Smooth Sailing
navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, protecting your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
Unpredictable waters
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Damage and injury
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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DESTINATION FISHING
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
Fishing is a beloved pastime that transcends borders, drawing anglers to new destinations around the globe. Whether it’s the thrill of chasing trophy !sh, exploring pristine environments, or immersing oneself in local cultures, traveling to !sh o ers a unique and enriching experience. But why do so many anglers feel compelled to venture far from their home waters to cast a line? Here are some key reasons behind this phenomenon.
For many anglers, the chance to catch a once-in-a-lifetime !sh is a driving force behind their travels. Di erent regions are home to speci!c species that can’t be found elsewhere. For example, the tarpon-rich waters of the Florida Keys, the salmon runs in Alaska, or the giant trevally in the Seychelles all serve as magnets for anglers. e challenge of targeting these iconic species and the bragging rights that come with landing them o en justify the journey.
requires anglers to adapt and learn. Di erent locations come with unique !shing techniques, such as y !shing in Montana’s rivers, jigging for tuna in o shore waters, or using traditional handlines in tropical locales. Each trip is an opportunity to
friends and family or encounters with local guides and fellow anglers. ese interactions create lasting memories and a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond borders. In turn, the stories and photos from these adventures become cherished mementos, sparking conversations and inspiring others to pursue their own !shing journeys.
Magazine and its digital magazine Magazine have always tried to bring you news and awareness about exotic !shing destinations around the world. Your trips and adventures are an integral part of our monthly compilation process. Your photos, videos and stories about your !shing trips are always welcomed here.
acquire new skills, re!ne existing ones, and deepen one’s appreciation for the art and science of !shing.
Fishing in new destinations allows anglers to experience a variety of ecosystems, each with its unique beauty and challenges. From tranquil mountain streams and sprawling freshwater lakes to turquoise saltwater ats and deep ocean trenches, the diversity of !shing environments is staggering. is variety not only enhances the adventure but also broadens an angler’s understanding of aquatic habitats and their importance to global biodiversity.
Traveling to new !shing destinations o en
Fishing inherently fosters a deep connection with nature, but traveling ampli!es this experience. Anglers o en !nd themselves in remote, untouched locations where the tranquility and beauty of the natural world are at their peak. is immersion provides a welcome escape from the stresses of daily life and fosters a sense of mindfulness and gratitude.
Fishing trips o en bring people together, whether it’s through shared experiences with
For many anglers, !shing is more than a sport—it’s an adventure. Traveling to new destinations satis! human desire to explore the unknown and conquer its challenges. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar waters, encountering unpredictable weather, or matching wits with elusive !sh, each trip is a thrilling chapter in an angler’s personal story. e reasons anglers travel to as diverse as the destinations they seek. From the pursuit of trophy catches to the joy of exploring new landscapes, each journey o ers a blend of excitement, education, and enrichment. For those who !sh, the world is not just a playground but a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be discovered. So, pack your gear, book that trip, and embrace the adventure—the next big catch might be just a plane ride away.
To submit your catch photos, videos or stories, email editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com.
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Catching an Unexpected Trophy in the Atlantic
What started as a morning of unproductive wahoo trolling north of St. Augustine turned into an unforgettable battle with one of Florida’s most prized catches. Capt. Daniel Levesque and his crew aboard Rare Breed had spent hours searching for wahoo, battling against an uncooperative west wind, when they decided to switch tactics.
“A er passing over endless schools of blue runners and proli!c bottom structure, I pulled into a spot that had previously produced wahoo,” recalls Capt. Daniel. “ e sonar was marking !sh from top to bottom.”
By Brandon Shoaf
As two anglers at the bow dropped sabiki rigs to collect live bait, their lines became hopelessly entangled. While the captain worked to untangle the mess of braided line, angler Mike Lorenz noticed something interesting on the sonar screen. He dropped down an old, paint-worn butter y jig to about 60 feet.
“It got hit by what felt like a train,” Lorenz describes. “ e conventional reel was screaming. At !rst, I thought I had a shark, but it felt di erent.” e mystery !sh made several blistering runs, nearly spooling Lorenz’s reel multiple times. e battle switched between long runs and deep, powerful dives under the boat. “It felt more like !ghting a huge grouper when it was beneath us,” says Lorenz. “I think both the !sh and I were taking breaks between rounds.”
Capt. Daniel maneuvered the boat to help chase down the !sh. A er an
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intense !ght, a massive silver ash appeared near the surface, prompting the captain to shout “AP!” e prize—a massive African pompano—was !nally secured with a well-placed ga shot by Capt. Daniel. e crew gathered for photos, marveling at their spectacular trophy, a testament to both the !sh’s size and the memorable nature of the catch.
What began as a “cursed” day of wahoo !shing transformed into the catch of a lifetime, proving once again that sometimes the best !shing stories come when plans go sideways and anglers remain ready for whatever opportunity presents itself.
Brandon Shoaf is Co-Publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Volusia County edition. Contact him at (386) 260-9600 or volusia@coastalanglermagazine.com.
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South Holston River
By James Marsh
The South Holston River is a tailwater trout fishery located in the northeastern corner of Tennessee, near Bristol. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. This is one southern tailwater that has a substantial population of wild brown trout. In addition, the stocked rainbows holdover from year to year because the stream stays cool even during the summer months. It is probably the best tailwater in the Southeastern United States.
Fly fishing the South Holston River ranges from difficult to easy depending on the type of fish. The river can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a drift boat when turbines are running. You can access the river in only a few places where wading is possible. The main attraction is the wild trout and extensive sulphur hatches. There are actually two different species of mayflies the locals call sulphurs. Most people call one of them, Eastern Pale Evening Duns. The hatches occur for much of the entire fishing season. There are also excellent blue-winged olive hatches.
Caution should be used anytime you are fishing a tailwater, so be sure to check on the discharge schedule and keep an eye out for changes in the depth. The TVA dam discharge schedule information is linked on the left side of this page. The schedule will tell when the best times to fish the river are, depending on whether you are wading or fishing from a drift boat. Fly fishing the South Holston River can be as good as fly fishing anywhere in the Eastern United States. The river is certainly worth any avid angler taking the opportunity to fish regardless of where you live.
Fly Fishing Guide to the South Holston River
Fly fishing the South Holston river is considered to be technical fishing by many anglers. This is one of the best tailwaters in the Eastern United States. It is one of a few tailwaters in the South that is capable of reproduction of trout. Brown trout spawn in the river with decent success. We think it offers just the right amount of challenge to any angler. It is neither difficult nor easy to fish. You have to do things right, but when you do, you are rewarded. The thing that makes it a desirable stream to fish in the eyes of many anglers are the large aquatic insect hatches. The stream is full of trout food of all types. The blue-winged olive and sulphur mayfly hatches can be incredible. It also has some great caddisfly hatches. This provides dry fly fishing opportunities far better than most tailwaters. There are plenty of times you have to fish subsurface using nymphs, streamers, wet flies, soft hackles, scuds, black fly imitations and others, but all in all, dry fly fishing is very good for a tailwater. You have to pay very close attention to the discharge schedule. That is easy to do and the schedule provided is usually very accurate. There are times you can wade the South Holston River with ease and times you can’t. There are times you have a big advantage using a drift boat. It all depends on the releases. This information is available under the TVA Release Schedule link on the introduction page.
Be prepared to use long leaders and tippets and to make good presentations. A drag free drift is a must most of the time. You cannot hit these trout over the head with your fly line. It is especially difficult when they are feeding in the slow to moderate water. Good, realistic imitations can make a big difference. The area just below the weir dam usually has plenty of trout but be aware that they are difficult to catch. They are heavily fished, but they can be caught, if you want to accept the added challenge. Although the area between the weir dam and the dam looks great, it is even more difficult to catch trout from its smooth, flowing water.
Hatches and Trout Flies for the South Holston River
There are several different hatches that take place on the South Holston River and the trout can become selective on the insects. Long, light leaders and careful presentations are often required to catch the trout. The most popular hatch that occurs on the South Holston Tailwater is referred to as the “sulphur hatch.” It is for a very good reason. Two different species of mayflies, very similar to each other and called “sulphurs,” hatch on the
South Holston over a very long period of time. These mayflies can hatch most of the days from mid-April through the first of November. In many other areas of the country, one of the two mayflies, Ephemerella invaria, is usually called the “eastern pale evening dun”. The other, Ephemerella dorothea is almost always referred to by the common name, “sulphur”. There’s not a great deal of difference in the two, but there’s enough worth being familiar with.
These two hatches can last a long time. This doesn’t mean that on any given day one of them will be hatching from one end of the river to the other. The hatch will vary from place to place along the river depending on a number of factors, a main one being the amount of water being discharged. You cannot necessarily expect to go to one point along the river and expect the hatch to occur. This is another reason a drift boat is a good option for the South Holston.
The first of the two mayflies to hatch will be the eastern pale evening dun, the larger of the two and the one that is more of a tan than true sulphur. They are closer to a hook size 16. It is also an easier hatch to fish. The reason is that they hatch in faster water than the slightly smaller sulphurs. Sulphurs hatch in slow to moderate water. Because of that, the trout get a much better look at your fly and are referred to by most anglers as picky. It is possible the sulphurs are bi-brooded or hatch twice a year. This happens on the West Branch of the Delaware River in New York, also a tailwater.
There are some huge blue-winged olive hatches that occur in the winter, early spring and again in the late fall. Some of these are Baetis species, but there are other species of mayflies called blue-winged olives that hatch on the South Holston. If the dun is larger than a hook size 18, most likely it is an eastern blue-winged olive, a Drunella species, which are crawler nymphs as opposed to the Baetis that are swimmers. Black flies are very plentiful and trout feed on them throughout the year. However,
they are far more important during the winter months when fewer other insects are hatching.
Caddisflies are very prolific on the South Holston River. There is a hatch of little black caddis just as soon as it is about over the cinnamon caddis will start to hatch. These caddisflies exist in several species and will hatch until the end of October. Near the end of June through July and into August, you will also find hatches of some species of the similar but smaller little sister caddisflies. There is even a hatch of spotted sedges but they are very similar to the cinnamon sedges. In late April, hatches of green sedges will start. These caddisflies hatch until the first of July but their larvae, called rock worms, are around all year and flies that imitate them are effective most of the year. In the months of July and August, you will find hatches of little brown caddisflies. These can be very abundant in places.
Terrestrial insects become important around the middle of June. Imitations of grasshoppers, ants, and beetles will catch trout until the first week or two in October, or just beyond the time the first frost appears. The cranefly is another insect that the trout will feed on. Their larvae are around throughout the year. The adults are also around much of the year but are more important during the late summer.
If you haven’t already done so, we suggest you try our “Perfect Flies”. We have specific imitations of everything that hatches and exists in the South Holston River. Our Black Fly Larva, pupa and adult flies were developed at the South Holston, so be sure to try them. Not only are they far more imitative of the real things, they are far more effective than most other trout flies.
James Marsh has made his living fishing since 1980 through hosting and producing the first ever national syndicated weekly TV series on saltwater fishing for five years; hosting and producing forty-six instructional saltwater fishing videos more of which have been sold on saltwater fishing than anyone’s in the world; and for the past twenty-two years hosting and producing nineteen instructional videos on fly fishing and founding the Perfect Fly Company.
The Happy Hooker
By Jim Parks
Having borrowed the title from a 1980’s movie, you may have already been hooked! However, as I write this article on a cold, snowy winter day, the intent of the article is to help you hook those fish that from time to time either get loose after a brief fight, or never get fully hooked even when you strongly believe you set the hook timely and effectively.
As I close in on fifty years of fly fishing, one of the best lessons I’ve learned in that time is the importance of the hook. Though this can relate to most types of fishing, my thoughts are on fly fishing. From the beginning I have tied my own flies and one step I take religiously is to sharpen the hook before placing it in the vice. Realizing most are packaged pre-sharpened, I still introduce each hook to a sharpener before tying any pattern. Afterwards the hook goes through the thumbnail test. If you’re not familiar with the thumbnail test, it is how I test the sharpness of a hook by rubbing it along my thumbnail. If it digs in, it is sharp. If it glides along my thumbnail, it is sharpened until it does dig in. I also perform the thumbnail test as I tie the fly to my tippet as well as regularly while using it. Once happens, twice is a coincidence, three times is a trend. I don’t like trends that result in fewer fish!
Following are three solutions for when you suspect you are making good hooksets, but the hook is not holding:
Solution 1: With time, any hook will become dull, whether it be from hooking fish, getting snagged, scraping against submerged stones, or a myriad of other unknown reasons. Regardless, a hook should be regularly checked for sharpness, BEFORE you lose a big one. One of the tools on my vest is a simple hook sharpener. A few good strokes of the hook tip along the sharpener are typically sufficient. Though always important, a sharp hook tends to be a bigger issue for me when streamer fishing. While fishing the Alagnak River in Alaska, we were stripping bunny flies
for Pink and Chum Salmon. As I watched my buddy land one after another, I set the hook on solid strikes but failed to hold onto several in a row. I asked my guide for a hook sharpener. His minimal guide experience revealed itself, along with several other ways throughout our week together, when he stated, “A hook never needs sharpening!” I know my jaw dropped as I felt a strong desire to feed him to one of the many nearby brown bears at his statement, which he said in the fullest of confidence. Not wearing my vest containing my hook sharpener, a big mistake, I looked around for a small river stone to sharpen the hook. Though not easy, it did work and I began regular, solid hook ups and landing salmon.
Solution 2: If after sharpening the hook to my satisfaction, I continue to set the hook only to have the fish get off, my next move is to alter the shape of the hook. I’ve noticed that some types of hooks are packaged slightly bent to the side. So, with that thought in mind I sometimes use that idea as a way to fix a perceived problem with the sharpened hook that has a trend of letting fish off. Surprisingly, I use this solution several times a year and rarely does it fail to change the aforementioned trend. When looking down on the hook from above, I will take a pair of forceps and slightly bend the tip of the hook to the left. I do not think it matters to the right or left but being right-handed it seems easier to bend the tip to the left. I have shown this to help others with whom I have fished, and Continued, see JIM PARKS Page 10
Top: Solution 1, right: Solution 2
Tellico Lakes Crappy Tournament Results
By Perry Hensley and Matt Xenos
Whoa, what a windy day! We literally got blown back to the weigh-in today. Winds got way up around 11 a.m. and burned the anglers, limiting the areas that were fishable. We had 20 boats enter the event and all but one weighed fish.
The team that took home the money was that of Joel Nash and Skeeter Hayes, with a 7 fish bag of 9.06 lbs. Congrats on the win gentlemen.
-In 2nd place, with a bag of 8.16 lbs., was Matt Xenos. Congrats— great bag!
-In 3rd place, with 8.03 lbs, was Ryan Coffelt and Ty Coffelt. Great bag guys.
-In 4th place, with a bag weighing 8.01 lbs and winners of the Sniper Marine LLC Big Fish pot, with a slab weighing 1.71 lbs, was the team of Jimmy Pratt and Ray Pratt. Great job men, congrats.
-Winning the ACC Crappie Stix Roll the Dice rods was the team of
Chris Henson and Eric Lawson.
-Winning the Litewire Hooks Roll the Dice jig heads was the team of Drew Hayes and Triddy Longo.
-Winning the Knife Shop $50 Roll the Dice gift card was Buck Collins. Congratulations to all the anglers on a great and safe tournament. Our next event is on Douglas Lake on March 22nd. We hope to see you all there.
Chattanooga Crappie Club Tournament #9
By Perry Hensley
Chattanooga Crappie Club Tournament # 9 registered thirteen (13) boats Sunday, February 9, 2025, out of Chester Frost Park. Weather conditions were a vast improvement over the last couple of competitions. Supposedly crappie follow patterns on regular basis. Several anglers noted that finding quality fish was a battle. Spring is around the corner, so rising water temps should produce a better bite.
Congrats to our tournament winners:
-First: Chris Sims - 7.93 lbs & Big Fish - 2.18 lbs.
-Second: Bobby & Tabatha Ramsey - 7.84 lbs.
-Third: Dusty Elrod & Brent Elliott - 7.83 lbs.
Chattanooga Crappie Club Classic Tournament will be held March 15th (Sat) & March 16th (Sun), 2025 at CFP. Eligible CCC members only.
MOUNTAINS NORTH CAROLINA/ SOUTH CAROLINA
The Origin of the Brand
By Tricia McGraw
I’m Tricia McGraw, the owner and founder of Fish Her LLC. Fish Her is not just another clothing company for anglers. We were established to give ladies a place in the fishing industry. We are here to diversify the field of anglers by empowering women to get out and fish! Fish Her was launched, “Because She Fishes Too.”
I began this company due to the lack of options for clothing and other female angler products. Fishing in one of few sports where females are seen as equals on the water, however, manufacturers do not cater to them because they make up a small percentage of the field at tournament events. I want to change that. I want women to have the confidence to get out on the water and know that “Fish Her” is here for them!
Fish Her is here for those anglers who love to fish, whether it’s from a boat or the bank, pleasure fishing or tournament fishing. Fish Her was started for the everyday angler, the tournament angler and everything in between. Fish Her was created “Because She Fishes Too.”
While I am the founder of the brand, I have had help along the way. My friend, Angie Copas, helps me with all vendor events and is my go-to for brainstorming and product development. She and I met 4 years ago at
Lake Guntersville in Alabama during a MLF Toyota Event. My husband was fishing the tournament as a boater. Angie participated as a nonboater. We met at the tournament launch and quickly became friends. In a conversation after the event, we learned that while we were both 8+ hours from home, we live about 40 miles apart in southern Ohio.
Angie and I began fishing together and attending many fishing events. The expos were always our favorite, but we always left unsettled. Even at the expos, housing 300+ vendors, we would not find gear for lady anglers. Angie and I tournament fish, so we were always able to find baits, reels, etc., but never anything eye-appealing to women. You have to understand, women are visual creatures. Gear has to be eye-appealing, then functional. With men, the focal point is always functionality.
After leaving the Columbus Expo in 2023, we launched Fish Her. Our 2-year anniversary is quickly approaching. What started as a plan to develop fun swag for lady anglers, has evolved into a lifestyle, a means of developing ladies in the fishing industry.
What started in my basement as fun, graphic t-shirt prints for ladies, has developed into a full line of swag designed to keep you cool and covered on the water. We started with our women’s line, but quickly expanded to create gear for men and youth as well, due to customer requests. We are still developing, constantly looking for new ideas to bring to Fish Her.
Tricia McGraw, Owner, Fish Her LLC
“Fish Her...Because She Fishes Too”
JIM PARKS continued from page 6
surprisingly none have ever done this previously.
Solution 3: Sometimes a hook just does not work. I don’t know why and I will not attempt to speculate why. It is sharp and I’ve bent it to the left and it is still not setting well. A few years ago, I was fishing for large rainbows under a strike indicator on the Moraine River in Alaska. I was pegging an egg with the hook about two inches below the bead egg. As I mended my line and watched the indicator drift along the current, it abruptly disappeared beneath the surface. With a hard quick hookset of my seven-weight rod, I instantly felt the strong tug of a large rainbow. Within several seconds, it got off. Well, it happens. But not six consecutive times!! I had checked the hook for sharpness and even bent it to the side. I asked our guide for a new hook, to which he notified me that the hook I had was fine. Frustrated with him for the umpteenth time, I turned and walked a short distance away to avoid the temptation of any ill intent. Having learned from the previous day, I was wearing my fishing vest with my own gear which I used to replace the hook with a new one. After landing the next several ‘bows, the guide replied, “See, that hook was fine!” to which I replied, “I changed the hook!” As I said, sometimes a hook just doesn’t do its job, nor does the guide.
Being a “Happy Hooker” means landing more fish with fewer, if any, getting off because of an issue with the hook. When you are certain that you are setting the hook quickly and strongly enough to score and the fish still gets off, sometimes it happens but it should not be a trend. Whenever there is a failing trend, something needs to be changed. Sometimes it is the hook.
Spring’s Wild Treasures
By Ben Bailey
Spring is here and the streams and the woodlands beckon with visions of golden, crisp trout, baking over the coals of a campfire. Horace Kephart recommended frying them in bacon grease and I agree. Not only does it taste great but you get the added benefit of the thrill in raising your cholesterol ten points. However, the woods offer more culinary delights this time of year.
I remember as a boy going to the woods to gather branch lettuce, which grows along small mountainside streams. My mother prepared this by shredding the leaves, adding diced onion and bacon bits and just before serving, sprinkling them with the hot bacon grease. Thus prepared, it was referred to as kilt lettuce. You can also do this with ice-berg lettuce from the store, but half the fun is going to the woods to gather it.
Also don’t forget the ramps. Eaten raw they used to be guaranteed to get you expelled from school. My favorite ramp dish is fried potatoes and ramps. Some people like them with eggs and some even do ramp casserole. I might mention that to conserve this plant, you can just harvest the tops,
leaving the bulb in the ground to grow again next year.
Another treat this time of year is the morel mushroom. A lot of people are afraid to gather mushrooms for fear of gathering a poisonous one but the morel has a distinct appearance that sets it apart. I like to sauté them in butter, then roll them in cornmeal, add salt and pepper and finally fry them to a crisp, golden brown and enjoy.
A spring dish that is quite good is fiddlehead ferns. They can be eaten raw in a salad or sautéed and prepared like asparagus. Add a splash of little blue violets for color…both the flower and the leaves are edible.
My mother would not allow me to forget mentioning her favorite spring dish of poke salad. This is prepared by taking the young shoots or leaves of the poke plant, stripping out the stems and boiling in two changes of water, then fryng in bacon grease…best eaten with corn-bread.
Ben Bailey, is a native of Western North Carolina, Master Carpenter, Avid Angler, and Naturalist.
Morel mushroom
Winter is on its way out and spring will be here before you can blink an eye. This means pre-spawn. This is nature’s most important role in the renewal of life. During the spawn, there are three seasons involved :pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn. So much happens in the spawn that sets the pace for the rest of the warm weather fishing.
Once the water temperatures start to continually rise, pre-spawn will kick in. Here in the mountains, the lower elevations will start sooner than the lakes in the higher elevations. This is very important when planning a trip. You can catch fish at any stage of the year but if you are planning for the spawn you will want to select a lake that is experiencing pre-spawn patterns. Once the water starts to heat up, then you can move to lakes higher up the mountains. You can actually prolong the spawn this way and use it to your advantage.
Ready Set Go
By Scott Norton
Before you start this season make sure you are not dealing with needed maintenance on your boat and new line on your reels. Once this pattern starts, things change quickly, and waiting to fix a boat
or even just gear failures can really mess up the season. Remember, maintenance is done in the winter especially because of the rush that happens in a marina. You do not want to wait until you can get worked in. If you are a new fisherman you will learn the hard way. It is also important to set up your tackle boxes with lures that are relevant to the water clarity and temperature. You do not want to be mixing and matching on the water. Label your boxes so you can go for the lures that fit your situation.
Dealing with cold water, you will rely on your graphs a lot more this time of year. Do your homework and learn your graphs. Bass are still deep and you need the electronics to be your eyes. You can learn an older method that works as well if you do not have graphs, but it just takes longer.
The more experience you have, the more fish-catching you do. It comes down to what works for you and how to avoid things that slow you down.
Scott Norton is a Western North Carolina native. Born in Asheville, N.C., he is a long-time hunter, angler and weekend warrior.
SPRING SHAD: IT’S MARCH MADNESS
I’ve been incredibly blessed to !sh with some of the best anglers on the planet, guiding me through my journey. To complete that journey, I always keep a couple of rods in my truck, ready to !sh farm ponds, lakes, and rivers during my travels as a Boat Li US salesman. It brings me back to my roots.
Last month marked my 64th birthday, and I !nd myself enjoying the simple !shing of my youth more and more. Don’t get me wrong—I still love a gag grouper or wahoo bite like Peter loved our Lord—but I also love catching whatever is in season. March can be a slow month for nearshore and o shore !shing, making it the perfect time to switch focus to hickory and white (American) shad in our rivers.
Tim Barefoot
their birth. eir migration mirrors that of Paci!c salmon, using an innate
learning their seasons over the years. Hickory shad arrive !rst—smaller but plentiful—making them perfect for introducing kids to !shing with non-stop action. When the larger white shad show up, it’s game on. ese !sh pull hard in the cold water, !ghting until the moment you unhook them.
I strongly recommend mashing down the barbs on your hooks to make dehooking easier. Let’s be honest—most anglers aren’t eating shad, so reducing injury before release just makes sense. Also, always wear eye protection when !shing for these powerful !sh. A jig popping free near the boat can come ying back at the angler, as my son learned the hard way in a recent trip to the James River.
ese !sh are truly amazing. ey leave the coastal rivers of the eastern U.S., migrate to Nova Scotia, take a hard right into deep waters, then journey back south to spawn in the rivers of
GPS to !nd their way home. ey travel in vast schools, surviving intense predation, just to return to their spawning grounds.
Knowing this, I position myself to take full advantage of this mass migration. I !sh for shad in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina,
FISHING IS BETTER IN
White shad will be in rivers all the way down to Florida this month, so if you’re looking for a fun !ght on light tackle, now is the time. Check out my YouTube channel for the tackle and techniques I use to catch these childhood favorites. And, as always, take plenty of videos of your kids—they’ll cherish those memories later in life.
For more from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.
May 9th & 10th, 2025
Online Registration: MothersDayDolphinTournament.com
Captain’s Meeting
Liechty Marine
Friday May 9th - 6pm to 7pm
Lines In: Saturday, May 10 - 7:30am
Lines Out: Saturday, May 10 - 3:30pm
Weigh-In
Curly’s Co ee
Saturday, May 10th - 3:30pm to 6pm
Awards Banquet
Marathon Yacht Club
Saturday, May 10th - 7pm
Sunday Honor
A PRO FISHING A BIG WORM FOR SPAWNING BASS
From February through April, bass ood the shallows to spawn, creating an exciting opportunity for anglers to catch monster !sh. While various techniques can be e ective, !shing with a big worm consistently tempts big, wary females. is method has proven successful nationwide, not just in the South.
Fishing a worm may not be the most thrilling technique, but it allows for a slow, precise presentation—ideal for enticing cautious bass. e key is patience and targeting highpercentage areas where these !sh are likely holding.
One e ective technique is casting a Texasrigged stick bait. Many anglers waste time on unproductive water, but focusing on isolated cover—small patches of grass, pads, wood, or rock structures—maximizes success. A 6” worm in darker colors like black-and-blue works well, paired with a 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz weight for a natural presentation. Given the thick cover, 17-20 lb uorocarbon is ideal for strength and stealth.
Another productive method is retrieving a big speed worm. is subtle, vibrating motion excites bass and helps locate !sh before slowing down for precision tactics. In stained water, darker shades like June bug work best, while
TYLER WOOLCOTT
green pumpkin with ake is ideal for clear water. A 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz weight with 15-17 lb uorocarbon balances presentation and control.
e wacky rig is highly e ective in shallow water, particularly for pressured bass. is weightless presentation targets isolated cover, making it a deadly !nesse option. A 10-15 lb uorocarbon leader on a spinning setup provides the necessary balance of stealth and strength. As with other worm techniques, darker colors suit stained water, while natural tones excel in clear conditions.
Flipping a worm is less stealthy but allows precise bait placement in thick cover, such as pad !elds, wood, or dense grass. is method is excellent for working through cover quickly while thoroughly breaking down key sections. Using large Senko-style baits and braided line ensures maximum strength. Weight selection varies from 3/8 oz to 3/4 oz, depending on cover density. Slowing down and targeting overlooked spots can set you apart from other anglers.
Rod and reel choices remain fairly consistent across these techniques. For casting and ipping, a 7’6” medium-heavy to heavy action rod, such as the 13 Fishing Omen Series, paired with a high-speed baitcasting reel like the Concept
A 7:5:1, ensures control and power. For wacky rigs, a 7’3” medium-heavy spinning rod with a quality reel like the 13 Fishing Axum provides sensitivity and strength.
ese big worm techniques have helped me land giants during the spawn, and I hope they do the same for you. Whether !shing Florida’s grass beds or rocky northern structures, these methods are time-tested and e ective. Get out there this spring and hook into some monster bass!
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.
A Legend in Every Blade
The Legacy of the Damascus Steel Spiral Dirk Dagger
In the misty Scottish Highlands, where mountains meet shimmering lochs, the dirk dagger has been a symbol of heritage and honor for centuries. Originating in the medieval battles and clan rivalries, these daggers were not just weapons but treasured heirlooms passed through generations.
One stormy night, a young warrior named Ewan was called to the forge by his grandfather, Duncan, a revered blacksmith. “Ewan,” he began, “our clan’s strength lies not only in our courage but in the blades we wield. Tonight, you will learn the art of crafting a dirk that will carry our legacy forward.”
Ewan selected premium Damascus steel, layering it over 242 times to create a blade with intricate, swirling patterns reminiscent of ancient Highland rivers. Each fold whispered stories of battles won and lost, of honor and sacrifice. He crafted a classic spear point blade with a ¾ tang for enhanced strength and balance, ensuring it stood the test of time and combat.
The handle was crafted from solid Micarta, a material as resilient as the Scottish spirit. Adorned with stainless steel and brass file work, the spacers and guard shimmered like northern stars. The rounded pommel provided perfect balance and a textured grip, making it feel like an extension of Ewan’s hand.
As dawn broke, Ewan held the completed dirk in his hands. Measuring 12 inches overall, with a 7-inch blade, it was more than a weapon; it was a tribute to his ancestors and a beacon of his clan’s legacy.
Ewan’s dirk became legendary, said to cut through the strongest armor, with patterns holding the essence of the Highlands. Today, the Damascus Spiral Dirk Knife stands as a pinnacle of craftsmanship, a modern marvel carrying the spirit of ancient Scottish warriors. It is a legacy reborn, ready to be part of your collection, where every inch tells a story of dedication, tradition, and excellence.
Embrace the legend. Hold the history. Own the Damascus Spiral Dirk Knife today for just $99 plus S&H when using special offer code CA5MDK at checkout. This offer is limited to the first 1,200 orders so be sharp and call up today!
Specifications:
Overall Length: 12”
Blade Length: 7”
Blade Material: Premium Damascus steel, layered over 242 times Tang: ¾ tang for enhanced performance
Handle Material: Solid Micarta with stainless steel and brass file, worked spacers and guard Pommel: Rounded for balance and ergonomic grip
Damascus Spiral Dirk Dagger Knife
Was - $249
Now Only - $99 (plus S&H)
Use o er code: CA5MDK
*California residents please call 1-800 733 8463 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
Genuine Leather Sheath