Coastal Angler Magazine | January 2025 | Volusia County Edition

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VOLUSIA COUNTY EDITION

BRAID VS. MONO LINE

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WINTER FISHING TIPS

FEBRUARY 12-16 PHOTO CREDIT: RYNE LATHROP COURTESY OF MACAILAGH SMITH

VOLUME 30 • ISSUE 358

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By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief

n 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 afterwards meticulously separated for recycling. Anyone whoever disparaged anyone else in Rodney’s presence would have immediately heard something positive about that person from Rodney. That’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.

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Cold Water Winter Fishing for Trout in the Smoky Mountains W

By Joe Woody

hen winter descends upon the Smoky Mountains, the streams and rivers transform into a serene and picturesque setting. For avid anglers, this season offers 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. Their 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.

The Smoky Mountains, known for their pristine streams and diverse aquatic habitats, provide excellent winter !shing opportunities. The 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. The 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 often prove effective. Since aquatic insect activity is minimal in winter, imitating small and slowmoving prey is key.

Winter trout can be extra wary due to the

clear, low water conditions.

Using light tippets (5x or 6x) and fluorocarbon leaders can improve your presentation and increase your chances of a hookup.

Focus on deeper pools and areas with slow-moving water. Dead drifting nymphs under an indicator or slowly

retrieving a streamer can entice a bite. Pay attention to subtle strikes, as trout in winter often feed softly.

The 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

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 offers 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 often more active during the warmer parts of the day. Plan your trip to coincide with midday or early afternoon.

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.

Fishing for trout in the Smoky Mountains during winter is a serene and ful!lling experience. The 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.

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CHARTER BOOKINGS:

CALL THE CAPTAIN!

By Capt Quinlyn Haddon

I

Nearing the end of the trip, with a box full of tuna, the clients asked when we were going to get into the yellowfin snapper.

The clients had wanted to fish inshore for yellowtail snapper, but they accidentally paid more for an offshore trip, simply because they used a booking agency and didn’t understand that yellowfin and yellowtail were different 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 fish is most targetable, something a booking agency knows nothing about. They might be designed to take your money, but that is not what we are about.

If you find a charter company you like through a fishing 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 fill the calendars, and for a lot of fishermen whose strong suits are on the water, booking charters and advertising can be challenging. Some of the best captains have zero online presence.

There 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!

have 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 fished with before. The charter was booked last minute through a booking agency, that I will not directly mention. The notes of the booking repeatedly and clearly requested a full day offshore trip for yellowfin. I went to meet with the captain, and helped him rig up for a tuna trip for the following day.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, Yellowfin tuna are not prevalent in the Florida Keys, but blackfin tuna are, so we informed the clients of this as we headed offshore in the morning. Florida Keys - (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn •

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FISHING: SIZE OVER COLOR FOR SUCCESS

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

he question of lure size is a common debate among anglers, and while different situations require different approaches, one thing is clear: fish don’t read fishing articles or watch YouTube videos. They 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 fishing for coastal species like trout, redfish, and %ounder.

Size vs. Color When things aren’t going as planned, many anglers immediately reach for a different color.

However, I find size to be the more important factor. Fish are typically feeding on prey of a specific size, not necessarily a specific color. In my experience, changing the size of the lure is usually more effective 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 traffic, and o!en clearer water. These 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 fish behavior. Unlike the more consistent feeding patterns of stable weather, fish during early winter can make fish moody, switching between aggressive feeding and total inactivity. Late fall and early winter can be some of the best fishing of the year, especially when schools of bait are %ushed out by falling tides.

Hungry speckled trout and redfish 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, fish can more easily spot a contrasting color, helping them target your lure amid the feeding frenzy. This is different from spring fishing, 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 effective.

Clearer Water and Smaller Lures Another reason for downsizing in winter is clearer water. In some bays, water visibility improves significantly 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 fishing 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 fish.

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uzuki Marine USA is bringing back a popular model for anglers and boating enthusiasts who want the torque, powerful hole shot, and strong acceleration of Suzuki’s 3.6-liter, 24-valve V6 powerhead in a 200-horsepower motor for single and multiple engine installations. Being relaunched as a 2025 model, Suzuki’s new DF200 4-stroke is an ideal power match for today’s heavy center consoles, large pontoon boats, and other popular vessels that can benefit from a little extra “kick in the rear”.

Suzuki’s V6 200 is packed with proven and award-winning technology, including digital sequential electronic fuel injection and Suzuki’s offset driveshaft design and two-stage gear reduction that allow this motor to swing a larger propeller. Together with this offset driveshaft, Suzuki’s 55-degree V6 block creates a more compact motor that fits better and balances better on the transom of today’s boats. Suzuki’s two-stage cam drive system allows for the use of smaller diameter cam sprockets, reducing valve angles and reducing the size of the cylinder head. The durable timing chain is equipped with an automatic hydraulic tensioner for years of maintenance-free operation.

Suzuki’s direct ignition system utilizes integral spark plug caps with ignition coils, reducing the number of parts, simplifying wiring, and reducing electronic “noise” that can interfere with radios, echosounders and other marine electronics. Suzuki’s high-output alternator produces most of its power at low engine rpms, ideal for keeping battery banks charged and providing the juice needed for livewell and washdown pumps, anchor windlasses and other important electronics gear on today’s technologyladen boats.

Suzuki’s 200 V6 also offers new-for-2025 features not previously found on earlier V6 models, including easy integration with Suzuki’s new CANbus system for easier and more reliable rigging, Suzuki’s easy start system, automatic trim, keyless starting and troll mode.

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based on their vessel and performance needs. While Suzuki is addressing an important market need for low-end torque and acceleration out of the hole with its V6 200, other applications could benefit from the lighter weight, balanced performance, and superior fuel economy inherent with Suzuki’s popular and time-proven in-line 4-cylinder design.

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KAYAKING FORECAST

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’ve been saltwater fishing in my kayak for years now, but I got invited to go fishing in an area I’ve never been to, mainly because I didn’t think it was possible! When Blake Abbey asked me if I wanted to fish the Jetty off Ponce Inlet, I thought he was inviting me to join him on a boat. When he started explaining that the weather will be good for us pedal out of the inlet, down the channel and into the deep blue ocean off the Jetty, I quickly realized this was a kayak trip! So, I convinced my kayak buddy, Amy Brown, that she should join us. I suited up in my Striker fishing apparel and met my friends at a local bait shop, Donald’s bait and Tackle. We launched our kayaks next to Hidden Treasures right after sunrise and started peddling out to the tip of the jetty. We were in a convoy of Skiffs, Flats and other offshore boats, mainly being driven by guides. At times, the wakes from the boats were making a washing machine effect as we were trying to set up in our kayaks to begin fishing. Thankfully, our Old Town Sportsman ePDL and 106 PDL are so incredibly stable which allows us to safely steer, and ride waves hands-free while casting our lines. This is when I noticed the boaters looking at us like we had lost our minds… It didn’t take long before we were in competition with boats getting hooked up on some very strong fighting fish. To my surprise and vocal excitement, we were hooking up with Permit! This was the predominant bite off the Jetty as I could see several other anglers in the boats hooked up all at once. I commented to Blake that I thought my line was going to spool or break since I was using 30-pound braid with only a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. He had already caught several Permit, so he quickly grabbed my rod and told me to use his set up which was 4 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2025

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a 9ft PENN rod and a 5000-reel spooled with 40lb braid, 40lb liter and a 1-ounce weight on a swivel with a small circle hook presenting a live shrimp. I remember thinking this seemed awfully big for the size reds, snook or even trout that I’m used to catching but I squeezed my way in between some boats and slung this massive set up out there anyway. I felt a tick on my shrimp and before I could get my hand on the reel, it started screaming and spooling.

I pulled back and felt the weight of something HUGE! I was so caught off guard that my kayak was turned sideways, and the fish was dragging me to the point I thought I might tip! Blake reminded me to turn my rutter to face the fish and to go get him! The fight was on, and I was going for a ride! Between my screams and Blake cheering me on, the people on the boats around us all started watching in amazement and disbelief. Blake screams, “Oh my God dude, it’s a freaking Bull! It’s a STUD Bro!” My arms were starting to shake and wear out and I think I forgot to breathe because I told Blake to please help me land this giant with a net. After a couple minutes of trying to redirect the Bull Red, Blake was able to net my fish. It crushed my PB as we estimated it was around 40-45 inches and weighed 30lbs. It was so big and beautiful with its distinct drum spot markings. Thanks to Amy’s iPhone skills, pictures and videos of a giddy girl and proud guy ensued. A day I will never forget! Trust me, if you have the opportunity to get into an Old Town Kayak PDL, head out to the Jetty. You will not regret it! There is nothing cooler than taking a sleigh ride on a kayak getting pulled around WENDY BILES by a giant bull redfish!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

facebook.com/wendy.m.biles instagram.com/wendy_biles_fishing

Da 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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Meet the Captain Capt. Will Wolfson

C

apt. Will Wolfson is a lifelong Floridian and deeply passionate outdoorsman. After attending the University of Florida where Will got his degree in Agriculture, he opened his first business, Grassroots Guide Service. Captain Will is a detail and safety-oriented guide who maintains a meticulous line of vessels and utilizes all topof-the-line gear, in order to share once in a life time experiences with his clients, every time they join him for a guided trip. Some of the local guided opportunities that Will offers his clients are: Inshore/nearshore and offshore light tackle and Flyfishing, as well as guided alligator and hog hunts. Utilizing a versatile line of boats in his quiver, there are not many areas that Will can’t access. Outside of Florida, Will also offers guided fishing trips in Louisiana’s Biloxi Marsh where he and his clients target giant redfish and black drum on light tackle and fly gear during the fall and winter months. If getting on one of Will’s boats and chasing a trip of a lifetime sounds like something that you would be interested in, CAPT. WILL WOLFSON

(407) 620-5263 www.grassrootsguideservice.com/capt-wolfson grassrootsguideservice@gmail.com

www.USHarbors.com

Ormond Beach, Halifax River, FL - Jan 2025 High

Date

www.USHarbors.com

Ponce De Leon Inlet South, FL - Jan 2025 Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

1

Wed

12:26

0.6

12:57

0.7

7:26

-0.2

8:14

-0.1

7:17

5:38

2

Thu

1:11

0.6

1:41

0.7

8:10

-0.2

8:56

-0.1

7:17

5:39

3

Fri

1:58

0.6

2:25

0.7

8:57

-0.2

9:40

-0.1

7:17

5:40

4

Sat

2:46

0.6

3:11

0.7

9:48

-0.1

10:28

-0.1

7:17

5:40

5

Sun

3:36

0.6

4:00

0.7

10:45

0.0

11:21

-0.1

7:17

5:41

6

Mon

4:30

0.6

4:53

0.6

11:48

0.1

7:18

5:42

7

Tue

5:30

0.6

5:53

0.6

12:17

-0.1

12:56

0.1

7:18

5:43

8

Wed

6:36

0.7

6:59

0.6

1:16

-0.1

2:03

0.1

7:18

5:43

9

Thu

7:44

0.7

8:06

0.6

2:15

-0.1

3:09

0.1

7:18

5:44

10

Fri

8:50

0.7

9:10

0.6

3:15

-0.2

4:12

0.1

7:18

5:45

11

Sat

9:50

0.7

10:09

0.6

4:14

-0.2

5:11

0.0

7:18

5:46

12

Sun

10:45

0.7

11:03

0.6

5:12

-0.3

6:05

-0.1

7:18

5:47

13

Mon

11:36

0.7

11:53

0.6

6:05

-0.3

6:53

-0.1

7:18

5:47

14

Tue

12:22

0.7

6:55

-0.3

7:38

-0.2

7:18

5:48

15

Wed

12:40

0.6

1:06

0.7

7:41

-0.3

8:20

-0.1

7:17

16

Thu

1:25

0.6

1:47

0.7

8:25

-0.2

8:59

-0.1

17

Fri

2:08

0.6

2:26

0.7

9:09

-0.1

9:38

18

Sat

2:49

0.6

3:03

0.6

9:53

0.1

19

Sun

3:29

0.6

3:41

0.6

10:39

20

Mon

4:10

0.6

4:21

0.6

11:29

21

Tue

4:54

0.6

5:06

0.5

22

Wed

5:44

0.6

5:57

0.5

12:26

23

Thu

6:39

0.6

6:53

0.5

24

Fri

7:38

0.6

7:51

25

Sat

8:37

0.6

26

Sun

9:32

27

Mon

28

High

Date

Moon

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

9:16

3.6

9:27

2.6

2:26

-0.2

3:27

0.1

7:16

5:38

1

Wed

2

Thu

9:57

3.5

10:11

2.6

3:09

-0.2

4:09

0.1

7:16

5:39

3

Fri

10:39

3.4

10:59

2.7

3:57

-0.2

4:55

0.0

7:16

5:40

4

Sat

11:24

3.3

11:52

2.8

4:53

-0.1

5:44

0.0

7:16

5:40

5

Sun

12:13

3.1

5:57

0.0

6:34

-0.1

7:16

5:41

6

Mon

12:50

2.9

1:07

2.8

7:02

0.1

7:24

-0.2

7:17

5:42

7

Tue

1:53

3.0

2:09

2.6

8:09

0.2

8:17

-0.2

7:17

5:43

8

Wed

3:02

3.2

3:18

2.5

9:17

0.2

9:14

-0.2

7:17

5:43

9

Thu

4:08

3.3

4:24

2.4

10:26

0.2

10:13

-0.3

7:17

5:44

10

Fri

5:08

3.4

5:23

2.4

11:30

0.1

11:12

-0.3

7:17

5:45

11

Sat

6:04

3.5

6:19

2.5

12:28

0.0

7:17

5:46

12

Sun

6:57

3.6

7:12

2.5

12:09

-0.4

1:21

0.0

7:17

5:47

13

Mon

7:47

3.5

8:02

2.6

1:03

-0.4

2:08

-0.1

7:17

5:47

14

Tue

8:34

3.5

8:49

2.6

1:52

-0.4

2:50

-0.1

7:17

5:48

5:49

15

Wed

9:16

3.4

9:33

2.6

2:37

-0.4

3:29

-0.1

7:16

5:49

7:17

5:50

16

Thu

9:55

3.2

10:15

2.6

3:20

-0.2

4:08

0.0

7:16

5:50

0.0

7:17

5:51

17

Fri

10:33

3.0

10:58

2.6

4:04

-0.1

4:47

0.0

7:16

5:51

10:17

0.1

7:17

5:52

18

Sat

11:10

2.8

11:42

2.6

4:51

0.1

5:27

0.0

7:16

5:52

0.2

10:57

0.2

7:17

5:53

19

Sun

11:47

2.6

5:43

0.3

6:08

0.1

7:16

5:52

0.3

11:39

0.2

7:16

5:53

20

Mon

12:27

2.6

12:28

2.4

6:37

0.4

6:50

0.1

7:15

5:53

12:24

0.4

7:16

5:54

21

Tue

1:16

2.6

1:13

2.2

7:31

0.5

7:33

0.1

7:15

5:54

0.3

1:21

0.5

7:16

5:55

22

Wed

2:12

2.6

2:10

2.0

8:27

0.6

8:19

0.1

7:15

5:55

1:16

0.3

2:16

0.5

7:15

5:56

23

Thu

3:14

2.6

3:17

2.0

9:27

0.6

9:11

0.1

7:14

5:56

0.5

2:08

0.2

3:11

0.4

7:15

5:57

24

Fri

4:13

2.7

4:19

2.0

10:27

0.5

10:06

0.1

7:14

5:57

8:49

0.5

3:00

0.2

4:05

0.3

7:15

5:58

25

Sat

5:06

2.9

5:13

2.1

11:23

0.4

11:00

0.0

7:14

5:57

0.6

9:43

0.5

3:54

0.1

4:56

0.2

7:14

5:58

26

Sun

5:54

3.0

6:02

2.2

12:13P

0.3

11:50

-0.2

7:13

5:58

10:22

0.7

10:32

0.6

4:47

-0.1

5:43

0.1

7:14

5:59

27

Mon

6:41

3.2

6:49

2.3

12:59

0.1

7:13

5:59

Tue

11:08

0.7

11:19

0.6

5:37

-0.2

6:27

-0.1

7:13

6:00

28

Tue

7:27

3.3

7:36

2.4

12:39

-0.4

1:41

0.0

7:12

6:00

29

Wed

11:53

0.7

6:25

-0.3

7:09

-0.2

7:13

6:01

29

Wed

8:11

3.4

8:22

2.6

1:25

-0.5

2:21

-0.2

7:12

6:01

30

Thu

12:06

0.6

12:37

0.7

7:11

-0.4

7:51

-0.3

7:12

6:02

30

Thu

8:53

3.5

9:07

2.7

2:11

-0.6

3:00

-0.3

7:11

6:02

31

Fri

12:53

0.6

1:22

0.7

7:58

-0.5

8:33

-0.4

7:12

6:03

31

Fri

9:35

3.4

9:53

2.9

2:58

-0.6

3:40

-0.4

7:11

6:02

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JANUARY 2025

Moon

VOLUSIA COUNTY 5

CAPTAIN MARTY GOLDYS

386-679-0317

Reel Harmony Fishing Charters reelharmonyfishing.com Inshore/Nearshore Target Species: Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Cobia, Tripletail & Shark

C A PTA IN TIM RUS SELL 386-846-1675 Captain Daddy’s Fishing Charters captaindaddysfishing.com Inshore/Offshore Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Snook, Tarpon, Cobia, Grouper, Wahoo, Snapper, Seabass, Kingfish, Mahi, Sailfish

CAPTAIN WILL WOLFSON 407-620-5263 Grassroots Guide Service grassrootsguideservice.com Inshore/Offshore TARGET SPECIES: Snook, Redfish, Grouper, Tarpon, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Mahi, & Shark

CAPTAIN JEFF PATTERSON Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters 386-451-4992 SmallBoatBigFish.com Inshore/ Nearshore

Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Sea Trout, & Tripletail

CAPTAIN MARSHALL WALLOT 386-214-9595 New Legacy Fishing Charters newlegacyfishing.com Inshore/Nearshore

TARGET SPECIES: Redfish, Snook, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Snapper, & Weakfish 6 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2025

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

uper,

ail

C a p ta i n ’ s D i r e c t o r y Volusia County’s premier fishing captains

CAPTAIN CHRIS ENDICOTT 386 547 4053 Finn-Addict-Fishing finn-addict-fishing.com Nearshore/ Offshore Target Species: Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, Triggerfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Shark, Sailfish, & Marlin

CAPTAIN JOHN J ELLIS 386-402-3957

Reef Wrecker Fishing Charters reefwrecker.com Inshore/ Offshore Target Species: Snook, Redfish, Grouper, Tarpon, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Mahi, & Shark

CAPTAIN DANIEL LEVESQUE 386-295-4581

Rare Breed Charters rarebreedcharters.com Offshore/ Nearshore Target Species: Grouper, Red Snapper, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, African Pompano, Alligator, Deer, Hog, Elk, & Wild Turkey

CAPTAIN AUSTIN FERGUSON 321-439-5476 Ferg’s Guide Service fergsguideservice.com Inshore/ Offshore Target Species: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Amberjack, Sheepshead, African Pompano, Mangrove Snapper

Captain Scott Housel 407-314-3355 Sudden Strike Offshore Adventures Suddenstrikeoffshore.com Nearshore/offshore Target Species: Redfish, Flounder, Sheephead, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Cobia,Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, Shark, Golden Tilefish COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JANUARY 2025

VOLUSIA COUNTY 7

PONCE INLET & BACKWATERS FORECAST

I

t’s that time of year again when the weather can be fickle but timing it right can pay major dividends.

Northeast Florida offers some of the state’s most picturesque and productive fishing grounds, with its expansive coastal flats drawing anglers from all over. This area, stretching from the waters around St. Augustine to the New Smyrna is home to a variety of fish species, making it a hotspot for both seasoned anglers and those new to the sport. The waters here are teeming with life, and the region’s shallow flats are particularly known for Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Tarpon.

Fishing the flats in North Florida requires a combination of patience, skill, and specialized techniques. Sight fishing is one of the most popular methods and my favorite technique. This method is particularly effective for targeting species like redfish, trout, and snook. Anglers need to have sharp eyes, as the fish are often camouflaged by the sandy or grassy bottoms of the flats. They can also be seen partially exposed on the banks cruising for their next meal. They can be very spooky, so a stealthy approach is needed.

I’ve found the most productive times to target redfish in the backcountry is an hour or two before low tide. This is generally when reds will push through shallow waters and the banks seeking a tasty crustacean or shrimp.

When the conditions line up, it can be an exhilarating experience. Having a shallow water vessel or kayak that can get you in the skinniest of waters will increase your odds of finding those reds. Keep your eyes constantly scanning the edges looking for backs, tails or popping bait.

When targeting back country fish, I enjoy using light tackle — typically a 2500 series spinning reel and 12-15lb braid. Lately, I’ve had success throwing a variety of colors of Vudu shrimp. When sight casting, ensure you properly lead the fish giving it ample space and reduce the risk of spooking it. As the fish approaches, a couple small switches should get its attention and invoke a powerful strike.

Aside from the outgoing tide, early morning first light and an hour before sunset can also be a rewarding time to fish. I generally keep a top water ready for those super slick calm mornings when you can spot bigger

8 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2025

fish from a distance and get them to instinctively strike. My go-to is a Top Dog Jr with the white body and red head.

If you’re striking out with artificial, live bait such as shrimp, mullet, or pinfish can help increase your odds of hooking up. Try hitting your local bait shop before going out, or make sure you bring a cast net in case you see a school of baitfish. It’s never a bad idea having backup bait available in case the fish are being selective.

Fishing the flats around Ormond/Flagler is not just about the fish; it’s about experiencing the serenity of some of the state’s most untouched and scenic coastal areas. The combination of stunning natural surroundings, abundant fish species, and the thrill of shallow-water fishing makes North Florida’s flats a must-visit destination for anglers. Whether you’re chasing redfish through the grass beds, stalking snook along the mangroves, or casting for tarpon under the Florida sun, the flats of North Florida offer a timeless fishing experience that blends adventure with tranquility.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and get your lines tight!

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CAPT. BRIAN REVAK

(386) 864-5208 instagram.com/brianrevak

COME SEE US AND MAKE YOUR 4x4 STAND OUT

DESTINATION4X4S.COM Suspension Lifts Professional Tire Mount & Balance Hunter Hawkeye Alignments Heavy Duty Steering Upgrades Gas & Diesel Tuning Audio Installation & Sales Lighting Installation, Sales & Wiring Performance Hoods

Leather Upgrades Differential Rebuilds & Gears Engine Maintenance & Replacement Brake Upgrades & Service Transmission Service & Replacement Ball Joints Seals CV Axles & Driveshafts Tonneau Covers

372 Destination Daytona Ln Ormond Beach, FL 32174 386-366-7100

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JANUARY 2025

VOLUSIA COUNTY 9

Under NEW Ownership by Cody Moore, Third Generation Fisherman

New Smyrna Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear. Along with carrying all of the equipment you need, NSO offers services like rod/ reel repair, line spooling, splicing, rigging, outrigger setup, and NSB Outfitters offshore and tackle, tackle, that’s as well much more. Ifspecializes you are notinlooking forbait fishing ok,as NSO also offers the best in apparel, eyewear, drinkware, and and inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel more. Some of the quality brands include but aren’t limited to accessories.

New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience Costa, Bajio, Olukai, Free Fly, Marshwear, Aftco, Anetik, Yeti, to guide through whatever typeNew of fishing looking to do.

Stanley, Hemlock, Salty Crew.

Smyrnayou’re Outfitters strives to carry the best brands and offer the best customer service.

SAME STREET, NEW LOCATION! 223a Canal St. | NewSmyrnaOutfitters.com (386) 402-8853 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday Closed

Winter Caught Bally Hoo

T

here is a phrase that I’ve heard, and really love, but I don’t know where it came from. I’m going to quote it anyway: “The charm of fishing is going after something that’s elusive, but attainable, and that gives you hope.” Now, after I’ve wowed you with that statement, the hope is here. Pompano have arrived. Ya, mon!

The big scouts are hitting my lines. The Saragossa seaweed had disappeared - finally - only to be brought back with the high tide. Sometimes I can live with it!

It’s been very hard getting through the dirty ocean, waiting for it to clean up after the hurricanes, but it’s finally happened. The green-blue is getting back and the wind has died down quite a bit. Hurricane season is in the rearview mirror.

I hope I’m not putting the horns on myself there’s always the Nor’easters or two.

It still seems like it’s always high tide for most of the day. It’s constantly hitting the seawall, so there’s much less time to fish. I’m setting up in the low tide very early in the morning, as usual. I have very fresh bait: sand fleas are in abundance at the bait shops since the sandflea gatherers have gone back into business for the pompano season.

I’m also cutting up live crab, crab knuckles. Ya, mon! I’m watching the sunrise and these guys next to me seem like they’re starting to pound them, but I don’t have time to watch them, since my rods are starting to dance the hustle. That’s when you know the early bite is on, and I’m loving it!

Some big scout slabs are hitting the beach. Since it’s he beginning of pompano season I’d like to tell you, as always, all about pompano. Officially called Florida pompano, I call them slabs. They’re found from Massachusetts to Brazil. They usually live for 3 to 4 years and are usually around 2 to 8.9 pounds. When caught, they have to be 11 inches to the V by the tail, and you can only keep six a day off the beach - the

10 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2025

legal limit. They like to hang out in the shallow surf flats where the temperature is from 70 to 89°. They eat crab, clams, shrimp, and, of course, sand fleas. They live in schools and migrate up and down the coast, according to the water temperature. And they taste marvelous.

Right now, I’m running down the beach to a pole.

That’s really looking like I like. I got a serious bend in it, starting to move down the beach with line going out. It’s making a run! All of a sudden it stops, and I’m able to reel it in. A nice 20-inch black drum, which, for some reason, many people are catching up and down the beach right now. A great fish to eat when it’s not so big. The big ones we call ‘big uglies’ and let them go. They are bottom dwellers. They use the barbells on

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their chin to search for food. They have gray and black stripes, and they grill up very good. They are member of the croaker family, and are the biggest ones, and make the most noise. You can hear it above the water and when you catch them, they really sound out. Now that the season is starting, many more fishermen are hitting the beaches, which is a good thing. I’m just hoping when things start to get a little more crowded, the fisherman use good surf fishing etiquette to give each other space on the beach. It usually works out.

It’s also my season for surfing charters on the beach. I’ve been getting a few a week with people from Chicago, South Africa and California. They all come down to Wilbur by the Sea, because it’s one of the best places to learn and find out how to surf fish. Half the people that come to learn don’t even live on the ocean but have a dream about pulling in a pompano out of the waves. Ya, mon! Of course, if you want to hold the bottom, the best thing to use is sputnik weights, which I happen to get from the Sinker Guy, who happens to be an avid fisherman and knows all about holding the bottom. I use 3-ounce weights mostly, and I move up to four and I’ll throw a five only when I’m trying to be a diehard.

Surf fishing leaves no carbon footprint on the beach. It’s like we weren’t there when we leave all nice and clean. We’re sitting here in the backyard. Now an old Dancehall favorite name, Lieutenant Stitchie, is warming up the atmosphere. Making sure the coals are hot and me and these fish we caught today are heading to the smoker.

MARCO POMPANO Surf Fishing Guide Marcopompano@gmail.com (386) 212-4838 Wilbur by the Sea

d black member es, and e water t. Now men are m just owded, to give out. on the e from l come he best Half the ocean out of old the which pens to ing the ove up ying to

on the all nice Now an chie, is e coals day are

SCHEDULE YOUR DEMO TODAY!

• Certified Yamaha Technicians • Parts and Service • Boat Sales • Rentals

386-428-2341

179 N. Causeway New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 gerrysmarina.net

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JANUARY 2025

VOLUSIA COUNTY 11

EDGEWATER BACKCOUNTRY FORECAST

W

elcome to 2025, New Years Day is my favorite holiday of the year, we sort of get the chance to start over, new resolutions and all the different fishing seasons of the year to come. January can bring the coldest temperatures of the season both air and water, cold means clearer water in the Edgewater Backcountry, drop live shrimp, small live finger mullet, mud minnow, or a 1/16 or 1/8 oz. jig head with a small light-colored tail to the bottom of holes and channels. Trout, Reds, Snook, Drum, Sheepshead, or Mangrove Snapper may be in the deep spots.

On mild sunny days these same fish will come up to the tops of the drop offs and surrounding areas with oyster edges, flats, and creeks which will warm up a bit during the day’s sunshine. Fish slowly as cold fish will be sluggish, scan the clear water with your polarized sunglasses searching for signs of fish. A winter fish that will not be sluggish are Bluefish, found all through the backcountry, ICW channel, bridges, inlet, and surf. If they are swimming, they are eating, free lined live shrimp, cut bait, and small darting, flashy lures are best.

A great fly-fishing target as they are not picky and eager to attack, their sharp teeth mean a little heavier fluorocarbon leader or trace of light wire, you may want to use lures or flies which are already scarred up because they will be abused by the toothy Blues. Sheepshead are always a winter

12 VOLUSIA COUNTY

JANUARY 2025

on the coldest mornings, waiting until the sun has been up an hour or two can be a good choice, and mid-day into the afternoon is good, giving the fish a little time with some sun on their backs to warm up a bit. On a nice sunny day, late morning into the afternoon can be the best time to hunt Reds and Trout on the flats of the backcountry and Mosquito Lagoon, after the shallow water has warmed a couple degrees, fish dark bottom, oyster bars, and sand spots. Tail hooked select size shrimp, small live finger mullet, and mud minnows are good baits for the cold shallows, a small size, light color soft plastic or Gulp bait is a good choice for artificial, always fished very slow in cold water. Black Drum also a winter target, the best baits are blue crab and shrimp, they can be at bottom of deep holes and channels, Ponce Inlet jetty rocks, and Haulover Canal. Shallow water target, fiddler crabs are the best bait, followed by schools of Drum also can be found in southern small live or peeled shrimp, best places to fish are Mosquito Lagoon, please consider photo and bridge or dock pilings, also the Ponce Inlet jetty release on the larger “breeder size” Black Drum rocks. Serious sheepy fishers will chum their spot to keep the baby Drum coming our way for years by scraping barnacles off the pilings or dropping to come. cracked oysters to the bottom. Use a smaller sharp hook as they have a small hard moth, use just enough weight to hold your bait close the pilings, keeping your rig as stealthy as possible in the clear CAPT. MICHAEL SAVEDOW water.

Edgewater River Guide Starting time for a winter fishing trip does EdgewaterRiverGuide.com (386) 689-3781 not have to be that early, during a mild period, sunrise or just after is a good time to begin, but

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JANUARY 2025

VOLUSIA COUNTY 13

with the

CAPTAIN KIDS

C

aptain & The Kids strives to always promote youth anglers both at the local level as well as nationally through our “Youth Angler Program.” If it was not for passing down techniques, traditions, and the love for the water, it would slowly fade away. It is our mission to always instill conservation and ethical fishing to our youth!

This months edition is featuring New Smyrna Beach Middle Schools “National Junior Honor Society” students. This group of student not only have straight A’s, but they give back to the community! They assist local shelters, food drives, beach clean ups, and much more to help our community. These awesome kids joined Sol Fishing in the NSB Holiday Parade share the Christmas spirit!

Capt. Evan started the Youth Angler Program after finding out how many kids in the New Smyrna Beach area had never been fishing, never been on a boat, and was born and raised in the area. Since that day Capt.

Evan strives to getting more and more youth anglers on the water each and every year! Sol Fishing will do everything possible to make every young man or ladies fishing dreams come true. It does not matter if the kids want to go offshore or inshore, Sol Fishing will target whichever species they want to catch. Some of the most recent species that the youth anglers have been wanting to target are red snapper, lane snapper, cobia, amberjack, sharks, barracuda, redfish, and snook.

The Youth Angler Program is made possible by all our retailers who stock Sol Fishing’s gear such as our Hats, Decals, and Performance shirts and many more products. Stop by New Smyrna Beach Outfitters Outriggers, Donald’s Bait & Tackle, 38 Live Bait & Tackle, E & J Bait & Tackle Sunglass Cabana, Shades of New Smyrna Beach, Boaters Exchange, and Pedago of NSB to get your Sol Fishing gear to help support the Youth Angler Program! Sol Fishing’s amazing sponsors such as Tidewater Boats, Legacy Marine, Black Oak LED, Penn, Plano, Fenwick, and many more all make this amazing program possible!

CAPT. EVAN SANDERS

Sol Fishing Charters & Gear www.solfishing.com 407-796-2088

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17 VOLUSIA COUNTY

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CAPTAIN HIGHLIGHT FORECAST

J

anuary is here and with the cold weather can come some really hot fishing. This is a great time of year to fish the flats because of the crystal-clear water and schooling fish. As the water temperatures get colder, the fish school up and this can lead to “fish in a barrel” type of situations where the rod bending action is non-stop. Some of my favorite fishing comes after the coldest nights of the season, followed by high pressure, blue bird days consisting of a significant rise in atmospheric temperature. Early in the morning, look to find the fish laying in the deeper holes consisting of a muddy or broken shell/rock bottom, adjacent to the flats. As the day warms, the shallow water will warm the quickest and this is where the fish will want to be. Fish are primarily feeding on shrimp and crabs this time of year so natural colors like white, tan, purple

and blue are all good colors to be throwing. I’ve been having great success throwing Nasty Strike Baits that I get poured from my good friend Erie Peeples. His baits are available in many local NSB tackle shops…. just throw them out and reel them back is all that you need to do! With this clear water, use as light of tackle as you can get away with; you’ll get more bites and have more fun fighting your fish!

(407) 620-5263 www.grassrootsguideservice.com/capt-wolfson grassrootsguideservice@gmail.com

g Now offerin k o Ho ok & Co options for fish those who cal with our lo e t! charter Fle

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CAPT. WILL WOLFSON

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Locally Owned With A Locally OwnedMenu With A Chef Inspired Chef Inspired Menu Locally Owned With A Millie’s offers Locally Owned With A Locally Owned With A ChefMillie’s Inspired Menu fresh LOCAL seafood offers Locally Owned With A , Chef Inspired Menu Chef Inspired Menu meat andoffers produce. fresh LOCAL seafood Millie’s Chef Inspired Menu , Millie’s offers meat andoffers produce. fresh LOCAL seafood, Millie’s Millie’s south , fresh LOCALoffers seafood Millie’s meat and produce. fresh LOCAL seafood S.Ave, Atlantic Avenue 3218 S. 3218 Atlantic Daytona Beach ,Shores meat and produce. fresh LOCAL seafood , Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 meat and produce.

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Shores, FL 32118 S.Beach Atlantic Avenue 3218Daytona S. 3218 Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores Millie’s North 3218 S. Atlantic Avenue 3218 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 386-275-1492 330 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach 3218 S. Atlantic Avenue Hours: Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 •

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Monday Tuesday closed 386-238-9756 Hours: Wednesday - sat: 11am - 9pm 11am-9pm Wednesday - Hours: Saturday Sunday 9am-9pm sunday: 8am - 9pm 11am-9pm Wednesday Saturday • Tuesday Monday 11am-9pm closed Sunday11am 9am-9pm Monday: - 9pm • Tuesday MondayMonday: 11am-9pm closed Sunday 9am-9pm 11am 9pm Wednesday - Saturday tuesday: Closed 11am-9pm Wednesday - -Saturday tuesday: Closed Wednesday sat: 11am11am-9pm - 9pm Sunday 9am-9pm Wednesday sat: 11am sunday: 8am - 9pm- 9pm Sunday 9am-9pm sunday: 8am - 9pm • 11am-9pm •

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With A With A enu enu

R E L G N A L A T S A CO Locally Owned With A Locally OwnedMenu With A Chef Inspired Chef Owned Inspired Menu Locally With A Millie’s offers Locally Owned With Locally OwnedMenu With A A Chef Inspired , fresh LOCAL seafood Millie’s offers Locally Owned With Chef Inspired Menu Chef Inspired MenuA Millie’s offers meat and produce. freshInspired LOCAL seafood Chef Menu , Millie’s fresh LOCAL seafood, Millie’s offers meat andoffers produce.

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386-275-1492 386-275-1492 386-275-1492 3218 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 386-275-1492 11am-9pm Tuesday closed Monday 386-238-9756 Millie’s North Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 Hours: 386-275-1492 11am-9pm Wednesday Saturday Millie’s North 330 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach Hours: 386-275-1492 Monday 11am-9pm Tuesday closed Sunday 9am-9pm 330 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Monday: 11am - 9pm Beach Hours: 386-275-1492 11am-9pm Tuesday closed Monday 386-238-9756 Wednesday Saturday 11am-9pm tuesday: Hours:Closed

Millie’s south S.Beach Atlantic Avenue Shores, FL 32118 3218 Daytona S. 3218 Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores Millie’s North S.Ave, Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 3218 S. 3218 Atlantic Daytona Beach Shores 386-275-1492 3218 S. Atlantic Avenue 330 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach Hours: Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 •

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• Tuesday 11am-9pm closed Monday 386-238-9756 11am-9pm Wednesday - Saturday Wednesday - sat: 11am - 9pm Sunday Hours: •9am-9pm Monday 11am-9pm Tuesday closed sunday: 8am - 9pm 11am-9pm Wednesday - Saturday Sunday 9am-9pm Monday: 11am - 9pm •B p Monday 11am-9pm Tuesday closed o o Wednesday Saturday 11am-9pm tuesday: Closed d Sunday e9am-9pm Monday: - 9pm Jar11am Wednesday sat: 11am11am-9pm - 9pm Wednesday --Saturday tuesday: Closed Sunday 9am-9pm sunday:- sat: 8am 11am - 9pm- 9pm Wednesday Sunday 9am-9pm sunday: 8am - 9pm

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New Smyrna Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear. Along with carrying all of the equipment you need, NSO offers services like rod/ reel repair, line spooling, splicing, rigging, outrigger setup, and NSB Outfitters offshore and tackle, tackle, that’s as well much more. Ifspecializes you are notinlooking forbait fishing ok,as NSO also offers the best in apparel, eyewear, drinkware, and and inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel more. Some of the quality brands include but aren’t limited to accessories.

New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience Costa, Bajio, Olukai, Free Fly, Marshwear, Aftco, Anetik, Yeti, to guide through whatever typeNew of fishing looking to do.

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Wintertime GULF FISHING!

I

f 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 offers 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. These !sh are curious, strong, and put up one heck of a !ght. You’ll often !nd them hanging out near wrecks, buoys, or even %oating debris, and when they bite, you’ll know it. They can grow up to 60 pounds, so get ready for a battle when one hits your line. They 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 stuff. These sleek, silver beauties are as smart as they are strong, making them a bucket-list catch for many anglers. They love to hang around wrecks and %ats, and they’re picky eaters. They love crustaceans, but often get spooked so your casts must be close to perfect. The 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. They’ll test your patience and your skill, but the payoff 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.

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THE NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITY

A

s winter deepens, cooler waters push more !sh off the beaches and toward the warmer edges of the Gulf Stream.

With grouper and snapper now off-limits due to regulations, it’s time to shift 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.

The December full moon often 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 offer 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.

These 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. That’s

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 often produces exactly what predatory species are Tim Barefoot feeding on. Don’t hesitate to use small snapper, where anchoring, a classic yet grunts, or other bait!sh you catch with a sabiki effective technique, comes into play. as offerings on your light line or kite. Wahoo, Yes, anchoring may feel like a step back for example, have been known to eat everything for those spoiled by spot-lock motors, but from full-sized grunts to snapper. Frozen or it’s a reliable method for fresh Spanish mackerel staying on productive also make excellent bait for marks without straining wahoo and tuna. batteries. Once anchored, The Experience consider adding a kite to Fishing during this time your !shing arsenal. Kites of year is about more than are particularly effective just !lling your cooler; it’s for enticing leader-shy about enjoying the process species like yellow!n tuna and making memories. and wahoo. When properly Whether you’re targeting deployed, they minimize bottom-dwellers like visible leader material in trigger!sh or keeping a light the water, often resulting in line out for the chance at a immediate strikes. wahoo or tuna, the key is to Teamwork stay adaptable and prepared. and Preparation As always, take the Successful kite !shing requires teamwork. kids along and capture plenty of videos of your Assign one crew member to manage the kite and adventures. Fishing is more than just a hobby— bait while others focus on !lling the cooler with it’s a way of life. trigger!sh and snapper. Proper setup is essential.

For more from Tim Barefoot, visit Bring live bait from inshore or nearshore waters; barefootcatsandtackle.com and check cigar minnows, sardines, pin!sh, and menhaden out his YouTube channel. are excellent choices. A pin!sh trap can also

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JANUARY 2025

NATIONAL 11

Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament Jan. 31-Feb. 2

Islamorada, FL Keys. Win Trophies!

No experience or boat necessary!

Fish from your own boat or reserve your charter spot when registering.

www.ladiesletsgofishing.com Register in advance online

Junior Angler Breaks World Record with Massive Payara

A

t 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. This 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. After 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?

The 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.

• Line 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—offers a fantastic opportunity to foster a love of !shing. The 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.

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B

Wh

Braid vs. Monofilament Fishing Line:

Which Is Best?

C

hoosing the right !shing line is crucial for success on the water. Two popular options— braided and mono!lament lines—offer distinct advantages, and your choice often 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 often preferred in situations requiring extra shock absorption, such as battling !sh with sudden, strong runs.

Braid has minimal stretch, giving it superior sensitivity. This 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 offers 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 fluorocarbon leader.

The 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 fluorocarbon leader for versatility.

Ultimately, knowing when to use each type can make all the difference in your !shing success.

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