WINTER FISHING TIPS
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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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Be Your Own Boss!
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MAHALO, RODNEY...
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
On December 11th at 3:00 p.m. the marine industry lost one of its kindest and most heartfelt supporters. A lifelong supporter of environmental awareness, the love of nature and teaching kids how to !sh, Rodney Smith was the earliest proponent of Florida’s groundbreaking net ban. He was the founder and publisher of the original Coastal Angler Magazine, creator and tireless volunteer of its Hook Kids On Fishing Program. Capt. Rodney Smith spent the better part of his life trying to improve the marine environment and sharing the wonders of the art and sport of !shing.
Rodney’s love and kindness was boundless.
Lifeguard, !shing captain, surfer, author, entrepreneur, and friend to all, Rodney Smith’s time on this earth was well spent helping others and showing love to Mother Nature and the marine environment.
Anyone whoever walked with Rodney would have invariably returned with a bag or pocketful of trash that he picked up along the way and then a erwards meticulously separated for recycling. Anyone whoever disparaged anyone else in Rodney’s presence would have immediately heard something positive about that person from Rodney. at’s just who he was.
Loving father, caring husband and faith driven entrepreneur, Rodney’s life was truly exemplary and saintlike. He will be missed, but he will also surely receive the same pat on the back and heartfelt “Good Job” that he gave to so many others while here.
The Water
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Hightlights
Powered by twins, the 20CC runs over 30 knots and cruises efficiently at 20-30 knots.
It’s a versatile, no-frills boat focused on rock-solid performance. Ideal for those needing a reliable, easy-to-maintain platform.
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DISCOVER BOATING MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2025
A BOATER’S PARADISE AWAITS
The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (DBMIBS) is set to return from February 12–16, 2025, bringing an extraordinary showcase of the marine industry. is annual event continues to draw boating enthusiasts, industry leaders, and newcomers alike, o ering a combination of innovation, and community.
Highlights of the 2025 Edition
Spread across six iconic Miami locations—Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande—DBMIBS provides a multifaceted experience.
e Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park will host the latest in marine technology, boating gear, and vessels up to 49’’. On the water, Herald Plaza and Venetian Marina will feature a lineup of vessels, from sleek center consoles to high-performance powerboats.
A Boating Community Experience
e Progressive Boat Show Experience promises an engaging lineup of seminars, boating classes, and the popular AquaZone, an interactive space where attendees can test products and gain hands-on skills. For those looking to elevate their visit, Windward VIP tickets grant access to exclusive lounges, curated dining options, and concierge service.
Digital ticketing ensures a seamless entry process, with water taxis making it easy to explore the show’s sprawling venues. Water taxi tickets are sold separately.
From anglers to luxury yacht a!cionados, the show caters to all corners of the marine world. With its rich blend of exhibits, educational opportunities, and waterfront allure, it remains a must-visit event on the global boating calendar.
For more details and ticket options, visit www.miamiboatshow.com.
Cold Water Winter Fishing for Trout in the Smoky Mountains
By Joe Woody
When winter descends upon the Smoky Mountains, the streams and rivers transform into a serene and picturesque setting. For avid anglers, this season o ers a unique and rewarding opportunity to !sh for trout. Cold water !shing in the Smokies during winter demands preparation, knowledge, and patience, but the solitude and satisfaction of hooking a trout in these crisp conditions make it all worthwhile.
Trout are cold-water !sh, and they remain active during the winter, albeit at a slower pace. eir metabolism decreases as water temperatures drop, making them less aggressive and more selective in their feeding habits. During this season, trout tend to conserve energy by holding in deeper pools or near submerged structures where currents are slow and food is more accessible.
e Smoky Mountains, known for their pristine streams and diverse aquatic habitats, provide excellent winter !shing opportunities. e recent storm damage has not changed that, although access and former topographical structuring may be somewhat altered the !sh have adapted and so will anglers. Rainbow, brown, and brook trout can all be found in the cold, clear waters of this region, with brook trout being particularly prevalent in the higher elevations.
Winter !shing requires careful planning to ensure success and safety. e Smoky Mountains can get bitterly cold in winter. Dressing in layers, including moisturewicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear, is crucial. Gloves and a hat are always a must: Nymphs, midges, and small streamers are excellent choices for winter trout !shing. Patterns like the Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail, and Woolly Bugger o en prove e ective. Since aquatic insect activity is minimal in winter, imitating small and slowmoving prey is key.
clear, low water conditions. Using light tippets (5x or 6x) and uorocarbon leaders can improve your presentation and increase your chances of a hookup.
Focus on deeper pools and areas with slow-moving water. Dead dri ing nymphs under an indicator or slowly
Winter trout can be extra wary due to the
Townsend, this stream is a favorite among anglers for its healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout.
• Deep Creek: Known for its easy access just outside Bryson City, this area o ers a true remote !shing experience with just a short walk up its trail.
• Abrams Creek: Featuring clear waters and ample trout habitat, Abrams Creek is a reliable option for winter anglers
Winter trout are o en more active during the warmer parts of the day. Plan your trip to coincide with midday or early a ernoon. Low, clear water makes trout more alert to movement and noise. Approach the stream cautiously and keep a low pro!le. As any angler in these parts will tell you, always be mindful of slippery rocks and cold water. Wearing wading boots with good traction and a wading belt is essential.
retrieving a streamer can entice a bite. Pay attention to subtle strikes, as trout in winter o en feed so ly.
e Smoky Mountains are home to numerous streams, many of which are accessible year-round. Some top spots for winter !shing include:
• Little River: With easy access near
Fishing for trout in the Smoky Mountains during winter is a serene and ful!lling experience. e combination of tranquil surroundings, reduced crowds, and the challenge of cold-water angling creates an unforgettable adventure. With the right preparation and approach, you can enjoy the magic of winter !shing and make memories that will last a lifetime.
CHARTER BOOKINGS:
CALL THE CAPTAIN!
By Capt Quinlyn Haddon
Ihave been prompted to cover the topic of booking a charter a!er a recent experience I had that could have easily been avoided.
I was asked to work a charter with a company that I had never shed with before. e charter was booked last minute through a booking agency, that I will not directly mention. e notes of the booking repeatedly and clearly requested a full day o shore trip for yellow n. I went to meet with the captain, and helped him rig up for a tuna trip for the following day.
Yellow n tuna are not prevalent in the Florida Keys, but black n tuna are, so we informed the clients of this as we headed o shore in the morning.
Nearing the end of the trip, with a box full of tuna, the clients asked when we were going to get into the yellow n snapper.
e clients had wanted to sh inshore for yellowtail snapper, but they accidentally paid more for an o shore trip, simply because they used a booking agency and didn’t understand that yellow n and yellowtail were di erent species.
If you are wanting to book a charter, please call captains directly! Charter captains do not want to take you out on the water for a boat ride, we want to customize your day so you get the most out of it. Hearing about your expectations and helping answer your questions is paramount in our planning of your trip.
We do not do this job for the money, and most of us are scraping by. We have respect for what a big expense it is to book a charter. We understand that some groups may have saved up a long time to have this experience only once in their lives, and it is extremely important that we give you the trip you are looking for. We might even tell you to rethink the timing of your trip so you can come when your bucketlist sh is most targetable, something a booking agency knows nothing about. ey might be designed to take your money, but that is not what we are about.
If you nd a charter company you like through a shing booking agency, I would recommend going around them and calling a charter captain directly. Chances are that they have raised their prices to stomach the 30% fee the agency takes from them, and you can save money. Alternatively, they have not done so, and a direct call will put the money into the pocket where it belongs.
Booking agencies help ll the calendars, and for a lot of shermen whose strong suits are on the water, booking charters and advertising can be challenging. Some of the best captains have zero online presence. ere are a few agencies who aren’t as greedy as the one from this particular experience, and who may actually have knowledgeable people assisting you with your booking. However, nothing is going to beat speaking with the captain who you are hiring and sharing your day with.
We aren’t scary pirates or too busy to put in that phone time with you, and we are happy to connect with you before you book your trip. Give us a call!
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, Florida Keys - (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
WINTER FISHING: SIZE OVER COLOR FOR SUCCESS T
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
he question of lure size is a common debate among anglers, and while di erent situations require di erent approaches, one thing is clear: sh don’t read shing articles or watch YouTube videos. ey eat when they want, and as anglers, it’s up to us to adapt. In my experience, adjusting lure size is more important than focusing on color—especially in winter shing for coastal species like trout, red sh, and %ounder.
Size vs. Color
When things aren’t going as planned, many anglers immediately reach for a di erent color. However, I nd size to be the more important factor. Fish are typically feeding on prey of a speci c size, not necessarily a speci c color. In my experience, changing the size of the lure is usually more e ective than changing its color. If size doesn’t produce a bite, I might try changing the style of the lure next.
Changes in Estuaries
As winter approaches, our estuaries undergo several changes: cooler water temperatures, shi!ing forage patterns, less boat tra c, and o!en clearer water. ese changes create two schools of thought about lure size: go bigger or go smaller. Some anglers upsize their lures for the entire season, while others prefer downsizing. Both strategies can work, and I will utilize both methods.
Cooling Water and Fish Behavior
Cold fronts trigger cooling water temperatures and unpredictable sh behavior. Unlike the more consistent feeding patterns of stable weather, sh during early winter can make sh moody, switching between aggressive feeding and total inactivity. Late fall and early winter can be some of the best shing of the year, especially when schools of bait are %ushed out by falling tides. Hungry speckled trout and red sh follow these schools, and I prefer using smaller lures in these active feeding conditions. Fish are typically feeding on smaller prey like shrimp or shad, so a similarly sized lure is o!en the best match.
During these times, I also favor non-natural colors. When bait is abundant, sh can more easily spot a contrasting color, helping them target your lure amid the feeding frenzy. is is di erent from spring shing, where matching the color and size of the bait is key. In the fall and winter, standing out with an eye-catching color can be more e ective.
Clearer Water and Smaller Lures
Another reason for downsizing in winter is clearer water. In some bays, water visibility improves signi cantly during the winter, reaching depths of 6-7 feet of clear water. Fish aren’t accustomed to this level of clarity and can be more cautious. In these conditions, a smaller, less intrusive lure will o!en get more bites. When I can clearly see my lure bouncing along the bottom, a small presentation tends to be more successful.
Conclusion
Winter shing requires %exibility. By focusing on size and action rather than color, and adjusting to factors like water clarity and post-frontal conditions, you’ll increase your chances of success. Fish may be moody, but with the right approach, you can adapt and still catch plenty of sh.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT
BY: WADE OSBORNE
FISHING DURING LOW TIDES
During the Winter, the water levels in Tampa Bay drop well below the mean low range. On top of that, the water temperature drops into the upper 50’s to low 60’s. These drastic changes force anglers to modify their tactics.
At the first of the month, the grass flats are basically devoid of fish. Heck, at times they’re devoid of water, too. So where did all the fish go, you may ask?
Considering you can see land in many places, the obvious answer is in the creeks, rivers, channels and residential canals. They are all loaded with fish right now. Whatever species you’re looking for, they’re there!
During the Winter, fishes’ metabolism slows down, making them more sluggish. They also seem to prefer shrimp over live scaled sardines. When buying shrimp at the bait shop, I always go for the medium-sized. The selects are just too big and too hard for most fish to easily consume.
When fishing in the Winter months, I rarely use a float, because I’m fishing in deep water with no grass for the shrimp to get buried in. When free lining shrimp,
I prefer to hook them in the head under the horn, just in front of the black dot, which is its brain. Hook it in the brain, it’s D.O.A. When you cast a shrimp out, just let it swim around naturally for the best presentation and wait for the strike.
Chumming with pieces of shrimp helps trigger a bite and draws fish to my boat. After a day of fishing, I don’t throw out my remaining shrimp, I bag it and freeze it to use for chum. The next time I go fishing, I let them thaw out and break them into pieces to broadcast them into my fishing spot.
Another thing you’ll notice about Winter fishing is that different species seem to mingle more. I guess it’s because there are so few other places with water-there’s no other choice. Clients are catching snook, redfish, seatrout, sheepshead and small black drum in the same spot.
Continued on page 6
BY: CAPT. GEORGE HASTICK
START THE NEW YEAR WITH A BITE
With the water temperatures in the low 60’s, it can slow the bite down but, at the same time, it can concentrate fish in areas to keep themselves warm, which can equal a really good bite. Areas that will hold fish can vary quite a bit depending on how cold it’s been or how many warm days in a row we have had. There are times when the fish will move from deeper water where they have spent the night, to moving up onto an adjacent flat that is very shallow with dark grass that will heat up quickly from the sun, as the day warms up.
The types of fish can vary greatly including snook, trout, redfish, jack crevalle, juvenile tarpon and more. Fish like sheepshead and larger trout like the cooler water and can be a good alternative, if you like fishing for those types of fish. Sheepshead make great table fair and are highly underrated when it comes to a good fight. Larger sheepshead in the 18 to 22-inch range will put up a fight, as if you are catching grouper. On light tackle, it is a great fight with the reward of beautiful, white flaky fillets. Look for the sheepshead to be on rock-
Continued on page 10
Fork and a Knife
The Tampa Bay Area has been graced with a visitor from the South. A rare to the United States, Fork-tailed Flycatcher showed up in December south of Apollo Beach.
These graceful fliers live in Central or South America and, occasionally, one bird will show up in the eastern US. They’re very noticeable in flight with their unusually long, fork shaped tail feathers. They put on quite a display with their tail and wing feathers in flight while eating flying insects.
This bird has created quite the buzz in the birding and photography community with people flocking to see the bird. The bird’s presence is likely either a miscalculation during migration or a returning bird that doesn’t mind going the extra distance in search of insects.
It goes to show that when you get outdoors in Florida, you really don’t know what you just might find. So, get out there this year and find something rare for yourself!
— Captain Wes Tallyn was raised in Florida and is a fisherman, birder, avid outdoors-man, photographer, and environmental scientist. Wes has a focus on conservation and education in the community and is the owner of Snook Jam Outdoors. You can find him on Instagram @ snookjam or call 727-410-5853.
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER
Bait Stealers of Tampa Bay
January is usually the month for one of my favorite Winter species to catch-sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus). An inshore member of the porgy family, sheepshead are a common North American species spanning from Cape Cod down to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. After a long Summer, like we have had this year, it is a good break from catching snook, redfish and trout. I look forward to catching these thieves (often called convict fish of Tampa Bay), for they have a knack of stealing your bait before you even have a chance to feel the bite.
The diet of sheepshead consists of shrimp, fiddlers, small crabs, bloodworms, sand fleas and barnacles. Because of this foraging of crustaceans, sheepshead can most frequently be found around docks, bridges and other similar structures. Sheepshead are great fighters on light tackle, especially the
big females that can range upwards of 12 pounds. These big females migrate in from the Gulf of Mexico to spawn. Based on the water temperature, the females will arrive in mid-to-late December and leave around early March.
Where and how to catch them: Tackle changes, depending on where you are fishing for them. Around bridges and docks, medium spinning tackle, 15-pound test braid line and 25-pound test fluorocarbon leader with a #1 hook will work simply fine. Fish that hang around these areas tend to be smaller, and most are males in the 1 to 3-pound class. The big females, on the other hand, prefer the deeper waters of the bay, hanging around the ledges, wrecks and rock piles in anywhere from 12 to 30 feet of water. They average in size from 4 to 12 pounds. I prefer to use heavier tackle, a 7-foot rod medium action with a 3000 spinning reel with 15-pound test braid line and 20-pound test fluorocarbon leader tie with a loop knot to a 1/0 hook. I use a Texas rig where the sinker slides on the leader just ahead of the hook. I also use a small glow soft bead because, this keeps the
BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
sinker from hitting the knot and the glow beads seem to draw the attention of the larger fish. The weight is based on depth and tide movement. I start with 3/8 oz and can go as heavy as 1 oz. The lighter the weight, the easier it is to feel the bite. If there is not enough weight used, your bait could drift from the bottom, therefor, making it harder for the sheepshead to find it and eat. Another good method, when you are fishing during slack or slow-moving tides, is yellowtail jigs. This is nothing more than a 1/0 weighted hook, the name coming from the Keys where they use them as the word implies for yellowtails on the patch reefs.
How to find the fish: Coast Guard charts are still the best at showing rocky bottom and ledges or wrecks. New software chips, showing the contour of the bottom with rocks and ledges, were not available a few years back. C-Map Reveal and Navionics Platinum to me are the best with C-Map Reveal being a little better.
Locations:
From shore, bridges, docks and rocky areas. On the water, their favorite spots are artificial reefs, wrecks, ledges and rocky bottoms. Remember, the deeper water holds the bigger the fish.
Shore Fishing:
• North side of St. Pete Gandy Bridge--plenty of rocks along the shoreline.
• Weedon Island Fishing Pier sits on an oyster bed--great fishing all year round.
• Skyway Fishing Piers--both North and South piers. South pier you can drift a live shrimp on a cork with outgoing tide over the rock piles from the old bridge. Big sheepshead in Winter months.
Boat Fishing:
• Howard Franklin Bridge rock jetties Tampa side--Gandy Bridge rock piles on edge of channel southside of Gandy Blvd. St. Pete side.
• Port Tampa rocks.
• Rocky seawall north side of St. Pete airport.
• Skyway Bridge large boat finders.
• Range markers.
• Artificial reefs.
• Wrecks
Fishing for the sheepshead can be a fun and rewarding experience. Hooking and fighting an 8 or 10-pound sheepshead will put a big smile on your face. And, if you have kids, they will love the experience.
— Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He also hosts Fishing Adventures Florida TV show airing on YouTube, Waypoint TV, Carbon TV, Outdoor Action, and Angling TV. Owner of Reelfishy.com Charter business covering the west coast of Florida with over 135 captains on staff. For information contact Capt. Sergio at (813) 973-7132 email: atanes@msn.com.
Regarding sheepshead, even though the sheepshead spawning season doesn’t start until February, the cooler water temperatures have them feeding very aggressively. On a recent charter, my clients specifically requested sheepshead, and the day did not disappoint. On the very first cast of the day, they reeled in a 16-inch keeper. Throughout the charter, we must have caught close to 30 sheepshead, along with numerous redfish, seatrout and snook. At the end of the day, they went home with six nice sized keeper sheepshead.
Like I mentioned last month, if you enjoy catching redfish, now is the perfect time to catch plenty. Even though most are rats, (under slot-sized redfish) they are still fun to catch.
The same can be said for seatrout. Clients have been catching some of the largest seatrout of the year, recently. Seatrout school up in the Winter, so when you hit the right spot numerous fish in the 15 to 19-inch slot range can be landed. One thing to keep in mind when handling seatrout is to do so gently. Of all the inshore species in Tampa Bay, they are the most delicate. Unless you’re keeping some for dinner, it’s best to leave them in the water beside the boat, and use a de-hooker to release them. When taking pictures of fish that you plan on releasing, also wet your hands so you don’t remove the protective slime on their bodies. Never, ever, handle a fish with a towel.
Snook are also making their presence known. I’m finding snook mixed in with the redfish and seatrout. Just remember, snook are closed to harvest until March 1st, so it’s strictly catch and release.
With no water on the grass flats, fish only have one place to go--that’s deep. The same can be said for dolphins. If you’re out fishing and one or more dolphins move into your area it’s time to leave--game over. Please do not do what I see too many people do. They will continue to fish and every fish they release gets eaten by the dolphins. Sadly, some people seem to get a kick out of it. It’s best to move on and not continue to train dolphins to target boats with anglers.
Afishionado, “Adventures in Fishing.”
—Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers ecotours with an emphasis on photography. For more info., visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@ afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474
piles in 8 to 15 feet of water, along with bridge pilings, sea walls, docks, under the mangroves and even on the flats. You can catch sheepshead on shrimp, but they rarely turn down a fiddler, tree or mud crab. Be careful, if you are going out and rounding up your own crabs for bait. You do not want to get caught with undersized stone crabs, because they are protected. You are not allowed to take them--just the claws, and they must be 2 ¾ inches long, so you would be staring at breaking the law twice--once for possessing the whole crab and undersized claws. One of the easiest ways to tell a juvenile stone crab is the distinct stripes they have on their legs that the others do not.
Now, back to the species that get moved quite a bit with the colder water temperatures, especially the snook who must do this for survival purposes. Most fish are cold blooded, meaning that their body is only as warm as the water.
Snook are very susceptible to dying, if they get caught off guard by a cold front or fronts in a row and the water temperatures drop fast. If the water temps stay below 55 degrees for days in a row, snook can start to die. This means that along with other fish, like redfish, trout, jacks, tarpon and more, they will congregate in places like power plant outflows, backwater deep residential canals and up inside the rivers. The colder it gets, the further upriver they will go into creeks and canals with dark mud bottoms, deep holes on the grass flat and deep channels--to name a few places to look. So, Winter doesn’t mean the fish aren’t biting, they are just feeding in different areas. Good luck and catch ‘em up.
— Capt. George Hastick of “Fish Hunter Fishing Charters” in St. Petersburg, Fl. is the co-host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report and co-hosts Fishing Adventures Florida which is on five streaming channels and You Tube. He has been fishing the waters of the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years and guiding over 20 years.
New Year! Why Not Learn Something New?
BY: CAPT. T J SHEA
Many of us begin the New Year with resolutions. Kudos to those who are able to stay the course for more than a few weeks. We start them for various reasons; living a healthier lifestyle or being more fiscally responsible. Unfortunately, we don’t hear about resolving to follow our passions or hobbies with as much gusto as counting calories!
For me, I like to kick off the new year with both a personal goal and one which directly correlates with my business. The latter happens to marry up
with many of our readers’ passions. When it comes to the business, I choose an area where I struggle. Something that makes me uncomfortable; yet I know to stay current, I must make progress. Even though I do love dinosaurs, I would never want to be considered one in my industry. I set a plan of attack, make the time, do the research, ask the questions and take notes, so I can stretch myself. I do all this in the hopes of becoming a better captain and improving my business to better serve my clients. I can't think of any reason for the weekend boater or fisherman to not do the same.
With time on the water always limited, our smiles are wider when our fishing rods are bending, rather than waiting for that bite. It's so much better to be offshore or at the sandbar with a cold beverage in our hands than at the dock or boat ramp trying to chase a loose wire or figure out how to fix a bilge pump. Improving our skills in all areas takes effort, whether it be your profession, your passion or just as an escape from your day-to-day life. This year, my resolution is going to be that new thing called social media--keeping our followers up to date on everything we’re doing. Any idea what yours will be?
From experience, I can tell you that, if you are resolute in your resolution efforts, you will reap the rewards on your next offshore adventure (that is, once the icebergs in the Gulf melt away!).
— Capt. TJ Shea. Owner/Operator 2 Shea Fishing and Diving Charters. TJ has been exploring above and below the Gulf of Mexico since he was 8 years old. Contact us at 813-385-2169 and at info@fishanddivetampa.com
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RECIPES
Bloody Mary
Try this nice and easy Bloody Mary and remember you can always use A1 steak sauce and Worcestershire to your liking. I use Clamato juice because it has lots of tasty ingredients already in it.
Ingredients:
• Clamato juice
• Vodk a (your favorite)
• Lawr y’s Season Salt or Everglades Seasoning
• Lemon
• Tabasco
• Celer y
Instructions:
• Rim your glass using lemon and dip into the seasoned salt.
• Pack your glass with ice.
• Add 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of vodka.
• Pour Clamato juice into the glass.
• Add your celery stalk.
• Add your jumbo shrimp.
• If you like it spicy add Tabasco to taste.
These fish can be abundant and, when you find a school of them, it’s often hours of fun that the entire family can enjoy. The daily bag limit for most Florida waters is 25 fish per angler and no size limit. There are some exceptions such as Lake Okeechobee, Lake Talquin, and Lake Griffin, where any crappie under 10 inches must be released. In addition, The Tenoroc and Mosaic Fish Management Areas under FWC management have a bag limit of 10.
Use a light wire #4 hook and a small split shot lead with or without a float, based on the water depth. Minnows are the bait of choice. Speck anglers typically use several rods, fishing at different depths until they pinpoint concentrations of fish. Crappie also readily strike artificials; 1/16 to 1/8 oz. feathered or curly-tail jigs in white, yellow, pink and chartreuse are popular.
I started speck fishing at the age of 14, having spent much of my adolescent and teen years on a large, spring-fed lake in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. My neighbor, John Williams, and I would hit the lake at first light in a tiny john boat and head to our favorite spots. We had one advantage –every Winter, we would gather up all the Christmas trees that were put out by the curb, wrap them tightly with cinder blocks, and sink them in various spots. This created a perfect reef for both bait and predator fish. We’d sink the trees from 15 to 25 feet of water and use a land reference to find them (pre-GPS days).
Another way to find specks is to fish shallow around lily pads. This is a preferred method for many speck anglers, using long man-made or cane
Now is the time to load up on big Speckled Perch (aka “Crappie” as our northern friends call them). As we move into the colder Winter months, the speckled perch bite heats up. It’s a fishery I look forward to every year, from about November through February. These fish are among the best table fare in our freshwater haunts, and an angling tradition passed down from generation to generation.
The native range for Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) in North America extends from Virginia to Florida along the Atlantic coast, and southwest along the Gulf of Mexico from the western panhandle of Florida across to Texas. Black crappie can also be found within the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basins. They have also expanded into much of the westernmost states, as well.
Adult crappie are found in freshwater lakes, reservoirs, ponds, sloughs, backwater pools and streams. They prefer cover, such as vegetation, fallen trees, lily pads and rocks. They often form in large schools, in clear water, among vegetation over mud or sand. In the Spring during spawning season, male crappie begin building nests by clearing sand, mud or gravel from the water bottom in preparation for the egg laying females to arrive. After spawning, male crappie guard the nest for approximately five days, or until the juvenile fish begin to emerge from their eggs and begin to feed.
poles to reach out to the pads, rather than cast. It’s not uncommon to see pontoon or bass boats with 5 to10 poles spread out across the deck. Another method is to slow drift an area until you find the bite. For some it’s not a season, but a way of life. You know who the diehards are when you see boats named: Crappie Coral, Speckled Spotter, Crappie King, Slab City, and so on.
Perhaps the number one reason these fish have such a loyal following is that they are just downright delicious! Their buttery, pure white fillets can be baked, grilled, broiled, etc. But, the number one way to cook up a mess of them, in true southern culture, is to put them to the grease. There’s nothing quite like a plateful of deepfried speckled perch with a side of baked beans and cheese grits to share with friends and family on a cool Sunday afternoon. Just add some sweet tea, some Allman Brothers Band and front porch rocking chairs, and life is good.
— Joshua Broer, a Tarpon Springs native, is the Facility Manager for the College of Arts & Sciences at USF. His specialties include flats and bass fishing, fly fishing, and sea kayaking. Reach him at joshua.broer@gmail.com.
THE LARGEST BOAT SHOW ON FLORIDA’S GULF COAST
RETURNS TO ST. PETERSBURG
January 16-19 at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater – Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park, 400 1st Street S. St. Petersburg, FL
The Annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, Presented by Progressive, returns to St. Pete January 16-19, 2025. This year, after massive boat losses along the storm-tossed coast, residents and visitors welcome the most comprehensive display of vessels to St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront.
For more than 45 years, Informa Markets/U.S. Boat Shows has showcased products from fishing boats to luxury yachts both on land and in the water and a 40,000-square-foot tent housing all types of marine gear. The show attracts boating enthusiasts from all over the state of Florida as well as seasonal visitors to the popular St. Petersburg destination.
The St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, Presented by Progressive is located at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater – Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park, 400 1st Street S. St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online at stpeteboatshow.com. General admission is $22 for adults, and children ages 15 and under attend free. Veterans and active-duty military show proof of military service for a free ticket. The St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, Presented by Progressive hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, January 16-18; and Sunday, January 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To help provide relief to those still reeling from the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, proceeds from boat show ticket sales will benefit Feeding Tampa Bay. In partnership with the Tampa Bay area Emergency Operations Centers, the organization works directly with local emergency management operations to provide food, water, and hygiene items to this area.
Presented by Captain Don Dingman, Hook the Future is a free fishing clinic for children that takes place at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19, for children ages 4-16. All children in attendance receive a complimentary fishing pole. Captain Don has hosted kids fishing clinics at major boat shows and events across the Southeast, teaching thousands
of families how to succeed in fishing while spending quality time outdoors with people you love.
Additionally, all attendees of the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, Presented by Progressive, will have the opportunity to connect with boating experts and learn about the latest features and innovations in the marine industry by viewing more than 300 exhibits.
Follow the St. Petersburg Sailboat and Power Boat Show, Presented by Progressive, on Facebook and Instagram @stpeteboatshow. Follow Informa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/informa-us-boat-shows/.
New Living Shorelines Will Protect Islands by Reducing Erosion
Theislandsareimportant nestinghabitatforavariety ofwaterbirdspecies.
Florida anglers typically find good fishing near mangrove-fringed islands that serve as roosts and nesting sites for wading birds. This fall, exciting activity is underway on a few islands within the Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries of Tampa Bay. The sounds of waves gently lapping the shoreline and occasional calls of resident waders are temporarily being replaced by shouts and the loud thrumming of heavy machinery as new breakwaters are installed.
Many islands in this region have experienced erosion brought on by wave energy from passing ships and coastal storms. In some locations, shoreline scouring is so severe that even mature mangroves are being toppled, and critical nesting habitat is being lost.
In 2019, Audubon Florida completed construction of a mile-long living shoreline breakwater along the Alafia Banks Critical Wildlife Area, leased from and managed in collaboration with The Mosaic Company and Port Tampa Bay as a bird sanctuary. This year, Audubon is installing this nature-based solution around three colonial waterbird nesting islands that Audubon manages in Pinellas County, as well as one in Manatee County, to protect them from the impacts of wave energy. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provided funding for this living shoreline.
“ The combined outcome of these projects will benefit over a dozen species that nest at the islands including state threatened Reddish Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, American Oystercatchers, Roseate Spoonbills, federally threatened Wood Storks, and other iconic species like Brown Pelicans,” says Jeff Liechty, Audubon biologist at Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries.
The breakwaters are ball-shaped structures made of concrete that are specially designed to reduce the amount of wave energy that reaches the shoreline while allowing water to pass through. They are considered “living” because they are made of material that is easily colonized by oysters and other invertebrates that are food for birds and fish.
Another benefit of breakwaters? The structures will improve local water quality by recruiting even more oysters to filter algae and other nutrients from the water as they feed.
A nonprofit conservation organization since 1900, Audubon Florida has worked with local, state, and federal partners to protect wildlife and their habitat at the Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries since 1934.
Cracking The COLD WEATHER CODE FOR REDS & TROUT
Ilove winter fishing. I don’t know if it’s the solitude, the challenge of the elements, or maybe I am just a glutton for punishment. While you may be faced with the occasional skunking this time of year, often, when you crack the code in cold weather, redfish and trout are schooled up and can be downright aggressive.
There are a few things I do differently in the winter that help me trigger bites and find fish. I am guilty of slow fishing or finesse fishing most of the year, but in winter if I think I am going too slow, I go slower. I want the bait to stay in the strike zone as long as possible. I use a combination of slow hops, drags and simple lift-and-drop presentations with my plastic bottom-hugging baits. There are times when I will lighten up my plastics to nearly weightless and go to one of my favorite retrieves, which is a couple sharp twitches and a pause. There are times when I will pause as long as 5 to 10 seconds. One of my favorite baits for this technique is the D.O.A. ¼-ounce shrimp. Allow time for the bait to sink all the way to the bottom. This may take up to 20 seconds in deeper water. All baits sink at different rates depending on current, salinity, profile and weight, so take time to dial in the countdown process, and remember that process!
While I will throw soft plastics most of the time, I still love plugging in the winter. Over the years I have refined my baits to sinking twitch baits like MirrOlures, suspending baits such as the Bomber Long A and a Rapala Countdown in a 9 or 11 size.
By Capt. Tim Cutting
varies much on the Bomber, two twitches and a pause, I work the MirrOlures and Rapalas a tad differently. Both the MirrOlures (TT and 52) and Rapalas are countdown lures. After counting down the MirrOlure, I usually impart a slow pull followed by one simple twitch. I will vary the length of the pull at times and the sharpness of the twitch. I have found that slower is better. The Countdown Rapalas are a tad trickier, but I tend to get bigger fish on this bait. I usually mix it up with a slow swim, twitch, pause, swim, twitch repeat. Depth is relative in different areas, but I have found trout and redfish in waters down to 30 feet. I generally fish in water 6 to 18 feet deep in the winter. I look for isolated deep water such as smaller creeks, canals, industrial docks and deeper bends with debris. I am looking for areas that stay slightly warmer due to protection from the wind or exposure to the sun. Many man-made structures of rip rap, concrete, metal, wood and PVC will often hold heat.
Along with remembering exactly what it was that triggered the bite, location and depth will be critical. More than likely, once you get bit you are going to find a lot more in the same exact spot. For a lot of anglers willing to brave the elements, slow down and cover water, the winter months will be very rewarding.
Capt. Tim Cutting is of Coastal Georgia Inshore Charters. Visit his website at fishthegeorgiacoast.com or call (912) 230-1814.
Stay Up To Date with SALT STRONG ALLIANCE
Ethan’s Strong!
An Inspiring Story and Journey Of Hope And Resilience
In this inspiring video, we introduce you to Ethan, a brain cancer survivor who found strength and peace through his love of fishing. Despite the challenges he faced, Ethan’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and finding solace in the outdoors. Fishing became more than just a hobby—it became a lifeline.
Now, Ethan is part of the Salt Strong Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting our waters and ensuring future generations can experience the same joy and healing that fishing has brought him. Join us as we dive into Ethan’s incredible story, and learn how conservation efforts are making it possible for others to share in the beauty of fishing for years to come.
Win A New Custom Designed Micro Draft Skiff!
We are proud to team up with Micro Draft Skiffs to offer the opportunity to raise money for a great cause! Up for grabs is a new 2025 Micro Draft Skiff!
Measuring 22' in length with a 97" beam, the Micro Draft 22 Extreme is built for versatility across a range of conditions. If you win, you will get the chance to sit down with Micro Draft and build your own custom skiff from the options they offer. Tickets are limited, so ENTER to WIN TODAY!
C.A.S.T For Kids:
An Event That Makes A Difference
This special day with C.A.S.T. (Catch A Special Thrill) for Kids gave children with disabilities the chance to experience the joy of fishing—many for the very first time.
From learning to cast a line to reeling in their first catch, the smiles and excitement were unforgettable. It’s moments like these that remind us what fishing is truly about: creating connections and lasting memories.
SAVE THE DATE! ENTER TO WIN!
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025 we are giving away the Beavertail Mosquito Skiff! Tickets are still available, but HURRY, you don’t want to miss out on your chance to WIN this beautiful Beavertail Skiff!
Salt Strong Tampa
Chapter Meeting –OPEN TO EVERYONE
6:00pm, Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Egypt Shriners Center, 5017 E. Washington St., Tampa, Florida 33619
Salt Strong is more than a fishing club; it is a movement to unite, inspire, and empower anglers nationally. Salt Strong Chapters uphold a mission to create a legacy of trust, conservation, and camaraderie through the sport we love. Salt Strong Chapters are located from Texas to Florida to the Carolinas and offer the opportunity to Meet Local Anglers, Learn from Informative Speakers, Participate in Conservation Activities, and Win Awesome Giveaways. Go to SaltStrong.com and Salt Strong Alliance.com to Learn More.
Dedicated to the preservation of our environment and coastal waterways.
Stay up to date with Salt Strong Alliance saltstrongalliance.com
BRAG BOARD
Shannon Snare with her 36-inch Christmas Day snook. It was measured, admired and safely released...
Alex Leherissier nabbed a baby 38-inch bull shark in the backwaters of the Little Manatee River.
Nikki Hansen caught her personal best mangrove snapper. It weighed in at 6.65 pounds and was reeled in somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico.
This 21-inch redfish was caught by Elisha Jones using an ultralight bass setup while kayak fishing the mangrove lines near EG Simmons Park.
Six-year-old Luca Lemke caught his first redfish, a 22-inch, off Treasure Island after using bait caught with his cast net. He said it was the Best Fish Day Ever!
SEND US YOUR CATCH PHOTOS!
For a chance to be featured on the Brag Board, upload your high-quality photos (at least 1MB) along with all of the catch details at: COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
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By A. deGruchy
GULF FISHING! Wintertime
If you’re looking for an unforgettable start to a 2025 adventure, Islamorada is the place to be. Known as the “Sport!shing Capital of the World,” this gem in the Florida Keys o ers easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, where the waters are packed with some of the most exciting !sh around: cobia and permit.
Cobia are a favorite for good reason. ese !sh are curious, strong, and put up one heck of a !ght. You’ll o en !nd them hanging out near wrecks, buoys, or even %oating debris, and when they bite, you’ll know it. ey can grow up to 60 pounds, so get ready for a battle when one hits your line. ey also make excellent table fare! We are coming up to the best months to target cobia, so de!nitely keep this species in mind when booking a charter.
Permit !shing is next-level stu . ese sleek, silver beauties are as smart as they are strong, making them a bucket-list catch for many anglers. ey love to hang around wrecks and %ats, and they’re picky eaters. ey love crustaceans, but o en get spooked so your casts must be close to perfect. e real thrill of !shing for permit is in the chase. Spotting a permit tailing in the gulf waters, casting just right, and then feeling that line go tight is pure adrenaline. ey’ll test your patience and your skill, but the payo is worth it.
For the ultimate Gulf !shing experience in Islamorada, check out Bean Sport!shing. Capt. Bean specializes in targeting cobia and permit, ensuring a day on the water you’ll never forget. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a !rst-time angler, his expertise and passion for !shing will make your trip both exciting and successful.
To book a charter, visit www.beansport shing.com. You can also nd Capt. Bean on Instagram @bean_sport shing.
THE NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITY
Tim Barefoot
As winter deepens, cooler waters push more !sh o the beaches and toward the warmer edges of the Gulf Stream. With grouper and snapper now o -limits due to regulations, it’s time to shi our focus to productive species still on the table—trigger!sh, vermilion snapper (beeliners), and seabass. For those looking to venture even deeper, deepdropping remains an exciting option.
e December full moon o en marks a turning point in !shing. Grouper and speckled trout seasons wind down, leaving anglers to adapt to what the regulatory environment allows. Fortunately, the stacks of triggers, beeliners, and pelagics in deeper waters o er excellent opportunities. Start your search around the 150-foot mark and use your !sh!nder to locate promising spots.
Tools of the Trade
For precision !shing, modern tools like spot-lock trolling motors—such as the Rhodan or Minn Kota—are game changers. ese motors allow you to hover directly over schools of !sh with ease. However, they can be limited when deploying a kite, as the wind necessary for kite !shing can drain trolling motor batteries quickly. at’s
where anchoring, a classic yet e ective technique, comes into play.
Yes, anchoring may feel like a step back for those spoiled by spot-lock motors, but it’s a reliable method for staying on productive marks without straining batteries. Once anchored, consider adding a kite to your !shing arsenal. Kites are particularly e ective for enticing leader-shy species like yellow!n tuna and wahoo. When properly deployed, they minimize visible leader material in the water, o en resulting in immediate strikes.
Teamwork and Preparation
provide hardy, versatile bait. Supplement your live bait with cast-netted !sh to use as live chum or cut into chunks.
A sabiki rig is another indispensable tool. Jigging up live bait at your !shing spot o en produces exactly what predatory species are feeding on. Don’t hesitate to use small snapper, grunts, or other bait!sh you catch with a sabiki as o erings on your light line or kite. Wahoo, for example, have been known to eat everything from full-sized grunts to snapper. Frozen or fresh Spanish mackerel also make excellent bait for wahoo and tuna.
Successful kite !shing requires teamwork. Assign one crew member to manage the kite and bait while others focus on !lling the cooler with trigger!sh and snapper. Proper setup is essential. Bring live bait from inshore or nearshore waters; cigar minnows, sardines, pin!sh, and menhaden are excellent choices. A pin!sh trap can also
The
Experience Fishing during this time of year is about more than just !lling your cooler; it’s about enjoying the process and making memories. Whether you’re targeting bottom-dwellers like trigger!sh or keeping a light line out for the chance at a wahoo or tuna, the key is to stay adaptable and prepared. As always, take the kids along and capture plenty of videos of your adventures. Fishing is more than just a hobby— it’s a way of life.
For more from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.
Junior Angler Breaks World Record with Massive Payara
At just six years old, Nathan “Bibil” Barreto is already making waves in the angling world! On July 8, 2024, while !shing Brazil’s iconic Juruena River, Nathan landed an incredible 11.79-kg (26-lb) payara. is catch shattered the IGFA Men’s Smallfry World Record for the species.
Nathan hooked the record-setting payara using cut bait, showcasing his growing skills as an angler. A er verifying the weight on a certi!ed scale, he ensured the safe release of this magni!cent !sh. Nathan’s actions not only highlighted his talent but also demonstrated that conservation is a value no angler is too young to embrace.
What Are Smallfry World Records?
e International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has established guidelines for Smallfry World Records to encourage young anglers. Here’s what you need to know:
• Species: Records are maintained for the heaviest !sh of any eligible species.
• Age: Categories exist for male and female anglers aged 10 years and under.
• Weight: Fish do not need to be weighed on land, as long as the weight is veri!ed appropriately.
• L ine Class: Records are recognized for all line and tippet classes covered under IGFA rules.
• Other Rules: All IGFA International Angling Rules apply, except for the standard weighing requirement.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Encouraging young anglers to aim for world record catches—or simply to submit outstanding catches for consideration—o ers a fantastic opportunity to foster a love of !shing. e IGFA’s Smallfry division plays a vital role in promoting the sport among young enthusiasts.
Taking a kid !shing doesn’t just teach them valuable skills—it can improve their lives and create unforgettable memories. Who knows? You might even help them reel in a world record!
For more information on the IGFA Smallfry records division, visit www.IGFA.com.
Braid vs. Monofilament Fishing Line: Which Is Best?
Choosing the right !shing line is crucial for success on the water. Two popular options— braided and mono!lament lines—o er distinct advantages, and your choice o en depends on your !shing style, target species, and conditions. Let’s compare their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
Braided line stands out for its high strength-todiameter ratio. Its thin pro!le allows for less drag and greater line capacity on reels, making it ideal for deep-water !shing. For instance, a 30-pound braid can match the diameter of an 8-pound mono!lament. Mono!lament, while thicker, provides added durability and is o en preferred in situations requiring extra shock absorption, such as battling !sh with sudden, strong runs.
Braid has minimal stretch, giving it superior sensitivity. is makes it perfect for techniques like jigging or bottom !shing, where detecting subtle bites is crucial. It also enhances hook-setting power. On the other hand, mono!lament’s stretch acts as a cushion during hard strikes, reducing the risk of breakage.
Mono!lament generally o ers better abrasion resistance, making it a top choice in areas with rocks or heavy cover. However, it is prone to UV damage over time, which can weaken the line.
Braid is more resistant to UV exposure but can fray easily when rubbed against rough surfaces.
Braided line’s thin diameter and lack of stretch give it an edge for long-distance casting, especially in open water. However, mono!lament’s low visibility underwater makes it advantageous for targeting skittish !sh in clear water. To counter braid’s visibility, many anglers use a uorocarbon leader.
e choice between braid and mono depends on your needs. Braid excels in strength, sensitivity, and casting, while mono shines in shock absorption, abrasion resistance, and stealth. Many anglers carry both to adapt to various scenarios or use a braid mainline with a mono or uorocarbon leader for versatility.
Ultimately, knowing when to use each type can make all the di erence in your !shing success.
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