Coastal Angler Magazine | Central Florida | July 2026 Edition

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fve things you should know about boat insurance

Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are fve things to know about boat insurance.

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2. Accidents can happen to anyone

When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to specifed limits. It can also cover lawsuit costs if you’re sued.

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.

4. Most lenders require boat insurance

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 Will Schmidt

Nothing quite gets your heart rate up like the sound of drag screaming as a king rips line from the reel. Maybe it’s so exciting because for many, king!sh !shing can be slow, especially when targeting big !sh. e good news is there are some tournament proven techniques that can really help.

Perhaps the most well know tactic to bring kings to you is chumming. ere are several forms. Cutting up chunks of thread!ns and tossing them into the current is certainly a tried-and-true method. is is a great method especially if you are anchored. e challenge here is getting enough bait to keep the ow going. Another option we use in tournament !shing is a constant drip of menhaden oil. Using a bag like an IV bag you can set have a slow drip continually putting scent in the water as you troll. It’s great for covering ground and still helps to bring !sh to you at the same time. Unfortunately, menhaden oil has become a bit pricey.

ese techniques work great, but on tournament days I believe there is so much scent in the water that they become less e$ective. So, now my new go to is to add an extra sensory stimulation in the form of eye candy. Speci!cally, a Fish Razr mylar dredge. Made of re ective strips that look like a school of bait, they shine like an underwater disco ball. Plus are easy to use and reusable so they are cost e$ective. Simply attach them to a kite rod or cleat and toss them over the side. I’ve literally had !sh in my spread within seconds of deploying the dredge.

For baits I do prefer big blue runners, but sometimes they can be hard to come by. A good trick when big baits are sparse is to double up smaller baits, like sardines or thread!ns. I use two hooks wired about 5 inches apart with a stinger o$ the second to create a larger pro!le o$ering. I believe the added ash of multiple baits helps as well.

For tackle I like 20 to 30 pound trolling gear like a Shimano Terez medium action rod with Talica A 16. For years we went very light on our tackle thinking that kings had so mouths and needed to be babied. While they are somewhat more delicate, a big !sh is tough and you still need gear that can do the trick. is setup has a light enough tip and silky smooth drag to help absorb the initial hit but plenty of backbone to battle a hardier smoker king. A mono top shot also helps with that opening blow.

For me the key to king!sh !shing is to combine looking for them while also having them look for me. Adding the dredge to my spread is a real gamechanger.

Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about shing for more than two decades. Follow Will on Instagram @saltynstrong.

IN THE KEYS Lobster Season Lobster Season Lobster Season Lobster SeasonMINI

By A. deGruchy

Every July, the Keys go a little wild for two days. !e spiny lobster sport season, or “mini season,” always hits the last Wednesday and !ursday of the month, so in 2026 that’s July 29 and 30. It’s your two-day jump on the regular season before it opens August 6, and trust me, the water gets packed. Know the rules before you launch and you’ll have a blast instead of a ticket.

First, the boring but unskippable part: paperwork. For 2026, non-residents can only

grab a short-term license in person at a Monroe County Tax Collector o ce, and they’re closed weekends. Gear-wise, keep it simple: tickle stick, net, gloves, and a gauge. No spears, hooks, or traps down here. Measure every bug in the water (carapace bigger than three inches), leave the tail on until you’re back on land, and toss back any female carrying eggs.

person, per day, the whole day. !at’s half what the rest of Florida gets, and don’t try to be sneaky about it. You can’t grab your six, run ‘em to the dock, and head back out for round two. !at’s “doubledipping” which is illegal, and the #nes aren’t fun. Six means six.

If traveling to the Keys for mini lobster season, respect the locals. Remember, the Keys are home to a lot of folks and one of the most fragile reefs anywhere, so a lot of the “be cool” stu$ is also straight-up the law. Give people their space, too.

Heads up on the 300-foot rule during mini season: basically the whole Keys is o$-limits nearshore. You can’t dive or snorkel within 300 feet of anyone’s house, dock, canal or marina. And don’t mix it up with the no-night-diving rule, that’s a separate mini season thing, so plan on daylight only. Fly your dive ag, idle down when you’re within 300 feet of one, and grab a buddy because the water’s a zoo. Don’t touch, stand on, or anchor on the coral, steer clear of no-take zones like John Pennekamp and the Dry Tortugas, and never mess with someone’s trap, that one’s a felony.

Bottom line: carry your license, measure in the water, keep it to six and whole, and dive in daylight. Check MyFWC.com for the full rundown before you head out, and have fun out there.

!e biggie is the bag limit: six lobsters per

Follow all of deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sport!shing on Instagram and YouTube.

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SECURING THE SHORELINE: WHY EXPERTISE MATTERS IN SEAWALL REPAIR

By SlabFix

Seawalls are the unsung heroes of coastal and waterfront properties. Day in and day out, these structures endure the relentless punishing forces of tides, currents, and storms. Yet, because much of their critical infrastructure remains hidden beneath the water or buried under the soil, seawall deterioration o!en goes unnoticed until disaster strikes. When a seawall begins to fail, the integrity of the entire property is compromised. Resolving this high-stakes issue requires more than just a quick cosmetic patch; it demands specialized engineering, proven techniques, and a team with an unblemished track record. at is precisely where Slab Fix has established itself as the gold standard in the seawall repair industry. e mechanics of seawall failure usually begin from behind the wall. Over time, #uctuating water levels and heavy rains wash away the supporting soil through tiny cracks or failing joints. is

process, known as erosion or void formation, leaves the land behind the wall completely hollowed out. Property owners might $rst notice sinkholes, dipping concrete slabs, or a slight tilting of the seawall cap. Attempting a DIY $x or hiring a general contractor without specialized marine construction experience o!en leads to recurring failures and wasted capital. Seawall restoration is a precise science that requires a deep understanding of hydrostatic pressure, soil mechanics, and advanced material science.

Slab Fix has earned its reputation as an industry leader by mastering this complex science. Instead of relying on disruptive, expensive, and environmentally damaging excavation methods, the company utilizes cutting-edge polyurethane foam injection technology. is innovative process involves drilling small, non-invasive holes into the a ected areas and injecting a high-density,

eco-friendly polymer. e material expands to $ll hidden voids, binds with the existing soil, and creates an impermeable barrier that stops future erosion in its tracks. By stabilizing the soil and sealing the wall from within, Slab Fix restores structural integrity without altering the shoreline’s natural aesthetics.

Beyond technical expertise, the true measure of Slab Fix’s success lies in its stellar reputation. e company’s consistently great reviews re#ect a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Waterfront homeowners and commercial property managers alike routinely praise the team for their transparency, punctuality, and minimal disruption to daily life. Clients frequently note that the crew takes the time to explain the engineering behind the repair, providing peace of mind during what can otherwise be a highly stressful situation. is wealth of positive feedback serves as a testament to their reliability and the long-lasting durability of their work.

Protecting your waterfront investment requires proactive maintenance and the right partners. Choosing an inexperienced contractor can result in catastrophic wall failure, costly property damage, and severe environmental $nes. With Slab Fix, property owners gain access to unparalleled expertise, state-of-the-art repair technologies, and a proven history of success. By addressing the root cause of seawall decay with precision and care, Slab Fix ensures that your shoreline remains secure, beautiful, and resilient for decades to come.

Fishing TRENDING

GUARANTEED LOWEST

OKIDS, POPPING CORKS, AND SPECKLED TROUT

Kids don’t always have the patience to wait on a $sh to bite. ey want to cast, reel, and stay involved. A popping cork gives them something to do while keeping a bait or lure in the strike zone. Every pop creates noise and commotion that imitates feeding $sh, helping trout locate the bait. More importantly, it keeps kids engaged and focused.

When $shing live bait, it’s hard to beat a lively shrimp under a popping cork. Whether you’re $shing shorelines, reefs, or grass beds, the cork attracts trout while keeping the bait at the proper depth. e sound gets their attention, and the shrimp does the rest. It’s a simple setup that consistently catches $sh and builds con$dence in young anglers.

ne of my favorite things about $shing isn’t catching $sh myself—it’s watching a kid catch one. ere’s something special about seeing a young angler’s face light up when a cork disappears, and a speckled trout starts pulling back. Over the years, I’ve introduced a lot of kids to $shing, including my own boys, and one of the easiest ways I’ve found to help them succeed is with a popping cork.

Arti$cial lures work just as well. I o!en prefer them when $shing with kids because I spend less time rebaiting hooks and more time helping them catch $sh. A so! plastic under a popping cork allows kids to cast, pop, and retrieve while covering water e&ciently. It also teaches them how to work a lure without making things overly complicated.

One thing I’ve learned is that tackle designed for adults doesn’t always hold up when kids are involved. Rods get dropped, tackle gets stepped

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

on, and gear gets bounced around the boat. at’s one reason I’ve moved away from many traditional wire-style corks.

Most anglers have opened a tackle box and found a wire cork bent a!er a day on the water. Once the wire is bent, the cork rarely casts the same. Many wire designs also have several moving parts that can tangle during a cast, especially in the hands of a young angler. Over time, the wire can even nick $shing line, creating weak spots that o!en show up when a good trout is hooked.

Durability is another advantage of hardplastic corks. Unlike foam designs that can crack, chip, loose its color, hard-plastic corks can handle years of abuse in a boat and continue performing like new.

At the end of the day, taking kids $shing should be fun. A durable popping cork paired with live bait or a so! plastic lure keeps things simple, productive, and exciting. e more bites kids get, the more they stay interested, and that’s how future anglers are made.

Take a kid $shing, I will!

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor and owner of Knockin Tail Lures® — knockintaillures.com.

Welcome to Central

JULY 14-17, 2026

Mighty RiveR RecoveRy

Mighty River Recovery is Florida’s leading nonprofit organization focused on freshwater habitat restoration and advancing resource management. Formed in 2024, the group focuses on issues affecting the St. Johns River, the state’s largest freshwater resource, once known as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World”. Sadly, unparalleled loss of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) has led to fish and wildlife declines along this historic waterway, driving the formation of Mighty River Recovery and a grassroots effort unlike any in Florida’s history.

Beginning as volunteers in state efforts to restore SAV, Mighty River Recovery quickly expanded to include in-depth research and advocacy for large-scale restoration projects. The organization’s Citizen Enclosure Project (CEP) paired citizen science with fisheries professionals to build five research stations across the river’s middle basin. Here, a variety of variables leading to vegetation declines are tracked including herbivore and invasive fish impacts, nutrient swings and turbidity factors. In addition, Mighty River Recovery is taking a deep dive, studying the effects of herbicide use on the St. Johns system, a first for any organization in Florida.

The initial year of study brought encouraging results at many of the CEP stations. Native plants quickly returned to several units, while additional, introduced SAV also flourished. A few units, however, painted a concerning picture as plants never established. Mighty River Recovery quickly expanded the program in 2026 to include additional areas of study and push for answers.

While habitat restoration continues to be the focus of the organization, advocacy is just as important. Mighty River Recovery presents regularly to Florida’s regulatory agencies including the Florida FWC, The St. Johns River Water Management District and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Advancing future management is the goal, specifically through holistic measures focused on robust plant growth. As Florida’s resources continue to be overloaded with nutrients, Mighty River Recovery is advocating for solutions focused on natural nutrient uptake through plant communities, with future harvest of those plants providing environmentallyresponsible methods of nutrient reduction.

An organization founded by outdoor lovers, captains and naturalists, Mighty River Recovery features a free membership platform, allowing anyone passionate about Florida’s freshwater resources an easy way in. The organization provides a wealth of information through their website (www.mightyriverrecovery.org), social pages and blog posts.

While there’s a good chance you’ll see the group at one of many festivals around central Florida, ICAST attendees are in for a treat as Mighty River Recovery displays their work at this year’s show in the Conservation Corner, booth 6013. Be sure to stop by of more information and to to enter one of the group’s many prize raffles. You’ll also have a chance to meet the founders of the organization as well as numerous members of their Board of Directors and Habitat Committee.

While you’re there, be sure to sign up for a free membership and newsletter to stay informed of the group’s work and goal to restore Florida’s most iconic waterway.

Mighty River Recovery

Joe Balog, Executive Director

popping bug. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the popping bug get hit. Daytime anglers are catching good numbers fishing the shallow bedding areas. Bait of choice is crickets fished under a float.Another good area to fish is canals when the water is flowing, trolling will only trigger more bites. Crappie - Anglers are fishing open water for crappie using jigs tipped Anglers trolling jigs are catching good limits of crappie. The key is to find them

East Lake Toho - Bass fishing on East Lake has been good using artificial baits early morning. The best place to fish will be at the edges of the cattails. Then move to open water as the morning progresses. Most anglers are flipping open water pepper grass matts with good success. Fish the deeper edges of the grasswatermelon seed, Junebug, and

Panfish - Fish open water shell beds with red wigglers. If you are looking to fill the cooler for dinner, the open water shell beds are

July is here and so are the summer’s hottest days. Afternoon rain-storms produce running water, so find some current and usually the bait and bass are close by. July is not only a hot month in temperature, but hot bass bite as well. If you love to catch them flippin’ now is the best time of year to catch a giant in heavy cover. So grab your flippin’ sticks! Pitching small profile soft plastic creature baits such as the Zoom U Vibe Speed Craw or the Gambler BB Cricket, Sweet Beaver at the base of cattails, flat lilly pad pockets, deeper edges of Kissimmee grass, matted vegetation or shaded docks will usually produce a bite in the hottest parts of day. Big fish tend to group up this time of year, so when you catch one slow way down a work the area thoroughly. Try night fishing to beat the heat, fish nights close or just after to the full moon for best results. The early morning gray skies or late evening have been producing better than average bites. Try fishing heavy

cover using a frog type bait or a swim-jig with a boot type trailer. Keep a look-out for schooling fish, have a top popper, spook type bait or rattle trap to throw at these aggressive eaters. Throw to the middle of the school and fish your bait back very fast, usually they will compete to get to it and chew on it! Later in the day deep water grass edges and the old river channels in both Lk. Harris and little Lk. Harris are good areas as well as brushpiles and man-made fish attractors all over the chain. Find the eel grass or off-shore hydrilla near hard bottom in Lk. Dora or Lk. Bleauclair and throw Large deep running crank baits, soft plastic swim baits or the old stand-by Carolina rig will produce bites from bigger fish. Find the bait and you will find the bass! Bass aside, the bluegill, shellcracker and red-ears are on the last of their bedding spawning cycles but the bite has still been very productive. Target them with grass shrimp, red wigglers or crickets under docks and in the grass lines or near a flat close to the lily pads in the shallows. Watch out for the afternoon storms and be safe, take a kid fishing for these tasty eaters and make a memory that will last a lifetime!!

Lake O’s water level continues to fall slightly. The positive attributes stemming from the low water level on Lake Okeechobee allows for replanting of native grass(s); bottom-scraping on certain areas of the lake and control burning. I remain hopeful that this effort(s) will produce a lasting-positive outcome for a healthier Lake Okeechobee for years and generations to enjoy. The big O is a very vital component of water storage, eco system and wildlife to all of south Florida and hope that it will be Properly Managed moving forward. Now onto my report: Due to low water level and safe boating, the main area to fish is the Kissimmee River and its access boat ramps to the canal system such as: Scott Driver park located in Okeechobee on the Kissimmee River; J&S Canal located on the North-East side of Okeechobee; Harney pond Canal located on the West side in Lakeport and Indian Praire Canal in Glades County located between Harney Pond canal and Scott Driver park. Bass; bluegill; shell crackers; Myan Cichlids and Fingerling Catfish are all plentiful to catch right now especially on the moon phases and are fun to catch. Some areas on the

bass trips which are typical for this time of year. The month of September is when to start thinking of booking your bass fishing trip, as the females start to feed up while they make their way into the shallows for the early spawn time. It’s also the time to book your fall crappie trip too. Good fishing areas: parts of the shoal; Dupree Bar; Dyess ditch and Horse Island and Indian Prairie. Tin house has been solid throughout the season for crappie, bass and bream, work your way up towards 3rd and 2nd point where you’ll find some bass feeding on the bedding bream. A few areas on Kings Bar have been good and

To book you’re next fun-filled, productive and educational fishing trip call me at 863-228-7263 or log onto my website to check out the customers and their catches; hotel recommendations; guide rates and etc. Capt Angie’s sponsors are: Caymas boats and Toho Marine; South Tackle; Maui Jim; Gill; Bullet Weights; Road Runner; Real Magic; Tru Turn hooks; Mega Strike; Gene Larew; Pradco Brands and BUFF

lake are accessible to fish such as Tin House; Indian Praire/Horse Island grass edges; South edge of Dupree Bar and all along Observation Shoal area. As the summer months continue, which is the “rainy season” here in south Florida will help bring up the water level slowly and will allow for more accessibility to boat and fish out on the lake. If you’re fishing for bass the hot lures have been: worms; chatter/swim baits; frogs; top water and flipping/pitching isolated grass clumps/ areas. Color choices are: June bug; Red bug/Plum/Tequila Sunrise; white; tilapia; green-pumpkin and watermelon/ red. If you’re fishing for bream, it’s been live crickets and worms. Crickets work best if rigged with a pegged bobber, small split shot weight, 4lb mono test on ultra-light 6.5-7ft length spinning gear. Fishing with worms can be rigged the same as for crickets but for something a little different try rigging your worm with just a Bass Pro little squirt hook that has a 1/16 oz weight attached to the hook so you’re fishing off the bottom. When you fish with a rig set up like that you increase your chances to not only catching bluegill but shell crackers and fingerling catfish as well. To book your bass and/or bream trip this summer call me at 863228-7263 and inquiry about discounts, accommodating groups; multi-day trips; one-person and Veteran discounts. For more trip info check out my website: www. southfloridabassfishing.com.

find cooler deeper water or some shade to ride out the heat. Much like colder weather the heat also causes fish to become lethargic and many time unwilling to feed or do anything but sulk. If you do find yourself looking to catch in the heat, baits like live shrimp are a good choice as they fit the bill of a lite snack and not a full meal. In the cooler times like early morning, late evening, and even nighttime you can look to utilize more substantial offerings and the topwater plug excels at this. With the summer waters heavy bait presence those topwater plugs will get a look and can even be fished at night with great success. Also, live baits like mullet will get plenty of looks and are a great choice in the dark. Don’t let the dog days of summer get your fishing in a slump! Beat the heat and keep catching.

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Sea trout and redfish are the primary targets for anglers on the Lagoon flats. Anglers should focus their efforts in areas of mullet schools, throwing top water plugs in the early morning and late afternoon hours, or at night. Once the day gets hot and the top water bite slows, switch your tactics to live bait (pigfish) or DOACAL Jigs fished on the deeper edges of the flats, and don’t overlook the large ladyfish schools shadowing glass minnows out in the deeper water.

If the ocean water stays warm (above 80 degrees) along the near-shore coast, look for pods of baitfish to

move in close. Pods of Atlantic menhaden (pogies), thread fin herring (greenies), and bay anchovies (glass minnows) will all be shadowed by predator species like large tarpon, smoker kings, blacktip and spinner sharks, jack crevalle, bonitoand redfish. Focus your attention on bait pods where there are visible predators, feeding activity and active bird feeding.

As we approach the end of the month and the beginning of the fall mullet run, look for snook fishing in the surf to improve as they move into the surf break to feed. Remember snook season is closed in August, so please handle, and release them with extreme care. The snook populations in our area are elevated this year due to the warmer than usual winter we experienced.

CENTRAL FLORIDA COASTAL ANGLER BRAG

Good day for this Longwood junior angler who caught this 3.2 lb. largemouth with a live bluegill in Shadow Hill Park.

This is just one of four black drum Blake and his family caught kayak fishing at Ochlockonee River State Park. This one was 20 lbs. and 34”.

Stephanie Smith launched her canoe in Mosquito Lagoon and a 1/2-hour later she got hooked up with this solid 36inch redfish, and said, “The drag was screaming and the canoe was spinning in circles! It barely fit in the net.”

Eric Henderson was chasing schools of jacks off the beach in Sebastian when he hooked this 39”, 26-pounder.

Big family fun was had by everyone at the recent Jolly Gator Bass Series Tuesday evening event.

Landyn Byer landed his 25 lb. jack crevalle using a live croaker from the beach in Sebastian.

BOARD

Congratulations to Sea Leveler Sportfishing Charters’ Capt. Steve who took 1st place grouper, Capt. Joey who got 2nd place grouper, and Capt. Ethan who got 3rd place grouper in the 57th Annual FSFA Slam tournament, held June 6th in Port Canaveral.

Zach Charron Started the morning catching blues off Melbourne Beach, then out of nowhere this tank of a snook crushed a baby croaker about 20 yards off the sand.

Zach Temperly and Lee Reddick, winners of the Jolly Gator Bass Series Saturday event, with almost 29 pounds in their 5 bass limit!

Loree Hughes caught this Indian River redfish mid morning off her dock in Merritt Island while freelining a live mullet.

For your chance to get featured on the Brag Board, upload your high-quality photos (>1MB) with all of the catch details at: coastalanglermag.com

INDIAN RIVER LAGOON FORECAST

Last month water was high and still should be high in July with the rain we’ve be getting. The grass in the lagoon is thick, and I expect it probably will get even thicker.

I’ll fish the drop-off for the schools of bigger redfish. And the trout? They’ll be in the mullet on the edges of the dropoff. Early in the morning is when you’ll see most of the action; I use topwaters or jerk baits. Later in the day I’ll sight fish using live shrimp or cut bait.

On the flats I fish around the bait too, but look for sandy spots where the fish can see what you are throwing at them. Lately the water has been hot and calm, so the fish are not as active; they are sleeping in the grass. When the sun is out, I personally like it when the wind is blowing as the fish are more active and less spooky. It seems that when it is calm there is a lot of boats, too. I do better on windy days.

There’s still a few black drum out there, but they have a target on them so I’m not seeing as many as we should. Most of the drum are in the “Pole & Troll” zone.

We should have a lot more rain this month, so the small and big tarpon will be around. This is the best time for tarpon on the Indian River and in the canals.

Check out the spots on this big bull red!

For the small tarpon, I use a mini jig with a good hook and small spinning rods, 4- to 10-lb. braided line tied

to 25 lb. fluorocarbon leaders. For the big tarpon I fish live mullet and menhaden or big, dead mullet with circle hooks and 60 lb. fluorocarbon leader and 20- to 30-lb. braided line. Fly fishing works very well for both size fish, all sight fishing. July and August are the calm times of year—and the best time to sight fish for tarpon.

Troy’s Tips: 1. Fish early. 2. Release redfish, trout and black drum in sand holes so you don’t get stuck in the grass and flip upside down. 3. There will be less oxygen in the water, especially on calm, hot days.

CAPT. TROY PEREZ

Troy Perez Fishing facebook.com/captaintroyfl capt.troyperez@gmail.com (321) 607-2033

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321.777.2773

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PORT CANAVERAL OFFSHORE

FORECAST

Fishing has been fantastic and hopefully it continues. Bait has been easy and plentiful with just a few throws of your net; those bunker are thick. Use the right net folks. Still amazes me seeing that blue 6-footer being tossed. Go to the Cocoa Beach Fishing Center and tell Nick you need a “Canaveral Bunker” net; they are custom made and worth every dime.

Offshore has been “Fired Up,” so to speak. Kings are chewing hard and every reef has them going off. The early bite seems to still be the best. Mixed in those kings are cobia, mahi, cudas and bonitas. (I would take some fresh bonita any day. Google some recipes.) Also, seeing some random wahoo recently; try some high speeding as it has been paying off.

As many of you noticed, we had some beautiful, clean water all the way to the beach that has brought flying fish to the bouy line and a few mahi as well. Cool stuff. Along with the clean water we also have the cold-water thermocline. This happens every year and usually shuts the bottom fishing down, but will also push a lot of fish up. Amberjack and red snapper have been awesome. You can almost pick out what fish you want. Sure, you have to throw the reds back, but still fun sight fishing for red snapper. The thermocline usually only lasts a few weeks or so and the chicken rigging will get back to normal. As will grouper.

Nearshore shark fishing has been great. We are running shark trips every single day and averaging some great numbers. Big blacktips, hammerheads and sharpies. The jewfish have also been consistant and providing the fish of a lifetime for many. Some trips we are averaging two or three fish to 300-plus pounds.

CAPT. CHRIS CAMERON Fired Up Fishing Charters firedupcharters.com (407) 222-3573

Go BoatingAmerica

PORT CANAVERAL NEARSHORE

Fishing is about to blow wide open. Tarpon action started last month and the baitfish pods along the near-coastal waters will attract all of the predators that we like to chase. Tarpon are at the top of this species list. Thousands of adult tarpon will be cruising our Space Coast area beaches in July. These ocean athletes are generally 5 to 6 feet in length and weigh an average of 70 to 130 pounds. If you are ready for a true battle of wills, the “Silver King” will undoubtedly bring the fight to you. The question: Are you up to the task?

Many anglers looking to pick a battle with these fish really don’t understand that this is “the one” and that this class of gamefish is, by far, the most exciting and challenging light tackle adversary we encounter in July. Many of my charter customers over the years have tested their strength and their mental endurance by engaging in hand-to-hand combat with a giant Silver King. Because these fish can be difficult to land, you may consider booking multiple days to chase tarpon in your effort to get a lip grab on one at boatside. I like to use conventional or spinning reels with at least 30- to 50-pound test mainline and leaders in the 60- to 80-pound test range as our lifeline between angler and fish. If this parts...it’s game over.

30-pound crevalle jack join the Silver Kings in the near-coastal waters this month, so put on your big boy pants, take some pre-workout powder, get out your can of M-A-N and apply liberally, then make sure you prepare mentally for this clash with a titan. You can book on my website directly or give me a call to get your reservation locked in.

Let’s go catch your next memory!

For those of you that can’t make it out to chase tarpon in July, August can be a really good month to chase them as well. King mackerel, various types of large coastal sharks, and 20- to

FORECAST ST. JOHNS RIVER

Change tactics for a hot bite! Early morning and late evening will be the key to success. Afternoon rains will cool down the atmosphere making your trip more comfortable, but also lowers water temperature a couple degrees triggering bass to feed. Match the hatch—top water, stick baits, lipless crank baits, suspended slash baits, flukes, trick worms, swim baits, Carolina rigged worms, Texas rigged worms, and creature baits are all going to catch fish. You’ve got to throw one of them in the water to get a bite.

Bass: Cooler water temps in the morning entice bass to shallow ambush feeding areas; hydrilla edges and lily pads are their hiding places. Points along the river with running water cause bait to be flushed, bringing in the schoolies for an evening feed. The springtime panfish and shad hatchlings are now 2-3 inches. Try lures of same size: Rat-L-Traps (chrome), or Gambler’s EZ Swimmer rigged on an eighth ounce weighted hook should produce quality fish along hydrilla edges. Berkeley Lab Series Finesse Worms worked as finesse baits cast into the shallows are sure to get strikes. Best bet is the Berkeley MaxScent ‘Moeba for big fish!

Panfish: Artificial fun with a tried and true Johnson Beetle Spin— slowly troll 20-30 feet out from the shoreline or seawall along your favorite stretch of the St. Johns with ultralight spinning tackle. Cast to the bank and retrieve slowly to catch bluegill, shellcracker and stumpknockers. Bonus fish are largemouth bass; many will be keepers.

CHARLIE McCULLOUGH

Coastal Angler Magazine charlie@coastalanglermagazine.com

BIG SHRIMP

FORECAST SPACE COAST SURF FISHING

July surf fishing typically holds trophy catches for those looking for large snook and tarpon. The summertime surf conditions create a perfect scenario for these predatory species to roam the beaches feeding on baitfish. July and August are personally my favorite times of the year to target them with live bait and artificial lures. Included with snook and tarpon, we’ll see great catches of whiting, croakers and pompano. With that being said, the shark fishing will continue to be a great addition to anyone looking at hooking blacktip sharks as well.

The name of the game during the summer months is to get out early or later when the temperatures aren’t scorching hot. These feeding periods will consist of snook and tarpon crashing baitfish in the first and second trough. Live baitfish including mullet and croakers, either freelined or rigged with a split shot, generally see the most success. Another great way of targeting snook or tarpon will be to enact the use of swim baits, bucktails or suspended plugs casting diagonally to the shore with a steady retrieve. It’s worth mentioning that large breeding snook, as well as all tarpon, should be handled with care; implement a quick release with an emphasis on minimal exposure out of the water.

croakers are to rig them on a live bait rig with a fish finder setup on a oneto two-ounce sliding weight and recast in the first trough. Beach fishing charters catching loads of whiting make for a great family fun experience and, on top of that, whiting make phenomenal table fare. Every one that hits the shore looks like a fish taco to me!

Pompano fishing this time of year usually doesn’t make the headlines, but it’s worth noting that our resident pompano will be out in force. The key to having success will be for those surf fishing anglers willing to seek out the clean water and runouts. Surf fishing near Melbourne Beach north to Cocoa Beach should have tight concentrations of fish throughout the Space Coast region. Pompano rigs with shrimp or clam flavored Fishbites combined with live sandfleas or fresh peeled shrimp will have the most fortune.

By far the most active species during the summer months are whiting and croakers. At times, the bite can make for nonstop action reeling one in after another, often with two on at once! A great way to repurpose the

In conclusion, consider heading to the beach for surf fishing fun in the weeks and months ahead. Diversified setups with pompano rigs and live bait rigs will have you covering all your bases for snook, tarpon, whiting, croakers and pompano. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, get a large chunked bait rigged up for the shark fishing scene that is sure to be a hit. Get out on the shore before work or after work to enjoy the height of this summer surf fishing season.

CAPT. LUKAS BRICKWEG

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters cocoabeachsurffishingcharters.com (321) 205-4672

SEBASTIAN INLET TO EAU GALLIE CAUSEWAY FORECAST

The beach fishing should heat up along with the weather in July once this winds die down and we can get out. Warmer temps bring more bait along the beaches and the false albacore, tarpon, snook, redfish and jacks should be abundant from Melbourne beach south to the Inlet and down through Vero Beach. Fish the bait pods using D.O.A. Bait Busters or MirrOlure Lil Johns on a 1/2 ounce jig head as well as live mullet and pinfish and, if you are into hard baits, the Rapala X-Rap 14s are good for the gamefish. Fish the Baitbusters deep and the X-Raps for the fish staying close to the surface. Snook will be in the trough close to the beaches hanging on the bait pods as well. Best bet for the snook is live bait or a smaller profile hard bait such as Rapala’s X-Rap 10 or SubWalk. Greenies, pinfish and pigfish rigged on a 6/0 VMC circle hook will all produce snook.

The creeks from Melbourne to Sebastian will be a good place for anglers looking to target snook, tarpon, jacks and sharks this month. The Sebastian River, Turkey Creek, Crane Creek and the Eau Gallie River will be good early in the mornings for anglers using artificial baits. Great topwater baits to throw early morning and evenings are SkitterWalks in the mullet pattern, and D.O.A. TerrorEyz are great deep water baits. Suspending baits to try are the Rapala Twitchin’ Mullet and Twitchin’ Minnow. Bait fishermen targeting snook and tarpon can find success using live finger mullet on a 5/0 to 7/0 VMC circle hook rigged with 30-50 lb. leader depending on the size of the tarpon.

The bite in the early morning and late evenings along the mangrove shorelines and the flats should be good for big trout, reds and snook. Topwater action should be solid, and as the sun comes up switch to suspending baits or live baits. Live pinfish, pilchards, croakers and pigfish are the baits of choice to entice the fish early.

The tarpon will also move into the Indian River Lagoon from Sebastian to Melbourne and can be found around bait pods in the ICW as well as deeper areas that hold bait. Early morning and late evening are the best times to target the tarpon, with jacks and sharks mixed in.

Keep your eye out for afternoon storms as they will come out of nowhere and can bring high winds and kick up the seas in a hurry.

CAPT. GLYN AUSTIN

Going Coastal Charters www.goingcoastalcharters.com (321) 863-8085

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John Deere equipment brings the power, performance and productivity, so you get more time to land a trophy. We’ll help you land the right machine with special offers making it an even better catch. Stop in and leave tasks in your wake.

IT’S BAY SCALLOP SEASON!

You’d be hard pressed to !nd better Florida family fun than kicking around in the shallows to pick up scallops. Bay scallop seasons open across most of Florida’s west coast this month, so grab your mask, !ns, snorkel and

Daily Bag Limits:

Gulf through NW Taylor County and L evy through Pasco County:

• Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of meat

• Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat (1/2 gallon = 4 pints)

Fenholloway through Suwannee River Zone:

June 15-30:

• Per person: 1 gallon whole bay scallops in shell or one cup shucked

• Per vessel: 5 gallons whole or 2 pints meat

July 1-Labor Day

• Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat

• Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon meat

NOTE: Vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.

Minimum Size Limit: None

Legal Gear: Harvest permitted only by hand or by using a landing or dip net

Commercial harvest of Florida bay scallops is prohibited. Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater !shing license to harvest bay scallops

unless they are: 1) Exempt from needing a license, or; 2) Have a no-cost shoreline !shing license and are wading from shore to collect scallops (i.e. feet do not leave bottom to swim, snorkel, or SCUBA and harvesters do not use a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location).

Direct transit of legally-harvested bay scallops is allowed through closed areas.

HOW TO SCALLOP:

If you’ve never been scalloping before, don’t worry about learning how. Did you have to learn how to Easter egg hunt? Just get your gear on, jump in the water and look down. You’ll see them. eir light-colored shells stick out against the seagrass. Just grab them with your hand—they don’t bite—and put them in your mesh bag. Keep harvesting until your bag is full (usually a couple of fun hours) then when home, open the shell, take out the scallop, prepare and enjoy the fruits of your fun!

Call: 352-447-1950

CCA Florida STAR Transforms Into Youth-Only Competition

CCA Florida has announced that going forward into the 12th year of competition, the STAR Tournament presented by Yamaha has transformed into a youth competition designed exclusively for anglers ages 6-17. e summer-long event o#ers scholarships, boats, prizes, community service opportunities and a chance to learn valuable conservation practices while enjoying Florida’s saltwater !sheries.

e 2026 competition, open now through Labor Day on September 7, is the largest youth saltwater !shing tournament in Florida. Open to anglers of all skill levels, participants can !sh from shore, docks, seawalls or boats anywhere in the state’s saltwater waters.

Since its launch in 2015, the STAR competition has awarded more than $4 million in prizes, including trucks, boats, motors, trailers, electronics and !shing tackle. More than $1.1 million of that total has been awarded in youth scholarships. For 2026, the youth competition alone will o#er more than $150,000 in prizes and scholarships.

Conservation remains a cornerstone of the STAR program. e competition utilizes a technology-based Catch-Photo-Release (CPR) format that encourages proper !sh handling and conservation-minded angling. Registered CCA members can submit photos of their catches alongside the o$cial STAR identi!er before safely releasing the !sh back into the water. is format allows anglers to compete regardless of !sh size while promoting stewardship of Florida’s marine resources.

e 2026 event will once again award $100,000 in college scholarships through support from the Guy Harvey Foundation, Realtree Fishing, Academy Sports + Outdoors and other partners. Young anglers ages 13-17 can also participate in the Teen Challenge, competing for boat packages from Yamaha, Carolina Ski#, Custom Gheenoe, Minn Kota and Power-Pole. e “Most Fish” division, presented by T-H Marine, will award one youth angler (ages 6-17) a Native Watercra Slayer Max Propel 12.5 kayak.

In addition to !shing categories, STAR o#ers a conservation-focused Trash Division that rewards participants for helping keep Florida’s waterways clean. Anglers can earn both prizes and community service hours through their e#orts.

All saltwater species are eligible for entry, and most winners are selected through random drawings, giving every participant a chance to win regardless of experience or catch size. e competition’s format helps level the playing !eld and encourages more young anglers to get involved.

For a complete list of STAR identi!er distribution locations, competition rules and registration information, visit cca star.com or follow the CCA Florida STAR Facebook page.

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will

a

–– George Thomas, Noted watchmaker & historian

Greenlight to A Deep Dive Without Going in the Red

Every year in Basel, Switzerland, the world’s best-known luxury watchmakers gather to display their new timepieces. It’s a great event for spotting timepieces that standout–– in performance and in personality. We saw one impossible to ignore: a precision dive watch with an arresting green dial. But we also saw the five-figure price tag and knew we could bring our customers that exact same precision and stand out appeal for a whole lot less. The Stauer Evergreen Diver is that timepiece.

Built like a submersible battleship with a stainless steel case, caseback, and band, the Evergreen Diver is water-resistant down to 660 feet or 20 atmospheres, a feat facilitated by a hardened crystal and screw-down crown.

Green On Your Wrist AND In Your Pocket. You could pay an awful lot elsewhere for this verdant virtuoso, but the majority of the cost is in the big designer name upcharge. We think those guys are all wet. This is how you own a top-of-the-line dive watch without helping pay for some marketing guy’s yacht.

Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back. Wear the Evergreen Diver for 30 days. If you’re not completely happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Limited Reserve. A watch of this caliber, with a price that won’t drag you under, takes 6 months to create and won’t stick around for long. Call today!

WHERE THE COASTAL & OUTDOOR INDUSTRY COMES TOGETHER

This September, Surf Expo brings the industry back together as the go-to marketplace for coastal, outdoor, and lifestyle retail.

Back at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from Wednesday through Friday, September 16–18, 2026, the show keeps its 50th anniversary celebration going with three days of product discovery, networking, and real business opportunities. is year, the September show moves to a Wednesday–Friday schedule, giving retailers a more e$cient buying experience. With the Labor Day rush behind them, buyers can focus on what matters: discovering new products, meeting brands, and building assortments for the seasons ahead.

For Retailers: Your Ultimate Sourcing Destination

e shi smart buyers already understand is that consumers don’t shop by category—they shop by how they live. A !shing trip, a beach day, a weekend camping escape, or everyday coastal living all re&ect the same mindset: products need to work together across moments. Surf Expo brings these connected lifestyle categories together in one place, helping you build assortments the way your customers buy.

ousands of quali!ed retail buyers from across the U.S. and beyond attend Surf Expo to source new products, connect with established and emerging brands, and gain insight into the trends shaping the next season. From major volume buyers to independent shop owners, this is the marketplace where retailers discover what will drive sales in the months ahead. From Shoreline Outdoor, Surf and Swim to Resort & Souvenir, Coastal Gi & Decor, and Boutique, Surf Expo spans the full spectrum of coastal and lifestyle retail. Instead of fragmented buying, you’ll discover complementary products side by side—making it easier to cross-merchandise, identify assortment gaps, and build more cohesive, pro!table o#erings.

For Coastal Angler readers, Shoreline Outdoor is where it all comes together. Sitting at the intersection of coastal and outdoor living, this category covers everything your store needs across boating, !shing, paddling, hiking, and camping—products designed to move seamlessly from land to water.

e natural overlap with surf, swim, and coastal lifestyle categories creates opportunities to expand your assortment without losing focus on your core angling customers.

For Brands: This Is Where Growth Happens

If your brand lives in the !shing, boating, outdoor, or coastal lifestyle space, Surf Expo puts you face-to-face with the buyers who matter most. e show &oor is intentionally designed to spark partnerships, connecting you with a focused, quali!ed audience of retailers actively sourcing for the seasons ahead. is crossover audience is your advantage. Buyers walking the Shoreline Outdoor aisles also stock surf, resort, swim, and gi —meaning retailers discover your products you might never reach through traditional channels. For !ve decades, Surf Expo has helped brands break into new markets, both domestically and internationally. If you’re ready to grow, this is the marketplace where it happens.

More Than a Marketplace

Surf Expo is where the industry builds relationships, does business, and discovers what’s next. For 50 years, it has remained a central hub for coastal, outdoor, and lifestyle retail—evolving alongside the way consumers actually shop.

Quali!ed retail buyers register for free before 9/1 at surfexpo.com.

SHARK GUARD BY FISHTEK MARINE SPORT

You’ve seen it happen. A wahoo stripped clean o# the rigger. A quality red!sh reduced to a head and a hook boatside. It’s one of !shing’s most heartbreaking moments—and for too long, anglers have just shrugged and called it part of the game.

SharkGuard is a game changer!

Born in the commercial longline industry—where captains run razor-thin margins and won’t spend a dollar on anything that doesn’t deliver—SharkGuard uses proven electric pulse technology to deter sharks from targeting hooked !sh. When hardened commercial !shermen adopt a product, recreational anglers should take notice.

What makes SharkGuard di#erent is its versatility. Run it inline or slide it down to the !sh mid-!ght using a traveller rig. at kind of real-time adaptability is rare in any tackle category, and it won’t deter your target species either.

e results back it up. Controlled trials in Australia and Florida show dramatic reductions in shark depredation. Whilst Stateside, Captain Nikolas Kunsis tested SharkGuard in what he calls “the shark bite capital of the world” and landed multiple quality snook and red!sh with zero shark follows or damage.

Wherever you !sh, if you’re paying too much tax, SharkGuard belongs in your kit. Start landing !sh again.

Coastal Angler readers can grab SharkGuard on Amazon at an exclusive discount — now just $199 USD (down from $275)—using code COASTAL199 at checkout.

WEDNESDAY

SUMMER TARPON FISHING WITH ARTIFICIALS

CAPT. MIKE SMITH

Are you having trouble catching tarpon this summer? It ain’t easy but you can get them to eat your arti!cial lures if you present them the correct way. Yes, size and pro!le are important too, but the retrieve is the key to catching more tarpon.

e !rst thing that you have to master is the tarpon retrieve. Tarpon are a no-frills species of game !sh as it relates to your lure presentation. ey typically do not like lures with a lot of action. ere are days when they will hit anything that you put in front of them, but those days are few and far between.

A great summertime lure for tarpon is a 5.5 inch jerk bait with a nice long twist-lock hook nicely centered so it tracks perfectly straight and doesn’t wobble on the retrieve. Cast it out a few feet in front of a gulping tarpon and reel it slowly back.

Another great lure for this situation is your favorite 3-inch arti!cial shrimp—as long as it falls slowly through the water column and stays horizontal as it sinks. Present this lure to gulping tarpon by casting a few feet in front of them and let it fall to the bottom. at’s it. Don’t twitch it or move it at all, just let it fall. If they are hungry, they will eat it as it falls. Natural looking shrimp with gold glitter is a good choice.

is no-action tarpon retrieve idea works for &y !shermen too. Present your purple and black tarpon toads or deceivers in front of the tarpon and work it back as slow and steady as you are able.

One of this captain’s favorite tarpon lures is the D.O.A. shallow running Bait Buster. is lure is a mullet imitation that tracks perfectly straight and has very little tail action. Purple works great in low light scenarios and a more natural look works better when it’s sunny and clear. You know the drill. Just cast it in front of the tarpon and reel it back slowly without twitching.

When it gets super hot and the tarpon move to deep water, another D.O.A. lure that works great is the 3/8-oz. regular TerrorEyz. You typically won’t see the tarpon but they are probably facing into the current so cast upcurrent and slowly reel back, keeping the lure near the bottom. is is very e#ective around bridge pilings and deep docks. You will also pick up a lot of really big snook this way too.

Tarpon are about the best inshore game !sh that you can catch. ey are ranked #2 as the best sport !sh on the planet behind the blue marlin. Hopefully this article will help you catch more.

Go get ‘em.

Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass O Charters, is an inshore !shing guide who has been !shing the waters, oyster bars and grass ats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@!shyourasso .com or visit !shyourasso .com.

TRAVELING SIX TEAM REELS

$39,800 AT 12TH ANNUAL SKIPPERS DOLPHIN TOURNAMENT

Skippers Dockside Restaurant hosted the 12th Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament May 29-31with 53 teams made up of 195 anglers competing for over $96,000 in cash. Anglers were allowed to weigh two !sh on Day 1 and two on Day 2, but it would be the combined weight of three !sh that would determine the winners.

Team Traveling Six—consisting of I’m Bit Charters Capt. Angel Ramon; Boots Brinn and Carlos Eason of Chesapeake, VA; Shane Darnell of Yorkville, IL; and Carl Perry of Chocowinity, NC—got to the winner’s circle weighing in 78.6 pounds of dolphin. e combined weight of their largest three !sh, a 10.9 pounder plus a 16.1 and 51.6 would win $31,840! e 51.6-pound dolphin caught by Shane Darnell also won the team $7,988 for the Largest Fish Award.

Second Place team, $e Reel Deal captained by Alex Sal Debogory, caught a combined weight of 45.4 pounds to win $17,630. e team of Marina and James Daniel, Luis Jimenez, Richard Williams and Pat Delvechio weighed in !sh at 20.6, 16.5 and 8.3 pounds. Richard caught the 16.5-pound dolphin to win the Largest Fish Senior Angler winning $1,000.

ird Place team was Conetagious 1 run by Captain Brian Cone with anglers Travis Bennett, Reef Bennett, Andy Cone, Eli Lankford and Kelly Matcena, who caught a total of 42.1 pounds winning $8,420.

Lucy Lima of Ringwood, IL won $2,000 for Largest Fish Lady Angler with the 13.5 pounds aboard Team Fibs. Second Largest Fish Lady Angler prize of $1,000 was won by Abby Crouthers of Wildwood, MO with 12.1 pound dolphin !shing aboard Natural II.

Junior anglers competed for top three places, with Reef Bennett of Tavernier, FL taking !rst place with his 14.6 pound !sh winning $500. Second would go to Lucy Lima of Ringwood, IL winning $250 with a 13.5 pounder, and Andy Cone won $100 with a 8.6 pound dolphin. e largest other species !sh winners each took home King Sail!sh Trophies and $750 each including Prime Time angler Je# Schmidinger from Jacksonville, FL with a 19.9 pound king!sh; Mi Cura angler Vito Penza of Naples, FL caught a 16.4 pound wahoo; and Just Cuz’s angler Joseph ompson of Chicago, IL landed a 20.1 pound tuna.

Skippers Dockside Restaurant highlighted their fabulous seafood for the kick-o# party, which was sponsored by Gus Toy Box. e awards party sponsored by Li Mate, was done up right with slow cooked smoked prime rib, wahoo, pulled pork, mac and cheese, rice and beans, and caesar salad, all followed by desserts.

Don’t miss next years tournament !shing on June 5-6, 2027! For information visit SkippersTournaments.com

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TIPS FROM A PRO

BIGGER BAITS FOR BIG SUMMER BASS

ATYLER WOOLCOTT

s the summer season settles in and water temperatures rise, many anglers automatically downsize their presentations in hopes of getting more bites. While smaller baits can certainly catch !sh, summer can also be one of the best times of year to target trophy bass with larger-pro!le lures. Big bass still need to feed, and they o en prefer a larger meal that provides more energy with less e ort.

One of the biggest reasons larger baits excel during the summer months is the abundance of bigger forage. Bluegill, shad and other bait!sh have had months to grow, giving bass access to larger prey. Matching the size of the available forage can o en help anglers attract the attention of the biggest !sh in the area.

Large worms, oversized swimbaits, big jigs, and magnumsized topwater baits are all excellent options for targeting quality !sh. While these presentations may not generate the same number of bites as smaller o erings, they o en appeal to more mature bass that are willing to commit to a larger meal. Many anglers are surprised by how o en a giant bass will choose the biggest bait in the boat.

Con!dence is key when !shing larger baits. $ere may be longer periods between bites, but anglers should remember that the goal is quality rather than quantity. Staying committed to a bigger presentation can be di cult, especially when other anglers are catching smaller !sh, but patience is o en rewarded with the !sh of a lifetime.

If you’re looking to improve your chances of catching a trophy bass this summer, don’t be afraid to upsize your o erings. Bigger baits won’t guarantee a giant on every trip, but they can help put the odds in your favor. Sometimes one bite is all it takes, and that bite o en comes from the biggest !sh in the lake.

Capt. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler, as well as owner/operator of Florida Big Fish Adventures, providing bass and saltwater guided shing trips: www. oridabig shadventures.com.

RECORD-BREAKING

919.9-LB. BLUE MARLIN WINS OVER $6.5 MILLION IN BIG ROCK TOURNEY

History was made, big checks were paid, and an insane at-the-buzzer leaderboard shakeup took place at the 68th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, held June 5–14, 2026 in Morehead City, North Carolina.

Marlin Fever brought the heat to Big Rock Landing on Day 2, bringing a tournament recordbreaking 919.9 lb. blue marlin to the scales, securing the Level V Fabulous Fisherman’s Prize worth $871,250 as the !rst blue marlin of at least 500 pounds weighed in. Eighteen-year-old Connor Daniel served as the designated angler and fought the !sh for roughly two hours. ($e crew later reported the marlin had recently eaten two sail!sh!)

Captained by Cameron Guthrie, the 63’ Jarrett Bay out of Wilson, NC, held the top spot on the leaderboard through Saturday’s !nal weigh-ins, delivering Marlin Fever the championship—and a staggering $6,513,188 payday.

And while Marlin Fever’s historic catch swept

all the blue marlin categories, it was the nail-biting weigh-in that came just before 10 p.m. on the last day of the tournament that topped o a dramatic week and sent spectators on the dock into a frenzy.

A er a grueling 6.5-hour !ght, Haphazard, a 60’ Spencer out of Manteo, NC captained by Joey Belton, delivered a true buzzer-beater. $e team arrived at Big Rock Landing just in time to weigh in one last blue marlin. It was 635.6 pounds—enough to catapult them into third place for heaviest blue marlin, knocking Free Ranger’s 597.4-pounder o the podium at the last minute. What an ending!

Fender Bender !nished in second with its 644.1-pound blue marlin weighed on Day 3, worth $467,962.50. Haphazard’s catch earned the team a $311,975 payday.

In the release division, Double G captured the title with 1,850 points a er releasing four blue and two white marlin, earning $168,937.50.

Doc Fees claimed the dolphin title and $584,500 with a 66.10-pound mahi; Magic Moment

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won the wahoo division with a 53.4-pound catch; and Watertight won the tuna division with a 70.8-pounder.

A total of 278 boats !shed for a piece of the tournament’s record $9,038,225 purse.

For o cial results, payouts, and future dates, visit tournament.thebigrock.com and check them on facebook @bigrocktournament for all the tournament highlights.

From Campfire to Summit

A premium Damascus blade — at a price that cuts deep

For centuries, Damascus steel has been prized for its strength, beauty and legendary performance. Its distinctive flowing patterns have made it one of the world’s most sought-after blade materials. The problem? Genuine Damascus knives often come with premium price tags. That’s why we created the Stauer Damascus Explorer Knife. Built for adventurers, outdoorsmen and collectors alike, this handsome knife combines rugged utility with timeless craftsmanship. Whether you’re preparing kindling, tackling camp chores or simply admiring its artistry, it’s a blade you’ll be proud to own.

EXCLUSIVE

Stauer Pocket Binoculars a $99value with your purchase of the Damascus Explorer Knife

The first thing you’ll notice is the striking Damascus steel blade. Its signature rippled pattern isn’t just beautiful — it’s the mark of a centuries-old forging tradition. At a full 8 inches long, the blade offers impressive cutting power while maintaining excellent balance and control.

The rich rosewood handle provides a comfortable, secure grip, while the included sheath keeps your knife protected and ready for action. Every detail reflects the kind of quality typically found in knives costing far more.

Thanks to Stauer’s direct-to-you model, we’re able to offer this premium Damascus blade at an exceptional value. But supplies are limited, and once this shipment is gone, we can’t promise another opportunity at this price.

If you’ve been looking for a knife that blends performance, craftsmanship and value, now is the time to act. Damascus Explorer Knife PLUS FREE Binoculars $349* Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $250 1-800-333-2045

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

Knife Specifications

• Damascus steel blade

• 8" blade. 13" overall length

• Rosewood handle

• Sheath included

What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

“First off, the shipping was fast and the quality is beyond what I paid for the knife.Overall, I am a satisfied customer!” — D., Houston, Texas

California residents, please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. $99 +FREE Binoculars Impossible PriceONLY

43,000 acres of legendary fishing from trophy bass, to world class sauger. A true Bill Dance Signature Lake.