Coastal Angler Magazine | Boston April 2026 Edition

HARBOR IN WINTER

The only one sailing on Boston Harbor on a recent late winter’s day was a solitary duck. But once summer comes, and with it the Tall Ships visit to Boston and the city celebrates America’s 250th birthday, local waters are going to be hopping. Watch future issues of Coastal Angler Magazine for more on Sail Boston and other boating coverage.

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3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments

Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you’re in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.

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If you fnanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.

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By A. deGruchy

Mahi season is one of those drop everything and go times of year, and when we begin to slide from spring into summer, you can usually count on schools showing up o!shore. e warmer the water, the better it gets, especially when you nd clean blue water, good current edges, weed lines, oating debris, or any kind of structure holding bait in that 75- to 82-degree range. Fishing with Bean Sport shing in the Florida Keys and other parts of the state, over the past few years we’ve de nitely seen more smaller sh and fewer big cows and bulls, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone. When conditions line up, there’s always a chance a quality mahi-mahi is mixed in with the schoolies.

Mahi love anything moving, so live bait is tough to beat, and when they’re really red up, you can even catch them on y. Tackle-wise, we like running a 6500 size setup because you never know when a better sh shows up. e Penn Slammer IV 6500 paired with a Carnage III rod is a go-to for us, and the Penn Spin sher VII 6500 spinning combo is another solid option. We’ve had great success using the Mustad 7766D 6/0 hook, and for bait we’ll typically sh whitebait or troll Islamorada Flyers depending on the day.

When it comes to the table, blackened or fried mahi is hard to beat, and we only keep what we’re going to eat that day. Even though mahi are one of the fastest-growing sh in the ocean, conservation still matters, and being mindful about what you harvest goes a long way.

Bean Sport shing can run this type of trip, but it’s highly weather dependent o!shore. If you’re looking to book a dedicated o!shore charter in e Keys, I highly recommend LegaSea Charters. Capt. Joey can be reached at legaseacharters.com.

If you’re planning on visiting Islamorada, book at the fabulous ree Waters Resort and reach out to us about a special captain’s discount.

Follow deGruchy’s adventures on Instagram @bean_sport shing and on YouTube @BeanSport shing. To book a charter, visit beansport shing.com.

Revolution Rolled Through South Boston Thanks to Hanscom Federal Credit Union

By The Coastal Angler Staff

As South Boston celebrated its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a tradition steeped in history and community pride, Hanscom Federal Credit Union brought history to life in an unforgettable way. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, Hanscom debuted a one-of-a-kind float honoring one of the war’s most pivotal moments, complete with live oxen and a cannon.

The float featured a dramatic reenactment of Colonel Henry Knox’s famed “Noble Train of Artillery,” a daring and decisive operation

during the winter of 17751776. Knox orchestrated a grueling 300-mile journey to transport 59 cannons captured from Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York to the Continental Army camp outside Boston. Using oxen-drawn wagons to haul the heavy artillery through harsh winter conditions, Knox’s efforts ultimately enabled General George Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, a strategic move that forced British troops to evacuate Boston in March 1776.

Hanscom’s parade float brought this moment to life with two live oxen pulling a

cannon, offering spectators a vivid glimpse into the ingenuity and determination that shaped America’s early fight for independence. The presentation connected the Irish heritage celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day with Boston’s revolutionary roots, underscoring the enduring spirit of resilience and community.

Adding to the historic atmosphere, marching Minutemen in full Revolutionary War uniform accompanied the float, alongside live music from The Jake Ash Band. Team members from Hanscom Federal Credit

Union also joined the procession, reinforcing the credit union’s longstanding commitment to honoring local history while supporting the communities it serves.

The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the nation’s most prominent celebrations of Irish culture and heritage, provided the perfect backdrop for the tribute. By blending pageantry with living history, Hanscom created an experience that was both educational and inspiring for paradegoers of all ages.

Media had the opportunity to view the float and speak with representatives prior to the parade at the staging area on Southampton Street. The parade stepped off at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

With its historic reenactment and strong community participation, Hanscom Federal Credit Union’s float stood out as a memorable highlight of the celebration, a moving reminder of the courage, creativity and cooperation that helped shape Boston and the nation.

Elegance and Ambiance: 1928 Beacon Hill Hosts Kickoff Breakfast for SERHANT Boston

By The Coastal Angler Staff

Boston has a healthy share of luxury real estate listings, so perhaps it was only a matter of time before SERHANT, the global real estate brand whose specialties include high-end properties, established a foothold in the city.

The firm’s expansion into Boston kicked off in style on March 11 with a breakfast gathering at 1928 Beacon Hill, an elegant restaurant in one of the city’s most histor-

ic neighborhoods. SERHANT’s Boston opening completes the company’s expansion into all major East Coast cities.

One of the most visible and influential real estate companies in the world, SERHANT is the subject of the Netflix hit series

“Owning Manhattan” and an AI-first brokerage redefining how real estate is sold and marketed. The brand is also the most followed in the industry globally, with more than

10 million followers across all social media channels.

Among the guests at the 1928 Beacon Hill breakfast were SERHANT founder and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Serhant and SERHANT Boston founding agents Michael L. Carucci, Antonio Khoury, Jorge Sariego, Kyle Farrell, and Joe Albano. The Boston expansion is a homecoming for Serhant, who was raised in Topsfield, Massachusetts.

Agents and team members enjoyed 1928 Beacon Hill’s charming and intimate ambiance

“This is a milestone for Boston and we are honored to work with SERHANT as they kick off their Boston operations,” 1928 Beacon Hill owner Kristin Jenkins said. “At our restaurants, we strive to create special experiences that allow our guests to share in the wonder and beauty that make Boston and all of New England

(Continued from Page 2)

the greatest places in the world and SERHANT’s work perfectly aligns with that mission.”

Jenkins, who also owns and operates 1928 Rowes Wharf on the city’s waterfront, was inspired to open the restaurants by her grandfather (the 1928 in the names comes from the year he was born). Her vision for the 1928 brand reflects her grandfather’s love of gathering family and friends around great food for warm gatherings and lasting memories.

SERHANT sells residential, commercial, luxury, and new development properties nationally through its specialized divisions, including SERHANT Signature for high-net-worth clients and SERHANT New Development, which delivers end-to-end branding, marketing, and sales for residential projects. Powered by S.MPLE, the company’s proprietary AI platform, agents are empowered with real-time data and workflow automation across listings, transactions, and marketing functions. Additionally, SERHANT Studios produces original content across social and streaming platforms, while SellIt. com is the company’s digital education hub, engaging members globally in more than 130 countries.

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The Year that Changed the World Two Massachusetts Historical Society Exhibits Explore the

Movement Toward, and Moment of, American Independence

By The Coastal Angler Staff

Boston, and all of Massachusetts, are well into their much-anticipated celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Plenty of great events are being held throughout the state to mark the Semiquincentennial of the movement, and the moment that gave birth to our nation, including two major exhibitions presented by Massachusetts Historical Society.

Running through Jan. 3, 2027, “The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement” is on view at the Old State House in downtown Boston. The exhibit, presented in partnership with the non-profit organization Revolutionary Spaces, pairs the MHS’s unparalleled collection with the Old State House’s historic setting (the oldest surviving public building in Boston, it was the seat of colonial government in Massachusetts, and the Boston Massacre unfolded on the cobblestone street outside on a cold March night in 1770). The powerful experience connects place and primary sources in telling the story of the American Revolution.

Focusing on the critical first year of the American Revolution, “The Road to Revolution” explores the escalating tensions, pivotal choices, and far-reaching consequences of events in 1775 and early 1776. Through the voices of Massachusetts merchants, soldiers, politicians, and families, the exhibition reveals how the revolution was debated, resisted, and ultimately embraced.

The exhibit includes a host of extraordinary documents and objects, including Paul Revere’s 1775 deposition, his own written account of his ride to Lexington

to warn Samual Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming to arrest them; a Lexington cannonball; correspondence from Samuel Adams; the diary of Boston merchant William Cheever chronicling the British siege of the city; and a sword believed to have belonged to General Joseph Warren.

Additionally, the MHS is presenting “1776: Declaring Independence” at its Boylston Street, Boston headquarters through Dec. 19, 2026. The exhibit explores how the Declaration of Independence was written, printed, and shared, and

examines its immediate impact on people and places on the verge of nationhood.

At the heart of 1776: Declaring Independence” is a question that changed history: how did the thirteen colonies declare independence to the world?

The exhibit traces the drafting, printing, dissemination, and reception of the Declaration of Independence. John and Abigail Adams emerge as central figures, guiding visitors through debates over liberty, loyalty, governance, and the meaning of independence. Highlights include personal manuscript copies of the Declaration by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, early printings, including a rare Dunlap broadside, and Abigail Adams’ personal belongings.

Taken together, both exhibits offer a local and personal account of the turbulent years that preceded American independence, and the monumental year that declared it to the world.

(Images courtesy Massachusetts Historical Society)

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Plum Island Surfcasters

Club Meeting: Native Fish Coalition: A Talk on Wild Native Brook Trout April 21st, 2026 @ 7:00PM Salisbury Senior Center 43 Lafayette Rd, Salisbury, MA 01952

Check our website (www.plumislandsurfcasters.org) for more details on upcoming events. Meetings at 6:45 pm | Fishing seminar at 8:00 pm Free for all club members. $5 admission for Non-members

COME JOIN

Hello Spring!

TIM BAREFOOT

It’s o!cial…say hello to spring. Anglers can now look forward to targeting a wide variety of species, including black n tuna, wahoo, African pompano, and many other sought-a er sh. With these species actively feeding during their migration north, the opportunities for successful catches are abundant. Whether you prefer trolling, dri ing, or bottom shing, the spring months bring a wealth of options to ll your cooler with quality sh.

e troll bite will probably die as soon as the sun gets up around the nine or ten o’clock timeframe. is is when you need to change tactics. Stop trolling. Put the trolling motor over and start making strategic dri s with the light line out while bottom shing. I would also suggest putting a couple baits out under the kite, as this is the most e ective presentation with very little to no leader in the water. Have at least one person dedicated to the kite baits, if you’re shing a kite. is is one of the best times of the year to spend the night, especially here in North Carolina, as the night bite could be crazy good. Put the bright lights out and you will draw the squid, cigar minnows, sardines, and all the predators to you like moths to a porch light. If you have the ability to spend the night, April could be the month you see the ultimate results. Everything including ying sh are very susceptible to a Sibiki rig. Fill the live well with live baits and start shing on the daylight bite. Fish are like us; they like to eat breakfast and dinner, so be there early and late.

Be sure to keep an eye on the recorder while on the dri for the mid water marks. In addition to shing for the snappers, have rods at the ready for sh that show on the recorder way o the bottom. ese may very well be the African pompano, so have a rod ready with a jig that you can re down and erratically jig upwards 25 to 50 feet o the bottom and then let ascend back to the bottom. Repeat over and over as this will get bites! It’s not just African pompano that frequent these deeper waters. During the middle of the day, wahoo can be found surprisingly deep, and tuna also inhabit these depths. It only takes a few wahoo, black n or pompano to make a great box of sh to take home. is is also a good time to target the smaller snapper with smaller baits on “chicken rigs” with small circle hooks. When you’re on a good bite (using small circle hooks) I would strongly recommend feeling the bite, winding tight to it and stopping. is is when another snapper will jump on the second bait. You will load up quickly with delicious groceries when you’re catching two at a time.

Bring the heat… It’s on!

Learn more tips and techniques at barefootcatsandtackle.com and on Barefoot’s YouTube channel: @timbarefoot5698.

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CRAPPIEFISHINGONKENTUCKYLAKE

By Julie Graham- ExploreTRV

Spring

As the last bite of winter gives way to the gentle stirrings of spring, Kentucky Lake comes alive. Located along the western edge of the Bluegrass State, this sprawling body of water—technically a reservoir—has long been a mecca for anglers, especially those in search of springtime crappie.

Kentucky Lake stretches a remarkable 184 miles from the Tennessee state line to the northernmost point at the Kentucky Dam making it the largest reservoir in the state and one of the largest in the U.S. e lake was formed in 1944 with the completion of the Kentucky Dam, a key project by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Today, the lake covers over 160,000 acres, with an average depth of 8-10 feet, though some areas reach even deeper. Its shoreline stretches over 2,000 miles, o ering countless coves, islands, and inlets that make it a paradise for anglers. Fishing enthusiasts quickly discovered the lake’s potential as a world-class destination for crappie, bass, and cat sh, earning it a reputation that has only grown over the decades. Feeding Kentucky Lake are several major tributaries (Blood River, Jonathan Creek, Big Sandy River) that become shing hotspots in early spring, especially where submerged timber

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and man-made structures provide cover. Every seasoned angler in this region knows spring is crappie season. As water temperatures creep into the low 60s, crappie begin their migration from deep winter haunts to shallow spawning grounds— brush piles, stumps, and submerged structures along the shoreline. Preferred bait and techniques vary by angler, but some classics stand the test of time. Live minnows, o en rigged under a slip oat, are a go-to for many, especially during the pre-spawn. Jig shing is equally e ective, with popular choices like 1/16 or 1/32 oz. so plastics in chartreuse, white, and monkey milk colors. When the bite gets tough, tipping jigs with a small minnow or switching to hand-tied hair jigs can coax hesitant sh. Long-line trolling and spider rigging also dominate certain sections of the lake, especially in the deeper channels near creek mouths.

Mornings on the lake feel almost sacred this time of year. Fishermen, some in sleek bass boats, others in aluminum ski s passed down through generations, fan out across coves and creek arms, quietly working the banks. e goal is the same: feel the tap of a crappie on the line, set the hook, and haul in what many call the “gold of the lake.” For many, the draw of spring crappie shing isn’t just the thrill of the bite. It’s also the chance to connect with the natural rhythm of the season while sitting in a quiet cove as the dogwoods bloom, passing along stories, rods, and values to the next generation. At its core, Kentucky Lake is more than a reservoir. It’s a living, breathing legacy—a place where history, sport, and stewardship come together on every cast.

For more information on shing licenses and regulations, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website - fw.ky.gov - or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website - www.tn.gov/twra.html.

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