Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2024 | Greater Orlando Edition

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

KAYAK FISHING: RIDE THE AQUATIC SLEIGH

Whether your vessel options are limited or you just want to spice up your inshore fshing experience, fshing from a kayak should not be overlooked as a possibility. When done correctly, it is some of the most exciting fshing. It can also be modifed for the extreme, or an entirely leisure day on the water.

Kayaking is how I fell in love with fshing. Of all the diferent ways I have gone about it, I have enjoyed them all. From packing a lunch and fshing my way to an island for a picnic and a swim, to drifing backcountry mangroves other vessels cannot access, to cruising dock lights at night, or deploying in

1,300 feet of water seeking yellowfn tuna of of the oil rigs, kayak fshing is versatile with endless possibilities.

Tis type of fshing can be dangerous, and its especially important to know your limitations and be overly prepared. Currents and wind change quickly and afect your return trip. Make sure to check tides and weather before venturing or drifing too far. Paddling against the current while battling the extreme heat can put you in a bad situation very quickly. Make sure to have a small anchor onboard as well. Obviously, this will come in handy for fshing, and it can also provide an opportunity to rest if exhaustion is getting the best of you.

Decking out your rig for fshing is an art form, and there are many ways to go about it. Prioritize having a cooler attached to the back over all else. You do not want to get dehydrated out there. Aferall, you are the motor of the vessel, and should be well maintained just like any other motor.

Afx everything to your kayak with the expectation of getting fipped. Of course, do everything to keep yourself from that situation, but things happen. Use dry-storage bags, and clip everything to the kayak itself. Most kayaks are designed to make this a straightforward process.

Fishing artifcials will simplify your set up, but sometimes afer all the paddling, its nice to relax and toss out some live bait. A bait bucket on a rope with shrimp, that can be tossed out between paddles, should be all you need. For more extreme fshing, modify a PVC pipe with holes drilled into it to hold live baitfsh.

Use common sense and check local regulations. Protect yourself from the sun during the day, be properly lit at night, and stay out of high-trafc boating areas and channels. You are also required to carry a PFD and a sound producing device, such as a whistle.

Once you have hit the full safety checklist, go out there and experience the possibilities that kayak fshing has to ofer. Fishing from a kayak will intensify the tug even with smaller fsh you hook up to, so hang on and enjoy the aquatic sleigh ride.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, Fla. See Captainquinlyn.com, @captainquinlyn or call (504) 920-6342.

FR A NKEN-FISH ON THE FLY

Hybrid striped bass are the Franken-fsh of anglers’ dreams. Also known as wipers, sunshine bass and other names, they are hatchery-produced crossbreeds of white bass and striped bass. Tey are stocked into reservoirs across the country for angler enjoyment.

Central Georgia’s Lake Oconee is a hybrid hot spot. Georgia stocks hundreds of thousands of hybrids in the lake, and conventional anglers get afer them with live baits, jigging spoons, bucktails and trolling lures.

Capt. Wayne Moore, of Oconee on the Fly guide service, is probably the only guy you’ll see on Oconee waving a fy rod from his center console. While he admits conventional tactics are more efective, there are three situations when fy fshing is both productive and a boatload of fun.

Oconee is a 19,000-acre impoundment about an hour and a half drive east of Atlanta. Te lake backs up behind a pump-back dam that creates currents that are key to a good hybrid bite. Moore said there is ofen a good afernoon bite when the dam kicks on and hybrids move onto main-lake points to chase threadfn shad. Afer locating bait and fsh with electronics, Moore goes to work on them with 8-weight fy rods and intermediate sinktip lines. He fshes a cadence of fve short strips and a pause with a 2-inch long white/chartreuse Clouser on a 5-foot leader of 12- to 15-pound

fuorocarbon.

When the bite is hot, a good angler might boat 8 to 10 fsh, and 4- to 6-pound hybrids are not uncommon. “A 6-pound hybrid is going to fght like a 10-pound striper,” Moore said.

By Nick Carter

A fy rod is also fun for the mid-lake morning bite. When the water starts moving, hybrids herd shad to the surface and blow up on them in a frenzy. Te action only lasts an hour, but the bite is consistent for two or three weeks during the May shad spawn.

With thousands of newly hatched shad in the water, Cowen’s Somethin’ Else, and Cowen’s Coyote are Moore’s go-to fies. Henry Cowen is a legendary angler and fy tier who developed patterns specifcally for striped bass in Georgia waters. His fies work just as well on hybrids.

Night fshing under the lights is another situation when Moore would rather use a fy rod.

“We don’t have a lot of lit docks here, but the

ones that are lit will be covered with fsh,” he said. Casts must be precise, and the fghts are technical, so Moore reserves night trips for experienced fy fshers.

“You better have that 15-pound leader. A 6-pound hybrid will give you a run for your money,” he said. “Tey’ll run you right back under that dock.”

With the May schooling bite approaching, it’s worth making plans to visit Oconee now…or try these tactics on your local hybrid reservoir.

Contact Wayne Moore at (404) 317-9556 or wmoore1700@outlook.com and check out Oconee on the Fly at www.oconeeonthefy.com.

Cast Lures in a Mitzi Tournament

May 10th & 11th, 2024

Online Registration:

MothersDayDolphinTournament.com

Captain’s Meeting

The Island Fish Co.

Friday May 10th - 6pm to 7pm

Lines In: Saturday, May 11 - 7:30am

Lines Out: Saturday, May 11 - 3:30pm

Weigh-In

Curly’s Cofee

Saturday, May 11th - 3:30pm to 6pm

Awards Banquet

Marathon Yacht Club

Saturday, May 11th - 7pm

Sunday Honor Our Moms

Always in our Hearts JB!

18th Annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament

An Angler TournamentAngler Entry Fee is a Donation

Catagories

Ladies, Junior (16 and under), Weekend Warrior and Pro Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in all categories

Contact Chris Todd Young at 305-797-5779

Admin@HabitatMiddleKeys.org

Presented by

TROPHY BASS REGS IMPLEMENTED ON ORANGE AND LOCHLOOSA LAKES

Trophy bass fshing in Alachua County was already good. With recently approved regulations intended to grow trophy bass, many anglers and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are hoping it will get even better.

Orange Lake and Lochloosa Lake will both be managed under new regulations, which prohibit killing or possessing any black bass that is 20 inches or longer. Also, the new rules require the use of non-ofset circle hooks when fshing with natural baits longer than 3 inches in length. Te regulations are designed to allow trophy bass to remain in the lakes to grow larger and to minimize injury to fsh caught with natural baits. Bass ofen swallow live baits prior to the hook set, and circle hooks are designed so they are more likely than other hook styles to hook fsh in the lip, rather than in the gullet.

“Florida bass need to have the right genetics and waterbody conditions to grow for a long time,” said FWC Commissioner Gary Lester. “Orange Lake is unique, like in its fuctuations in water levels, that makes ideal conditions for bass to reach record sizes.”

Indeed, Orange Lake has established itself as one of the top trophy bass lakes in the state. It produces numerous 10-plus-pound largemouth bass every year, as documented by the Florida TrophyCatch program. Already in 2024, anglers have caught, released and reported eight 10-pluspounders to the program, and this fgure doesn’t include all the fsh caught by anglers who don’t participate in TrophyCatch. Te largest Orange Lake bass this year, so far, was a monster 13-pound, 4-ounce fsh caught by Luke Bolling on Feb. 15.

Lochloosa is not as much of a trophy bass factory as its sister lake, but it does pump out several 8- to 11-pounders for the Trophy Catch program each year. Both lakes are in Alachua County southwest of Gainesville.

Tese regulations changes support FWC’s eforts to grow larger trophy

bass across the state and allow bass in these lakes to reach their maximum growth potential.

12-year-old Luke Bolling caught this 13-plus-pound Orange Lake bass in February.

FOR THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

In my years of fshing the Indian River Lagoon, some of my best fshing has been wading.

Tere’s nothing like being in the water with the fsh. It provides advantages you don’t have in a boat. Wading is the most silent and efective way to fsh shallow water. Tere are lots of places you can access the lagoon, and all of them have fsh.

WADERS : You need a pair of chest waders because of the changing water quality, and you can get a good pair for less than $100. Waders protect you from underwater obstacles as well as cold or dirty water. In Florida, neoprene waders are too hot for most of the year. I prefer vinyl waders. If it’s cold, you can wear jogging pants under them.

Waders come with boots attached or sof shoe, which require rubber boots to wear over them. Make sure you don’t get the boot size too small. Wading boots can be very uncomfortable if they are too tight. Wear socks and get a larger boot.

GEAR: I recommend a good spinning reel with a 9- or 10-foot rod for longer casting. I use braided line because it’s strong and the smaller diameter of the line is better for casting. I use 6to 10-pound braid most of the time with 2-foot fuorocarbon leader. I use a 25-pound leader but have used 20- to 40-pound leaders in diferent situations. Carry extra leaders and lures in case your line breaks.

My main lures are search lures for making lots of casts and covering wide areas of water quickly. My favorite lure is a ¼-ounce jig with a sof-plastic body. I use D.O.A. jigs with a chartreuse head rigged with a pearl white paddletail (D.O.A. Shad Tail). It swims but is not erratic, and it’s easy for fsh to locate by sight and vibration. Te other search lures I use are shallow-running crankbaits (Yo-Zuri Inshore in pearl white), topwater lures (Skitterwalk/Zara Spook or Chug Plug), and spoons (Johnson silver or gold). Te jig covers shallow and deep water and can be skipped under piers and mangroves.

WIND: Too much wind, and it’s too hard to fsh. Not enough wind, and the fsh are hard to catch. It’s easier to fsh with the wind at your back because you can cast farther. To get the right wind, you can fsh either the east side or the west side of the lagoon. Most of the time there is an easterly wind. If it’s too windy, fsh around the Stuart bridges, which almost completely block the wind.

LOCATIONS: I wade the southern Indian River Lagoon from Sebastian to Jupiter, mostly between Fort Pierce and Stuart. Here are my favorite spots:

West Side—Walton Road (intersection with Indian River Rd) and Walton Scrub; Midway Road and Old Fort Park in Fort Pierce; and both Stuart Bridges.

April Fishing Forecast:

There’s still a pompano bite on the beaches and in the lagoon. Jig from the bridges or wade while fan casting with jigs. Look for birds and bait to fnd bluefsh, jacks and ladyfsh. Snook will still be deep, but on warm days they will run the beach from the inlets and be around the deeper piers in the lagoon. Redfsh are around the deeper piers.

East Side—Bear Point then Blind Creek in Fort Pierce; North and South Herman’s Bay in St. Lucie; and both Stuart Bridges.

Richard L. Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who reports for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.

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Seminole Junior Anglers

PARTS

SALES

Hello fellow anglers and friends. The spring bite is upon us and if you’re like our high school anglers, you probably have been spending a little extra time on the water looking for the big females on beds. Springtime bass fishing is excellent!

Our clubs’ March tournament was in Palatka on the St. John’s River. Out of all our tournaments the St. John’s is always our toughest bite, and the river did not disappoint us this time. Seminole Junior Angler’s senior team of Ben Brackett and James Crews did the best over the weekend finishing 23rd with 11.37lbs Saturday and 13th with 14.66lbs on Sunday. These boys were in the running and they carried our team in Palatka.

Thank you to our fishing community who came out in force for the St. John’s River Bass Bash in February, our club’s annual fundraiser, we had 40 boats and raised over $6,000.00. This money will go towards the State and national tournament costs for the teams that qualify.  We would like to thank a few special sponsors that stepped up with donations - Citgo Petroleum, Jeff Bell Realty, Cabana Live, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Avid Sportswear Mudhole Custom Tackle, Bitters Baits, Oakley and the Jolly Gator.  There’s another fundraising tournament for the Osceola anglers being held on May 11th with a guaranteed payout of $10,000. If you’re looking for a fun evening of fishing, you can also check out the Jolly Gator bass tournaments in Geneva every Tuesday starting at 5pm and ending at sunset.

We could not operate without these sponsors –Title sponsors; Coastal Angler Magazine, Avid Sportswear, Mudhole Custom Tackle, Accurate Fence, Grove Scientific and Engineering Co, Mullinax Ford, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Bitters Baits and Oakley.

Thank you for reading. We hope to see you on the water! If you have a young angler, and they would like to fish with our club, please call me about joining us for next season.

Seminole Junior Anglers Troy Bennett 321-303-0650

CAM

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

April

Tuesday 2nd, Tuesday 9th, Tuesday 16th, Saturday 20th, Tuesday 23rd, Tuesday 30th

May

Saturday 4th, Tuesday 7th, Tuesday 14th, Tuesday 21st, Tuesday 28th

June

Tuesday 4th, Tuesday 11th, Saturday 15th, Tuesday 18th, Tuesday 25th

AUGUST

Tuesday 6th, CLASSIC Saturday 10th All Saturday events “Safe Daylight till 2pm”

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR:

July

Tuesday 2nd, Tuesday 9th, Saturday 13th, Tuesday 16th, Tuesday 23rd, Tuesday 30th

Anthony Courtney and Sean Cunningham winners of 1st March event with almost 15lbs.

gill for sure.

Largemouth bass and black crappie are nearing the end of their spawning season. Crappie will be taken by jigging near bridge pilings, or around the many sunken trees found along the bank. Catfish – big catfish spawning is triggered by big rains. Two to three days following the rain you can find them ready to take a piece of peeled fresh shrimp in any deep river bend or near creek mouths. Alas, stripers (sunshine bass here in the St. Johns) are back. Use shad imitations or live shiners along the channel edges between the I-4 Bridge and downtown Sanford for striper fun. Watch for insect hatches on the river then break out the fly rod. Poppers and floating bugs will entice bass and blue-

Shad schools are moving back into the lakes, and the schooling bass are feeding heavily on them. Rattle Traps and jerk bait soft plastics will work well. Look for raining schools of shad (or minnows) near creek mouths, or where the river enters and exits Monroe, Harney, and Jessup. Dropoffs near river bends will hold schools of bass waiting for the current to push bait up. When you can’t see the shad on top, you can sometimes locate them with your fishfinder in deep holes. Target the dropoff when you find the shad deep. In the lakes, look for eel grass - the long blades about a half inch wide growing up to 2 feet – find old bass beds and throw a Carolina rig. Fish will move in on these beds likely for the last time this year around the full and new moons. After these moon phases the bass will be hungry and eating.

Fishing has been hot in general on the Harris Chain of Lakes. The warm days and nights along with the short winter and windy March have the fish starting their annual transition a little early this year. All species have been happy and willing to eat if you spend some time on the water. Bass and crappie are entering into the final stages of their annual spawning cycles with the next Full or New Moon and the shellcracker and bluegill just starting to arrive in the shallows. The lakes producing good crappie numbers and sizes would be Beauclair, Eustis, and Dora. Don’t be afraid to fish the mouth of Dead River on the Eustis side as well. Jigs tipped with a minnow fished in about 3-5ft of water or naked minnow under a cork works well. Most of the big female bass have spawned and are moving their way back to deeper water and will be looking for a good meal. Look for

hard shell bottom areas close to canals or points, with a drop off and deep water close by. Try fishing a Lipless crankbait (Booyah Knocker Copper Shiner) or a Carolina-rig with a trick worm a little off the shoreline. We have started to hear that the U Vibe bite (speed-worm) is happening, and those who aren’t familiar with a Zoom U Vibe, you really need to. South end of Little Lake Harris, Lake Dora and the Howie Bridge (SR 19) have been great secondary points for those post spawn fish. Once you get a bite slow down, usually the bass are in large groups.

Shellcracker and bluegills love them some yellow/red worms and grass shrimp. When it comes to easy fishing this is where it is at. Bring a kid with a cane pole, cork, and a hook to some lily pads and take a big inhale through your nostril. If it smells like some fish loving is going on, then you are in the right spot. Other tells are oil in the water. Once you do find them dip your bait into an opening and hold on. Dead River, Haines Creek, Cracker Cove, and Green Cove will give you the best chance. Good Luck this month, and remember take a kid fishing.

Official Results

Youth Overall Champions

Crappie - Trevor Hughes 13.75”

Shad - Brody Sampson 16.0”

Adult Overall Champions

Crappie - Alan Johnson 16.0”

Shad – William Gordon 17.5”

November Biggest Crappie Ken Cox 14.5”

November - No Shad

December Biggest Crappie Alan Johnson 15.25”

December Biggest Shad James Raburn 14.0”

January Biggest Crappie Alan Johnson 16.0”

January Biggest Shad William Gordon 17.5”

February Biggest Crappie Brandon Cordero 15.25”

February Biggest Shad Brody Sampson 16.0”

15-Inch Crappie Club:

Alan Johnson x3

Rick Hacker x2

Mike Muth

Larry Wells

Tom Tacner

Jim Daniels

Brandon Cordero

15th Annual Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby

November 1, 2023 through February 28, 2024

Thank you to all the anglers who registered and fished with us in the best freshwater fishing tournament in Central Florida. The Derby is the largest too with 1000+ anglers fishing in a catch-photo-release fishing tournament for black crappie and American shad. This 15th year showed some impressive sizes for crappie while the shad run was not as good as years past. The best shad anglers and crappie anglers blessed our photo pages – thank you again. Several new anglers joined our 15” Crappie Club! For those not knowing, a 15” black crappie is trophy size for this species and weigh about 2 pounds or more. Congrats to all of you who uploaded your entries to the site.

Congratulations William Gordon winning the adult shad division with a 17.5” American Shad measured to the fork. Alan Johnson wins this year’s adult crappie division with a 16” giant black crappie. Alan caught two 16” crappies, but as the fish story goes, he forgot the token in the fish on ruler but remembered it for the second fish! This family fun event is the longest running event of its kind and as always it is free to enter.

Special thanks to our 3rd year presenting sponsor Academy Sports + Outdoors! Thank you, event sponsor Celery City Craft Beer Garden in Sanford, plus the many companies donating prizes! It is only due to their continued support that we can make this community event happen. These great companies have donated to our winning anglers over $60,000 in products and prizes in 15 seasons! Our hats off to all of them.

Our presenting sponsor Academy Sports + Outdoors gave us a pile of gifts for our winners. Visit Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando on FaceBook to see the awards pictures. Product Sponsors: Mud Hole Custom Tackle, American Tackle Company, Frogg Toggs, HH Rods and Reels, Jenko Fishing, TTI Blakemore & Roadrunner Lures, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, BBT Innovations, Fish on Fire Restaurant, Huey Magoos, TackleWebs Products, Kel’s Rods & Reel. Event Sponsors: Celery City Craft Beer Garden, Respitec Medical, Downtown Sanford Marina, Nobles Marine, Lakeside Bait & Tackle, Sea Tow Central Florida, West End Trading Company, BoatTree Marina, Wild-Wild West End Saloon, Portside Marine and Dumonts Bait & Tackle.

Boat Dealers New & Consignment Sales

Boat Dealers New & Consignment

1 - Astor Marine (352) 759-3655 24535 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102 www.astormarine.com

Astor Marine (352) 759-3655 24535 FL-40, Astor FL www.astormarine.com

6 - Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes (877) 800-1492

Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes (877) 800-1492

CJS Aluminum Inc.

31 - Pyramid Cabinets (407) 947-8499

31 - Pyramid Cabinets (407) 947-8499

2 - Nobles Marine (352) 787-5792 437 N Palmetto St, Leesburg, FL 34748 or 1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River www.noblesmarine.com

Nobles Marine (352) 787-5792 437 N Palmetto St., Leesburg, FL 1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL www.noblesmarine.com

3 - Craig Catamaran (407) 290-8778 4333 Silver Star Rd. #100 Orlando, FL 32808

Craig Catamaran (407) 290-8778 4333 Silver Star Rd. $100 Orlando, FL

4 - Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778 www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

30 - Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311 6304 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando FL 32807 Full Service Mechanics

Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311

6304 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL Full Service Mechanics

25 - Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262 1021 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 www.centralfloridamarine.com

Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262 1021 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL www.centralfloridamarine.com

38 - Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111 3165 N John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32804 www.orlandoboatsales.com

Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111 3165 B. John Young Pkwy., Orlando, FL www.orlandoboatsales.com

24 - Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306 9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817 www.boatmaxusa.com

Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306 9700 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL www.boatmaxusa.com

46 - Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660 3455 S. Orlando Dr. Sanford, FL 32773 www.gibsontruckworld.com

Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660 3455 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL www.gibsontruckworld.com

14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL

60 - Next Level Inc.“Florida Marine Customs” (407) 704-5676 • 87 W. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806 info@floridamarinecustoms.com

Next Level Inc. “Florida Marine Customs” (407) 704-5676

87 W. Michigan St., Orlando FL info@floridamarinecustoms.com

Boat improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

36 - All American Marine (407) 855-9988 7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando FL 32809 www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

Boat Improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

All America Marine (407) 855-9988 7024 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL

35 - All Star Marine (407) 423-9953 28 W Jersey St, Orlando, FL 32806 www.manta.com

Advanced Marine Services (407) 498-5142

1322 Carolina Ave., St. Cloud, FL advancedmarine.co

29 - Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117 4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804 www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117 4503 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL www.lakefairviewmarina.com

32 - Portside Marine (407) 249-1124 2730 Forsyth Rd, Orlando, FL 32792 www.portsideorlando.com

Portside Marina (407) 249-1124 2730 Forsyth Rd., Orlando, FL www.portsidemarina.com

23 - Talon Marine Services (407) 542-7600 439 Aulin Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765 www.talonmarineservices.com

Talon Marine Services (407) 542-7600 439 Aulin Ave., Orlando, FL www.talonmarineservices.com

20 - Team Marine Services (407) 260-8326 1350 28th Street, Orlando FL 32805 www.teammarineservices.com

19 - Ahoy Marine (407) 323-8373

Team Marine Services (407) 260-8236 1350 28th St., Orlando, FL www.teammarineservices.com

511 E 25th St, Sanford, FL 32771 www.superpages.com

Ahoy Marine (407) 323-8373 311 E. 25th St., Sanford, FL www.superpages.com

12307 Wedgefield Drive , Grand Island, FL 32735

12307 Wedgefield Dr., Grand Island, FL

9 - Instant Insurance Agency (352) 735-5560 25833 State Road 46, Sorrento, FL 32776 www.instantinsuranceagency.com

Instant Insurance Agency (352) 735-5560 25833 State Road 46, Sorrento, FL www.instantinsuranceagency.com

Marinetec Systems (321) 363-6550 1061 TidenVille School Rd., Winter Garden FL www.marinetecsystems.com

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

15 - American Tackle Co. (800) 516-1750 2133 Component Loop, Suite 1031, Oveido, 32765 www.americantackle.us

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

5 - Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 1000 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778

American Tackle Co. (800) 516-1750 2133 Component Loop, Suite 1031, Oviedo, FL www.americantackle.us

7 - Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030 935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

11 - Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort (386) 668-4491

Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 1000 W. Burleigh Blvd., Taveres, FL

488 W Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713 www.campresort.com

Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030 935 N. Bay St., Eustis, FL

14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

Highlands Marina & Camp Resort (336) 668-4491

488 W. Highbanks Rd., DeBary, FL www.campresort.com

21 - Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619 65 N US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750 www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 3370 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL www.boattree.com

43 - Academy Sports + Outdoors

Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619 65 N. US Hwy 17-92, Longwood, FL www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL Lee Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Drive Orlando, FL Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way Orlando, FL Lake Mary 3641 Lake Emaa Road Lake Mary FL

Academy Sports & Outdoors

East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando

45 - Wojo’s Bait & Tackle (407) 891-1003 Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769

Lee Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Dr., Orlando Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way, Orlando Lake Mary 3641 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary

48 - Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. (407) 447-7637

Wojo’s Bait & Tackle (407) 891-1003 Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St., St. Cloud, FL

2133 Componet Loop Suite 1001, Oveido, FL 32765 www.mudhole.com

56 - Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 www.orlandooutfitters.com

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. (407) 447-7637 2133 Component Loop Suite 1001, Oviedo, FL www.mudhole.com

Home Improvement Contractors & Service Providers

Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL www.orlandooutfitters.com

26 - DWR Plumbing LLC. (407) 293-3717 6344 All American Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810

Captain Troy Perez (321) 607-2033 capt.troyperez@gmail.com

27 - Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839 65 Harold Ave, suite B, Winter Park, FL 32789 www.orlandopaintingservice.com

Mosquito Lagoon - Indian River - Port Canaveral

Home Improvement Contractors & Service Providers

28 - Millennium Electric (407) 420-2001 4340 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804 www.millennium-electric.com

DWR Plumbing LLC. (407) 293-3717 6344 All American Blvd., Orlando, FL

41 - Water Works Pressure Cleaning & Sealing (407) 376-9526

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Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839 65 Harold Ave., Suite B, Winter Park, FL www.orlandopaintingservice.com

Millennium Electric (407) 420-2001 4340 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL www.millennium-electric.com

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CF (407) 281-9210 Spacecoast (321) 345-2011

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34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250 231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, www.thomaslumber.com

A&H Storage (407) 6766-0507

34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250 231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, www.thomaslumber.com

2500 N. Forsyth Rd., Orlando, FL www.AHStorage.co

49 - Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL 32766 www.martintreeserviceinc.com

49 - Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL 32766

Thomas Lumber Company

(407) 841-1250

www.martintreeserviceinc.com

231 W. Gore St., Orlando, FL www.thomaslumber.com

50 - Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0016 285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

50 - Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0016

285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119

1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL

51 - Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397

51 - Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397

www.martintreeservice.com

3621 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL 32773

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SR 436 Altamonte Springs East SR 50 Orlando www.vaporandco.com

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Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0015

285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

Areas Best Picks for Restaurants

Areas Best Picks for Restaurants

Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397

47 - Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554

47 - Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554

3621 S. orlando Dr., Sanford, FL

4650 E State Rd 46, Geneva, FL 32732

www.thejollygator.com

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SR 436, Altamonte Springs, FL East SR 50, Orlando, FL

4650 E State Rd 46, Geneva, FL 32732

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39 - Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881

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7937 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32812 www.fishonfireorlando.com

7937 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32812

Area Best Picks for Restaurants

www.fishonfireorlando.com

40 - High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422

40 - High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422

Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554

4645 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822

www.hightideharrys.com

www.hightideharrys.com

4650 S. State Rd. 46, Geneva, FL www.thejollygator.com

4645 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822

33 - Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107

33 - Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107

Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881

Aloma Square Shopping Center, 6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

Aloma Square Shopping Center, 6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

7937Daetwyler Dr., Orlando, FL www.fishonfireorlando.com

www.bostonsfishhouse.com

www.bostonsfishhouse.com

High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422

17 - St. Johns River Steak & Seafood (407) 878-0980

17 - St. Johns River Steak & Seafood (407) 878-0980

4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL www.hightideharrys.com

550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107

37 - The Steer (407) 286-6802

37 - The Steer (407) 286-6802

8015 S. Orange Ave., Orlando FL

Aloma Square Shopping Center

8015 S. Orange Ave., Orlando FL

6860 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL

www.bostonsfishhouse.com

22 - Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6004

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www.hueymagoos.com

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St. Johns River Steak & Seafood (407) 878-0980

13 - Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401

13 - Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401

550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL

100 S White Cedar Rd, Sanford, FL 32771

100 S White Cedar Rd, Sanford, FL 32771

www.camphousebarandgrill.com

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Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6802

www.hueysmagoos.com

52 - The Deli (407) 332-8800

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4360 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771

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Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401

53 - T J’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

53 - T J’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

100 S. White Cedar Rd., Sanford, FL

197 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765

197 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765

www.camphousebarandgrill.com

12231 E Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando(407) 250-4191

www.tjsseafoodshack.com

12231 E Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando(407) 250-4191 www.tjsseafoodshack.com

The Deli (407) 332-8800

4360 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL

54 - Oasis On The River (407) 636-6300

4380 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

TJ’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

54 - Oasis On The River (407) 636-6300 4380 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

197 E. Mitchell Hammock Rd., Oviedo, FL

56 - Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541

12231 E. Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando, FL

114 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL 32771

www.tjsseafoodshack.com

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56 - Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541 114 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL 32771 celerycitycraft.com

Sanford Marina (407) 322-2910

531 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL

55 -West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475

202 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

www.drinkatwestend.com

55 -West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475 202 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.drinkatwestend.com

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114 Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL

Water Works Pressure Cleaning & Sealing (407) 376-9526

490 Buck Lake Lane, Geneva, FL www.jmwaterworksinc.com

www.celerycitycraft.com

West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475

202 Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL

www.drinkatwestend.com

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Always Looking for Captains

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Phone: (407) 855-9988

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4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804

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The largemouth bass spawn has just about ended. The bass are still spawning out towards deeper, cooler water. It’s time to go to artificial baits. On my most recent trips, the most successful artificial baits used are the Zoom Senkos in watermelon seed, green pumpkin, and June bug colors; Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged. Look for bass feeding on shad at sunrise. Also, flukes are working using the same colors. Look for Kissimmee grass, avoid algae areas. Any type of flow from wind or current around vegetation are good areas for success.

are moving back out to open water and a lot of them have been caught at the flood control gates in the canals on both ends of Lake Cypress. Also, the Alligator Chain has been really good for open water crappie fishing. Check the edges of the holes and look for suspending fish. The bait of choice is a jig tipped with a minnow Open water means longline trolling or spider-rigging. Change speed and lure depth until the fish cooperate.

popping bug. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the popping bug get hit. Daytime anglers are catching good numbers fishing the shallow bedding areas. Bait of choice is crickets fished under a float.Another good area to fish is canals when the water is flowing, trolling will only trigger more bites. Crappie - Anglers are fishing open water for crappie using jigs tipped Anglers trolling jigs are catching good limits of crappie. The key is to find them

Overall, the crappie bite has been really good. They

The shell cracker bite has also been good. When you smell orange blossoms and honeysuckle in the air it’s time to go fishing. Bluegills, red-ear sunfish, and shellcrackers are the panfish go-to in April. They are making beds in the shallow water – look for shell bottom or sandy areas in 3-4 feet depths. The best way to catch them is with live red worms under a float. Make sure to add a split shot to one without bobber and send it to the bottom.

at nighttime in the canals using a fly rod, throwing popping bugs up against the bank. On a good moon phase, the bluegill will crush the

East Lake Toho - Bass fishing on East Lake has been good using artificial baits early morning. The best place to fish will be at the edges of the cattails. Then move to open water as the morning progresses. Most anglers are flipping open water pepper grass matts with good success. Fish the deeper edges of the grasswatermelon seed, Junebug, and

Panfish - Fish open water shell beds with red wigglers. If you are looking to fill the cooler for dinner, the open water shell beds are hard to beat.

Bass and crappie fishing has been on fire with a record number big bass and crappie limits being caught. The month of April typically kicks off the start of the bluegill spawn which runs through September. I highly recommend avoiding the summer months due to daily rainstorms and high heat temps, with that said, the months of April, May and early June are really good months to consider fishing with less traffic on the ramps and on the lake. Areas to try when bass fishing have been some areas on the Shoal; Monkey box and Dupree bar; around Dyess ditch; parts of Horse Island; North end of Tin House; Kings bar and Grassy. If you’re fishing along the east side, try the areas around Nub N Slough, Hendry Creek and around J & S. Keep in mind, water clarity/ color. Bass lures to consider are worms; swim baits/swim jigs; shallow jerk baits (hard/soft); some top

Areas for crappie fishing have been pretty much the same areas for the bass and again, keep in mind the water clarity/color. When using the Indian Prairie boat ramp use extra caution when loading/ unloading your boat and with no place to safely to get in and out of your boat. Glades County will hopefully fix it soon. The other three boat ramps used on the west and north sides are in great shape which is Harney Pond canal located in Lakeport and Scott Driver and Okeetantie located on the River in Okeechobee.

To book your next exciting and fun day fishing Okeechobee call 863228-7263 or log onto www.southfloridabassfishing.com where you can find trip information, customer reviews, pics, rates and etc. A big thank you to Angie’s sponsors: Toho Marine; Mercury; BnM Poles; Real Magic; Lews; Bullet Weights; Gene Larew;

bass trips which are typical for this time of year. The month of September is when to start thinking of booking your bass fishing trip, as the females start to feed up while they make their way into the shallows for the early spawn time. It’s also the time to book your fall crappie trip too. Good fishing areas: parts of the shoal; Dupree Bar; Dyess ditch and Horse Island and Indian Prairie. Tin house has been solid throughout the season for crappie, bass and bream, work your way up towards 3rd and 2nd point where you’ll find some bass feeding on the bedding bream. A few areas on Kings Bar have been good and

To book you’re next fun-filled, productive and educational fishing trip call me at 863-228-7263 or log onto my website to check out the customers and their catches; hotel recommendations; guide rates and etc. Capt Angie’s sponsors are: Caymas boats and Toho Marine; Lews; G-Loomis; BnM Poles; MidSouth Tackle;

Maui Jim; Gill; Bullet Weights; Road Runner; Real Magic; Tru Turn hooks; Mega Strike; Gene Larew; Pradco Brands and BUFF

Goblins Cove is still producing

water; flipping/pitching (isolated cover); shallow crank baits. Color schemes are shad; bluegill; crawdad and tilapia.

Pradco Brands; MidSouth Tackle; Maui Jim; Gill and Rapala.

5:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M. 5:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.

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CENTRAL EAST COAST APRIL

DAY TIME HEIGHT

1M 2:12 AM 2.08 H

7:50 AM 0.54 L

2:10 PM 1.94 H

8:18 PM 0.11 L

2TU 3:17 AM 2.05 H

9:00 AM 0.54 L

3:21 PM 1.95 H

9:31 PM 0.1 L

3W 4:25 AM 2.1 H

10:13 AM 0.44 L

4:38 PM 2.05 H

10:42 PM 0.04 L

4TH 5:31 AM 2.22 H

11:19 AM 0.23 L

5:50 PM 2.24 H

11:46 PM -0.08 L

5F 6:29 AM 2.38 H

12:17 PM -0.02 L

6:54 PM 2.48 H

6SA 12:44 AM -0.2 L

7:22 AM 2.55 H

1:10 PM -0.29 L

7:50 PM 2.71 H

7SU 1:38 AM -0.29 L

8:11 AM 2.68 H

2:00 PM -0.51 L

8:43 PM 2.89 H

8M 2:28 AM -0.33 L

8:59 AM 2.76 H

2:48 PM -0.66 L

9:33 PM 2.99 H

9TU 3:18 AM -0.32 L

9:45 AM 2.78 H

3:36 PM -0.7 L

10:22 PM 2.99 H

10W 4:06 AM -0.24 L

10:31 AM 2.73 H

4:24 PM -0.65 L

11:10 PM 2.9 H

Miami Beach, Government Cut

11TH 4:54 AM -0.11 L

11:18 AM 2.62 H

5:13 PM -0.5 L

11:59 PM 2.73 H

12F 5:44 AM 0.06 L

12:06 PM 2.46 H

6:05 PM -0.3 L

13SA 12:50 AM 2.52 H

6:37 AM 0.24 L

12:56 PM 2.29 H

7:00 PM -0.08 L

14SU 1:43 AM 2.32 H

7:35 AM 0.41 L

1:51 PM 2.12 H

8:01 PM 0.13 L

15M 2:42 AM 2.14 H

8:39 AM 0.53 L

2:52 PM 1.99 H

9:07 PM 0.27 L

16TU 3:44 AM 2.04 H

9:46 AM 0.57 L

3:59 PM 1.93 H

10:11 PM 0.35 L

17W 4:46 AM 2 H

10:47 AM 0.53 L

5:05 PM 1.94 H

11:10 PM 0.37 L

18TH 5:42 AM 2.03 H

11:41 AM 0.44 L

6:04 PM 2.02 H

19F 12:02 AM 0.35 L

6:29 AM 2.09 H

12:26 PM 0.31 L

6:54 PM 2.13 H

20SA 12:47 AM 0.31 L

7:11 AM 2.16 H

1:07 PM 0.19 L

7:37 PM 2.25 H

21SU 1:28 AM 0.27 L

7:49 AM 2.22 H

1:43 PM 0.07 L

8:17 PM 2.37 H

PONCE INLET

High

CAPE CANAVERAL

High

PATRICK AIR FORCE

CANOVA BEACH

HEIGHT

22M 2:06 AM 0.23 L

8:25 AM 2.27 H

2:18 PM -0.02 L

8:55 PM 2.46 H

23TU 2:42 AM 0.21 L

9:02 AM 2.3 H

2:51 PM -0.08 L

9:33 PM 2.51 H

24W 3:17 AM 0.21 L

9:38 AM 2.3 H

3:25 PM -0.11 L

10:11 PM 2.52 H

25TH 3:51 AM 0.24 L

10:14 AM 2.27 H

3:59 PM -0.12 L

10:50 PM 2.5 H

26F 4:27 AM 0.28 L

10:51 AM 2.23 H

4:36 PM -0.11 L

11:31 PM 2.45 H

27SA 5:05 AM 0.34 L

11:30 AM 2.19 H

5:17 PM -0.07 L

28SU 12:15 AM 2.38 H

5:48 AM 0.41 L

12:13 PM 2.14 H

6:04 PM -0.01 L

29M 1:04 AM 2.31 H

6:39 AM 0.46 L

1:04 PM 2.1 H

6:59 PM 0.06 L

30TU 1:58 AM 2.25 H

7:39 AM 0.48 L

2:05 PM 2.08 H

8:04 PM 0.12 L

Hope everyone had fun cobia fishing last month. Continue to look around the 50–60-foot depth for the rays and leatherbacks holding fish. Free swimmers will be abundant continuing through this month as well. If you find some type of color change, weed line or temperature break in that depth your gold. Buck tails and live bait will do the trick. If they won’t fire on the bucktail jig, follow it up with a live bait of some sort. Cobias are not picky so whatever you have will work. For live bait rigs use 50lb. braid to 60lb. leader to an 8/0 circle hook. This is also the time of year that cobes will come in very close. Don’t hesitate to start or end up in the 20-foot depth. Cover your ground.

SEBASTIAN INLET BRIDGE

HEIGHT

SEBASTIAN (IRL)

Kings will start showing up in better numbers in April. Live bait will be choice this time of year for the big ones that come back through. We were just on the tail end of the smaller fish migration. Soon the 30 pounders will start showing more

consistently. Fish your local reefs and any structures that hold bait. Shipwrecks and any other structures work great. You can also sabiki these structures for baits.

Soon you will start seeing the bait pods show up. The water is warming up and the fishing will only get better. Start looking for birds and flipping pogies. It’s been scarce to non-existent lately but don’t worry it’s almost time. Get yourself a good cast net. Tim Wade nets are what you want. Get a little extra lead on it to sink faster. Leave the wally world cast nets at home. That 4-footer just won’t cut it. We normally throw a 10or 12-foot net.

Bottom fishing for grouper and throwback reds will be good on the 21 and 27 fathom reefs. (check your local regs) Use live bait with 3-ways and knocker rigs. (whatever works best for you) 80 to 100 lb. leaders. 8/0 - 10/0 circle hooks.

To keep the kids busy you can chicken rig all the reefs for trigger fish. Use squid and small chunk baits. Triggers tend to hang a little higher off the bottom so once your bait hits bottom, crank it up a few feet. Mahi are close by so get that gear ready. I will touch base on that in Mays issue. Good luck see you out there, Captain Chris Cameron, Fired Up Charters.

Troy Perez 321-607-2033 capt.troyperez@gmail.com

This month we can find big seatrout on the flats, with big schools of large mullet. Look for shallow drop offs from 12” to 24” and look for plenty of grass on the shallow side to cast. Find the large mullet, find the trout. Top water lures and jerk baits work very well early morning, with a good chance of catching redfish in the same area. You can also use live finger mullet on a 3/0 hook, and 8-10# braid tied to 20# test fluorocarbon. Always look for mullet rafting around points. Use top water plugs the first hour after sunrise, then switch to jerk baits.

April is when the large redfish show up in Haulover canal and around the bridges. Capt. Troy likes to use live blue crabs and live croakers on a 1-ounce sinker with a 4/0 circle hook and 30# braid tied to a swivel with a 40# leader. You can also use a ½ crab. The reason for heavy tackle is because the bull sharks

move in too. When the sharks get bad, start shark fishing. To catch a shark, use 30# fluorocarbon tied to a 12” wire leader and 10/0 circle hooks free lined behind the boat with a large cut mullet.

Snook action should pick up in Port Canaveral. Try 20-30# braid tied to 40# fluorocarbon with a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook and ½ - 1 ounce sinker. The preferred baits are pogies (menhaden shad), croakers and jumbo live shrimp. Triple tails should still be at the buoys or free swimming on slicks and weed lines.

Large schools of Crevalle Jacks show up in Port Canaveral within 3 miles of the beach. Any type of live bait will catch them but the most fun is using top water chuggers. Try to keep it away from them and watch huge jacks blow up out of the water to get the lure.

Troy’s tip of the month: Look for the schools of mullet in the river and lagoon and you should have no problems catching fish on the flats.

Bubba Myers with “Big Bass” of the 1st Jolly Gator Bass Series event in March

Tripletail Fishing is heating up on the east coast aboard “Fired Up Charters” out of Port Canaveral

Hayden Wolf caught this 8 lb. plus “BIGGIN” in a private Chuluota pond!

The Crappie bite is still good at the “Big O” fishing with Capt. Angie Douthit

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779.770.2100

Te Trowdown is a part of FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory, which is intended to enhance and increase participation in saltwater fshing. Te Triple Treat Club is for anglers who have achieved all three of Catch a Florida Memory’s recognition programs: Saltwater Grand Slam, Saltwater Reel Big Fish and Saltwater Life List 10 Fish Club. Anglers who reach Triple Treat Club status will be entered into a drawing for the kayak bundle afer the Trowdown season ends on Sept. 29. Anglers who are already in the Triple Treat Club will receive a drawing entry for each new recognition they earn during the challenge period.

“Building of of last year’s successful season, we are excited to announce Season 2 of Catch a Florida Memory’s Triple Treat Trowdown with an even bigger prize from our generous sponsors,” said Jessica McCawley, director of Marine Fisheries Management. “We encourage anglers to get out on the water, make Florida memories and help conserve fsheries by targeting a diversity of species.”

One lucky angler will be randomly drawn to win a top-of-the-line kayak fshing bundle valued at over $4,500. Tis bundle includes a Bonafde P127 kayak, a premium Mustad fshing gear bundle and kayak safety kit. Te award is made possible by Bonafde, Mustad and Russ Vorhis Insurance AgencyState Farm.

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Fast forward 40 years, and Mike Sr. parlayed his experience with electronics to test and scrutinize a new generation of high-quality, fast-charging lithium batteries. Mike established a central Florida test lab and began ordering samples from several overseas manufacturers. Even the platinumtier manufacturers provided varying quality in components, cells, boards and overall inconsistent construction. Several years later, with a select group of top-tier vendors, Florida Lithium was launched to provide bestin-class deep cycle-dual purpose (800 cranking amps) LifePO4 batteries that meet or exceed all Mercury requirements for lithium batteries. Today, Florida Lithium’s product line ranges from 12V, 36V and 48V batteries, providing versatile options for cranking, house electronics, or trolling motor applications. Teir DeLand warehouse is available for pickups Monday through Friday (by appointment only), and they ofer shipping nationwide. Florida Lithium also provides batteries and accessories to marine dealers, boat builders and marine service/repair shops throughout the Southeast.

Tere is no doubt you can fnd cheap lithium batteries on Amazon or other marketplaces, but when push comes to shove, some of those poorly constructed batteries will fail, leaving you with a very expensive paperweight and the inability to get anyone (stateside) on the phone. Florida Lithium’s customer support team actually speaks English, and in the event you reach their voicemail, a member of the team will respond in a timely manner.

Florida Lithium is proud to provide Florida-based customer service and technical support, coupled with a no-nonsense fx, repair or replace warranty. Lead-acid batteries are quickly becoming a thing of the past. If you are looking for a powerful, lightweight and reliable battery upgrade, Florida Lithium has you covered. Teir team is made up of Florida-based boaters and fsherman, and they understand what’s required to maximize your on-the-water experience.

By Scott Goodman

Custom Spliced Dock Lines & Anchor Rodes

Jimmy Johnson Dishes on quEst foR tHE RINg

Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring Championship Fishing Week is an annual South Florida event that is renowned for a guaranteed milliondollar-plus purse. It’s the largest guaranteed prize for fshing in the world, so far as we are aware. Te “real prize” is the chance for one team to win diamond-studded Super Bowl-caliber rings that rival any awarded by the NFL.

Te event’s namesake is, of course, legendary Hall of Fame football coach Jimmy Johnson, who is now a fxture in the South Florida fshing community. I had a chance to sit down with Coach to pick his brain about the tournament.

Johnson grew up on the Gulf Coast of Texas and loved saltwater from the get-go. “Daddy had a little14 foot wooden boat in Galveston,” he recalled. Johnson fshed as a child and developed a passion during his time as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

“I liked to get out in the boat early and fsh by myself,” he said. “I found fshing to be so peaceful as opposed to the stress of coaching pro football. I just love it. I have caught and released fve blue marlin by myself… but my favorite fsh is the wahoo because they just scream. I’ll fast troll with lures or slow troll with a ballyhoo and a cigar weight.”

Coach Johnson’s tournament started as a local Florida Keys event.

“Well, it started as a small tournament in the Keys centered around my restaurant, Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill,” he said. “Since bringing on the crew at Fish Hard Events, it has become the enormous experience it is today.”

Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring Championship Fishing Week, or JJFISHWEEK, includes the main event, the two-day Catch & Release ‘Quest for the Ring’ Championship, featuring a $1 million guaranteed purse; JJ’s National Sportfsh Tournament, for the meat fsh afcionados; and the inviteonly Hard Rock Invitational.

Tis year’s JJFISHWEEK concluded March 9 with an awards ceremony at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Coveted championship rings were awarded to Owner Sandra MacMillan, Capt. John Louis Dudas and Team Sandman, aboard a 63-foot Spencer, which earned them a cool $300,000. Tis marks Sandman’s third championship, having clinched the title in 2018 and 2020.

Obviously, the money and fshing are big-time, but Johnson likes how the event engages the fshing community and gives back. Tis year’s event raised more than $100,000 for the CI Foundation, which will be gifed to its charitable benefciaries.

“I love the people that it brings together,” he said. “We also have a number of charities that we support. My son has the Tranquil Shores Foundation, which is a drug and alcohol abuse center. He’s got a foundation for people who can’t aford treatment.”

Te next stop for Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring is an inaugural Atlantic City, New Jersey tournament July 14-20. Next year’s Florida event is slated for March 4-8, 2025. For more information JJFishWeek.com.

Scott Goodman is Co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine/Miami.

WORK THE EDGES FOR

SPRING INSHORE ACTION

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

As the seasons change, so should your fshing locations and tactics. In my quest to target larger trout and reds, I modify my approach slightly versus what I have been doing for the past three or four months. However, depending on the weather, spring can be a tricky time to fnd solid and repeatable patterns. With the water temperature swings, the fsh begin to move from winter to spring areas. But a slight cold front will send them right back to their winter patterns, and it will keep you on your toes.

Te frst major transition is from mud to a frmer sand bottom. In my area, the prominent structure will still be grass, but the base sediment will change. If your area structure is shell or rocks, you will still want to fnd harder sand. According to biologists, the primary reason for this is the winter forage, primarily mullet, fnd their food source in the mud during the colder months. We all know fsh follow the bait, and that is why we target trout and reds on sofer bottoms in the winter. As the water warms, the next generation of perch shrimp and other species hatch and will be found in structure with a frm bottom. In my area, that will be grass.

Now that we know where to fsh, let’s cover the how. In spring, staying tight to the cover is important. It is imperative for juvenile forage to stay in tight schools and intermingled in the structure for survival. Keeping your lure near the grass, shell, or wherever you are fshing will be critical to success. I target the borders where sand and grass meet. Each area will vary depending on if it is predominantly sand or grass. If it is mostly grass, I concentrate my eforts casting into the grass and working my lure into the sand, paying attention to the edge and giving the fsh time to fnd my lure at that intersection. On the other hand, if it is mostly sand, I will target the grass patches and once again the edge.

Spring allows us to utilize a wide range of lures. Sof plastics danced along the bottom or topwaters skated across the surface can both be efective, depending on the mood of the fsh. Tis will be determined by water temp and the passing of late-season cool fronts.

Whatever lure you decide to use, concentrate on the edges of the available cover to increase your odds of having a productive day. As always, take a kid fshing; you just might learn something.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES ®

FISHING THE SECOND SHIFT

Spring is one of my favorite times of year for many species on the inshore menu, including red drum, snook and trout. I usually fsh at night for several reasons including my “day job,” which keeps me occupied for a vast majority of daylight hours. I guess I could become a weekend warrior, but I’ve noticed the best weather typically doesn’t occur on weekends. Tere’s an old saying that goes something like this: “You know what happens afer two days of really crappy weather?”

“MONDAY!”

All joking aside, I believe the best bite for older, wiser, heavily pressured fsh is at night. Tey’re a little more at ease afer the sun goes down and the boat trafc lets up. Tis is when the big girls let their guard down and come back into shallower water to feed. Wherever you fnd shrimp and small mullet along the edges is a good place to take advantage of aggressively feeding redfsh, trout or snook afer dark. Te patterns are similar for all of them.

Just before dark is a good time to get situated to the rising or falling tide and the water clarity, which might be afected by

frequent rains this time of year. Get used to your surroundings and how fast the current is running. Keep the lights low, and allow your night vision to kick in as darkness settles.

Music on the boat is fun, but this is a situation when you’ll want to be quiet. Don’t play the radio loud or stomp around on the deck. Close your coolers and hatches quietly. Try not to talk are laugh too loud. Sound travels extremely well in the water, and when the rest of the world is quiet, the noise you make is even more startling to the fsh.

I don’t even use “spot lock” on the trolling motor at night in shallow water. I think fsh have learned to associate the sound of trolling motors with the presence of a boats and humans… just saying. Make your own choice here.

Color selection is a very important at night. Dark colors, especially with shrimp lures, work better at night, especially when there is a bright moon. It might sound crazy, but dark colors are silhouetted by the moonlight and are easier for fsh to see. Dark brown, purple and black can be extremely hot on nights with a full or nearly full moon.

I’m partial to shrimp imitations, and a lot of times I’ll suspend one under a glowin-the-dark cork for night fshing. Tat cork carries it along perfectly with the current and you can keep your eyes on where your bait is, which is one of the difculties of fshing at night.

If you’re like me and have a job that keeps you occupied during the day, consider fshing the second shif. You might be pleasantly surprised.

See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

Tim Barefoot

By A. deGruchy

CHASING BACKCOUNTRY COBIA in the Keys

Cobia are robust, daring, and always up for a challenge. You know you’re in for some fun when you spot them cruising near the surface, sometimes in pairs or groups, hounding baitfsh like a wolfpack or drawn in by curiosity at the action around your boat. If you’re geared up and ready for them, a little fnesse will have you luring them in like a pro.

Location is key. When fshing for cobia in the backcountry here in the Florida Keys, we look for them to be around structures, wrecks and foating debris, ofen roaming the same areas in groups. Tey’re not pickiest eaters. Pitch a live bait out in front of them, and they’ll usually eat it, and we’ve also had great success with a Savage Gear RTF 3D Shrimp.

Te action when using these Savage Gear shrimps is a hard jerking lif, then letting your shrimp fall, mimicking a shrimp’s natural actions. For the battle, the optimal gear is at least a 4500 reel, but you really don’t need more than a 6500, and we always trust our Penn Authority and pair it with a medium/medium-light Carnage III Rod for maximum control and power.

Te most important thing to remember when hooking a cobia is to be ready, as it’s very common to spot “following” cobia. Tey ofen travel together and like to investigate what your hooked cobia is doing and eating. Tese “followers” can lead to an epic double header, but only if you have enough rods rigged and ready on the boat and hands to cast them.

Cobia are known for powerful runs, ofen scoping up and switching directions in a split second. Keep calm, adjust your drag, and let them exhaust themselves. Stay alert as you reel in your cobia, as they are known for sudden maneuvers, and will sometimes dart under the boat in a heartbeat. And the fght doesn’t end even afer you’ve gafed a cobia. Exercise caution when you bring them over the rail and onto the deck because they ofen cause havoc on the boat. It’s best to tire them out completely during the fght to minimize potential damage.

Since regulations frequently change with cobia, staying informed is important. One keeper cobia can feed a lot of people. Teir meat is known for its steak-like texture and delicate favor, perfect for a mouthwatering sear with butter and seasoning.

For the best shot at spotting a cobia, consider booking a full-day charter. Tis helps your chances to see one, and the timing should be pretty solid for in the upcoming weeks.

Book a charter at www.beansportfshing.com and follow their cobia adventures at “Bean Sportfshing TV” on YouTube.

PRE-SPAWN FISH

BREAK STATE RECORDS

Along with blooms on the trees and frogspawn in the ponds, the annual rites of spring include an uptick in anglers reporting heavyweight catches.

A spate of recent record catches marks the transition to longer days, warmer weather and spring-spawning species putting on weight. In Indiana, an angler caught a monster 8-pound, 4-ounce smallmouth bass that crushed the existing state record by a pound. In Kentucky and Georgia, two anglers boated big yellow perch. Te Kentucky perch set a new state record, while the Georgia fsh earned the angler a tie for the heaviest perch ever caught in the Peach State.

In Indiana, angler Rex Remington caught his big pre-spawn smallie on March 3 at Monroe Reservoir. Te fsh was weighed on certifed scales in the presence of Indiana DNR ofcials before being released. Te new record was adopted a couple weeks later and is listed at 8 pounds, 4 ounces, beating a record that had stood since 1992. Te all-tackle world record smallmouth weighed 11 pounds, 15 ounces. It was caught from Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee in 1955.

Smaller, but no-less-impressive, Lynn Bumgardner caught his 1.58-pound Kentuckyrecord yellow perch at Lake Barkley on March 2. It beat the existing 1.44-pound record caught in 2010. He was trolling grubs for crappie and knew

he had a heavy fsh when it hit, but he didn’t realize it was a potential record perch until it surfaced. Te fsh was 14.25 inches long.

Tey must grow perch bigger in Georgia. On Feb. 18, Emerson Mulhall caught a huge 16-inchlong, 2-pound, 9-ounce yellow perch that tied the existing state record set in 2013. Mulhall, who usually bass fshes at north Georgia’s Lake Burton was initially confused, because the fsh he’d hooked didn’t fght like a bass. When he realized it was a perch, his father convinced him to get of the lake and go get it weighed on certifed scales.

Te all-tackle world record yellow perch is reported by IGFA to have weighed 4 pounds, 3 ounces. Tat fsh was caught in New Jersey in 1865.

For more record fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com.

TIPS FROM A PRO

HOW TO FIND AND TARGET THE POST-SPAWN FEED

In some parts of the country, the bass spawn is already coming to an end like it is down here in Florida. In others the post-spawn might not start up for another couple months. Regardless of your phase, this post-spawn fshing tip should help you dial in your fshery when the time is right for you.

One thing is the same for every fshery and every species of bass afer they spawn, they are hungry! Tis can create some awesome and fun fshing opportunities. Post-spawn bass have provided some of my best days on the water.

Typically, afer the largemouth bass spawn, there are other fsh that begin their spawn. I’m not a scientist, but I’m sure this has a lot to do with the specifc timing of why bass do their thing when they do. In most areas of the southern United States, bluegill and ofentimes shad start to spawn very shortly afer the bass fnish up. Afer a long couple weeks or months protecting eggs in the shallows, bass use every advantage they can to feed when these baitfsh group up, and this can make for some fun fshing.

Smallmouth bass and spotted bass in the post-spawn phase are very similar to largemouths when it comes to taking

advantage of bait schools. I have seen them group up and attack shad, perch and alewife schools and any other bait that is readily available. Typically, I do a lot of my searching for these things with my electronics and forward-facing sonar, which is a very helpful tool for learning fsh activity and seeing what’s going on under the surface of the water.

Most of the time you don’t necessarily need electronics. You can use clues visible to the naked eye to help you fnd this “feed” that is going on. Birds feeding on the water is an awesome sign of a feeding frenzy, and it’s one thing I always look for. Also, always keep your eyes peeled for fsh blowing up on the surface or shad fickering under the surface. Sometimes the very smallest clue can lead you to much larger picture. Birds standing on specifc banks, the sound of bluegill popping around vegetation, anything that clues you in to bait in the area usually means the bass aren’t very far away.

Hopefully this tip will help you when the fsh in your area get into the post-spawn feed. Find the bait, and you will fnd the bass!

I try to imitate the prevalent baitfsh with whatever kind of lure I’m throwing. For bluegill eaters, I will throw a frog or a swimjig in bluegill colors. For shad eaters, I will throw white or silver topwaters and crankbaits.

Always match the hatch if possible. Good luck out there this season, and tight lines!

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.

TYLER WOOLCOTT

READY FOR

By Will Schmidt

RED GROUPER

With gag grouper closed until late summer for many of us, it is time to be out looking for red grouper to fll our tacos this spring and summer. Fortunately, they are aggressive eaters if you’re willing to make the extra efort to go to their feeding grounds. In general, to get to decentsized reds, you’ll need to head a bit farther out, with the best fshing being found in 80 feet or deeper, especially as the water warms. You are still looking for the same type of environment; Swiss cheese bottom, ledges and artifcial reefs can all hold good numbers of quality fsh.

Te tactics are the same and simple. Tey will eat dead or live bait in most cases. Tat said, I found a combination of the two to be the best bet. I like to start with “stinky bait.” Dropping some frozen squid or menhaden is a great way to get the bite going. Once the bite starts, which is usually quickly if they are around, I like to switch to palm-size live pinfsh to entice the bigger fsh. While dead bait and jigs will certainly get you keepers, the larger fsh are quicker to hit a live bait.

Rigs are simple. Circle hooks must be used with natural bait and 5/0 to 7/0 hooks will do the trick. I prefer to use about 2 feet of leader, then a swivel and my weight, and a knocker rig will also work. A minimum of 50-pound fuorocarbon leader is recommended, as they will run for a hole in the rocks once hooked. Keep a close eye on your leaders, as they tend to get chafed when the fshing is good.

Even though red grouper are typically smaller than gags, I still use my goto big grouper set up, as at these depths you could get a big gag or other sea monster. Fortunately, new lighter combos like the Accurate BV600 reel and 70H rod make a full day of fshing more fun and less fatiguing. Tese two-speed reels have a patented twin drag that will stop the hardiest of fsh, and with that winching power you can use a lighter more parabolic rods to handle the biggest of bottom fsh. Line is important too. Te lack of stretch in braid is a must for landing big grouper. A minimum of 65-pound test, and a metered braid like the Nomad Panderra 8x is great for knowing how close you are to the bottom. Moreover, these rods are sensitive enough to do double duty as trolling rods for kings, sails and mahi.

While they might not be quite as big as some of their cousins, red grouper are great table fare, and it is hard to turn down a grouper taco, no matter what variety it is.

Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fshing from more than two decades.

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