Coastal Angler Magazine | July 2024 | Treasure Coast Edition

MAHI MADNESS

WORLD RECORD BLACKFIN!

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PUBLISH YOUR OWN FISHING MAGAZINE

By Nick Carter

Trout don’t grow huge on a diet of insects alone, so Budkey fshes 2- to 3-inch-long bait lures to take advantage of the carnivorous tendencies of big fsh. Tese fsh have good eyesight, so he fshes 4-pound-test and said light line can be the diference between catching dozens of fsh or nothing at all.

Now… battling 10-pound trout in current with light line is tricky, to say the least.

“You really have to wear them out. you all the way down the creek and back up it, jumping and thrashing,” Budkey said. “If you try to muscle them, they’ll break you o

SIT THERE AND FOR GIANT TROUT

Part-time guide Stephen Budkey catches a lot of outsized trout fshing the streams of western Pennsylvania. Much of his success with giant 6- to 15-pound rainbows and browns has to do with location, but he also uses some interesting tactics that specifcally appeal to large fsh.

Te setting is on Lake Erie tributaries. Tese streams vary in size, but generally Pennsylvania is known for smaller fows. Te key to their productivity is the lake. Lake Erie feeder streams experience steelhead runs a lot like the rivers of the Pacifc Northwest. Fish grow large gorging on baitfsh in open water before pushing into tributaries in early fall to spawn. Te lakerun rainbow trout in this migration are called steelheads, and there are bruiser brown trout that run up out of the lake, as well. Budkey also has access to a stretch of privately managed tailwater, which is an obvious target-rich environment for very large trout. Regardless of where he’s fshing, he uses tactics and gear that might seem odd to

trout anglers in other regions.

If you’re a snooty fy fsher, set your tweed hat aside for a minute. Tis might not convince you to pick up a spinning rod, but Budkey has an undeniable knack for catching giant trout, and you might just learn or adapt something from his style of fshing.

Reading water in western Pennsylvania is the same as it is anywhere. Trout like the cold, welloxygenated water of broken water and rifes. When targeting large trout, Budkey said he looks for the deepest runs or waterfall holes in the creek he’s fshing.

“I’m talking about creeks that are sometimes just the width of your car, and these fsh will just stack up in there,” he said. “And when they stack up, they really stack up. It’s wild.”

Budkey said clients who are decent anglers can have 25-fsh days that include trout that might weigh 6 to 10 pounds. Most of these trout were originally stocked by the state, but there is some reproduction, and holdover fsh that have been in

To even the odds, Budkey fshes a 10-footlong noodle rod, which is extremely absorb shock during the fght and protect that light line. Another important factor is a big net for landing fsh, and it doesn’t hurt to have someone else to serve as net-man. Sometimes it’s not possible to bring big fsh to hand, and a net man can wade out to get them.

When trout are aggressive, they are super aggressive, Budkey said. He likes a good-old foating Rapala when the trout are actively chasing and fshes a 2-inch F05 or a 2.75-inch F07 tied on with a loop knot. He just throws it into the current, gives it a jerk to get it wobbling and lets it sit there until a fsh crashes it.

If fsh want something on or near the bottom, Budkey fshes jigs. Trout Magnet jigheads in 1/32 and 1/64 ounce—the lightest you can get away with—paired with Gulp! sof plastics are deadly. Trout are suckers for these scented plastics, and he likes the 2.5- and 3-inch minnows as well as Killer Crawlers and Pinched Crawlers.

Te technique with the jigs is slow. Budkey said he just wiggles the rod tip to give the lure some action.

“It’s almost like I don’t want to move the jig toward me very much, at all. I just want it to sit there and wiggle,” he said. “It’s like shaking a donut in someone’s face at the gym. Tey can’t handle it. Tey’ll run out and grab it.”

Afer the take, it’s time to start worrying about how to battle that fsh to the net on super-light line. Budkey said that is the most fun part of trout fshing, and he loves nothing more than showing other people how to experience it.

See some of Budkey’s tactics on YouTube @FishFightsPA.

NOAA PROCLAIMS RIDICULOUS ONE-DAY SNAPPER SEASON

In mid-June, NOAA Fisheries announced a one-day recreational season for red snapper in the South Atlantic. Although there was widespread grumbling and gnashing of teeth by recreational anglers, it did not come as a surprise to pretty much anyone.

First the season: Red snapper harvest will be open for recreational anglers in the South Atlantic, from North Carolina through Florida, on July 12. Te limit is one fsh per angler.

Te date is subject to change in case a small craf weather advisory is projected. Any change in the date of the recreational season will be announced in the Federal Register, Fishery Bulletin, and an announcement via NOAA Weather Radio.

Now the reasoning: In 2008, NOAA’s stock assessment indicated red snapper in the South Atlantic were in bad shape and devastatingly overfshed. Over the last 16 years, NOAA has essentially shut down recreational fshing for the species, and catch limits for commercial fshing have been kept very low. Not surprisingly, it worked! Populations rebounded to the point where data indicates red snapper are now more plentiful in the South Atlantic than at any time since such data existed. What’s more, the fshery continues to improve ahead of the projected recovery timeline.

Tis year, instead of allowing greater access to the fshery, NOAA decided to tighten already draconian restrictions. Te overall quota for red snapper was cut by 25 percent for 2024. As the fshery has improved, recreational anglers have gone from a ridiculously short fve-day season in 2019 to an absurd one day of fshing in 2024.

According to NOAA Fisheries, the red snapper fshery is in a “recovery trap.” Abundant red snapper have led to increased incidental catches by anglers, and NOAA extrapolates that data into a formula for catch-and-release mortality. Basically, they’re telling us that there are so many red snapper that anglers are killing too many of them by catching and releasing them.

Te result is tighter regulations in an infexible system, where highly questionable data is used to shut down access to a public resource. We’re not even going into numerous occasions in recent years when NOAA has been forced to admit its data is shockingly fawed.

According to the American Sportfshing Association, work is underway to improve data collection for the South Atlantic red snapper fshery.

In the meantime, try not to get in a boat wreck during the one-day mad dash to catch your one red snapper from the Atlantic. Or you can just trailer your boat to the Gulf of Mexico, where the states fnally managed to bludgeon some sense into federal fsheries managers a few years ago.

For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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TO IMPROVE YOUR OFFSHORE GAMEPLAN READ WATER

Welcome to the best day of the week—the day before your next fshing trip! If you’re going ofshore tomorrow, it’s time to make a game plan, and a look at current Sea Surface Temperature (SST) charts is the frst step. With knowledge of accurate surface temps, chlorophyll imagery and other environmental factors, you can home in on areas that are likely to hold baitfsh and feeding predators.

By Mark Ambert

to consider when targeting gamefsh. It provides shelter and feeding opportunities for all marine life. While you can stumble upon fsh just about anywhere in the ocean, you’ll locate more on and around structure.

Large underwater structure defects current and pushes nutrient-rich water toward the surface, creating areas where bait concentrates and holds. Also remember that weed lines are a key form of structure on the edges of the Gulf Stream.

A reasonably priced satellite service is a small price to pay when compared to rising fuel prices and time spent running in search of gamefsh. Here are a few of the factors SST charts can help you decipher and improve the odds of fnding fsh.

Color Breaks: Te boundary areas between blue and green water, ofen referred to as color breaks, will typically stack up bait and hold above-average numbers of gamefsh.

Chlorophyll is the beginning of the food chain for marine life. Find it and you have a good chance at locating bait and fsh. Temperature and chlorophyll breaks ofen correspond with color changes. So, once you’ve reviewed the images and located the general area of a color break, this becomes an area of interest.

Structure & Current: Structure is critical

If you can fnd a color change that corresponds with structure, this is where you want to begin fshing. If everything lines up, there’s a good chance upon arrival that you’ll see marine life including birds, porpoise, fying fsh and other bait. Tis doesn’t mean you won’t catch fsh in of-colored water, but there’s a much better chance you’ll fnd concentrations of bait in or around the edges of areas where green and blue water interact.

Tides from inlets also play a role in water clarity, creating rips and weed-line formation. Bait will concentrate along the edge, especially where this water pushes up against the waters of the Gulf Stream. Look for these demarcation lines on incoming and outgoing tides.

Learn to read these vital signs both on and of the water using charts. If you can consistently

fnd areas that hold bait, you’ll always have a shot at your quarry. You will have become a top predator!

Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefshing_™

ENTER TO WIN

By Mark Ambert

JIGGING UNDER POWER!

The electric reel is a game changer for highspeed jigging. Electric provides some distinct advantages in comparison to hours spent manually cranking jigs at high speed through the water column.

With this style of jigging, I’m talking about working heavy jigs for big fsh on deep structure. Te key to catching fsh is fnding areas that consistently hold bait. Look for reefs, hills, and larger wrecks in deep water that hold baitfsh. Tis is where you’ll fnd feeding fsh.

Check your sonar screen frequently and look for “scratches” or fsh feeding in the water column. We usually assign one person to call out depth changes along with depth of marked fsh. Tuna can be found from 250 feet up to the surface. Highspeed cruisers like wahoo and kingfsh prefer the upper 50 feet of water, while amberjack will be close to structure. Jigging and adjusting depth to target fsh is more efcient under electric power, and the most difcult part of the electric game is picking the right equipment that works together.

Simplicity, along with reasonable size and weight, are key considerations for long days targeting big game fsh. I landed on the Piscifun Kraken X electric reel, and it has become indispensable in my arsenal.

Te Kraken is moderately priced and uses the same proven Japanese motor technology as many of its competitors. Te 33 pounds of max-drag were put to the test unexpectedly in the reel’s frst trip during a battle with the ultimate slugger—a 40-pound-class amberjack. Tey’re not called “reef donkeys” for nothing! Tis reel made short work of that AJ without heating up or momentarily shutting down, which is a common issue for overtaxed electric reels. I fsh a lef-handed model when high-speed jigging, and the Piscifun PB5000 battery pack provides all-day power and complete

mobility around the boat.

Te Kraken mates perfectly with the Goofsh Monster Deep PE4-7. It’s a 7-foot rod that handles a maximum jig weight of 700g. It can deadlif 44 pounds, and has held up to some signifcant adversaries without being too heavy.

I spool all my reels with FINS braid. I use the 45/6, which has 45-lb. breaking strength and the diameter of 6-lb. monoflament. Tis matches the reel specifcations while adding line capacity. Te thin diameter also cuts through the water with little resistance, which is critical for vertical jigging.

On the business end, I use jigs in the 180-to320g range but can go as heavy as 700g if needed to reach bottom. I use a 50-lb. wind-on leader from Sufx. My go-to jigs are from Williamson, under the Rapala family of lures. Rapala also owns VMC,

so these lures are equipped with high-quality hardware. I use Koika, Kensaki, Vortex, Abyss and Benthos jigs.

With these in your arsenal, you can cover any situation and depth. Make sure to purchase glowin-the-dark options along with high visibility and natural colors. Purchase your favorites in multiple size ranges from light to heavy, and you’re set!

With an electric reel, you can easily alternate jigging retrieves from a slow yo-yo motion, which mimics a wounded baitfsh, to a full-on high-speed assault, which triggers the bite refex. Experiment with diferent techniques and settle on the one that works best on any given day.

Make sure the drag is set like any other star drag reel with the ability to pay out line when a big fsh slams your ofering. Once hooked up, use the electric motor to apply constant pressure. I fnd this is more efective for wearing a fsh down than manually pumping the rod while reeling.

Most of all, experiment with your new rig. It will open a world of new options and make your days much more enjoyable. I alternate between the powered setup and a quality spinning rod setup specifcally for jigging.

I personally have over 400 hours of hardcore jigging on this combination without a single point of failure. Now get one on the water and enjoy your new-found passion!

Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefshing_™

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Blackfin Schools are Still Here!

By Emily Hanzlik

Just in case you missed the frst few runs of blackfn tuna that made it to south Florida, they’re still around, and this month I’d like to share some information and tips about targeting this amazing eating fsh.

Blackfn are very easy to distinguish from other tuna species. Like all tuna species, they are football shaped with smooth scales. Unlike yellowfn, blackfn do not have elongated dorsal or anal fns. Tey have a black stripe running along the top of their back. Most blackfn caught around here weigh between 5 and 10 pounds and measure in the 20- to 30-inch range.

Tese tuna are found from Massachusetts down into Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico. Within these regions they will almost always be found in schools. Tese schools can be found in a variety of water depths which varies due to current and water conditions as well as the presence of baitfsh. However, they will typically not venture past 200 feet.

Since blackfns are highly migratory fsh and are constantly moving, they can’t exactly be targeted of reefs and other structures, like some other species. However, they do feed primarily on baitfsh and hunt prey like grunts, threadfns, blue runners or even pinfsh, and many times structure is what consolidates these baitfsh. Tuna schools can ofen be found wherever the bait schools are, and they tend to stick around for a while as they clear out all the baitfsh in an area. Tere are occasions when they will also eat squid or shrimp that foats past them.

Of Florida, blackfns spawn from April to September. When they spawn, the schools of blackfn move farther ofshore and participate in broadcast spawning. Te purpose of moving ofshore is to make sure that the eggs stay adrif in the Gulf Stream and don’t get pushed inshore. However, since the eggs and young tuna spend a majority of their life ofshore, this creates opportunities for predators such as mahi-mahi, skipjack tuna, sailfsh, birds, and of course sharks.

Tere are many ways to target blackfn tuna. I like to drif fsh for them with whatever bait is prevalent and available, whether it’s blue runners, sardines or threadfns. A typical spread for drifing might include two weighted downlines—one for the middle of the water column and one deeper— and a couple of freelines, one on each corner. Kites are another great way to present baits on the surface. With a spread like this, you’ll cover the water column from top to bottom and have a good chance of putting baits in a school of hungry blackfns. If you don’t love live bait, slow-pitch jigging around reefs is also an option. Either way, you never know what else you’ll catch while fshing for tuna.

Remember, fshing is called fshing and not catching for a reason. Try and try again until you succeed! Te IGFA all-tackle world record blackfn tuna weighed 49 lbs., 6-ozs. It was caught of Marathon, Florida back in 2006.

Emily Rose Hanzlik has caught more than 60 IGFA world records in various categories. Find her on

media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

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GREATEST SNOOK STORY EVER TOLD THE

Every fsherman has a story of the “one that got away.” In my case, the “one that got away” story is of an ongoing battle that became personal.

One fall morning in central eastern Florida, I was fshing under a dock with a Zara Spook. During my retrieve, an explosion broke the water in a way I had never seen in 35 years of fshing. I stood in shock as line peeled of my 4000-size Penn Battle II combo. When the fsh jumped, I saw it was in the mid-40-inch range, and as is frequently the case with big snook, she played with me for a while before bolting into the pilings to break me of. Tis monster would have been my personal-best.

A few weeks passed before I returned to the same dock. Tis time I went armed with a paddletail. Maybe 15 casts in, she bit. I could tell right away it was the same fsh because of the way it fought and because it hit in the exact same location. Speaking of the same, she did the same thing and broke me of in the pilings.

Would you believe me if I told you it happened again? Well, you better, because it happened six more times! Afer the fourth break-of, as I was walking along the shore, I found the Spook I lost the frst time I hooked the fsh.

I told you it became personal. Over the next

four months, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. fve or six days a week to fsh the same spot.

By Brian Dapelo

I ended up having a total of seven hook-ups and break-ofs with that fsh before I went back to the drawing board.

I geared up to a Penn Battle II 5000 rigged with 30-pound braid and a 50-pound mono leader. I changed lures to a Zman MinnowZ pinned to a ¼-ounce DOA red long-shank jighead. My logic was the long shank would give space between the hook point and the leader, which kept getting frayed by the fsh’s teeth or sliced by the gill plate.

On the morning of Aug. 11, on the third cast of the day at the same spot, my lure just stopped. As I came tight, I saw the head of a snook. As it got closer, it kept getting bigger, and when I gave my rod a hard tug, the fsh didn’t even fght. It swam straight to the shoreline. I knew right away it was THE ONE! I worked quickly to measure and photograph

the fsh so I could release it safely. It was 44 inches, without the tail squeezed.

We all have stories of the ones that got away. How many can say they’ve had the same fsh get away seven times, only to land it eight months later in the same spot?

Got a great fshing story? Write it up and send it with a few photos to editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com. We might just share it with the world.

COASTAL ANGLER

TREASURE COAST

EDITION

Serving outdoors enthusiasts in Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.

FLEET OF 131 FISH SEBASTIAN EXCHANGE CLUB’S 2024 BLUE WATER OPEN

The 30th Annual Sebastian Exchange Club Foundation’s Blue Water Open Charity Offshore Fishing Tournament was a great success again this year! The event took place Saturday, June 8th after being rescheduled by the Small Craft Advisory on June 1st. A fleet of 131 registered boats fished in calm seas. The weigh-in was dominated by large amberjack, grouper and kingfish, as the following results indicate.

The main board fish categories were dolphin, amberjack, kingfish and grouper, and all 12 positions were filled. A bonus board gave fishermen who didn’t make the main board an additional 15 places to win some cash.

Dolphin: First place with an 18.55 pounder went to Easy Drinkin, Capt. Joel McKenney, second place, 17.29 pounds caught on The Mahi Malitia, Capt. Josua Madson, and third place, 17.07 pounds, aboard Real Estate 2, Capt. Justin Kessler.

Amberjack: First place, 41.87 pounder, on Sundance Kid, Capt. Scott Lambeth, second place, 38.58 pounds, on Filet Show, Capt. Justin Ambrosia, and third place, 36.88 pounds, on Rock Bottom, Capt. Brent Oakley.

Kingfish: First place, a massive 62.01 pounds, on Fish Reaper, Capt. Don Lamb, second place, 50.38

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2024 Top Junior Angler Dawson Boswell caught the third place kingfish at 49.22 pounds.

COASTAL ANGLER TREASURE COAST

JULY

12F 1:26 AM 2.12 H

7:34 AM 0.26 L

1:56 PM 2.02 H

7:51 PM 0.45 L 13SA 2:06 AM 2.04 H

8:19 AM 0.27 L

2:45 PM 1.98 H

8:41 PM 0.55 L

14SU 2:49 AM 1.97 H

9:07 AM 0.27 L

3:38 PM 1.97 H

9:34 PM 0.6 L 15M 3:38 AM 1.92 H

9:58 AM 0.24 L

4:35 PM 2 H

10:29 PM 0.62 L 16TU 4:32 AM 1.91 H

H

3:26 PM -0.29 L 10:14 PM 2.49 H 7SU 3:55 AM 0.16 L 10:19 AM 2.29 H 4:11 PM -0.21 L 10:55 PM 2.44 H

8M 4:40 AM 0.17 L

11:02 AM 2.25 H

4:55 PM -0.09 L

11:34 PM 2.38 H

9TU 5:24 AM 0.19 L

11:45 AM 2.19 H

5:37 PM 0.04 L

10W 12:12 AM 2.3 H

6:07 AM 0.21 L

12:27 PM 2.13 H

6:20 PM 0.18 L

11TH 12:49 AM 2.21 H

6:50 AM 0.23 L

1:11 PM 2.06 H

7:04 PM 0.33 L

10:49 AM 0.18 L 5:34 PM 2.06 H 11:23 PM 0.59 L 17W 5:31 AM 1.95 H

11:41 AM 0.08 L

6:32 PM 2.16 H

18TH 12:15 AM 0.52 L

6:29 AM 2.03 H 12:32 PM -0.04 L

7:26 PM 2.29 H

19F 1:05 AM 0.43 L

7:25 AM 2.15 H

1:21 PM -0.17 L

8:17 PM 2.43 H

20SA 1:53 AM 0.31 L

8:18 AM 2.28 H 2:10 PM -0.28 L

9:05 PM 2.56 H

21SU 2:41 AM 0.18 L

9:09 AM 2.41 H

2:58 PM -0.36 L 9:52 PM 2.67 H

22M 3:29 AM 0.05 L 10:00 AM 2.53 H

3:47 PM -0.38 L 10:37 PM 2.73 H

23TU 4:17 AM -0.07 L 10:51 AM 2.61 H 4:37 PM -0.34 L 11:22 PM 2.74 H 24W 5:07 AM -0.17 L 11:43 AM 2.65 H

5:28 PM -0.24 L 25TH 12:08 AM 2.71 H

5:58 AM -0.23 L 12:36 PM 2.64 H

6:21 PM -0.09 L 26F 12:55 AM 2.63 H 6:51 AM -0.24 L 1:31 PM 2.6 H 7:18 PM 0.07 L 27SA 1:45 AM 2.52 H 7:48 AM -0.22 L 2:30 PM 2.53 H 8:18 PM 0.23 L 28SU 2:39 AM 2.41 H 8:47 AM -0.17 L 3:32 PM 2.46 H 9:21 PM 0.36 L 29M 3:38 AM 2.31 H 9:49 AM -0.12 L 4:37 PM 2.41 H 10:25 PM 0.43 L 30TU 4:41 AM 2.26 H 10:51 AM -0.09 L 5:43 PM 2.39 H 11:26 PM 0.46 L 31W 5:46 AM 2.25 H 11:50 AM -0.08 L 6:44 PM 2.42 H

updates

TWO-DAY

MINI LOBSTER SEASON

SET FOR JULY 24-25

The 2024 spiny lobster season opens with the two-day recreational mini-season on July 24 and 25, followed by the regular commercial and recreational lobster season, which starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31, 2025.

Learn more about bag limits, size limits, where to harvest and other regulations at MyFWC.com/ Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Lobster,” under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab. If you plan to lobster in the Keys, another great resource is the Monroe County Tourist Development Council website KeysLobsterSeason.com.

Don’t forget to get your license and spiny lobster permit at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Looking to keep up to date on Florida’s saltwater fishing regulations? Find them on the Fish Rules app. Learn more at FishRulesApp.com or follow Fish Rules at Instagram.com/ FishRulesApp or Facebook.com/ FishRulesApp.

If bully netting this season, please keep lights directed toward the water and avoid shining them

at houses or people along the shoreline. Please be considerate of others by keeping sound levels low when near shoreline residences.

Don’t forget to use care around

SEBASTIAN (INLET)

TIME OFFSET

High Tide -48 min

Low Tide -24 min

HEIGHT OFFSET

High Tide .93 feet

Low Tide 1.0 foot

JENSEN BEACH (INDIAN RIVER)

TIME OFFSET

High Tide +2 hrs; 17 min

Low Tide +3 hrs; 4 min

HEIGHT OFFSET

High Tide .48 feet

Low Tide .92 feet

VERO (OCEAN) TIME OFFSET High Tide -55 min Low Tide -35 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.45 feet Low Tide 1.36 feet

ST. LUCIE INLET TIME OFFSET High Tide +55

Low Tide +1 hr; 42 min

HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1 foot Low Tide .50 feet

FORT PIERCE

TIME OFFSET

High Tide -31 min

Low Tide -18 min

HEIGHT OFFSET

High Tide 1.14 feet

Low Tide 1.50 feet

JUPITER INLET

TIME OFFSET

High Tide -10 min

Low Tide -9 min

HEIGHT OFFSET

High Tide 1.08 feet

Low Tide 1.42 feet

PHOTOS CREDIT: MyFWCMedia.

corals and other marine life. FWC launched the Florida Coral Crew to engage sportsmen and women in the effort to combat Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Before you go out looking for lobster, you can sign up to join the crew at FLCoralCrew.com.

LEFT: Spiny lobsters must have a carapace length greater than 3 inches to be taken during the open seasons, and divers must possess a measuring device and measure all lobsters in the water. BELOW: This is a female without eggs. The little swimmeretts cover the area where there would be eggs if she had any. If you see red roe, throw the lobster back so there will be MORE lobsters.

Be safe when diving for lobster. Wear a life jacket when underway and do not drink and boat. When lobstering in open water, divers should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device if near an inlet or navigation channel. Boat operators traveling within 300 feet of a diversdown flag or device in open water or within 100 feet of one on an inlet or navigational channel must slow to idle speed. For more information, visit MyFWC. com/Boating/Regulations and click on “Divers-down Warning Devices.”

More on how to measure: myfwc.com/fishing/ saltwater/recreational/lobster/.

MARTIN COUNTY OFFSHORE

Capt. Scott Fawcett

Off the Chain Fishing Charters (772) 285-1055 offthechainfishing.com fishscottyf@bellsouth.net

It’smore than fireworks and sparklers this July. Sailfish, blackfin tuna kingfish, dolphin and wahoo showcase a month-long finale off our coast this month. Huge schools of threadfin herring, sardines, and pilchards along the beach make bait fishing easy on most days and you don’t need to go far from there to find the action. Kings, bonito, cobia, even sails and the occasional mahi will make their way into the bait schools along the beach this time of year. Jacks, snook, and tarpon will be attacking it from the other side.

Current edges, color changes and temperature breaks, especially over bottom structure, or reef lines in depths from 40-240 feet will have the fishing migrating and

feeding along them. Expect slow spells consistently interrupted by mass action as you drift to the north fishing over bait and bottom. Keep an eye out for mahi pouching flying fish and in the grass, sailfish swimming on the surface and followers when you’re hooked up.

I’ve always been so impressed with the side imaging of our Humminbird Apex units while we’re catching bait and looking at bottom structure. But it’s a huge advantage on these calm days while you’re drifting land bump trolling live baits. Knowing there is a fish off to the side and being able to identify if there is a second or third fish in

the area while you’re hooked up has proved to be a huge help in hooking multiples.

Obviously equally as important is a good set of polarized sunglasses. We all use Costa Del Mar with the 580 lenses which come in a variety of shades helping us in all conditions along with protecting our eyes. Being able to see deep into the water and having early warning when a fish is near is a huge advantage and will aid in your hook up a bunch.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different than the nearshore action of sails and dolphin, July is also a great time of year to go for

swordfish or make a family trip over to the Bahamas in search of tuna, marlin, dolphin, wahoo, and everything else. Please give me a call to book your offshore, or inshore fishing adventure. With three boats we have availability! Come fish with me, Capt. Victor Ferrato, and Capt. Jimmy Peterson aboard our 39 Contender with Seakeeper and tower, 32 contender with mini tower and Minnkota trolling motor, or our 22 Pathfinder with trolling motor and side imaging also. Whatever fishing trip you decide to do this July, I hope it’s Off The Chain!

PHOTOS CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.

MARTIN COUNTY INSHORE NEARSHORE

Capt. Jonathan Earhart

Chaos Fishing Charters (772) 341 – 2274

www.chaosfishigcharters.com jon@chaosfishigncharters.com

Fishing this month, we can expect some great inshore snook and tarpon action.

Large snooks will be in spawn mode near local inlets and passes. These large schools of snook will be easy to locate with side scan imaging on your multifunction display (MFD) near most inlets and along local beaches. Fishing large live white bait or dead bait on the bottom will produce bites if you’re patient.

Tarpon fishing is excellent in the river along deeper channel edges and

MARTIN COUNTY DEEP SEA

Capt. Rocky Carbia

Safari I Deep Sea Fishing

Pirates Cove Resort and Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno

Reservations: (772) 334-4411 www.safari1deepseafishing.com

The anglers of July will wake up early with their game faces on, to take on their scaley opponents upon the salty, summer playing field, offshore of Martin County. The ocean’s all-star roster of fish adversaries will include bottom species like snapper, grouper and amberjack, along with summertime surface pelagics like

near local inlets as well. Soaking a live mullet or a live crab will produce bites. Expect some very large jack crevalle, sharks, permit, and even the occasional cubera snapper as bycatch while targeting tarpon. Early morning or late afternoon/evening trips will provide more action from fish that are more actively feeding and make the summer heat more tolerable for us while fishing.

Nearshore fishing is heating up for tarpon, snook, jack crevalle, kingfish, and permit. If you are targeting permits for the day, bring some live crabs as they will be your bait of choice for this particular species.

Cruising nearshore expect to find large schools of a variety of different species this month. Once you locate a school of hungry fish, I suggest using topwater lures, spoons, diving plugs, or live bait; these all work well for sight fishing. Cast to the lead fish of the school, retrieve, and hold on!

mahi, king mackerel, and sailfish, just to name a few.

Cobia will also be found throughout the water column this month and are likely to be seen swimming along with large sharks, rays and turtles near the surface. Live baits, as well as four-ounce. green/ chartreuse lead head jigs will work best for sight casting to a “trailing” cobia.

Early morning or crack of dawn starts to one’s fishing day will be essential during the hot days of July, as Florida’s rain-soaked tropical season and daytime heating will spawn the potential for dangerous afternoon thunderstorms which frequently pack killer lightning and high velocity down draft winds, that can turn a calm ocean into

Kingfish, bonito, sharks, and even a random sailfish are also hanging nearshore around large bait pods. Sabiki baits and drift fish around

said schools for additional variety this time of year.

a frightening maelstrom of large, steep waves in a matter of minutes. Knowing this, fishing crews will keep a wary eye to the sky and monitor available radar loops to best make strategy decisions in relation to

approaching summertime storms. With safe fishing strategies in place, anglers will be able to enjoy the versatile fish games of July and attempt to come out on top of their fish rivals.

Light wire leaders will help for kingfish and sharks. Tight lines!

PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Jonathan Earhart.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY OFFSHORE

Capt. Bo Samuel

Pullin Drag Charters (772) 971-6661

facebook.com/Pullin-Drag-Charters catainbofishing@gmail.com

Hi, Treasure Coast Anglers, summer is o-fish-ally here and July promises to be just as hot and fishy as June. Keep an eye out for our typical afternoon thunderstorms, but don’t be afraid to get out for some great trolling and bottom fishing action this month. I can tell you that the “coolest” place to be is on the boat! Plus, the fishing off Fort Pierce continues to be very productive and the anglers I take out are consistently taking care of that salty grocery list.

We have it all here on the Treasure Coast: snapper, grouper, amberjack, mahi, kingfish, sailfish, and more. With milder winds and calmer seas plus good bait to be found, successful fishing comes a little

easier now. Muttons and mangroves continue hitting in 50 to 100 feet of water with some monster mangroves in the 10-to-12-pound range being reported. Slow trolling live bait is a proven way to target kingfish during these summer months. Be aware that a smoker king can make an incredible run so enjoy the challenge and make sure your gaff is handy.

Summertime sails are definitely in the mix and a sail hookup will really bring the excitement. Sailfish move inshore to shallower waters in the summer to spawn.

The big news from June 11th is that NOAA Fisheries announced the Atlantic red snapper harvest date of July 12th. Only one day is being granted this year as NOAA says

the Atlantic stock is still overfished and still in the rebuilding program. Anglers will be out in full force to take advantage of this one day for harvest because while red snapper are frequently caught during the year, they can only be kept on the one granted day.

July also brings one of Florida’s saltiest traditions to the forefront, the highly anticipated two-day lobster mini-season. Always the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month, mini-season kicks off the upcoming regular lobster season that begins August 6th. You can expect significantly more boat traffic and lots of divers in the water, so extra caution is required. I know several amazing anglers who are divers, too, but if you’re not a diver and love our Florida lobster, trade some scales for tails. It doesn’t get any fresher.

Celebrate the freedoms we enjoy by having a blast catching awesome fish! Visit Todd at DeBrooks Fishing Corner for your bait and tackle needs and tell him Pullin Drag sent you. When you’re ready to make some salty memories, just call me or come visit at my home base of Little Jim Bait & Tackle where the staff/servers are the best in the Fort. Stay safe and stay thankful for the freedom to keep Pullin Drag!

PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Bo Samuel.

JST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE

Capt. Adam White

St. Lucie Flats Fishing Charters (609) 820-6257

www.stlucieflatsfishing.com

uly arrives on the Treasure Coast!

This year has gone by so fast already. Enjoy the Fourth of July this year and get out fishing. Look for hot weather as things heat up for summer and water temperatures will approach 90 degrees.

This year we have had quite a bit of grass growing back in the river. With the grass we have been finding a few trout in the northern area of the Treasure Coast. Round Island, the Moorings, all the way to the 17th Street bridge in Vero have a few fish around. Is it like 10 years ago, no, but there are enough to where you’re not hopelessly throwing soft plastics

ST. LUCIE COUNTY DEEP SEA

Capt. Scotty Gold

Miss Fort Pierce Fishing (772) 766-0191 www.fortpiercefishing.com

As July is upon us, hopefully we will move into a better weather pattern than June has provided. It appears the bottom fishery is running about a month behind schedule. The

all day as an exercise in futility. Looking for signs of life will put you in the right areas. Whether it’s schools of minnows, mullet, wading birds, or pelicans can be keys to an area that’s holding fish. Small topwaters like a size 08 Skitterwalk is a good predawn search bait then move to soft plastics or MirrOdines after the sun gets high.

Around the inlet you can find quite a bit of action throughout the whole month. Watch for the glass minnow schools to flood into the river and you will find lots of action surrounding these small baitfish! Jacks, Spanish mackerel and bonito are a few of the fish that love to feast on the glass minnows. Bridges will be producing snapper, drum and sheepshead during July. Live or dead shrimp will be hard for them to resist. There will be larger snapper in the river around structure and along channel edges. Watch the tides and fish the slower sides of

mangrove and mutton snapper bite are starting to take place and in all the usual areas. The mangroves should be found on the rough peaks and drop offs on the reef and the mutton on the sand around the reef rocks and wrecks. Continue to fish the conventional way with 30-to-40pound test fluorocarbon with 10- or 12-foot leaders for the mangoes and 40 to 60 pound and 20-to-30-foot leaders for the muttons.

Unfortunately, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA)

them for best results. Whiting will continue to be in the surf with the occasional bluefish and Spanish mackerel.

I am a get out early and get back early type of person throughout the summer if I am staying in the river. It gets downright sweltering hot. Keep a sharp eye on the weather as we get later in the month. The typical afternoon storms start earlier in the day and it’s never fun when one “pops” up between you and the ramp.

has only given the fisherman on the southeast coast one day of red snapper fishing. Look to find your fish in 100 to 120 feet of water on the highest sharpest parts of the reef.

This month is exciting for us as we continue Sunday, July 7 with our 12-hour mutton mango marathon from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. which is limited to 20 people. Following that, we will have our two red snapper extravaganza trips, one departing on Thursday night, July 11, at 9 p.m. returning at 8 a.m. The second trip will be on Friday, July 12, from 10 a.m. returning at 9 p.m. The trips are all limited to 28 people.

We will continue to sail our daily schedule seven days a week at 7 a.m. for our all-day trips and will continue our Wednesday and Friday afternoon trips from 4 p.m to 11 p.m. If you’d like to come join us, make your reservation at www. fortpiercefishing.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Adam White.

James with a solid snook caught on a live croaker.

Be safe out there. Keep tight lines and we look forward to meeting you on board.

PHOTOS CREDIT: Miss Fort Pierce Fishing.

The Miss Fort Pierce Fishing crew looks forward to meeting you on board!

CALM-SEAS

Capt. Gus Brugger

Pattern Setter Charters (772) 360-6787

www.WelcomeToSebastian.com

Asfar as the Sebastian Area inshore fishing is concerned, the old saying that “The early bird gets the worm” holds true this time of year, but if you can’t make it out before dawn, all hope is not lost. The calm ocean conditions that prevail in July allow small boat anglers access to the near shore Atlantic where it has been my experience that the action doesn’t get going until about 8 a.m. when the pods of greenies show themselves on the surface. If you can’t get in the ocean or can’t seem to get out of bed before noon, you can wait until the afternoon thunderstorms have rained themselves out and take advantage of the cool off, they provide to the shallows where snook and other predators have been known to get fired up in the cooler, roiled up waters left in the wake of a good summer storm.

SEBASTIAN RIVER – Looking for rolling tarpon in the predawn gray light on either fork of the Sebastian River is a great way to start any day. Sight casting to rolling fish with flies, D.O.A. TerrorEyz jigs and small plugs is an exciting way to target these 5-50 pound tarpon. Live mullet are also an excellent option. Once the sun is up, fishing the docks and shady shoreline cover with D.O.A. shrimp, jerkbaits or plugs is a good way to target snook in the Sebastian River.

INDIAN RIVER LAGOON –

Finding a shallow water area with a school of mullet milling around on it in the early morning or after an afternoon storm has passed is the key to topwater plug fishing for seatrout and redfish in the Indian River Lagoon in the summer. Super Spook Jr. and other 4-to-6-inch topwater plugs fished around these milling mullet will get the attention of predators shadowing the mullet schools. When the sun is beating down, fish drop-offs and deeper cuts with jigs for trout and ladyfish or hit the shady shoreline cover and docks for snook and reds.

SEBASTIAN INLET –

Big redfish and snook will stack up at the mouth of Sebastian Inlet on outgoing tides throughout the summer. They will hit live baits of all types fished on the bottom. The bull reds will move inside the inlet and pick off small crabs floating out with the tide especially around new and full moon periods, topwater plugs, live crabs and flies will catch them.

NEARSHORE ATLANTIC –

The consistently calm ocean conditions in the morning allow small boaters to venture out into the open ocean most days. The warm clear waters draw king mackerel, bonito and cobia close to the beach. Large tarpon, Spanish macks, big jack crevalle and the occasional sailfish are also a possibility. Having a livewell full of mullet and/or greenies is a must. These can be cast to rolling tarpon or any other species that show themselves. If nothing is showing, slow trolling a live bait, especially on a downrigger set at mid depth, can be a very productive way to get some kings for the smoker. Look for bait pods, bottom structure, current edges or even weed lines to narrow your search.

PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Gus Brugger.

Eddie Rigga of Sebastian with a nice kingfish caught within sight of sunbathers on the beach south of Sebastian Inlet.

SEBASTIAN AREA OFFSHORE

Capt. Terry Wildey

Big Easy Fishing Charters (772) 538 - 1072 captwildey@bellsouth.net www.bigeasyfishingcharters.com

The official opening announced for red snapper in South Atlantic federal waters is just one day - July 12th. It’s sad to see such a sad mismanagement of our fishery. Time to write our governor and get him involved.

July should bring some good catches of cobia on the larger pieces of bottom in the 85-to-90-foot reefs. So have a rod rigged with a cobia jig ready to throw when one pops up behind the boat while you’re bottom fishing, or when you spot a manta ray on your ride out or in. Too often I hear of someone that just missed a shot at a big cobia because they didn’t have a rod ready.

Look for big amberjack to move into the 85- and 90-foot reefs as well, especially if we get a cold-water thermocline move in. When that cold water pushes in from deep it pushes fish in also. That even means

mutton snapper on the 20-foot reefs. Expect kingfish to be consistent up and down the reefs, as well as around bait pods within a few miles of the beach. Live threadfins, pilchards or blue runners for the bigger kings work the best, but even trolling a drone spool or ballyhoo will work.

The dolphin bite offshore was weak this May and I don’t expect it to improve much but I’m hoping to see some schoolie dolphin to come through on weed lines and color changes from 90 feet to 240 feet.

If you’re fishing during the one-

day red snapper season, be aware of rules about descending devices. Also, the use of circle hooks north

of the 28-degree north line. You’ll find all the regulations on the FISH RULES app on your phone, or iPad.

FWC will be out there protecting our resources so expect to be checked. Fish on, gotta go!

PHOTOS CREDIT: Capt. Terry Wildey. Charlie with his first mahi on the Big Easy while fishing with mom and dad.

REASONS TO ADVERTISE IN

FROM THE SHORE

Chris Beachwalker Sharp (772) 263-0118 beachwalkerfish@gmail.com

get some of the biggest fish during the summer and nighttime is when the giants come out. Snook over 40 inches hang out just where the shadow line is. You can beat a live mullet to get a bite. At night you will hear huge splashes. Tarpon will be eating mullet and greenies moving in the current. Use big gear, like a 6000 series reel with 50-pound braid to get the job done. Redfish have been caught at night on cut mullet and big drum have been caught with crabs. Stuart Causeway, Jensen Causeway and Fort Pierce all hold fish and are family friendly. So, enjoy fishing under the lights and maybe catch a fish of a lifetime.

FLATS FISHING:

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BEACH: Summer means hot weather and afternoon showers. It also means lots of big snook along the beach first light. I always choose first light anytime I go fishing. The bite might only last an hour or might last 10 minutes, but the fish are ready to eat and you get to see an amazing sunrise. Also, if you’re lucky, you might see a turtle returning to the ocean.

Snook are breeding at the mouth of local beaches and along the first few feet of the water. You can see them cruising at your feet. I start with my go to bait, the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow. Then go to a soft bait with a tail. There will be a lot of movement on the beach. Besides snook there will be big jacks, tarpon, permit and of course sharks.

Look to go early to get numbers. Then enjoy the rest of your day.

BRIDGE FISHING:

Locals know that the bridges can be the spots to

I love summertime flats fishing. You never know what you’re going to get and a popping cork and shrimp is all you need. But where to go? My go to is on Hutchinson Island north of Jensen Beach. There are so many nice flats you can walk out to and parks along the way to Fort Pierce. Do a little exploring and see where there is a nice grass flat. Unfortunately, grass is getting less and less due to water issues. I choose to go around the power plant area. Snook, tarpon, jacks, trout and redfish can be caught on the flats. Bring the mosquito repellent, you will need it. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors the Treasure Coast has to offer and always tight lines.

PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Sharp.

Janet and Kalani Crockett with a beautiful snook caught from shore with a live mullet.

KAYAK FISHING FORECAST

Brian Nelli

Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters (772) 201-5899

Brian@tckayakfishing.com www.tckayakfishing.com

FRESHWATER: Clown knifefish and peacock bass should be in their summer patterns. Look to find weed edges near deeper water and free line live shiners or shad. Try to get them back into the water quick to ensure a good release in the warmer water temps.

INSHORE: Snook fishing near your favorite inlet should be on your list of fish outings this month. They should continue to be in their spawn mode running the beaches and inlets. Get out early and launch at places like the south side of Jupiter Inlet. Fish the beach south and look for snook in the trough and tarpon rolling in the surf. If you want to avoid the heat of the day fishing dock lights and bridge shadow lines

at night are a great way to catch one. Launching at Sawfish Park in Jupiter will allow you to access some good areas.

OFFSHORE: Fishing offshore should produce plenty of bonito, kingfish, tuna, sailfish and some wahoo in the mix. Slow trolling a live bait like a goggle eye or pilchard will be your best bet. Try trolling 80-

TREASURE COAST WATERWAY CLEANUP

Join MIATC, Florida Inland Navigation District and hundreds of volunteers for the Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup working together to scrub 125 miles of local waterways.

This year’s event begins on Saturday, July 20, with a weeklong self-reporting effort. Then, on Saturday, July 27, volunteers will gather at pre-selected sites throughout the Treasure Coast. This event is open to all ages, and is perfect for students, service clubs, yacht clubs or anyone who wants to be part of the solution to pollution.

Nearly 1,200 volunteers

250 foot of water looking for weed line or current breaks along reefs and ledges. Vertical jigging should still be hot. Try dropping Catch Fishing jigs in 200-300 feet of water. Let it fall to mid water column and rip it back to the top. Check out Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for all the latest adventures my clients and I get into.

participate in this event each year, cleaning up the waterways of Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties. Since 2008, this event has activated more than 13,441 volunteers who have removed more than 100 tons of trash from local waterways.

For more information, visit www.tcwaterwaycleanup.com or email info@ TCWaterwaycleanup.com.

Blake with a nice king mackerel.

Pat with a mahi.

Brian with a tuna.

LeeAnn Jones, Gary Jones and Marc Rogolino with a boatload of trash.

Stuart.

Fly Fishing Corner

By Capt. Michael Mauri

The Other Way: DOWNSTREAM

Summer is my favorite season along the Treasure Coast, and the reason is simple: sight fishing for big fish. What more could I ask for?

Interestingly, even some of my good friends, including saltwater method is to present your fly at a downstream angle. Position yourself above the fish at a slight angle and use a reach or parachute reach cast. If that’s too challenging, use a normal cast and make a good mend to create a straight line from the rod tip to

Child’s play.

PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Michael Mauri.

The Big Blue Machine

By Jim Moir, Indian Riverkeeper Executive Director

Irecently had the joyous opportunity to take a ride on the Big Blue Machine. To be a bit more precise, I helped sail a schooner from Key West to Maine. The Blue Machine on which I rode, is the Gulf Stream. A simple machine transforms energy into motion. The Gulf Stream is a huge warm water river that conveys heat energy around the North Atlantic.

The general track and nature of the Gulf Stream has been understood for a couple of centuries. The technology of a schooner has been around for nearly as long. But sailors have used oceanic currents for as long as mariners have practiced their trade. My cruise of seven-and-a-half days along the U.S. East coast was sped along by a northerly two-plus knot river of warm water.

The physics behind earth’s oceans converting heat energy into motion are simple when analyzed discreetly, but marvelously complex and potent when contemplated as a whole. Solar energy is absorbed and transferred around the globe by the Big Blue Machine. The energy in the Blue Machine can transform trillions of tons of water into rain every day. The effects of convection, spin (Coriolis effect), water density and dissolved minerals and the particulars of water

that the oceans have on our planet are global but are also locally specific. For instance, a hurricane is a natural mechanism for transferring heat that can have devastating local impact when that energy is released on a coastal community.

The position in our solar system and earth’s natural machinery have sculpted our planet into its unique shape and provides the conditions for life to thrive. The specifics of regional geography and climate have allowed wildlife and human cultures to adopt particular behaviors and rely on predictable local conditions. This stable condition has been normalized over many centuries. However, human activities have altered the earth’s atmospheric and oceanic chemistries and have changed the efficiency of the Blue Machine’s ability to transfer energy.

For centuries we have lived in the Holocene, an era of stability. We now live in the Anthropocene, the age of man. Most of the solar energy that earth encounters is transferred back into space. An example: everything we see is our interpretation of matter reflecting wavelengths of light energy, and that which is not absorbed as heat travels on into the universe. By making the atmosphere more efficient

Dolphins swimming in the Indian River Lagoon.

JULY FISHING CONDITIONS

pounds, on Knot Scared, Capt. Michael Faurot, third place, 49.22 pounds, also aboard Fish Reaper, Capt. Don Lamb.

Grouper: First place, 48.67 pounds, caught on Rock Bottom, Capt. Brent Oakley, second place, 44.48 pounds, also caught on Rock Bottom, Capt. Brent Oakley, and third place, 38.35 pounds, on Fishin Mission, Capt. Chris Francis.

and grouper. The scoreboard was dominated by Fish Reaper, who took Top Boat with an aggregate weight of 133.16 pounds and the Big Fish Bonanza with their 62.01-pound kingfish, and Rock Bottom, who took first and second place in the grouper category and the Capt. William Charles Largest Grouper award.

July

July 8

July 9

July 10

July

July 12

July

July

What do the ratings mean?

POOR day basically means the fish will either steal all your bait or will not even touch your line.

FAIR day means that you catch one or two fish but you will have to work hard to do so.

GOOD day means that you will catch enough fish to feel gratified. BEST day means that you will catch something almost every time you cast your line in the water.

SOURCE: The Old Farmers’ 2024 Almanac

Wahoo and cobia were the bonus fish this year. The top wahoo was a whopping 53.17 pounder caught on Strike Zone with Capt. Ed Mecchella. Unfortunately, no cobia were weighed in.

Top Lady Angler was awarded to Laura Lamb, fishing aboard Fish Reaper with Capt. Don Lamb. Laura caught a huge kingfish, 62.01 pounds, for the prize. Amazing catch, Laura! Laura received a hand-crafted rod and reel combo.

The Junior Angler this year was Dawson Boswell, who caught the third place kingfish at 49.22 pounds on Fish Reaper with the guidance of good friends Laura and Capt. Don Lamb. Dawson was awarded a kayak.

This year’s 30th Blue Water Open saw many large kingfish, amberjack,

The Blue Water Open Chairperson, Michelle Morris stated, “We are extremely grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, fishermen/ women and youth for making our 30th Anniversary Blue Water Open a huge success.”

The Sebastian Exchange Club Foundation has raised well over $1,000,000.00 which has been donated to local charities and nonprofit organizations. All the funds raised by this event are poured back into the community, with a focus on the Prevention of Child Abuse, Americanism, Youth Activities and Community Service. The Sebastian Exchange Club meets every Wednesday, except the first Wednesday of each month, at noon at Capt. Hiram’s Resort. Anyone interested in getting involved in the community is welcome to attend.

For more information, visit bluewateropen.org.

nature, we must live with the Blue Machine.

at retaining heat we have made the Blue Machine more energetic. Almost everything will be subtlety and not so subtlety affected by this global warming. Our coastlines and estuaries will certainly encounter change at an accelerated rate.

How the citizens of Florida manage to adapt to the accelerated rate of change that we will have to accommodate is really a fundamental question. It is not just as simple as rising sea level, but everything associated with changing coastlines, water tables and higher intensity weather, as well as altered ecosystems. How we manage population growth and impending coastal urbanization with an inevitably harsher environment is a discussion we can no longer afford to avoid. We cannot live apart from

One of the most efficient ways to buffer the effects of climate change is to provide a natural and selfregenerating space between our fragile civilizations and the Blue Machine. Marine Protected Areas will help preserve resources, provide habitat for wildlife, supply aesthetic enjoyment, and dissipate energy while recharging natural services.

Let’s declare the Indian River Lagoon a National Park and the nearshore reef a marine protected area before we lose its capacity to protect us.

If you are a business owner and would like to learn more about the benefits of supporting Indian Riverkeeper, email Executive Director Jim Moir at IndianRiverKeeperFL@gmail.com or call (772) 341-4953.

Cherlyn Arnold with a nice catch-and-release red. “The mud minnow catches them all.”

PHOTO COURTESY of Cherlyn Arnold.

Henry White caught his first bonefish while on a fishing trip with three generations of salty South Africans! Caught during an outgoing tide just south of the St. Lucie Inlet on shrimp.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY Henry White.

First place mahi with this 28-pounder in the TCBA Memorial Weekend Fishing Tournament. @fishslayer1385.

PHOTO COURTESY of Chris Giuffrida/ Southern Fortune Fishing.

Logan got his first snook on his birthday fishing trip with Capt. Cody Baker.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY Capt. Cody Baker.

Bill Olsen found this 41.5 pounder on 10-pound braid and a 20 mono leader.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY Bill Olsen.

Found this one in 120 feet of water out of Fort Pierce.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY Michael Kremer.

TRIPLE THE THRILL WITH EVERGLADES TRIPLETAIL

By A. deGruchy

Fishing in the Everglades is always a blast, and sight-casting tripletails is one of the coolest challenges out there.

Tese fsh are unique with their three-tail look and tendency to hang out near foating debris. If you want to catch them, using live shrimp and spotting them is a great way to do it. Idle around and look for foating seaweed, as tripletails like to hang around that to camoufage.

Use polarized sunglasses to cut the glare and make it easier to spot them. Move slowly through these areas, keeping your eyes peeled, but fair warning— it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Once you see a tripletail, don’t rush in. Tey can be skittish, and sudden

moves or loud noises can scare them of. Drif toward them with the wind or current to avoid using your engine.

Tripletails love live shrimp, so get the liveliest, healthiest shrimp you can fnd. Hook them through the tail or behind the horn on their head so they stay active and attractive. Cast your shrimp past the tripletail and slowly bring it back toward them. Let the current make it look natural.

If the fsh is near the surface, just freeline it. If they’re deeper or the current is strong, add a little weight to keep the shrimp down. Sometimes it takes a while to fnd and approach tripletails, so don’t rush it.

Use light to medium tackle, 15- to 20-pound good since tripletails have sharp gill plates. Early morning or late a is usually best, since tripletails are more active and easier to spot then. should be around for the next couple of months of the summer.

Catching tripletail is truly a fun challenge that mixes the thrill of the hunt with the excitement of the catch. Whether you’re a fshing pro or just starting, targeting tripletails in the Everglades is an adventure you won’t forget.

If you are interested on getting on some Tripletail, book a charter with Bean Sportfshing, www.beansport

FLORIDA BONEFISH AGGREGATIONS DISCOVERED

During the 2023-2024 bonefsh spawning season, researchers with the Bonefsh & Tarpon Trust documented, for the frst time, bonefsh prespawning aggregation sites in Florida. Te frst was discovered in the Upper Florida Keys and the second is a suspected site found near Key West. Tese discoveries are a hopeful sign of continued recovery for the species afer a decades-long decline.

“Finding these nearshore areas where bonefsh school by the thousands before migrating ofshore to spawn in deep water is essential for their conservation,” said Jim McDufe, BTT President and CE0. “As our science team continues to identify these sites, we will work with our state and federal partners to ensure that they are protected, ensuring a healthy future for one of Florida’s most iconic fsh species.”

Over the course of the 2023-2024 bonefsh spawning season, which spans from October to April, BTT Florida Keys Initiative Director Dr. Ross Boucek and his team tagged 44 bonefsh with acoustic transmitters with the help of Florida Keys fshing guides. BTT scientists also deployed 37 acoustic receivers on the reef tract, which allow them to monitor bonefsh spawning movements.

“We documented seven spawning events during the 2023-2024 spawning season,” said Dr. Boucek. “Four bonefsh tagged with archival depth measuring tags spawned during these events; three of the four fsh recorded maximum depths of 332 feet, 310 feet, 302 feet. Te fourth fsh recorded a maximum depth of 180 feet on its frst possible spawning or false spawning attempt. Te recorded spawning depth of approximately 300 feet is consistent between the Upper Key spawning site and the suspected spawning site near Key West, and with recorded spawning events in Te Bahamas.”

During full and new moon cycles from fall through early spring, bonefsh

migrate 70 miles or more from their home ranges to nearshore pre-spawning aggregation sites, where they prepare to spawn by gulping air to fll their swim bladders. At night, they swim ofshore and dive hundreds of feet before surging back up to the surface. It is believed the sudden change in pressure as they ascend makes their swim bladders expand, causing them to release their eggs and sperm. Afer fertilization takes place, the eggs hatch in about 24 hours, and the larvae drif in ocean currents for between 41 and 71 days before settling in shallow sand- or mud-bottom bays, where they develop into juvenile bonefsh.

“Our long-term goals are to conserve the reproductive cycle of our growing bonefsh in the Florida Keys,” said Dr. Boucek. “We still need to know where spawning occurs across the Keys, what threats like habitat loss those spawning fsh might face, where their larvae go, and the habitats the juveniles need to ensure that our new population of bonefsh can reach their full potential.”

For more information, go to bonefshtarpontrust.org.

YOUR REEF FISHING CHECKLIST

Regulations change and so do reporting and license requirements. Here are some things FWC wants you to remember before you head out on the water.

1. Get a License and Reef Fish Angler Designation

In addition to a fshing license, you’ll need a State Reef Fish Angler designation if you plan to target any of the following reef species: mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, hogfsh, red snapper, vermillion snapper, gag grouper, red grouper, black grouper, greater amberjack, lesser amberjack, banded rudderfsh, almaco jack and gray triggerfsh.

Te State Reef Fish Angler designation is free and required for all anglers fshing from private recreational vessels for reef fsh. Tis includes anglers who are exempt from a regular fshing license. Tis free-of-charge designation is used to help fsheries managers improve recreational data of reef fsh, which helps improve the management of our fsheries.

Get your license and State Reef Fish Angler designation online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, in person at a license agent or tax collector’s ofce or by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356).

2. Know the Regulations

Know the regulations for the species you are targeting, as well as those you might catch incidentally, before you drop a line. When you reel in a fsh, you will know whether or not you can throw it in the fsh box.

Tere are also specifc reef fsh gear rules, such as using non-stainless steel circle hooks, a dehooking device and a descending device or venting tool. Check regulations in the area you plan to fshing by visiting MyFWC. com/ReefFishGear.

3. Have the Correct Release Gear

Quick and proper use of a descending device or venting tool can help fsh get back down to depth and improve their chance of survival. Such a tool must be onboard when you are targeting reef fsh, and you should know how to properly use it to alleviate barotrauma in fsh hauled from the depths.

Venting tools are sharpened, hollow instruments designed to release expanded gases in the swim bladder of fsh experiencing barotrauma. Knives, ice picks and hooks are not legal venting tools and ofen cause more harm to the fsh than good.

To learn more about barotrauma and how to use descending devices or venting tools, visit MyFWC.com/Barotrauma or check out ReturnEmRight.org/ BestPractices, where you could be eligible to receive free descending device gear.

CATCHING MAHI FOR PRIZES

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of taking Coastal Conservation Association’s Leiza Fitzgerald out on the water to assist in tagging dolphinfsh for the CCA STAR competition. As if going fshing wasn’t enough of a prize, recreational anglers can sign up for this competition, with a donation to a good cause, and participate in this fshing side quest for all sorts of epic prizes.

Tagging trips with Leiza are some of my favorite mahi trips. She is more excited about catching throw-backs than anything we put in the box. Each undersized mahi, and most of the keepers, are handled with care and released with some fancy new jewelry.

With her tagging gun locked and loaded and a towel to lay over the fsh’s eyes to calm them, Leiza carefully and quickly turns peanuts into prizes, and sends them on their way.

CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha is a summer-long event that invites anglers and non-anglers to participate and win prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats, motors, scholarships and more. Te competition is currently live, and registration is open until Sept. 2.

“In the past nine years, it’s been amazing to see STAR participants support conservation and embrace the catch-photo format,” Fitzgerald

said. “Awarding nearly $4 million in prizes, with $900,000 specifcally awarded in youth scholarships to the thousands of statewide STAR registrants is exciting, but even more exciting is the awareness STAR has created for the conservation of our marine fsheries.”

Te 2024 STAR competition is comprised of eight divisions targeting inshore and ofshore species along with trash cleanup. Wherever your home waters are, there is a way to get involved.

Te most notable of the STAR competitions is for tagged redfsh. Te best opportunity to catch this year’s tagged redfsh will be in Citrus and Charlotte counties, STAR’s 2024 Destination Counties, which each have eight tagged redfsh in their coastal waters.

Six years ago, STAR initiated a tagged fsh division for ofshore anglers, the Tigress Outriggers and Gear Tagged Dolphin Division. Tis division ofers one winner a $10,000 cash prize or scholarship. Te frst STAR registrant who catches a STAR tagged dolphin wins.

Te tagged dolphinfsh were caught and released of the Florida Keys. Tese fsh will migrate up the east and west coasts, providing anglers a shot at recapturing one. Tere have only been two tagged dolphin recaptured in six years, and neither angler was registered in the competition. You have to be in it to win it!

Make sure to report any tagged fsh you catch, whether you are registered or not. Take photos, measurements, tag numbers and information, and note the location of recapture. You do not need to remove the tag if you are releasing the fsh.

Fish are very mysterious, and there is so much we don’t know about them. Te more data we collect, the better conservation we can provide.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon; Sweet E’nuf Charters, Marathon, Florida Keys; @captainquinlyn; captainquinlyn.com; (504) 920-6342.

- $80 Entry (includes one year CCA membership)

- $40 Entry for current CCA members

- FREE for Youth

- Over 100 Days of Fishing

- $500,000 in Prizes & Scholarships

- Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day

CAST LURES IN A MITZI TOURNAMENT 17

FIND BLUEGILLS TO FIND GIANT SUMMER BASS

Fishing during the hot stale days of summer is ofen thought to be the toughest and slowest fshing there is. I am here to help with that.

Not only are the next few months an amazing time to catch fsh, they can also be the easiest time to pin-point patterns for big bass. Spawning bluegills are the key. Bass will set up around bluegill beds and feed heavily on an easy meal of bluegills that congregate in the shallows to spawn.

Whether you are an experienced tournament fsherman or someone who just gets out every once in a while to stretch a line, this pattern is easily found if you know what to look and listen for.

You heard me right, listen! Tere are many ways to locate bluegill beds, and my favorite way is to use my ears. When you get around bluegills feeding in grass or lily pads, you will hear distinct little popping sounds of small fsh sucking prey from the surface. When you hear this, you know you are in a productive area, and the big bass should be close by.

Another way to locate these areas is to use your eyes in shallow water. Bluegill fan

TYLER WOOLCOTT

out an area on the bottom just like a bass when they spawn, but they do it in big groups and create a pattern on sand and hard bottom that looks like the surface of the moon.

If the water is even a little clear, you should be able to spot a bunch of odd craters and divots on the bottom even from a distance. Tis is typically in very shallow water, and bass use this shallow water to their advantage. Spawning bream make easy pickings.

If all else fails, or in murky water, I fnd these beds with my electronics. I idle around with side scan in 2 to 5 feet of water to locate crater patterns on my units and mark them with waypoints to come back and fsh later. Tis is a good way to locate beds that are less pressured, because they are harder for other anglers to fnd.

Tere are a few diferent baits I use to catch bass around these beds. Te most important thing is to stay as far away from these areas as you can, while still being able to get a cast into them. Be stealthy because shallow-water bass are skittish.

I like a bluegill-colored popping frog and also a bluegill-colored swim jig with a trailer to match. I’ll also throw a weightless wacky-rigged Senko and will put a little nail weight in the Senko when fshing deeper beds. A lightweight Carolina-rigged Trick Worm or a shallow-diving squarebill crankbait are two other good options. Hopefully this summertime bass tip helps you have a fun and productive day on your waters!

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

THE FORGOTTEN FISH

When we inshore anglers gather around the dock, you can count on one or more of these being the topic of conversation: trout, redfsh, founder or snook. Seldom is it the sheepshead. Although they are not a species frequently targeted with lures, they can provide an aggressive bite and a worthy fght. Keeping them out of the structure they love is the real challenge.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

depending on the current, were all it took to place his shrimp in the strike zone. Te strike zone is typically as close to the structure as possible. If you notice the sheepshead swimming around, they always have their noses to the structure.

Te sheepshead is a fsh that my son had never caught until a few weeks ago. We took a trip to South Texas to view our second of four Starship launches at the SpaceX facility. Afer the excitement and rumble of the launch, we picked up some live shrimp, and he was soon rumbling with many sheepshead.

We set our sights on the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway, as it has a nearly unlimited amount of structure ideal for attracting sheepshead. Using the anchor mode on our trolling motor made it easy to stay close to the bridge pilings where the sheepshead were congregated. My son especially liked targeting them because we were under the causeway and in the shade, as opposed to being out on the open fats where we typically fsh.

A small sharp hook and a split-shot or two,

I fnd that keeping your bait small helps attract the bite. It is benefcial to keep a tight line, as the bites can be very light. One tactic that served my son well was to walk toward the back of the boat and away from the structure once a fsh was hooked. Tis assisted in pulling it away from the structure. Trying to manhandle the fsh out on light tackle would certainly have led to some break-ofs.

Stay vigilant in checking your line for frays afer several casts and defnitely afer each fsh. Keeping a sharp hook will also help in landing more fsh because of their boney, teeth-flled mouths. Tis turned out to be an extra memorable fshing trip. We witnessed another historic space launch, and his catch landed him in second place for the Texas CCA Star Tournament with his sheepshead.

Tis is why I always say, take a kid fshing! Tey might win a college scholarship.

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

BALLYHOOD TOP GUN LURES

WORLD RECORD BLACKFIN CAUGHT AT MIAMI TOURNEY

Amonster blackfn tuna caught during Te Miami Dolphins Fins Weekend tournament is an unofcial world record. Te 50.1-pound blackfn was certifed by an IGFA biologist, and it outweighs the existing IGFA all-tackle world record by a little less than three-quarters of a pound.

Angler Robert (Bob) Kowalski landed the huge blackfn aboard the 34’ Express Sportfsher Miss Britt, which was captained by Gareth Haddam and chartered by Pete Sinnick and his family. In addition to being a potential new world record, the fsh won the largest tuna division at the tournament and earned the team a $30,000 payout.

Te existing IGFA all-tackle world record blackfn tuna weighed 49 pounds, 6 ounces. It was caught in 2006 of Marathon, Florida Keys by Capt. Mathew Pullen. Fins Weekend is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Miami Dolphins. It is a two-day tournament with proceeds going to support the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program. For more information, go to bluewatermovements.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

IN TEXAS, GIANT FISH BREED GIANT FISH

When it comes to growing giant largemouth bass, Texas has fgured some things out. Since 1986, the state’s Toyota ShareLunker program has conducted a breeding program using huge largemouths caught and donated alive by anglers. Tese donated bass, called Legacy Class, must be heavier than 13 pounds. Tey spawn in a facility before being released, along

with their ofspring, to spread big-fsh genetics across the state.

Te results of the program are apparent in the giant Texas bass caught each year. Many of them go right back into the breeding program, and the spring of 2024 was the fourth ShareLunker season in a row that the program has deemed exceptional.

Tis spring, anglers contributed 19 Legacy Class, 13-plus-pound bass from seven diferent Texas lakes. O.H. Ivie in west Texas is the best big-bass fshery in the country right now. It produced 12 bass heavier than 13 pounds this season, continuing a hot streak that goes back to the 2021.

Highlights from the 2024 Toyota ShareLunker collection season:

• Angler Kyle Hall’s 15.82-pounder was the 37th heaviest all-time Texas largemouth bass.

• Angler Kyle Hall has recorded a Legacy Lunker in three consecutive seasons.

• Six out-of-state anglers etched their name into the program’s record book. Te anglers hailed from Kansas, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma and Washington.

• Angler Larry R. Walker reeled in two Legacy Class Lunkers in 2024. State biologists did genetic analysis of this year’s Legacy Lunkers and made some incredible discoveries:

• ShareLunker 666, reeled in by Larry R. Walker from O.H. Ivie, was a recapture of ShareLunker 646 originally caught by Mechelda Criswell in 2023.

• A 13.2-pound fsh from Lake Athens was the ofspring of ShareLunker 552, which was caught by Randall E. Claybourne in 2014 at Lake Fork. Tis is the frst time a Legacy Class descendant from this family tree was discovered in the program.

• Of the 19 Legacy Class ShareLunkers, 13 had secondary relationships to either previous Legacy Class fsh or other ShareLunkers from which anglers submitted scale samples for genetic analyses.

• In the last fve years, the program has achieved an excellent overall fsh survival success rate of 94 percent.

The Return of a

Tat’s a lot of big-fsh genetics going back into Texas fsheries.

For more information, go to TexasSharelunker.com.

See the Forest Through the Trees

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With more than 60,000 surface acres and 1,300 miles of shoreline, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is one of the largest outdoor destinations in Oklahoma. Located on the Grand River, the lake is hugely popular with boaters, fishermen, campers and anyone else who loves spending time in the great outdoors. Anglers are sure to have a blast searching for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and the rare paddlefish on Grand Lake waters. And Grand Lake’s shores are lined with so many unique attractions, shops, restaurants, state parks and casinos that seeing everything in one trip is next to impossible. There’s truly something for everyone to love in the Grand Lake Area!

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