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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.
1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected fnancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.
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.
5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages
Ever worry about getting stuck on the water?
Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.
Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your voyage. Cruise with confdence thanks to Progressive Boat insurance. Because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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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.
SOUTHPORT FISHING FORECAST
CAPT. AARON
Salty Southern Adventure • 704-244-7133
Sunshine and warmer temperatures are just around the corner. With that comes rising water temperatures and fish migrating to our coastline. Light tackle sight casting small metals to schooling Atlantic Bonito will be kicking off with these fast and furious fighters, some of the best table fair in the ocean. Mixed in with the AB will be some our bigger classed Spanish Mackerel as well. Trolling Clark spoons and mackerel trees behind #1 & #2 planers will produce multiple fish bites. Look for schooling bait and busting fish to get within casting distance. The offshore bite will be heating up as the Blackfin and Wahoo are also pushing into the large schools of bait from 100’ of water on out to the break. Trolling rigged ballyhoo and deep diving hard baits tend to produce hard blistering runs and multiple bites when the Blackfin are schooled up. The reefs will also start to heat up with Grey trout and the year’s first push of Spanish Mackerel. As always, remember to make a float plan and get your safety gear prepared, tight lines.
Southport, NC - Apr 2026
Bight, NC - Apr 2025
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12 Sat 7:37 3.7 7:52 4.3 1:44 0.3 1:40 0.4
13 Sun 8:08 3.6 8:23 4.4 2:20 0.3 2:12 0.4 6:35 7:38
14 Mon 8:39 3.5 8:56 4.4 2:54 0.3 2:43 0.4 6:33 7:38
15 Tue 9:13 3.4 9:32 4.3 3:28 0.4 3:15 0.4 6:32 7:39
16 Wed 9:50 3.2 10:14 4.2 4:04 0.5 3:49 0.5 6:31 7:40
17 Thu 10:33 3.1 11:03 4.0 4:44 0.7 4:27 0.6 6:30 7:41
18 Fri 11:24 3.0 11:54 4.0 5:28 0.8 5:11 0.7 6:28 7:41
19 Sat 12:15 3.0 6:16 1.0 6:03 0.8 6:27 7:42
20 Sun 12:45 3.9 1:08 3.0 7:12 1.0 7:06 0.9 6:26 7:43
21 Mon 1:39 3.8 2:08 3.2 8:17 0.9 8:23 0.8 6:25 7:44
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First Prize
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Second Prize
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July 4th 2026 7:30 p.m. at Southport Waterfront need not be present to win
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WRIGHTSVILLE FISHING FORECAST with
IT’S ALL HAPPENING… STARTING IN APRIL
Just to start with the obvious species, one of my favorite things to do is catch the nearshore Bonitos. They’re very fun to catch, plentiful and they’re delicious to eat. Not only are they more fun to catch casting to them rather than trolling, if you get in them, you stand a chance of catching multiple fish without ever moving. If you troll through them you will drive them down off the surface, but if you use the wind to drift down onto them, casting jigs they will stay up on the surface longer. If they do go down, they’re still right there so just let your jigs sink deeper in the water column. This can actually be pretty fun fishing as a run and gun style. If you see them busting on the surface run over to get up wind and kill it and drift down to the school casting. The best results come from a jig that’s got an erratic side to side action. The old school Gotch plug work really well but it’s got treble hooks on it and I’m done with trouble hooks. I’ve got a jig in mind that works the same way but I’m not gonna mention it …wink wink.
In addition to the Bonito inshore, the Wahoo, Dolphin, and Tuna are showing up on the break. This is also a good way to drift and jig to the Blackfins if you see them busting. Every time you stop to cast to a blackfin it wouldn’t be a bad idea to put over a chum bag for a drift, this will attract a lot of pelagics to the Boat. Don’t be surprised to see a Sailfish swim by. Try and keep quiet, remain calm and keep a pitch bait ready on flourocarbon. If you can find a good mark of fish on structure, chances are some of these marks may be African Pompano, they’ll be there for a good chunk of the month of April. That same technique of dropping a jig into the bottom and working it up for African Pompano may get a Wahoo bite. Also keep
the light line out with the live bait if you can, but someone will have to be designated or the entire crew will have to keep a watch on the light line to make sure you don’t get fouled. I like to catch fish from an anchored or drifting boat versus trolling. Keep an eye out in the water column, looking down on the scope or you may visually see one on the surface. If you do see Wahoo come by the boat start cutting chunks of bait, not too big maybe 1-1½ square chunks, and start throwing them over. Let them start eating the chunks of bait and then let one out with a hook in it on a short piece of wire. If you’re out that far it’s also a good time of year to load up on the Trigger fish and B-liners. Pay close attention to the CREEL limits as some regulations have changed.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, or have the weather for, it’s all available starting in April. Next month we get to start grouper fishing and hopefully get access to some of those endangered American Red Snapper too.
All the best fishing,
Cape Lookout Bight, NC - Apr 2025
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www.USHarbors.com
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17 Thu 10:33 3.1 11:03 4.0 4:44 0.7 4:27 0.6 6:30 7:41
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19 Sat 12:15 3.0 6:16 1.0 6:03 0.8 6:27 7:42
20 Sun 12:45 3.9 1:08 3.0 7:12 1.0 7:06 0.9 6:26 7:43
20 Mon 10:27 2.7 10:59 4.0 4:40 -0.3 4:21 -0.3 6:31 7:45
21 Mon 1:39 3.8 2:08 3.2 8:17 0.9 8:23 0.8 6:25 7:44
22 Tue 2:40 3.8 3:14 3.5 9:17 0.7 9:35 0.6 6:23 7:45
21 Tue 11:22 2.6 11:56 3.8 5:36 -0.1 5:16 -0.2 6:30
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26 Sat 6:27 4.1 6:54 5.3 12:24 -0.2 12:25 -0.3 6:19 7:48
27 Sun 7:16 4.1 7:43 5.5 1:20 -0.3 1:17 -0.4 6:18 7:49
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TOPSAIL FISHING FORECAST
With the weather warming with the arrival of Spring, I like to get back to throwing a lot more topwater plugs for Redfish. I like 2500 and 3000 series Shimano Stradics, Sustains and Vanfords. I spool my reels with 12# FINS Windtamer braid and pair with M and ML fast action rods. I use a short piece of 20# fluorocarbon leader, about 8” tied to the mainline with an Albright knot. Mono will work as well, but I just use fluorocarbon leader for simplicity. It’s what I already have on the boat and use for everything else.
There are a lot of topwater plugs on the market and they will all work. My favorites are MirrOlure She Pup, MirrOlure Top Dog Jr, MirrOlure She Dog, MirrOlure Top Dog and Zara Spook Jr’s.
The She Pup and She Dog are higher frequency plugs, which means they are louder. They work in all waters but they will really shine on windy days and in the chop. They are also a little more buoyant which makes them easier to work in a chop. The Top Dog and Top Dog JR are low frequency plugs. That simply means they are not as loud and will work better in slick calm conditions. The Spook Jr is a classic one knocker plug and trout love them. he first thing I do with all my topwater plugs is change out the factory hooks. I replace them with #2 VMC 4x strong permasteel or black nickel trebles. You will be glad you did.
opwater plugs are good for covering ground while searching but when you do find a group try not to plop it directly into the school unless they are actively feeding and crashing bait. Throw past the school and bring it across them or across the front of the Reds. I like a steady retrieve, not too slow, not too fast and make sure you don’t snatch it away from them when they blow up on it. I have clients every year that struggle with that. The Redfish will continue to hit the plug if one misses it and will usually continue to hit it until one connects. Get out there and beat some banks with a topwater and see what you wake up with it this spring.
UPCOMING CCA NC
SPRING
SEASON BANQUETS
Chapter banquets are our primary fundraiser for the year. Each one features a catered meal, open bar, raffles, and both live and silent auctions where guests can win TONS of awesome prizes!! Some examples include, but are not limited to: rod and reel combos, boat care buckets, bourbon, turtleboxes, knives, solo stoves, and chances to bid on and win trips at premium vacation destinations! Each chapter offers something unique for a touch of local flavor. Check out our calendar and come be a part of the banquet closest to you. Tickets are available for individuals, and we have corporate sponsorship opportunities available as well.
April 25 – Onslow Bay Chapter – Swansboro Rotary Civic Center
August 6 – Cape Fear – Terraces on Sir Tyler
September 17 – Crystal Coast Chapter – Morehead City
We need your help to make the common-sense reforms to save our fisheries for future generations to enjoy!
LEARN MORE and HELP US
CRYSTAL COAST
FISHING FORECAST with
CAPT. LEE WINKLEMAN
Top Gun Fishing • 757-761-2167
April is a much anticipated month here on the Crystal Coast of NC. It’s always the time when warm Spring conditions and cool water temps make their permanent debut! It’s also the time when we see the arrival of one of the best seasonal species arrive off our coastal beaches, the Atlantic Bonito! Let’s talk about these delicious fish with the how, when & where to catch them up!
Atlantic Bonito, not to be confused with false Albacore (Albies), but usually will be, are a migratory fish that arrive in our areas early April through early May. They travel here from the south to eat and spawn on our local reefs which make them very easy to find and catch. You can be sure to find huge schools right on local Artificial Reefs all up and down the coast. They are very active and hungry early at sunrise. Providing amazing drag screaming fights on light tackle such as 4K reels and fast action rods. They can also be caught with several varying fishing techniques! Early in the Season you can get instant hard hits throwing metal jigs such as silver stingers with a fast retrieve. As the Season progresses using live bait on top water or even slow trolling silver spoons on small planers will always provide plenty of non-stop action!
These strong fish range from 5 to 14 lbs and are a very delicious table fare. If your tastebuds crave a delicate Tuna style fish then the Atlantic Bonito should be on your next bucket list. They make great Sashimi, Poke bowls or even just blackened and seared. Treat and prepare them just as you would your favorite Tuna. A very simple trait to look for to distinguish from other species that may look the same such as Spanish Mackerel or False Albies is that Bonito sport very small razor teeth and a plaid like pattern on their bodies.
Now let’s keep in mind you have a very short doorway to catch these amazing fish so make sure you plan your trips from early April to mid May !
As always feel free to contact Top Gun Fishing with any questions we can help you with or to just plan a fun day of fishing for your Family.
Thank you and best fishes,
Spring is the perfect time to enhance your coastal home.
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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
WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?
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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Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. "e shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony.
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