Coastal Angler Magazine | December 2025 North Central Florida / Nature Coast Edition

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HOLIDAY FOR ANGLERS GIFTS

Reel in the Perfect Holiday Gifts for Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by showing the anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in your life that you truly understand their passion? Finding the right gift can feel as tricky as reeling in a trophy fsh, but fear not! We’ve got some fantastic ideas that will have them casting their lines with glee.

As the holiday season rolls around, remember that the best gifts come from the heart. Whether it’s a high-tech fshing gadget, some fshing apparel or even a new boat or motor, these thoughtful presents are sure to delight the anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in your life. So, cast your line into the sea of gift ideas...you’re bound to reel in something special!

LAST CHANCE FOR GROUPER ROMANCE

Depending on where you live, December could be the last month for all grouper harvest. I think red and black grouper will still be available in Florida’s East Coast, while red and scamp grouper will be available in Georgia and the Carolinas. !is is when the bite is the best. I’ve always said that the week of Christmas is the apex of grouper shing and I’ll stand by that statement. !e month of November was on re here in the Carolinas. Even though we can’t keep gag, grouper and American red snapper have been plentiful. !e good news is the light line has been working well.

!e key to nding good bait is a tackle shop that keeps beautiful, frozen cigar minnows and sardines. !ese baits are the ticket to good bottom bites and the light line going o . Needless to say, live cigars and live sardines are extremely e ective on the light line and under the kite, but frozen ones work well also. Live menhaden and pin sh are always a smart play to have in the live well before heading o shore. If you nd live cigar minnows and live sardines, all the better, but if you don’t, at least you have those two for live baits on the bottom and for the light line.

A live sardine or a live cigar on the correct jig has a life expectancy of just a few seconds. !is is where it pays o to nd a shop that carries beautiful (frozen) bait. When you open up a box of frozen cigar minnows and see beautiful, clear eyes and yellow on the tails you’ve got a box of bites in your hands. If you have a frozen box of cloudy-eyed, mushy cigar minnows, then you might not nd what you’re looking for on the bottom or on the light line. If you nd large schools of cigars or sardines, it o en pays to spend a little bit of time to catch them. !is always results in bites, whereas the frozen minnows work most of the time.

!e Sabiki can be the most valuable player of all. Just like you use a dehooker to remove your grouper and snapper from the hook, use a dehooker to remove your cigar, minnows and sardines from the Sabiki hook. !is keeps those small needles and sharp hooks out of your hands and it’s better for the minnows and the live well not to handle them with your hands.

Don’t be surprised if you catch these sh in extremely shallow water this month. !e 66- to 68-degree temperature break can be magical this month for the light line. No telling what you’ll catch. Everything can be there, from kings to wahoo and everything in between.

I said all that to say this: Get out there with some pretty bait and go harvesting some good dinners!

See more from Tim Barefoot at www.barefootcatsandtackle.com and on YouTube @timbarefoot5698.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of hauling in a barn door halibut or tangling with ferocious Paci!c cod in one of the most scenic places on earth, then May is your month to come !shing in Ketchikan, Alaska! e bottom !shing for halibut and cod in May is nothing short of incredible. Paci!c cod by the thousands swarm underwater sand ats and lurking halibut feed on massive bait balls of herring. It is truly is a wild undertaking below based on the amount of life ourishing. It’s primetime for steady actions, freezer!lling fun and unforgettable memories on the water.

One of the best parts about !shing in Ketchikan is just how easy it is to get to this !shing Mecca. Ketchikan services daily ights from all major cities. Just a quick layover in Seattle and your landing in Ketchikan’s international airport the very same day.

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COASTAL ANGLER

North Central Florida/Nature Coast

Cary & Lynn Crutchfield

ALACHUA, CITRUS, COLUMBIA, DIXIE, GILCHRIST, LEVY, MARION, SUWANNEE

DECEMBER

Fa-la-la-la-la,

la-la-la-la and Merry Christmas

If you don’t celebrate Christmas, we wish you Happy Holidays of your choice. I love Christmas. I love the decorations, the music, and of course the food. Our eight-year-old granddaughter and twoyear-old great granddaughter, makes it all just that much more wonderful.

December’s recipe, Lynn ‘s Crab cakes, is a quick and easy and absolutely delicious dish for busy December nights. You can mix up enough for a couple more meals and keep in your refrigerator. See page 2.

New advertiser this month, FishGoFree, a hook to make Catch and Release mush easier. See page 13.

Have you thought about gifting your favorite fisherman/woman, a guided fishing trip with one of our knowledgeable, experienced (and fun!) guides? It would be a much-appreciated gift for your special fisherperson. Let me know who you choose and send photos!

As always, please thank the folks at the business where you picked up the world’s greatest FREE fishing magazine, and don’t forget to visit our advertising partners.

Again, I want to remind you to discuss vaccines with your medical professional. Covid booster, annual flu shot and the RSV if you qualify. (We do.) Stay smart, stay well and stay alive!

Cary and I wish you a safe and happy 2025 holiday season, hopefully spending some time on the water with your loved ones.

Until next year.

Lynn

Crutchfield Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida/Nature Coast

Capt.

Capt.

Capt.

LYNN’S CRAB CAKES

Thank you to The Crab Plant for the crab.

Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. You are welcome to sit at their table and view

beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, Fri-Sat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.

DIRECTIONS

Beat egg by hand. Mix in mayonnaise, green onion, parsley, garlic, and rosemary. Gently fold in crab. Season with a couple shakes of salt and pepper. Fold in ½ cup Panko or a little more if needed. The Panko holds it all together. With your hands, make four generous crab cakes and place of plate or tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Wrap in plastic wrap if refrigerated longer than 20 minutes.

COOKING DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

•1 large egg

•¼ cup Mayonnaise

•6 minced Green Onions

•¼ cup minced Parsley

• 4 cloves minced Garlic

•½ teaspoon chopped fresh or dried Rosemary

•2 cups cooked Blue Crab

•Salt and Pepper

•½ cup Panko or as needed

•Butter and Oil

•Sliced Lemon or Lemon Juice • 1 large

Melt enough butter to cover the bottom of your skillet. Add about a tablespoon of oil. Place cake in bubbling butter and oil. Sauté on each side until brown and crispy. Serve with lemons or a squirt of lemon juice. If you like Old Bay or hot sauce, (We don’t.) add a little, or anything else that you like. Just remember, if you add too much stuff, your cakes will taste like stuff, not crab. Serve with green vegetable of your choice. This time, I chose broccolini.

Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida

The Anhinga, Florida’s Fishing Bird FLORIDA WATERWAYS

By Kevin McCarthy

OBy Dr. Kevin M. McCarthy

ne of the birds that fishermen are liable to see on our Florida waters, is the anhinga, sometimes nicknamed “Florida’s Fishing Bird” for the way it fishes. With its distinctive snake-like head and sharply pointed beak, it is sometimes confused with a cormorant, but the anhinga has a longer tail and a differently-shaped bill. Also, the anhinga has what some describe as a “kinked” neck.

The word “anhinga” comes from a Brazilian term meaning “snake bird” or “devil bird.” The former meaning probably comes from the way the bird swims in the water with only its neck seen above the water The bird resembles a snake about to strike. Other names include “darter,” “evil spirit of the woods,” and “water turkey.”

Anhingas like our wooded swamps and mangrove estuaries. Winter may be the best time to see them along our slow-moving rivers, especially as they migrate south from the cold north. The bird is larger than many birds. It can reach 35 inches in length, and its wingspan can often be greater than three feet.

Watching them fish, one can see how they differ from other similar birds. The anhingas swim underwater by kicking their webbed feet in pursuit of a fish. When they get close, they will spear the prey by stretching out their bent neck. They will then rise to the surface to eat and swallow their prey. They prefer small fish, like sunfish and bass, as well as amphibians and insects.

Unlike other waterfowl, they don’t have waterproof feathers, and therefore they have to bask in the sun to dry off. Boaters can see them on fallen branches near the water as they dry off their wet feathers. An observant boater may even see them bring their larger prey to the surface, toss it in the air, and eat it head-first.

We protect the anhinga under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, a federal law that was passed to protect migratory birds between Canada and the United States. That act was passed at a time when hunters were wreaking havoc on many bird species. The hunters were involved in the commercial trade

in birds and bird feathers. Florida was particularly affected by such hunters, and it took the great effort of environmentalists like Marjory Stoneman Douglas to make the nation aware of what was happening in places like the Everglades.

The number of anhingas is fairly steady, but their breeding grounds continue to shrink in the north, something that will continue to occur without careful conservation methods. The warm southern wetlands of our state should attract such beautiful birds for the foreseeable future.

Kevin McCarthy can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com

Chilly, chilly for this Florida boy! Us Florida crackers aren’t too keen on cold weather, but we sure do love what it does to the fishing!

Inshore, the redfish bite is nearly incredible. The deeper rocky areas in and around the creeks have produced most of the quality sized redfish this time of year. As we continue to get

more cold fronts, I look for this pattern to continue into March 2026. Big mudminnow or large live shrimp are the ticket while lures like the q8 bullet and gulp of various styles on a light jighead stand out when looking for larger fish. Using artificial this time of year is a big boost in confidence for a struggling angler with artificial, as the fish move slower and are much more willing to eat a variety of lures.

Nearshore, the hogfish bite has been great as well and look for it to continue all winter. A large live shrimp on a knocker rig is the way to go!

@capt_redfishdrew

KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES

December has arrived and so have the holidays. With that being said, getting out on the water is a wonderful time when family comes to visit. Gift certificates for fishing trips are also great gifts for every outdoorsy person in our lives. Another thoughtful gift for our younger generation, is a lifetime fishing license, that is a gift that keeps on giving for their entire life.

As for the fishing, red and black drum become more concentrated on flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and bars as the water cools. Using live shrimp to target these fish, works well with a much slower retrieve to allow the fish time to find the bait.

Trout will move onto hard bottom, rock flats, and near oyster bars as the flats chill down for the winter. Jerk

baits, suspending plugs (e.g., slow twitch-pause retrieves) and live shrimp under popping-cork setups all work effectively. Downsizing in leader, often helps as the water becomes cleaner during the colder months.

The nearshore fishing fires off as we come into the spawning season for hogfish. They move into shallower waters (20 to 40 feet) as the waters cool off. A small shrimp rested along the bottom is a great bait for these fish. Mangrove snapper and grunts are schooled up along the same areas along with red and gag grouper.

Lastly, I would like to introduce my husband, Captain Keith as my guide partner with KD OUTDOORS FISHING CHARTERS! This is our life-long dream, of creating the best possible memories for our clients and we are excited to now partner in doing so. Keep us in mind for your next fishing trip, and as always, we look forward to continue putting our clients on fish.

Captain Katie Jo Davis

KD OUTDOORS FiSHING CHARTERS

772-882-8932

www.fishcrystalriverflorida.com

39 West Hwy 40 Inglis, FL 352-447-5610 www.CaptainsCoveOutfitters.com

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44 TACKLE CO. 1522 US 41 North Inverness, FL 34453 352.726.6100 www.44Tackle.com

OCKLAWAHA BAIT & TACKLE 13600 East CR 25 Ocklawaha, FL 32179 352-816-5853

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CEDAR KEY

Merry Christmas anglers, and a Happy New year. There is really nothing negative I can say about the bite. These cooler water temps have the fish fired up!

The redfish have pushed more to the mouth of the creeks along with plenty of black drum, and all you need for either species, is enough water to float and a shrimp under a popping cork.

The trout have stayed mainly on the flats, but there’s also good opportunity for them in the deeper holes in the creeks, and in any channels back there as well.

When it comes to targeting the trout, they are still on the flats. I have found that lower water, makes for greater opportunity for them. I’ve been doing my best in 2 to 4

feet. As for the reds and black drum, incoming tides seems to be the golden ticket. Just follow that water into the creeks and start hitting those backcountry mysteries.

Well anglers, until next month, stay safe out there.

Capt. Jason Clark In The Slot Fishing Charters 352-639-3209 www.intheslotfishing.com

HORSESHOE BEACH

Hey guys and gals, hope everyone is doing well. Fishing has been prime, and if I’m being honest, the best it’s been in a minute.

Trout are starting their push into the creeks for survival from the cold fronts and dropping water temps. At times, it is like shooting fish in a barrel. I usually drag a shrimp or paddle tail for these fish.

Redfish are doing the same. You can usually look to previous issues and see where I talk about catching redfish and trout in the same spots with the same baits. The next couple months will be that way.

Well guys, hope to get y’all out on the water. Don’t forget duck season is also opening, so give us a call to get out there.

KEATON BEACH

Trout have been on fire, as well as reds, as I write this on this side of our first cold front (frost) of the year. (Today is Nov 9.) We have done very well on trips as of late with reds and bsb thrown in for good measure. I had Steven Cook of Woodstock, Ga. with Matt Williams and Matt Walton of Yulee, Fl. We caught trout on live pinfish under floats, while bouncing Assassin’s 5-inch shads in several patterns including Panhandle Moon, Pink Ghost and Laguna Shrimp. Reds ate live pinfish, including a 30-inch red for Steven (84 years old)

The reds have been in close, while the trout had to move out for the negative tides of our recent full moon. Our best bite last week was in 4 to 5 feet, while the week before we were catching trout in 2 to 3 feet up close, Water temps in the Gulf were down to 60 degrees, then came back up to around 70 late this week. We bounced Assassin’s 5-inch Shads in 7 to 10 feet, to land 25 keeper Black Sea Bass one day, and 15 bsb the next. Again, our best color was Laguna Shrimp, while Panhandle M oon was a close second.

Expect to have to slow down if this current frost drops the water temps down to the mid-fifties. It will be time to pull out your L&S MirrOdines, Catch 2000s, Paul Browns, and

other suspending baits. I prefer the #27MR MirrOdine in several patterns including, but not limited to, the EC, NPSBG, BKSBG, PFSBG, BKGCH. If you aren’t catching fish on them, you are fishing too fast. Call me to book a trip and I will teach you how to “work” a 27 MR. Once the water temps drop and hold in the 60s in December, our fish will be bunched up, gathering to either head offshore or move into the creeks; either way, it is one of the best months of the year to fish for trout.

Don’t forget to fish the Assassin’s 5 inch on an unweighted offset worm hook (5/0). Clear/gold, Laguna shrimp, Stinky Pink, and Pink Ghost, will all take great limits of trout in December rigged this way. 1to 3 feet is usually the best with this rig, however it will take fish deeper. I switch to a weighted swim bait hook of either 1/16 or 1/8 oz, once the bite moves deeper than 3 feet, or if it is very windy, yet the fish are shallow. Again, knowing how to fish this rig is the key.

Meanwhile, Let's Go Fishing!

Pat McGriff dba One More Cast guide service for 33 years! www.onemorecast.net onemorecast@gtcom.net cell: 850.838.7541

HOMOSASSA

It’sChristmas time in Homosassa! With a quick start to our winter, thanks to some cooler than normal weather in November, we might have some good river and creek mouth fishing sooner than normal. Or maybe the old normal?

Back in November, fellow Homosassa Guides Association member Capt. Jon Bazo and I had the privilege of sitting on a guide panel at the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Science Symposium. It was a great honor to share the stage and listen to guides and conservation leaders from around the world. My biggest takeaway from the weekend was the reminder of how important it is to pay close attention to the health of our waters and estuaries. We are incredibly fortunate here in Homosassa, and I think sometimes we take that for granted. Without a healthy ecosystem, we would’t have the incredible fisheries we enjoy. Organizations like the Homosassa River Restoration Project, play a vital role in maintaining freshwater flows that are crucial to our fishery. These springs are truly the heartbeat of one of the most unique and productive estuaries on the Gulf Coast, and it’s up to us to protect them. I’ll get off my soap box and move back into a report!

Trout will be moving closer to the river mouths, but should still be concentrated to yellow bottom with rock grass. DOA Cork rigs will still work, but if the tide is really low, try throwing the DOA C.A.L. 5.5-inch jerk bait in glow, or glow with gold belly nose hooked on a 3/0 J hook. They might like a slower action, and with both options, you can fish slowly. I like the mouth of St Martins, Little

River and outside of Mason Creek.

If we continue with cooler weather, don’t pass up river fishing. Look for bends in the river on the rocky points for snapper, redfish, sheepshead, trout and black drum. Shrimp rigged on a jig head will keep you busy. Mirror Deans in these same areas could bring you success with snook as well!

Keep an eye out on the buoys, pilings or floating debris for triple tail. These are fun fish to catch. I like to have a rod rigged and ready to attach a live shrimp under a cork. Lay it up current, and let the shrimp float into their zone. They will eat!

Hopefully, you will get to spend some quality time with family and loved ones during the holidays, maybe even get out on the water! Also feel free to reach out to any HGA member, myself, or Homosassa River Restoration Project to learn more about the good fight to revitalizing our waters.

As always stay safe and Merry Christmas

Capt. Stump, Jonathan Hamilton 352-403-2073 | www.stumpnation.us

CRYSTAL RIVER

Winterhas begun to set in, and that brings some serious changes to the nature coast!

I will be busting out my mud boat and targeting fish moving east. These fish will get trapped in holes in the back country during our extreme winter low tides. When it’s right, it’s basically fish in a barrel, a true fishery you will not want to miss! This style of fishing will run all winter, from now until mid-February.

Our trout will start moving farther east, and get into creek mouths and creeks with hard bottom and “kelp” grass. I target them on an incoming tide in 2 to 4 feet of water, with my favorite bait, a 5.5 DOA jerk shad. After that, a popping cork with a live shrimp is hard for them to resist. I always like the tide to do a lot of the work for me when throwing in creek mouths. I’ll anchor the boat, throw the cork upstream and let it float down, popping along the way. This helps cover more water, which in turn helps catch more fish.

Redfish will slowly make their push farther east as well. On big high tides, you will still be able to find them on the outside islands, but not in the numbers like we have in late summer and fall. I love a mud minnow or a big hunk of cut bait to target these guys this time of year. Hard bottom is key when the water gets cool, as it retains heat, and helps keep the fish warmer. Even an 1/8 of a degree makes a big difference to them when it comes to water temperature. For you artificially guys, a gold spoon can win you big when the water is low and you have fish on the flats. It makes a very good “search” bait to help find and locate fish. Once you get hit, set up shop there for a while, as you should be able to get more strikes.

Snook will be moving far upriver, and even into the spring systems. I try not to target them much during the cold, as they are stressed enough

just trying to stay alive, but during the warming trends, they can be targeted with big mud minnows, flashy quick moving artificial baits and pinfish. Remember to practice safe catch and release tactics to help ensure the longevity of our fishery!

Tight lines and God bless Captain Dallas King Pirate Flag Charters and Tours

352.601.8460

www.pirateflagcharters.com

www.crystalriverfishingpros.com

SURF & PIER

December can be very productive for redfish, black drum and whiting. The key is water temperature, as long as it stays above 60 degrees, we can bring home dinner, and or catch a huge redfish. To find a detailed color map of the sea surface temperature, go to marine.rutgers.edu. After you find the place with the right temperature, then you just need clean water.

This time of year, the mullet run is over, and the sand fleas have hibernated deep into the sand. My go-to baits are FKS aka fresh killed shrimp, live blue crabs and big clams. I cut them up into one-inch pieces to match the hatch, that is, unless I am going after the huge redfish who have just finished breeding in the inlets. If so, I am using one half of a blue crab and fishing near any of our inlets. These big breeders come out onto the beach and feed like crazy! Then when the water drops below 60, they will move offshore to deeper

If you really want to catch some pompano, you will have to go on a road trip, because they have moved south to warmer water. How far south? All you have to do is use that aforementioned Rutgers website to find the right temperature. Look for a minimum 65 degrees, however, I usually travel to 70 degrees for the best results. The picture below is from one of my charters from December 15th a few years back. We caught several of these HUGE Reds!

I am hoping for mild weather this month so we can have some great surf fishing. I hope you have tight lines and a Merry Christmas!

Noel Kuhn

43 years of surf fishing experience, surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. Founding member of Florida Surf Casters club. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com

Withwater temperatures cooling down this month, look for the inshore fishing to heat up. For me, the next few months are the most exciting time of year to target reds on the flats and creeks. I’m hoping for a cold-ish, dry winter this year, as much as I don’t like freezing my butt off, the cold temps will kill the algae in the water, resulting in gin-clear, sight-fishable awesomeness. It will be time to go to your favorite flat, put on your polarized Bajio Sunglasses, and start looking for fish. The creek fishing will be on fire as well. The redfish will push into the shallowest areas of the creeks on the low tides, to warm up and feed on small minnows and shrimp. This time of year, you’ll get to sleep in and wait for the sun to be out for a while to warm up the water. Clearer water can mean spookier fish, so downsize your baits/ lures for a stealthier approach. On extreme low tides the redfish, trout and flounder will get schooled up in area creek holes. A live shrimp or mud minnow tossed into the depths can’t be beat.

When up on the flats, look for darker mud and oyster-laden bottom to be holding redfish, trout, and flounder. These areas will warm up faster than others on sunny days; a few degrees can really make a difference. Another benefit of dropping water temps, is the redfish will start schooling on the flats. If you know where to look, you can find huge schools of tightly packed redfish this time of year. Locate these fish from a distance, by looking for “muds” (discolored muddy water caused by moving fish) and/or pushing wakes made by moving fish.

Redfish singles and doubles can also be found sunning themselves in the shallows, especially along side and on top of oyster bars this time of year. These fish will be lazy, so make sure to present your bait in a slow and methodical manner. When I spot a stationary fish, I like to cast long of him and at least a few feet to either the left or right of the fish, depending on which way he’s facing. Then work the bait slowly back to where the fish is. (This will help to not spook the fish.) Sometimes they will like it moving a little faster, and sometimes a little slower. It’s always fun trying to find the right approach.

Trout fishing has been great this past month and will continue to go strong. The best bite has been close to the inlets in the cleaner water. My favorite trout lure has been the Saltwater Assassin paddle tail in Houdini or Mama’s 14K colors paired with a 1/4oz Saltwater Assassin jighead. The tail has a ton of thump and the trout just can’t resist it. The jig, jig, pause method works best for me. Target creek mouths, ICW banks, and any type of structure with moving water, and you’ll be sure to find some trout hanging out.

Sheepshead fishing should really start to get good this month. Target area bridges, docks, and pilings with fiddler crabs to catch the tasty porgies.

Be sure to check out my Daily Fishing Reports online @www. InshoreAdventures.net.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good bite!

Capt. Tommy Derringer www.InshoreAdventures.net 904-377-3734

Lightweight, Ultra-Portable Roll-Up Fishing Boat

The Sea Eagle® Stealth Stalker™ 10 is now available with a lightweight, super portable, high pressure drop stitch oor. With this new in atable oor, the total weight of the boat is 13 pounds less than the traditional wooden oorboard. The oor rolls up with the boat making transporting and storing a breeze. The seats attach with 4 double d-ring straps for quick & easy set up. Use the STS10 with 1 or 2 anglers in bays, lakes, rivers, salt marshes - wherever the sh are.

STS10 Pro Lite Package includes everything you see below plus a storage bag for the boat, pump and repair kit. Add an electric or gas

LUNA NUEVA BY COSTA DEL MAR

If you’re searching for an ideal holiday gi! for a woman who enjoys spending time on the water, consider Costa Del Mar’s Luna Nueva polarized sunglasses. ese women’s shades use color-enhancing 580 lens technology to reduce haze and boost contrast and clarity. Choose between glass (580G) lenses for outstanding sharpness and scratch resistance, or lightweight polycarbonate (580P) for impact protection—either option o ers a high-de nition viewing experience.

Designed with simplicity in mind, Luna Nueva makes a great companion for anglers, featuring an elegant butter y-shaped frame cra!ed from ultra-thin material. is results in one of the slimmest pro les in Costa’s collection, delivering a sophisticated and distinctive appearance. Adjustable nose pads allow custom t ensuring maximum comfort and retention. costadelmar.com/en-us/sunglasses/6S9127-198537009143

MICRO RODS MAKE

A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT

s the holidays roll around, anglers everywhere are dreaming of that perfect new piece of gear to add to their arsenal. If you are looking for a compact, fun, and travel-friendly rod this holiday season, check out micro rods from Bean Pole. e Bean Pole takes the micro rod concept to the next level. It’s compact, durable, and designed for real anglers who appreciate simplicity with performance. It’s easy to store, fun to use, and rugged enough to handle both saltwater and freshwater adventures. Perfect for impromptu casts or for those who like to keep a rod handy wherever life (or travel) takes them. ey also have a vibrant fun color!

is Holiday season, skip the ordinary gi!s and give something unforgettable, a Bean Pole. Compact, exciting, and travel-ready, it’s more than just a micro rod, it’s an invitation to adventure!

Order at www.beansport shing.com while supplies last.

STOCKING STUFFERS FOR BASS ANGLERS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING

CAPT. TYLER WOOLCOTT

Shopping for a bass sherman isn’t easy.

Most of us already have enough rods and tackle boxes to ll a garage, and we’re picky about every lure we throw. But that’s what makes stocking stu ers the ideal gi!s: they are small, useful gi!s that actually get used on the water.

An absolute can’t miss item is shing line. A spool of Su x line is my recommendation, whether it’s 832 braid or Advance uorocarbon. is is one of those gi!s that every bass sherman truly appreciates. It’s the kind of thing we always need but hate spending money, making it a perfect stocking surprise.

If you want to add some color and action, grab a few packs of CrushCity so! plastics. eir Bronco Bugs, Cleanup Craws, and Freeloader minnows at out catch sh, and you can’t go wrong with their proven colors. Toss a couple of those in a stocking and you will win Christmas morning.

For the gear junkies, think about tools and tackle organization. A pair of Rapala pliers, some hook removers, or one of their waterproof tackle boxes are small but mighty gi!s that make a big di erence on the water. Every angler loves having their gear dialed in, and Rapala makes stu that actually holds up. Don’t forget about gi!ing some comfort on those long, sunny days. Chums makes a ton of great accessories like sunglass retainers, oating keychains, and waterproof phone pouches. es are perfect little add-ons that make life on the boat a little easier and can save a few pair of sunglasses from sinking.

At the end of the day, the best gi!s for a bass sherman aren’t necessarily the biggest or ashiest. Instead, they’re the thoughtful, practical items that make time on the water smoother, easier, and just a little more fun. By throwing a few of these suggestions in a stocking – and maybe adding a gas station co ee card for good measure- you’re sure to have any bass angler smiling wider than a ve-pounder at weigh-in.

Happy Holidays, Y’all!

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. Reach him at (386) 235-7388 and check out his website: www. oridabig shadventures.com.

IGFA 2025 WORLD RECORDS RECAP

As 2025 winds down, let’s take a minute to honor a few amazing anglers who set IGFA records this year. e International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has recognized several new 2025 world records, including a black n snapper caught by Michael McFadden o the coast of Florida, a cobia by Koby Duncan in Australia, and an Arctic char and common carp length records set by Jay Siemens and Rowan Lytle, respectively in Canada and Connecticut.

Many new U.S. records for freshwater species are also included, such as the landlocked striped bass by Pamela Moss in Georgia and the Alabama bass, also by Moss in Georgia. Some 2025 IGFA US Saltwater Records include a 27 lb. red grouper by Zachary Daniel Murray o Florida, a 31 lb. 3 oz. greater amberjack by Julia Berstein out of Key West, and a 55.9 in. great barracuda by Nick LaBadie on y tackle o Key West. ese were all certi ed and submitted to the IGFA, with the grouper and amberjack being o cial weights and the barracuda being an all-tackle length record. e IGFA is publishing its 2025 World Record Book and has also added two new species—barred sand bass and spotted sand bass—to its catch-and-release All-Tackle Length World Record Category.

Will you be among these elite anglers in 2026?

For a complete database of 2025 record holders, visit igfa.org.

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Durable boat lifts expertly designed with Florida in mind.

ShoreStation hydraulic boat lifts are a reliable choice for coastal residents and boating enthusiasts alike. Their strong construction, made with corrosion-resistant materials, allows them to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including sun, storms, and saltwater damage. ShoreStation provides a steadfast solution for protecting waterfront investments, o ering peace of mind to owners in the Sunshine State.

REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy Cover

Equipped with exceptional weather resistant fabric and breathable SunTex 80 woven mesh ends for maximum protection and durability, the REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy is the most innovative canopy

Quickly Secures Boat

Made from the highest quality materials, our innovative hydraulic boat lift is one of the fastest and safest lifts on the market today. When you have a hydraulic lift, there’s no need to worry about wind and waves getting in your way. This lift will give you con dence to safely land and secure your boat in less-than-ideal conditions.

Solar Battery Charging System

Never miss another moment on the water. Power your lift with clean, free solar power. Our speedy 20 watt charger features solar regulator drainage protection, saving your battery from permanent damage caused by overcharging.

On Our Wish List...

AN EPIC TRIP TO FISH AND ATTEND THE CRUCIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IN THE USVI

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands embody a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and laid-back serenity. ese islands are more than just a picturesque getaway; they are a living testament to nature’s rhythm and resilience, e ortlessly in tune with the world around them.

With no passport required for U.S. citizens, from the moment you arrive, the islands’ natural rhythm is palpable. e gentle sway of palm trees, the soothing sound of surf crashing against sandy shores, and the vibrant melodies of local music all echo the heartbeat of this tropical paradise. e islands’ lush landscapes, with their verdant hills and crystal-clear waters, mirror the steady pulse of life that sustains the local ecosystems and communities alike.

e US Virgin Islands’ environment is a symphony of biodiversity with world class shing and diving. ese natural elements are not static; they dance in harmony, in uenced by the tides, wind, and seasonal changes— further emphasizing the islands’ intrinsic rhythm. is delicate balance underscores the importance of conservation e orts, ensuring that future generations continue to experience the islands’ natural cadence.

Culturally, the US Virgin Islands are equally in tune. e music, dance and festivals re ect a vibrant heritage rooted in African, European and Caribbean traditions. e spirited calypso beats and reggae rhythms are expressions of life's ongoing dance—celebrating resilience, community and joy. ese cultural expressions are an extension of the islands’ natural rhythm, showcasing how human life here moves seamlessly with nature’s ow.

In a world o!en dictated by chaos and rapid change, the US Virgin Islands serve as a reminder of the beauty of being in sync with nature’s tempo. eir natural, cultural and ecological rhythms o er a blueprint for sustainable living and harmony. As travelers and residents alike continue to embrace this rhythm, they uphold a legacy of balance—one that celebrates life’s natural ow and the enduring spirit of these remarkable islands. In the US Virgin Islands, being in rhythm isn’t just an ideal; it’s a way of life.

SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing

It’s no fsh tale when you run with a John Deere. You can get everything done faster and easier, so you get more time on the water. Plus, our special offers make them the catch of the day.