlyJess thanreliable. 'Ihey a.-eoftenhooked as bycatch while fisltillg for the mahi or tuna on whichtheyarefeeding.
I recently had the pleasure of taking a trip solely targetingmarlinandswordfish.\Vehadtwo fishermen on board who were firs1 1liners with both.spl't'i<$. It wasintcro:,ting ,vatching them go 1hrough thebipolarswingsofbUlfishing. ·n1eywere
there LQ a$$i:.land learn, and I got lo watch them enjoy nnd suffer through thefull experience. Initially. there was opliini.sm as the su1\ rose a11d wedeployed ail elaboratetrolling spread. 1he setupmust haveseemedfantasticaltoanewcomer, with the giant lures.strange-looking teasers and lines everywhere. like we were captained by a coffoc fuclcdspider.Thedaywas )'Oung.1hcspread ,rasaworko(an,andthenc,,·bieshadnoreasonto doubt ourchances.
Frustrationsoo1lfollowed.Aswewerewtapping up marlin 1rollillg to head for the swordgrouods.
wepa.ss«1agorgeous weed linefull ofhma birds. It looked likeourbestchance... until the right rigger caught grnss. Upon• gentle rc1ricvc10dc.1rtheline,itpopf)OOthe rigger, foll1hroughthespreadam.lauempll-'<ll.Omate with the teaser al the worst time. We packed up inthemiddleof1hegiantflockof birdsthat mockedusforquitting.Ahh,disappointinent It was time co hii Lhe swordgrouncb and beginthecycleagain.Our nextelaboratesetup wo,dd drop to 1,500 feet.and the doe e)eS of optimismmadetheir nextappearance. 1hc dance belwccn doubt. lx)rcdom and forcedoprimismcontinued.a,,;ourfirs1bitedidn1l occuruntilafter4 p.m. It wasaheavyhit.a reelstopping, drag-pulling, set-up-the-harpoon type hit that had us giggling like children. El'eryone was re�1dy to t.1keon dutieswhen, JOO.feet from theweight, the rod tip popped up and everrone experiencedgut.wrenchingheartbreak.
On Lhc nc:ic1 drift, we hooked up again, and cvcrronequietlyheldtheirexcitement untilthetlsh hit the deck. l don't m.�d to cxplah\ the foe-ling in that Jlext moine11t, but with smiles and high fives a1J around > it was the 011e we wereall looking for. We tookhomesati.sfactio11.exhaustio11.andbigbags ofm<.".ll.
Hunting swimming unicorns is hands-down m)' favorite fishing. If youwant toexperiencethe emotional rollcrcoaS1cr of chasing the fish of a lifetime,givemeacallalSwce1 E'nul'Charters.
Capt, Quinl)'u Hmtdcm guides wit/1 Swed E'Nu/Clwrlers, Mnratliot1, Florida Keys. ww1�capt<1inqui11ly11.ccm1; <fi>captai11q11i11/y11; (504) 910�-12.
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TACTICS FOR DOG DAYS BASS 4
It’s hot. Te lakes and reservoirs are covered with jet skis, wake boats and party barges full of sun seekers.
Dog days conditions can be tough for bass fshing, but fsh settle into patterns this time of year that can lead to productive days on the water.
Finding cooler water is the key to catching bass when the surface temperatures reach uncomfortable levels, and there are several ways to do this.
Go Deep: Te huge schools of fsh that concentrate on ofshore ledges and river channel bends at many of our large reservoirs have already been beaten into submission by every angler with sonar by this time of year. You might still be able to pick a few out of the school with deep crankbaits, drop-shots or footballhead jigs, but sometimes it’s worth fnding less obvious fsh to target.
Tere are other areas that hold fsh. Tat 30-footwide shell bed of the main channel might not be covered with bass, but there will be some fsh there if there’s some current, and these bass see much fewer lures and are more willing to bite this time of year. Search with a crankbait, wiggle a football-head on the bottom or drag a big Carolina rigged worm over the shells and see what happens.
Cool-Water Tribs: A tributary stream feeding cooler water into the lake attracts baitfsh and bass. Fish ofen stage on points where a feeder creek enters the main body. Eliminate water quickly with crankbaits or spinnerbaits to see if there’s anyone home before
slowing down with a jig or a worm.
By CAM Staf
Extend the Night Bite: Bass do a lot of their feeding at night this time of year, and anglers can take advantage of this by fshing the frst couple hours of daylight.
Tis pattern will also show you that not every fsh in the lake goes deep. Shallow rocks and grass edges hold bluegill, shad, crayfsh and all sorts of other tasty critters. Start on top at or before dawn with a walking bait or popper and cover as much water as you can before the sun gets up. Tis is not really a numbers game, and the bites will be scattered, but it’s a lot of fun when a big fsh blows up your lure.
Fish the Shade: When the sun gets high and hot, you’ll fnd fsh hunkered down in the shade. Docks, laydowns, overhanging trees or matted vegetation all provide the shade bass and the things they eat look for. Bank shade is also where you’ll fnd bream beds where bass like to feed.
Skip a wacky rig up as far up under a dock as you can get it. Drop a jig into that blowdown. Work a frog over matted grass or punch through it with a heavy Texas rig. Cover water and pick apart those shady areas. It’s a fun style of fshing that can also be productive under less-than-perfect conditions.
For more bass tips, go to coastalanglermag.com.
Coleman Roberts caught his 9-pound, 4-ounce bass in July at Lake Istokpoga, Fla.
TREASURE FOUND!
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RUN-AND-GUN TROLLING Scout Weed Lines Quickly and Effectively
By Mark Ambert
With summer weed line formation, mahi become a favorite target for the “run and gun” method. A good way to quickly scout if anyone’s home is a modifed version of the troll. I have observed and adopted this method used by professional captains for mahi.
The Setup
Keep a couple of spinning rods rigged and ready with pitch baits that can be trolled. Te rig consists of a 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with a 6000-size spinning reel—preferably with a baitrunner setting.
If you’re not familiar with the baitrunner function, it is a free-spool setting that allows line to pull from the spool while the bail is engaged. When a fsh grabs your bait, it can take it without feeling resistance.
My favorite combo is a Penn Carnage III boat rod with a Shimano Tunnus reel. Spool up with 20-lb. mono and add a 40- or 50-lb., 4-foot fuorocarbon leader. Tie on a Gamakatsu 6/0 or 7/0 Octopus hook using a Palomar knot. Insert the hook under the chin of a fresh frozen, small- to medium-sized ballyhoo. Make sure the point of the hook exits directly between the eyes. I like a Squidnation Slammer 3-inch plastic chugger head
with the bait to produce more action.
Cast this behind the boat along a weed line while underway. Position it several yards past the last wakes from the prop wash, and slowly work the bait by twitching the rod tip while holding it above your head. Tis will cause the ballyhoo to skip like a feeing baitfsh. You can work two baits in this manner by staggering the distance. If nothing hits within a few minutes, move on.
Tis method is slower than traditional trolling, and it is deadly for locating feeding fsh on large, scattered weed patches. If you are using a baitrunner reel, allow the fsh to run a few seconds before setting the hook.
The Electric Alternate
An alternate method that’s ideal for long straight weed lines or rips is a more traditional trolling setup. I use the Piscifun Saltfow ofshore rod and a Kraken electric reel with battery pack for this type of trolling.
Te Saltfow is 8-foot, 3-inch rod with a sof tip. It has a unique line guide setup that eliminates rod twist under a load. Te Kraken electric reel is new to me this year and has already paid dividends.
beneft when constantly retrieving lures to clear weeds or move locations. A traditional ballyhoo rig with a teaser and bait spring is my choice for medium-speed trolling. A good premade rig is the Mahi Chaser by Trolling Pro Tackle.
Once you get a hook-up, get some fresh squid, jigs or live baits in the water and hang on. Te Mahi show is about to get started!
Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefshing_™
Cast Lures in a Mitzi Tournament 17
LOBSTERING IN THE KEYS A FUN & FLAVORFUL ADVENTURE!
By A. deGruchy
If you’re craving the thrill of the hunt and the taste of fresh lobster, the Florida Keys are your paradise. Here’s a quick guide to help you fnd these delectable critters, catch them, and turn them into a simple, yet fancy meal. First things frst, you’ll need the right gear. Grab a tickle stick, to push lobsters out of their hiding spots, and a lobster net to scoop them up once they’re on the move. Snorkel gear is essential for getting up close and personal with these lobsters, and don’t forget gloves to protect your hands from sharp rocks and lobster spines. Lastly, a measuring device is required to make sure your catch is legal size. Tey are measured in carapace length, and it’s important to know how to measure
them before gathering them.
Now, let’s talk lobster hotspots. Spiny lobsters love to hide in crevices, under ledges, and around coral reefs. Te regular lobster season runs from August to March. Once you have your snorkeling gear, you can generally fnd them in as shallow as 6 feet deep. Keep an eye out for their long antennae sticking out from their hiding places, and then gently use your tickle stick to encourage them out before swifly scooping them up with your net. Teir behavior is to swim away, naturally, and spiny lobsters use their tail to swim backward. Make sure your net is in position to anticipate them swimming backward into your trap. Once they’re in it, it’s also important to close the
Repower Center
netting to prevent any slip ups and runaways.
Once you’ve got your catch, it’s time to enjoy. Te easiest way to prepare lobster is to grill them. Split the lobsters in half lengthwise, brush with a mixture of melted butter, garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice and grill them shell-side down until the meat is opaque and slightly charred. Serve with a side of melted butter for dipping, and you’ve got yourself a fancy feast.
So, gear up, dive in, and get ready to enjoy the freshest lobster you’ve ever tasted. Happy hunting!
Visit www.myfwc.com for more information and updates on Florida Spiny Lobster regulations.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Tim Barefoot
Fishing under lights at night is a good thing to do 12 months out of the year, but it is especially good during the hot summer months, when daytime temperatures can make standing on the deck in the glaring sun less than appealing.
During the hottest days of the year, snook, trout and redfsh follow bait directly to bright light, like moths to the porch light. Being that I sell boat lifs for a living, I suggest installing the biggest brightest lights on your docks that you can. Some systems can be controlled remotely with an app on your phone.
To turn your dock into a fshing Mecca, you must learn to use existing facilities for maximum return on investment. You can also feed shrimp and minnows with cornmeal and keep them attracted with lights at night. Once you get the bait concentrated, you will have the fsh concentrated as well. For more information on this, check out my Youtube channel.
If you don’t have a dock, you can still light up the night with powerful and lightweight lithium battery spotlights or purpose-made fshing lights that run on your boat’s electrical system. Some of these are submersible. Turn the lights on and hang out for a few minutes. You’ll be amazed at how many baitfsh show
up.
I like an artifcial shrimp jig or live shrimp best. Live shrimp are the most efective bait out there, but I like artifcials because it limits the amount of tackle and hassle. A good technique is to drif down a series of lighted docks and cast to the lights. When you fnd fsh, concentrate on that area with repeated drifs.
A word of advice: Be quiet! Older and wiser snook or trout are not stupid. Use the trolling motor only when it’s needed and not at all when possible. In my humble opinion, fsh become wary to the sound of a trolling motor. Remain calm and make as little noise as possible on your drifs. Don’t play music, stomp around on the deck, talk loudly or slam cooler lids.
Te light attracts the fsh and catching them is up to you. Match the hatch by taking notice of the type and size of the bait you see. Tis might require casting smaller jigs or even small shrimp or baitfsh fies when the fsh get picky.
Tis is the perfect atmosphere for showing children how to catch fsh. Te visual aspect of this technique is very entertaining and educational. Check out my Youtube video for a perfect example of fshing a well-lighted dock properly.
For more information, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.
COASTAL ANGLER
North Central Florida/Nature Coast
Cary & Lynn Crutchfield
ALACHUA, CITRUS, COLUMBIA, DIXIE, GILCHRIST, LEVY, MARION, SUWANNEE
AUGUST
It is August on the Gulf. Have you gotten your SCALLOPING on? We haven’t, but definitely will try to get out there this month. I love scalloping, but only on sunny days, when the rays of the sun go deep into the water, and I can clearly see the beautiful world below the waves. If you want to experience scalloping, but have no boat or are clueless about what, where or when, contact one of our guides. Just bring your snorkel, mask and fins, and even your little ones will love it. It’s an underwater Easter Egg Hunt! Hope for a sunny day (Don’t forget sunblock!) and you will have a great experience and “dinner” for later.
New advertising partner, Gen One Customs in Ocala. Imagine owning a boat (or car) that will not fade. Need I say more??? See pages 10 and 11.
Also joining us this month, Love Power Equipment & Rental in Chiefland. They sell New and Used UTVs, ATVs, Go-Karts and Mowers, parts and much, much more. See page 8.
This month’s recipe Creamy Bay Scallops over Pasta with Spinach is delicious. I’ve made it three times! See page 2.
We welcome a new writer this month, Capt. Dallas King. He will be writing the Crystal River forecast. Capt. King will replace Capt. James Kerr, who was our very knowledgeable Crystal River writer since Dec. 2021. Thank you very much Capt. Kerr.
Again, I want to remind you to keep your vaccines current. Covid is still here. If President Biden can get it, so can you and I, and the flu will never go away. It just changes every year. Stay smart. Stay well and stay alive!
As always, please thank our advertising partners and the folks at our distribution sites. If not for them, you would not be reading the World’s Greatest FREE Fishing Magazine.
Lynn
Crutchfield Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida/Nature Coast
North Central Florida
Nature Coast Staff
SALES
Cary Crutchfield
EDITING & PRODUCTION
Lynn Crutchfield
DISTRIBUTION
Rosa Crisman
GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN
Kathleen Stemley
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Kevin McCarthy
Noel Kuhn
Capt. Jason Clark
Capt. Katie Jo Davis
Capt. Tommy Derringer
Capt. Jonathan Hamilton
Capt. Tony Johns
Capt. Dallas King
Capt. Pat McGriff
Capt. Brent Woodward
CONTACT INFORMATION
crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com
352-542-0356
Photo by: Suwannee River Water Management District
CREAMY BAY SCALLOPS OVER PASTA
beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, Fri-Sat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
• Pasta of your choice for two
• 10 oz. bag of fresh spinach
COOKING DIRECTIONS
Cook the pasta of your choice in salted water; drain and set aside. (I chose Angel Hair.)
Remove stems from spinach; rinse and set aside.
Heat oil in your largest skillet over high heat. (I used my 12 inch.)
Add scallops in one layer. Sear for about one minute and toss to turn.
Reduce heat a little, add butter and stir in garlic.
Add lemon zest and red pepper flakes if using.
Add sherry and cook, stirring until alcohol cooks off, about one minute.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups (rounded) bay scallops
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Zest of one Lemon
• Pinch red pepper flakes (Optional)
• ¼ cup dry sherry or white wine of your choice
• ½ cup whipping cream
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Lemon Wedges for serving.
• Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese for serving
Pour in cream. When mixture begins to simmer, reduce heat to med low. Add salt, pepper to taste.
Mix in spinach, one handful at a time. It will wilt quickly.
Carefully mix in cooked pasta. Remove from heat and serve in warm bowls. Garnish generously with grated parmesan and a couple of lemon wedges.
Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida
Thank you to The Crab Plant for the shrimp. Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. You are welcome to sit at their table and view
Morrison Springs FLORIDA WATERWAYS
OneBy Kevin McCarthy
of the best-kept secrets of Walton County, east of DeFuniak Springs, is Morrison Springs County Park. Located south of the town of Ponce de Leon and east of Highway 81 and nineteen miles southeast of DeFuniak Springs, is a very popular diving/ swimming spot. The state acquired the 161-acre park in 2004, and then leased it to the county for maintenance and preservation. The swimming part is a decent 250-footwide pool, that spews out a very pleasant 48 million gallons of very clear water each day. The temperature of the water remains an enjoyable 68 degrees Fahrenheit. At certain times of the year the springs produce an impressive 70 million gallons a day.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the free park has an impressive boardwalk that winds through the surrounding swamp. Signs along the way offer information about the park, which has old-growth cypress near the secondmagnitude spring. The aerial view pictured here shows the new diving dock, a boat ramp, and the size of the swimming pool. Picnic tables and a barbecue pit are also available, as are showers and bathrooms. The free site does not allow any alcohol or pets.
The new Morrison Springs Park includes a large boardwalks overlooking the springs, a diving dock, and a new boat ramp away from the diving location. The Choctawhatchee River is a short paddle away as is clear from the third photograph. That river, the third largest in the state in terms of water flow, has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water. Caves below the surface reach an impressive 300 feet and should be dived only by experienced divers. Such
divers can take advantage of the SCUBA gear rinsing station and the outdoor showers.
The springs, which may have been named after the person who donated the land years ago, are the largest of thirteen in the Choctawhatchee Basin. The river memorializes in its name the Choctaw Native Americans who used to live in the area before being removed to Oklahoma in the early 1800s. Observant users of the area may see the rare alligator snapping turtle and even the even rarer ivory-billed woodpecker. Those who want a break from the beautiful beaches and pristine water of the Gulf to the south, would do well to frequent Morrison Springs County Park for a glimpse into natural Florida. The boardwalk alone is worth the visit, as it takes walkers through and over the swamp. The one downside to the site, is that it can flood during heavy rains and/or high levels of the nearby river. At such times, one cannot swim or take advantage of the boardwalk. But for most of the year, swimmers, divers, and snorkelers have a gem to enjoy.
Kevin McCarthy, author of “Suwannee River Guidebook” (Pineapple Press, 2009), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.
Wetlands around the park (Cr. TrongNguyen)
An aerial view of the springs (Cr TrongNguyen)
The swimming area (Cr. Christy Rowe)
The springs are in Walton County.
Another aerial view (Cr. TrongNguyen)
The boardwalk (Cr. Alex Grichenko)
HOMOSASSA
August is one of my favorite times of the year to target big schools of migrating redfish. My thoughts are, that bigger schools of mature redfish are making a northern migration and like to stop in for a short stay in Homosassa. They could be moving on the moons, a lot like our migrating tarpon do. We have good red fishing year-round for sure, however its really cool to fish big schools of red fish in the months of August, September and October. However, just like tarpon, there are no guarantees that these migrators make the stop here. Lots of things can change their course and they just keep swimming. But when they do make the stop, it can make for memorable fishing!
I like to fish the tides this time of the year (really all year!). So I would plan on fishing the last two hours of the incoming for redfish. Bigger redfish schools are going to float in with the tide to the outside western points on St Martin Keys. They will stage outside of the keys in a safer depth of water, until the tide is flowing in, and then they will come in to feed. Live bait, dead bait, artificial, flys, you can throw it all! A lot of guys like throwing cut mullet or cut lady fish. They will eat shrimp on a jig head or live pin fish. Gold spoons are my favorite. Look for big standing water, and big V wakes. If you have good lights, you will see big masses of red! Just like last year, it seems that the shark pressure is as bad as it has ever been. I’m not in the business of tarpon or redfish to sharks, so
if sharks come in my school, I will pack up and go look for other fish. Nearshore rock hopping can be productive. And I say rock hopping because it can be hot out there and the only a/c you got is to crank up and hit the next spot! Load up on some shrimp and 1/4 oz DOA jig heads and take the kids out for some rod bending action. Sea bass, grunts, mangroves, sea trout and maybe a grouper will keep the rods bent.
Low tides, look for scallops in 3 to 5 ft ranges. Scallop numbers have been a little low to start the season. August, I think, will be a little bit better due to them getting a little bigger. I feel like scalloping isn’t really about the limits but more about the experience. A few local captains have been relocating their catch, (re-seeding) kind of a catch and release. Might not be a bad idea to help the population for next year. Also, with that being said there are some scallop measuring devices out there now. There is not a size requirement on scallops but it’s a great idea to maybe have more of a conservation mindset on the future of our scallops…
I always have a side note about boater safety this time of the year. Every year there are too many incidents that really could have been avoided. Stay safe out there and make long lasting great memories.
As always stay safe.
Capt. Jonathan Hamilton www.stumpnation.us 352-424-3260
KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES
Scalloping comes to mind, when we think about spending time on the water during the summer here in Florida’s Nature Coast! The season got off to a great start and projected to remain strong through the month of August. It is always such a fun way to spend time on the water with your family and friends!
August also brings big redfish to mind, as the larger fish begin moving back inshore, after spending the beginning of the summer offshore spawning. Typically, after the full moon phase, these fish begin their way to outer points of mangroves and many of our man-made islands that we have. The best part is, they’re schooled and very hungry! I typically use mud minnows and pinfish this time of the year, unless the bait shops are able to get shrimp, which can be sporadic during the hotter months.
The black drum are also still schooled along the deep cuts of oyster bars and mouths of the rivers, where they are searching for blue crabs to eat. I like using a half of blue crab on a 3/0 circle hook with a size 0 split shot weight near the eye of the hook. I allow it to rest on the bottom where these fish frequent.
A few other tasty fish targeted on the inshore front is seatrout, which are being found in 8 to10 feet of water. Mangrove snapper and grunts have been fired up during the moving tides on rock piles and inshore rocky points.
Captain Katie Jo Davis KD OUTDOORS FiSHING CHARTERS
www.fishcrystalriverflorida.com
772–882-8932
Hey there! I’m Captain Dallas King, a fifth generation Florida local and full-time charter captain. I fish out of the beautiful Plantation on Crystal River, and I am on the water about 280 days a year. I love bringing a smile to my clients faces, whether it be a joke or a fish!
There’s no denying that the August weather is hot and steamy. High temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms and dehydration are all things to watch this time of year. The redfish bite will continue to get better, as more fish show up on the new and full moon. August through October is some of the best inshore fishing Crystal River has to offer, and really gets me fired up. Finding a school and setting up quietly is the key to success. With our gin clear water, I like a 25-to-30-pound fluorocarbon leader with a 3/0 hook and a lively medium sized Pinfish. If you find the school to be finicky, switch to cut-bait and a nice long soak. Cut mullet is hard to resist when the water temps are high, and fish are lethargic.
If you want to get some solid action and keep the kids (or your non-fishing friend) entertained, the shallow rock piles have been fired up with mangrove snapper, grunts and plenty of juvenile gag grouper. I drop an 1/8-ounce jig head with a 2/0 hook on 15-to-20-pound fluorocarbon with live shrimp. Land right near the rock and hold on. A chum bag can really boost the catch on the rocks as well.
Scallop season is still in full swing. Please be aware of snorkelers and dive flags! Scallop reports look
good, and it can be an
CEDAR KEY
Hey anglers, hope y'all are staying cool during these hot months. As far as fishing goes, not a lot has changed in the last month. Reds, snook, and trout are still the primary targets.
Reds and snook have still been pretty easy to find around the islands and shorelines. Shrimp is pretty much impossible to get now, so mullet has been the go-to bait for knocker rigs while targeting them. Don't spend too much time on a spot. If you're not getting bites in ten minutes, move.
Trout have still been plentiful on the flats. I'm fishing on average 4 to 5 feet of water for them, and they are having no problem eating paddletails under a popping cork. There's been plenty of silvers and specs to keep the rods bent and fill the cooler. Just drift or move until you find the area with keepers.
Until next month. Stay safe out there.
Capt. Jason Clark In The Slot Fishing Charters 352-639-3209 www.intheslotfishing.com
Come see us at our new location between McDonalds and NAPA - 1517 North Young Blvd.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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BAIT & TACKLE
Heyeverybody, so far July has been an extra hot month! Looking at the long-range forecast, this heat will be with us for a while. The fishing has been good up and down the coast, and with the Suwannee River returning to normal levels, the waters around the Lower Suwannee River Estuary are cleaning up and holding some really nice fish!
The redfish are along the grass lines and in the mouths of the creeks, and they are hungry! You will find the reds on the grass during each high tide, even during the midday heat! When you get a high tide around daylight, that's the time you really want to be on the water. It's at this time that the water temps are the lowest of the day, and all the fish from the smallest to largest are happy, happy, happy! You can catch these redfish on everything from a piece of mullet fished on the bottom, to a gold spoon, but there's something special about that top water bite! For me I love to fish for redfish using a topwater plug! With an underslung mouth the redfish has to strike the bait just right, or they won't get the plug and you won't feel your line go tight! If you are patient, don't get too excited and jerk it away from the fish, the reds are very aggressive and will strike your plug multiple times! Another of my favorite baits is the FishBites Fight Club 5 Inch Jerkbait, rigged weedless with an ⅛ ounce weighted hook. I like this bait because I can cast up in the shallows and fish it into deeper water with the ability to target the water column from top to bottom!
If you have the ability to fish the spotty bottom, this location is a great to catch fish in the summer months! You will find that drifting or anchoring,
This red is one of my personal best reds, at 41 inches, and it was caught on a gold spoon in two feet of water near the East Pass.
works really well. You want to target the transitions from grass to sand, as many times, that's where the speckled trout and sand trout will be hanging out. There are also some Spanish Mackerel hanging around. They will be feeding close to the surface in the early hours of the day, and then, they will be down in the water column looking for cooler waters. Anchoring up and chumming is a great way to fish, while drifting allows you to cover more area. It just depends on your preference. Best and easiest bait to fish with or without a doubt, is a jig head and an artificial bait. I like to use a jig head with the wire keeper in 3/8 or 1/2 ounce. That, combined with one of the FishBites Fight Club Lures, is a tough combination. You can catch multiple toothy fish on each bait! The FishBites scented baits really work! Until next time, be safe, Tightlines and Catchemup!
Captain Tony Johns | 352-221-2510
www.lowersuwanneriverfishing.com
Instagram: captaintonyjohns
KEATON BEACH
We have caught limits of trout the last four trips despite the heat. The bite is abbreviated as the trout choose to feed in the strongest current of the day, which translates to planning your trips to encounter the greatest “range” of tide for that particular day. Today, (July 14th) it was the falling tide and right in the middle of it, not at the beginning of the fall. All the trout were caught on live pinfish under Back Bay Thunders in 3.2 to 3.5 feet of water.
The floating grass will not let you bounce a jig and plastic. There is just too much dead grass out there. If you want to have any kind of presentation, rig your live bait, cut bait, soft plastic or synthetic baits under an Original Cajun Thunder and you can catch some trout that way. Otherwise, Good luck.
Our reds have been mixed in with the trout chasing the same thing I would say -- food. Anywhere from 3.5 feet to 6.5 feet, depending on the tide, has been my “magic” depth. One key is to keep moving, and move more often than in the spring or fall, as the bite, though abbreviated, can be fast and furious when it is “on”. Reds will take live pins, weedless spoons, jig spinners ...much else and you are back to the dead grass problem.
Bulletin: please find the photo of Howard Drew of South Carolina who fished with me the end of June and caught a Barracuda! on the flats. Folks that took 34 years of guiding to say, a “Cuda on the grass flats.” Will wonders never cease.
HORSESHOE BEACH
Heyguys and gals! Hope the summer is going well for all. Fishing is better than expected in Horseshoe area, with some pretty good hauls for the month of July. All of my redfish were found on the outside stuff at this point, and everything was also caught on whatever I catch myself, (finger mullet or cut mullet and gulps under corks) or artificial.
I always have two cast nets in my boat. I have a small 8-foot bait net with smaller mesh for smaller fish, and I have a big 10-foot heavy big mesh mullet net. That way, depending on the bait I’m seeing in the area, I’m covered.
Scallops have been phenomenal as well. I took the family this past Thursday and we had six gallons in a matter of a couple hours, and they were big! Oddly enough, I haven’t seen scallops in that spot in over ten years, so pretty neat to see it come full circle.
Meanwhile, Let's Go Fishing! Pat McGriff dba One More Cast guide service for 30 years! www.onemorecast.net onemorecast@gtcom.net cell: 850.838.7541
If y’all want to get out, now’s a good time. “Is it hot?” Yea, but we can be in by 11 am if we time the tides and morning right. Well, until next time keep it Reel Native!!
Howard Drew with a --Barracuda?
Howard also caught this fine 23 spot, 24 inch redfish .
Cooler full of fish for the Drew party
SURF & PIER
The mullet are coming! The mullet are coming! Why? Love is the reason for the season! This month, all the mullet will come pouring out of every inlet, then hang a hard right. Their breeding ground is the southernmost part of Florida. This journey is long and dangerous for this fish, because everything that eats mullet, will also be in the surf zone gorging themselves on this prey. This is also our opportunity to catch a plethora of game fish. These will include tarpon, mackerel, sharks, seatrout, Jack Crevalle, flounder, ladyfish, bluefish, redfish and more!
You will need to gear up differently than the basic double dropper rig that you have been using for pompano and whiting. If you want a shot at a tarpon, big Jacks or sharks, I suggest a 7/0 circle hook with 80 lb. mono and a big mullet hooked through the mouth and out of the top of the head. Use plenty of lead to keep it anchored in the trough. You can also free line a big mullet with no weight. Same heavy leader and hook, but hook it behind the anal fin. This will cause the mullet to swim upward staying in vision of the big predators. With
If you want to target flounder, reds and trout, I prefer a sinker slider rig with 1 oz. egg sinker, 18 inches of 30 lb. mono leader and a 3/0 circle hook, tipped with a 4 to 6 inch frisky mullet-- a dangerous combo in the surf. If you do not want to walk with the drift, then use a heavier 4 oz. flat tear drop shaped sinker. Also, a very exciting way to fish is a slip cork rig. On a hot August/September morning, it is very exciting to watch your float go down in the surf!
So grab your gear, which needs to include a cast net. There is nothing more invigorating to roll up over the sand dunes, at sunrise, and see the water quivering with thousands of mullet. You can bet that the games are about to begin!
See you on the beach!
Noel Kuhn
43 years of surf fishing experience, surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. Founding member of Florida Surf Casters club. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com
ST. AUGUSTINE
Somereally exciting fishing happens over the next couple of months here in Northeast Florida. From sight fishing for tailing redfish in the grass to jumping huge tarpon behind the shrimp boat -- it’s about to get fun!
Something unique happens this time of year in our region and it makes for some of the coolest visuals in fishing. Flood tides will occur around the full and new moons, allowing redfish, drum, and sheepshead to access areas of the marsh that they usually can’t get to. Theses areas are lush with fiddler crabs and the fish know it. They will be crawling on their bellies and tailing like crazy in the grass, looking to fatten up on those crabs. There really isn’t any secret to finding the areas that will hold tailing fish. You just need to go out there on the highest tides and look for yourself. Bring an old pair of sneakers, or better yet, some wading boots. Probably the most effective way to catch the tailers is to park the boat at the edge of the flat and get out and wade after them. You don’t need a super skinny water skiff to get in on the action. I like to toss a soft plastic Saltwater Assassin paddle tail rigged on a wide gap weedless hook. That hook will work with any soft plastic and help keep the grass off you lure. Lead the fish by as much as possible and let the lure drop right in front of the fish. Sometimes they are really into feeding on the bottom, and it’s hard to get them to look up. When that’s the case, I’ll insert a small glass rattle into the soft plastic and sometimes that will do the trick. This is also a great time to bust out the fly rod. Some of the best takes I’ve ever seen have come on the long rod using a crab fly in the flooded grass.
The flounder have been pretty steady all summer and there should be a good number of them around all the area inlets. Finger mullet rigged on a jighead or fish-finder rig then bounced along the jetty rocks will be the preferred flatty catching method. Also, don’t overlook those small “drains” in the creeks on the last hour or so on the outgoing tide. The late summer beach fishing should be going strong, and the tarpon will be behind the shrimp boats and on the pogy pods. The shrimpers have been at it all summer and the sharks are numerous, to say the least, but this time of year can be really good for the tarpon behind the boats. Wait for the shrimpers to dump their by-catch and just keep an eye out for the tarpon that will come up. The sharks will usually be on the feed first, but stick around a bit and see if a tarpon or two will show up. When you see the fish, you want just your live or dead bait out in front of him and hold on. While almost any other time you encounter tarpon, they can be very picky, but when behind the shrimp boats, they are usually in the mood to eat. The tarpon that are on the bait pods will be feeding early in the AM and then again after the afternoon thunderstorms. Net a few pogys and freeline them around the pods. You can also add a little weight and try to fish under the pod. No matter how we’re fishing for them, I like to use the same rig. I prefer a 7/0-10/0 circle hook with a 60-80lb leader connected to a 40 lb. braided mainline. Just remember to bow to the king!
Capt. Tommy Derringer
904-377-3734
this method you will need to walk with the mullet as it cruises in the trough.
Returns to Orlando Sept. 5-7
Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., from Sept. 5-7, 2024. Held in the West Concourse, the September event features an expansive selection of exhibiting brands and an exciting lineup of events and networking opportunities.
“We are thrilled about the array of exhibitors that will be at our upcoming September event,” said Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner. “From the established major brands to the next wave and start-ups, retailers will be able to meet face-to-face with key players and fnd the next new.”
to the preservation of our environment and coastal waterways.
“Surf Expo allows retailers to preview styles from fshing and marine products, top surf brands, hard goods, apparel, footwear, swimwear, boutique fashions, and souvenirs,” adds Turner.
Retailers attend Surf Expo to stock their shelves for adventures on or near the water and fnd the gear and goods to keep customers coming back for more. Whether it is surfng, paddling, fshing, hiking, camping on the beach, wake surfng, tubing or simply soaking up the sun, Surf Expo has everything needed to cater to customers with a passion for waterborne thrills, outdoor adventure or just the sun-loving beach vacationer.
Te Shoreline category at Surf Expo is the hub for brands that specialize in inshore and ofshore apparel and accessory products; sportswear, technical apparel and gear, footwear, outerwear and hardgoods as well as games and accessories to transition from a day on the water to stretching out on land. Tis helps target businesses associated with outdoor amenities and recreation found in lake and beach towns nationwide and ofers crossover opportunities for buyers and manufacturers alike.
Te Surf Expo show foor is organized by product category with complementing cross-selling categories in adjacent aisles making it easy for retailers to navigate so they can easily discover the newest brands and products in person, all while making purchasing decisions.
Chris McCotter from Lake Anna Outftters, Virginia, refects, “As frst-time attendees, we did not know what to expect beyond a strong recommendation to attend from a supplier. Te show was exactly what we needed to take our shop to the next level with the merchandise and brands we wanted to stock.”
A wide range of both returning and new exhibitors will be represented that cater to the watersports, coastal life and outdoor industry such as; ORCA Coolers, GCI Outdoor, Teva, Xtratuf, POP Board Co., Salt Life, Hurley, CHUMS, Salty Crew, Captain Fin, Dark Seas, Howler Brothers, Rip Curl, SUNSKI, Deep Blue Gear, Fish Hippie, Jetty, Hook & Tackle, O’Neill, Reel Skipper, I-SEA Sunglasses, Chubbies, Vissla, Tommy Bahama, DIFF Eyewear, Katin, Outerknown, Free Fly Apparel and many more.
In September, Surf Expo will feature a full schedule including daily fashion shows, retailer learning labs, industry networking events, happy hours and parties.
For more information about the show visit www.surfexpo.com.
50,000 Plus Anglers Strong Promoting TakeAction Initiatives For Preserving Our Fisheries And Supporting Our Community.
At 18’2” in length and with a 70” beam, the Mosquito is a very capable hull for many situations – however it’s designed to do one thing with absolute perfection: silently stalk inshore game fsh in the shallowest coastal waters.
BUST A GULF COAST SCALLOP REPORT
Scallop season is underway for most of Florida’s Gulf Coast, and the reports we are getting so far are mixed—but mostly good—with some areas experiencing outstanding scalloping in terms of numbers, size and water conditions.
Scallops are regionally managed by the state, so diferent zones along the Gulf Coast have diferent seasons, with most remaining open well into September. Tere’s still plenty of time, plenty of scallops and plenty of places to go if you’re interested in an underwater egg hunt. Keep in mind, weather and water conditions can change quickly, and it can dramatically change the prospects for fnding bay scallops. Plan your trip accordingly.
Starting down south in Pasco County, the Anclote River area is apparently on fre this summer. Following a mediocre season last year, we’re hearing people rave about quick limits and good-sized scallops coming from shallow water. Te season opened July 10 in the Pasco Zone, and early on at least one person called it the best scalloping she’s ever experienced. Tese are big scallops, too, and we’ve heard talk of throwing back legal-sized scallops to fnd bigger ones. In mid-July, the shells were in as little as 4 feet of water, and with such a good early season, there should be some lef up until the season closes Aug. 16.
Just to the north, Hernando County scallopers were of to a slow start, but a little farther up the coast, the Crystal River to Homosassa area was very productive. We’re hearing reports of scads of scallops in as little as 3 feet, with a majority of boats concentrating in the 7-foot depths. Te size has been good, and it has apparently been difcult to fnd an undersized shell. With good weather and water conditions, good scalloping should hopefully last until the season closes Sept. 24.
We are also hearing good things farther north out of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee, where the scallops are apparently very thick and close, although they might be trending smaller this year depending on your location. Limits in an hour or less were reported, with scallops hanging out in grass at 3- to 6-foot depths. Te Fenholloway-Suwannee River Zone opened June 15 and will close on Labor Day.
In the big bend, reports have not been great out of the St. Marks area, where heavy freshwater infux, low salinity and poor clarity are being blamed for scarce fnds during the early season. Some are pointing to better days ahead in late summer. As wind and water conditions change, scallops holed up in the 15-foot depths sometimes shif closer in, where they are easier to fnd. Te Franklin-NW Taylor County Zone remains open until Sept. 24.
Finally, over to Gulf County and Port St. Joe, the season opens Aug. 16 and runs through Sept. 24. Tere’s nothing yet to report, but historically this zone has been a good late-season option for grass fats that haven’t been picked over yet.
For seasons and regulations, go to MyFWC.com.
Commercial Gear for Anglers!
on high alert, and the noises of the day silenced, the bites can be startling and give the impression that the fsh is larger than it is. Tat’s part of the excitement of a topwater bite! I only use this tactic in areas I know well, for safety reasons, of course.
I know wading isn’t for everyone, and night wading is for even fewer anglers, but there are other methods. Fishing from a dock, boat or kayak are all good options. Focusing on dock lights, causeway lights and lighted piers can provide excellent fshing. Many canal homes have lights, both underwater and above the surface, that attract baitfsh, which attract the gamefsh we target. I’d say trout are the most prolifc, but reds and snook can be found mixed in with trout if you have them in your area. I like to target these areas with smaller lures, either a sof-plastic rattling paddletail or a small, hard, lipped bait with or without rattles. I prefer natural colors in some shade of white or clear with some silver mixed in.
I also enjoy fshing granite jetties at night. Setting up for this is a little more work but can yield terrifc results. When jetty fshing, I bring a generator and two 1,500-watt stage lights. Tese areas typically have more current, so my hard-lipped lures may be slightly larger, but I still go with the smallest lure I can work properly in the current. I stick with the same colors as mentioned earlier. Te channel and surf side of the rocks can both be productive depending on the tide, water clarity and bait. I recommend pointing one light in each direction until you determine which area has the best conditions.
Fishing at night brings new challenges, but it can ofer some of the best catches of the summer. If you decide to give one of these three methods a try, remember safety frst and don’t fsh alone. Enjoy some cooler times on the water and be safe.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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STUD AJ IS A SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD!
Fishing out of Murrells Inlet on May 23, angler James Carroll battled in a 129-pound amberjack that is a new South Carolina state record. Here is the story in Carroll’s own words:
We set out from Murrells Inlet, S.C. at the crack of dawn, heading ofshore to the Winyah Scarp area, about 60 miles out. Our goal was to catch some mahi or wahoo. Afer a few hours of trolling along a weed line and the ledge without success, we decided to move closer in and try bottom fshing.
We relocated to a spot about 50 miles ofshore in 100 feet of water. I switched to a Connley Fishing kingfsh rod paired with a Penn Fathom 40, rigged with 80-lb. Momoi Diamond Braid and a two-hook bottom setup.
At this location, we caught vermilion snapper, black sea bass, grunts and porgies, sometimes two at a time. It was a productive day. I began waiting afer getting a bite, hoping to hook a second fsh. While doing this, something big hit the line without getting hooked.
Finally, I hooked a monster fsh. Afer about 45 minutes of fghting, I told my great friend and captain of the Liberty Call, Gordon Jobe, to put the boat in gear to help bring the fsh up in the water column. Around the one-hour mark, we landed what turned out to be a South Carolina state record greater amberjack.
Using a Garmin InReach, we contacted friends onshore to check the state record weight for South Carolina. Tey replied with 123 lbs. We knew we had surpassed that mark but had to wait a few hours to confrm.
Back at the dock, we went to Seven Seas Seafood Market in Murrells Inlet, S.C., to weigh the fsh on their certifed scales. Te fsh weighed in at 129 lbs. and measured 69 inches in length. Afer certifcation by Kris Reynolds, of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the crew at Seven Seas processed the fsh for me.
For more giant fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com
Throw Yourself a Bone
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The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.
This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.
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