In Loving Memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009
Dorothy F. Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018
WRITERS:
Desiree’ Harbster
Capt. Lynda Hawkins
Tim Camp D&E Outdoors
Haley w/ Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters Capt. Marty
Front Caption:
• Hammer Head shark fishing with NSB Shark Hunters. See article on page 4.
VOLUSIA COUNTY
•
“Our Name Says It All” Servicing All Of Volusia County! Specializing In:
By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins
BOB’S DISCOUNT MARINE
* Trailer Parts & Boat Lift Supplies
The Area’s Favorite Supplier of Marine Accessories 5110 S. RIDGEWOOD AVE PORT ORANGE, FL. 32127 386-761-5378 Sandy & Kevin London www.bobsdiscountmarine.com EST. 1976
Recreational harvest of Flounder opened Dec. 1
The recreational harvest of flounder in all Florida state and federal waters reopened Dec. 1. The minimum size limit for flounder is 14 inches total length and the daily recreational bag limit is five fish per person.
To learn more about current recreational flounder regulations, visit MyFWC. com
Gag Grouper
Side-profile illustration of a gag grouper fish with brownish gray body and darker brown splotchy marks along the side.
Black Grouper
Side-profile illustration of a black grouper fish with olive gray body and black blotches. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/ Jack Hornady
FWC approves rule changes for Atlantic Gag and Black Grouper
At its December meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a rule to modify recreational regulations for gag and black grouper to be consistent with current and pending regulations in adjacent Atlantic federal waters. The recreational management changes for gag and black grouper in Atlantic state waters, including Monroe County, include:
Establishing a combined two-fish recreational vessel limit.
Prohibiting for-hire captain and crew bag limit retention.
Recently, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved management changes to help rebuild the gag grouper fishery, which has been undergoing overfishing for decades. Because gag and black grouper historically have been managed with the same recreational regulations due to misidentification between the species, the Council also approved the same recreational measures for black grouper. The intent of the rule is to help prevent incidental harvest of gag grouper and ultimately help rebuild the gag grouper stock and end overfishing.
Consistent regulations between Florida’s Atlantic state and federal waters can help improve the stock status of gag grouper, end overfishing, and improve regulatory compliance and enforcement.
These new gag and black grouper recreational regulations will go into effect at a later date once pending federal regulations have been implemented.
Learn more about recreational saltwater fishing regulations at MyFWC.com/ Marine or download the Fish Rules App, at Instagram.com/FishRulesApp or Facebook.com/FishRulesApp.
Choosing Artificial or Live Bait ?
Written By: Captain Marty Goldys Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
When planning a fishing adventure, most anglers first consider the type of fishing they’d like to pursue. Meaning, the species they will target, the equipment they’ll use, and the area they’ll be fishing to increase their chances of having success. One major consideration when planning a fishing adventure would be the type of bait to use, Artificial or Live.
If you’re comparing live bait to artificial lures, live bait is normally considered more effective for attracting fish as it represents prey in its natural environment. On the other hand, artificial lures allow for more control over presentation and movement, making them better for targeting specific fish species, especially in clearer water where fish might be picky. The best choice of bait often depends on your desired target species and the fishing conditions/locations you plan to pursue.
Live Bait:
Pros:
Attractive to fish as it's natural prey, often catches more fish overall, can catch larger fish, good for beginners due to simple presentation (easy to use), can be effective in dirty water.
Cons:
Can be difficult to keep alive (bubblers, buckets, live-wells), can attract undesired fish species, can be slimy and stinky, can be less effective in clear water with picky fish.
Artificial Lures:
Pros:
Can cover more area, allows for a variety of retrieval patterns and actions, can be used to target specific fish species, easier to handle, can be more effective in clear water, can be more versatile in different conditions, can be less expensive than live bait.
Cons:
May not be as appealing to fish as live bait, can be more likely to snag on underwater structure/ vegetation, requires more practice than using live bait.
When to use live bait:
•When targeting aggressive feeders or in dirty water where visibility is low.
•When you want to maximize the chance of catching any fish.
•For beginner anglers who want a simple fishing method.
When to use artificial lures:
•When you’re targeting a specific fish species.
•When fishing in clear water where fish are picky.
•When you want more control over the bait's movement, depth, and action.
•When you are under a time constraint.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with both artificial and live bait upon your next fishing adventure. If you’d like lessons on how to more effectively use artificial or live bait, feel free to connect with Captain Marty of Reel Harmony Fishing Charters. Captain Marty provides tutorials on all methods of fishing and enjoys experiences with all levels of anglers. (386)679-0317 • www.ReelHarmonyFishing.com • ReelHarmonyFishingCharters@gmail.com • IG- @capt_harmony Be sure and checkout Reel Harmony Fishing Charters reviews on Google!
Florida Antique Tackle Collectors (F.A.T.C)
St. Augustine, Fla. — Have you ever wondered about the value of that old tackle box your grandpa left you? Or what about that old rod and reel combo gathering dust in the attic? Or perhaps that vintage outboard in the back of the garage? Well, here's your chance to find out.
Announcing the 3rd Annual Florida International Antique Tackle Show, hosted by the Florida Antique Tackle Collectors (F.A.T.C.),
February 21—23, 2025.
Truly an international event, this show attracts collectors from around the world — all attending to buy, sell and trade vintage fishing tackle.
This unique, exhibition will be held at the Renaissance Hotel & Conference Center, at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla. — America’s Oldest City. There you will see more than 15,000 square feet of vintage fishing tackle displays, including rare lures, reels, rods, creels, and other fishing related memorabilia and ephemera.
The public is welcome to attend at a nominal cost of $5 per adult, children under 12 admitted free. Once inside, visitors can either browse or buy from the many show vendors, or receive free appraisals for their old tackle and other fishing related items. Those interested in selling are welcome to consign their items to our Saturday night auction, where hardcore collectors bid aggressively.
Public show times are Friday & Saturday 9am–4pm. For press passes, directions, and additional information, call show host Jim Berglund 904-303-6503, or email him at thetackleshackflorida@ yahoo.com
The F.A.T.C. is a non-profit organization interested in the preservation of vintage fishing tackle and is fully committed to educating the public on its rarity, collectability and historical significance. To see our mission statement, please visit www.fatc.net.
Recognizing Barotrauma
Fish caught in deeper waters may suffer from barotrauma, the expansion of gases after being rapidly reeled up from depth. This condition makes it difficult for a fish to swim back down on its own. Generally, fish caught deeper than 30 feet will suffer some effects of barotrauma.
• Bulging eyes
• Anal prolapse
• Bubbling scales
• Stomach protruding from the mouth
• Floating on the surface after release How to Treat Barotrauma
1. Use a Descending Device
• Descending Devices DO Work!
• These weighted devices help fish return to depth unharmed. See the regulations section and additional resources to learn exactly what you need to be in compliance with South Atlantic regulations.
• While you must have a minimum of 16 oz of weight attached to a descending device, it is recommended to use 1 pound of lead weight per 5 pounds of fish to ensure the fish reaches the bottom.
• Depending on the type of device you use, it is possible to attach multiple descending devices to your line so that you can release more than one fish at a time.
2. Venting
Venting can be effective when used carefully. However, descending devices are a safer method for most anglers to reduce barotrauma because they do not puncture the fish’s abdomen and are therefore the preferred treatment of barotrauma by the SAFMC.
• If correctly trained, insert a sharp and hollow stainless-steel tool (such as a 16-gauge needle fixed to a handle) in the swim bladder to release gas.
• Note: the fish’s stomach may protrude from its mouth. Do NOT puncture the stomach.
• Reminder: If you choose to vent fish suffering from barotrauma, you are still required to have a descending device readily available! 3. Return fish to the depth of capture. If catching fish at very deep depths, return them as deep as possible to improve survival. www.safmc.net/best-fishing-practices
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides January 2025
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides February 2025
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides March 2025
Fish Cleaning Station Book NOW!! 1-2-3 Bedrooms w/kitchens
PUTNAM COUNTY
Black Crappie
Known locally as speckled perch or specks, are a cool weather favorite in Florida. Crappie weighing up to two pounds are common. The state record is 3.83 pounds and was caught in Lake Talquin.
Habitat
Unlike most other panfish, crappie spend much of their time offshore, feeding on small fish insects and crustaceans. Successful anglers often drift through deeper water, fishing with small minnows or freshwater grass shrimp until they find a school. During spawning runs in cooler months, crappie will come inshore to areas of vegetation to spawn. Anglers often target them in these areas using cane poles or light spinning tackle, fishing jigs or grass shrimp.
When to Fish
Many anglers target black crappie early in the morning or in the evening. Most crappie fishing occurs in the cooler months, but anglers who fish into the summer do very well, especially at night. Night fishing for crappie is an effective technique year-round.
Range
Black crappies can be found throughout the state, with large nutrient rich lakes supporting the best fisheries. Lakes and rivers such as the Lake Talquin, Kissimmee Chain, St. Johns River, and Okeechobee are world renown crappie destinations. Unlike other parts of the southeast, Florida does not have white crappie (Pomoxus annularis). Go here for black crappie fishing spots.
Tackle and Bait
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Use a light wire #4 hook and small split shot below a float. Speck anglers typically use several rods or poles, fishing at different depths until they pinpoint concentrations of fish. Crappie also readily strike artificial; 1/16 oz. to 1/8 oz. feathered or curly-tail jigs in white, yellow, pink and chartreuse are popular.
Tipping these jigs with a live minnow makes them even more effective. Any of the above baits fished near a lantern or floodlight can produce nice stringers.
Largemouth bass
Bass are found in almost every body of freshwater in Florida. With more than 8,000 lakes and other waters available, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to fish. The following list of Top Spots for Black Bass aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch either good numbers of bass or to catch a trophy bass. FWC fisheries biologists selected these Florida lakes and rivers (in no specific order) as top black bass fishing destinations for this year.
Note: See the Department of Health’s Florida Fish Consumption Advisories for important information about eating bass and other fish.
The largemouth bass is the best known and most popular freshwater game fish in Florida. Found statewide, largemouth bass have excellent growth rates, particularly in the productive waters of central Florida. Historically known for huge bass, Florida remains an outstanding destination to catch a trophy.
When to Fish
Spring is the best time of year to catch bass, when fish move into shallow water to spawn. Con’t on pg. 31
Black Drum and Redfish caught while sight fishing during winter time with Capt Patrick Preston out of New Smyrna Beach
SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY
Black Bass Con’t
Spawning may occur as early as January in extreme south Florida and as late as May in the panhandle, but March and April are peak months. Most large bass are taken at this time; after spawning, many large females move to offshore areas.
Range
Although the largemouth bass is by far our most common black bass, other species are found in Florida. The smaller Suwannee bass occurs in the Suwannee River and its tributaries, and in the Ochlockonee River. Favoring rock outcrops and moving water, Suwannee bass prefer crayfish to many prey items of largemouth. Crayfishimitating crankbaits worked through deep-water bends will attract these hard fighting fish, as will plastic worms, plastic lizards or crayfish. The Santa Fe River is another good spot, and trophysized Suwannee bass up to three pounds can be found in the Ochlockonee River north of I-10.
Tackle and Bait
The best live bait is a golden shiner, fished under a float or free-lined. Typically, the shiner is hooked through the lips or back with a large hook, 2/0 to 5/0. A medium to medium-heavy rod with 14- to 20-pound test line is preferred, particularly when fishing in areas with thick vegetation or cover.
The plastic worm is the most dependable artificial bait for largemouth bass. A weedless “Texas- or Carolinarigged” worm is effective for fishing Florida lakes with heavy plant cover. Worms come in a variety of colors and scents, and bass may favor certain types depending on light conditions; be sure to have both light and dark colors available, as well as several sizes of tapered worm weights from 1/8 to ounce. Purple “metalflake” or “red
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
shad” worms with twirly-tails are popular, and plastic lizards can be effective as well.
Most plastic worms are worked slowly along the bottom or through cover by raising the rod tip a few feet, then allowing the worm to sink. The line should be kept fairly tight to feel the strike. Typically an angler will feel the bass “tap” the worm once or twice lightly. By lowering the rod tip and waiting only until the slack is out of the line before setting the hook, anglers greatly lessen the chance of injury to the fish due to deep hooking.
Con’t on pg.32
Black Bass Con’t
With active bass and dense underwater vegetation, "jerk worms" are an excellent bait. Rigged without sinkers, these worms are jigged rapidly over vegetation, with brief pauses to let the worm sink slowly. Bass hit these baits hard, and an instant hookset is recommended.
Spinnerbaits are very good in the spring, usually fished slowly around drop-offs and cover. If a slow retrieve fails, try "buzzing", i.e., retrieving the spinnerbait rapidly so the blades ripple the surface.
Crankbaits typically imitate baitfish or crayfish, and a straight retrieve is usually effective. The design of the plastic lip determines how deep the lure dives, and anglers can adjust their choice of baits based on water depth. Popular colors are white, shad, firetiger (green striped with orange underside) and crayfish.
MARION-CITRUS COUNTY
Black Bass Con’t Topwater baits are exciting to fish because the angler can see the strike. Topwater plugs that imitate wounded baitfish may be twitched to entice bass. Others are designed to make noise, and a faster, erratic retrieve may antagonize a bass into striking. Topwater lures are most successful during early morning or late afternoon. Stay ready for a surprise strike and set the hook immediately. www.myfwc.com
Large Black Bass caught using bait from Georgetown Marina.
LAKE COUNTY
Fresh Water Fishing Reports
By: Captain Lynda Hawkins
LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE 352742-3336, According to Lori the specks are doing wonderful around the bridge in Little Lake Harris in 7 feet of water. Lake Beauclaire is also producing some nice ones as well. They just weighed in a nice 1 pound 8 oz. speck in their speck contest. Purple Doghouse jigs are the color this year and are working well. Bass are being caught on minnows that are actually being used for specks. They are selling raffle tickets for a basket of different crappie and bass rigs with a choice of any rod in the shop. Stop in and check out their huge selection of tackle.
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Great Local Food Menu Featuring:
• Groveland Gator Bites
• Swamp Cabbage Ceviche
• Blackened Grouper Reuben
• Locally Sourced
Produce and Meats
• Craft Beers - Wine & Spirits
• Open 11am-9pm Daily
901 Lakeshore Blvd. Tavares, Fl. 32778 On the East Shore of Lake Eustis 352-742-4400
BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE 352-267-0062 If the wind ever stops blowing gale force, it is time to go speck fishing. Right now they are catching them in deeper water using jigs or jigs tipped with minnows. Canals and mouths of canals are a good place to try as they are moving in for bedding (and you can get out of the winds). Bass are being caught on the Harris chain using a chrome blue or chrome green Ratt-L-Trap, a June Bug plastic worm or a small shallow running crank bait. A slow falling sinking weightless worm or a chrome blue or green Rat-L-Trap reeled in as fast as possible, are both working quite well.
BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE 352-460-0695 Gary tells us the specks are out deep and are starting to come into the canals and are being caught using jigs or minnows.Bass fishing is productive using spinnerbaits, Ratletraps and worms. Captain Al and Zack have been doing several successful guide trips. Calan Hawkins fished a recent tournament held out of Lake Griffin and came in 3rd place with 11 pounds plus.
Don at BASS WORLD LODGE 386-467-2267 reports they have been catching some fish, both catfish and bass. Dwaune has been catching 5 or 6 a day. It is time for the specks to turn on with the cooler weather. Some nice catfish and stripers were caught up around the power line and the Croaker Hole. Bass are biting well. It is also the time of the year for catfish to turn on.
Carson Woods caught this almost 9 pound lunker using a silver black backed Rattle trap out of Emeralda. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Bait & Tackle.
FISHING FOR RED DRUM IN FLORIDA’S BIG BEND
The red drum is the most popular fish to target and catch inshore fishing. The Big Bend, located in Dixie and Taylor counties, offers some of the states best inshore flats Red fishing. It is the perfect habitat for them to breed and survive. A nice Red can put up an explosive heart pounding battle, bending the rod, and pulling in the drag. Redfish can be found in the creeks, the mouth of the creeks, and on the flats. When looking for reds on flats, I generally look for a specific type of bottom. A hard rock bottom with rock grass, also known as pepper grass, is a good area to target.
Redfish will eat a variety of bait, live and artificial. When they are feeding, the Reds will hit almost anything. Top water plugs work great in the early morning or late evening. Live baits including pinfish and shrimp are always well received. They can be presented under a pop-in cork or a free line. The old-fashioned gold spoon is a fantastic option. It could be weedless or have a treble hook. I like to include a swivel on my gold spoon. An easy alternative for the lazy fisherman is to cut mullet or cut ladyfish, put the pole in the pole holder, and sit back and observe the action. However, a warning is you probably will catch some catfish, also.
The red drum is a beautiful fish that can help create some good pictures and great memories of a day on the water. Its population is good in the Big Bend area, and with exemplary conservation and following the FWC laws, it should remain that way for years to come.
Come visit us and enjoy a weekend of fishing and enjoying our small fishing villages of Suwannee, Horseshoe, and Jena. We look forward to introducing you to “Florida’s Hidden Coast”.
Captain Frank Taylor / 904-759-6777 / RockyCreekCharters@yahoo.com / Rockycreekcharters.com Rocky Creek Charters offers guided scallop trips and inshore fishing charters from the picturesque Rocky Creek, located in Dixie County, just south of the Steinhatchee River. We provide a memorable experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Wyatt Eskew with a black drum
Custom Aluminum Work
*Fuel Tanks *T-Tops
*Platforms and more!
735 Airpark Rd Hanger B-3
Edgewater • 386-957-3756
Mention this ad and receive $100 off Hog, Deer & Turkey Hunts!
DEER HUNTING SEASON
August 15th-January 1st 3 DAY HUNTS $1,295 // 5 DAY HUNTS $1,995 Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing! www.collinslowcountryhuntingclub.com • 803-267-2825 • 10640 Ehrhardt Road Ehrhardt, South Carolina
We have the longest deer season in the US August 15th-January 1st, with weapon of choice for the entire season. The velvet hunts last through Labor Day weekend and the rut is throughout the months of October and November. We hunt seven days a week and allow two bucks per day, only with one small (under 12" wide) per hunter, per season.
We have open areas where first timers can take a buck, Long Managed Trophy Areas where bucks must be a minimum of 15" outside spread. Then we have our special Big Trophy Area, where the bucks have been on strict management for only mature bucks for the past 13 seasons, the bucks there have to be 16" outside spread of 110 Boone and Crockett Score. That area will be for very serious Trophy Hunters only.
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Certified Bow Techs on hand 7 days a week (with 110 Years combined experience)
