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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.
Tim Barefoot
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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.
Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters makes your trip e ortless from start to !nish. eir multi-day allinclusive packages cover everything: lodging, airport transfer, meals, !shing and !sh processing. In turn, all you have to think about is setting the hook and enjoying the day.
Whether it’s your !rst time !shing Alaska or you’re a seasoned angler chasing your personal best halibut, May in Ketchikan delivers. Nothing beats bottom !shing in Alaska’s !rst city when the bite is on! Book now and join us this spring. is trip makes an amazing holiday gi they will cherish forever.
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How Fishing Shapes Behavior in Youth I
By: Jessica Hendrie
n a world that’s taken over by screens and instant gratification, the simple act of casting a line has become one of the most powerful tools to shape the minds of our youth. Fishing, as we once viewed as just a fun pastime, is now being recognized for its large impact on youth behavior building patience, responsibility, and emotional resilience that many new activities fail to deliver. When a child picks up a fishing pole, they’re learning way more than just how to catch fish. They’re mastering self-control. Waiting on that bite requires focus and calmness, two traits that help counter the short attention spans created by phones. Every moment spent beside the water, listening, observing, and waiting teaches them to slow down, reflect and appreciate what nature has to offer. Fishing also introduces accountability in a tangible way. Young anglers must learn to respect the regulations, care for their fishing gear, and handle fish with respect and empathy. Those lessons tend to go far beyond the water. Kids who learn to handle nature with care tend to approach people and other animals with that same sense of respect. The best influence of fishing is its ability to build character even through failure and persistence. Every missed fish becomes a chance to problem solve and practice perseverance. Parents, mentors, and youth leaders who fish with children often witness how these small frustrations evolve into teachable moments that strengthen confidence and independence. The pride of finally landing a fish after a dozen attempts becomes a quiet metaphor for life’s larger goal, work hard, be patient, and success will come. For many families, fishing is also a bridge. It opens space for conversations that might not happen otherwise. Away from Wi-Fi and distractions, children open up about school, friends, and emotions. The calmness of the outdoors encourages connection, grounding both kids and parents in a shared experience that builds trust and emotional wellbeing. At its heart, fishing is more than a sport, it’s a life lesson wrapped in fresh air and quiet water. Each cast gives our youth a little more patience, a little more purpose, and a much-needed sense of peace in an often-chaotic world.
What if I told you that you could hire a local fishing captain to take you and your crew fishing and possibly get paid thousands of dollars at the end of the day and build a good reputation in the local fishing community? Does that sound too good to be true? Well, that is exactly what happens several times each year when groups of anglers win fishing tournaments.
Every year there are several fishing tournaments in our area that dozens and sometimes hundreds of boats participate in as they compete to bring in the best fish. Tournaments are great for many reasons. For one, fishing in a tournament seems to make anglers try their hardest. During a tournament a lot of thought goes into the strategy for the day, what locations during which tides are most likely to produce the fish? The competition gets many captains to “pull out all the stops” as they attempt to out fish the other teams. Catching fish is fun under most circumstances, but a potential payout and the recognition that a tournament win can bring, really makes each fish landed a celebration to share with your teammates. Sometimes catching the tenth redfish of the day when your boat limit was reached hours ago, can seem inconsequential, but when a slightly bigger fish could mean the difference between winning and losing, every fish is a potential game changer. Even
A Chance at Fame and Fortune
By: Capt. Andrew Bennett
the so called “trash fish” that do not normally get targeted like jack crevelle, ladyfish, and saltwater catfish, can bring a nice check in some tournaments.
Besides the motivation to catch lots of fish, tournaments also raise money for some very worthy causes. I fished a one-day redfish tournament last month that raised money for the Children’s coalition of Sarasota/Manatee County & the CCA Redfish stock enrichment program.
There is much more to a tournament than the fishing, after the fishing time runs out, most tournaments have a great after party at the weigh-in, with music, food, drinks, raffle items, and plenty of mingling with the other teams. At the redfish tournament last month, my team was one spot away from the money, but one of my anglers bought twenty dollars worth of raffle tickets at the weigh-in party and won a fishing reel and a soft sided cooler!
So, keep your ears and eyes open for upcoming tournaments, and hire me or any of the other great local captains to take you and your team out for a chance at glory. Tournaments are a great way to get in some topnotch fishing, raise support for needs in the community, and meet like-minded local anglers. Who knows? You may even double your money and get a trophy!
A CHANGE IN TEMPERATURE
By: Caitlyn Gatrell
Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in the Hook ‘Em in the Glades fishing tournament again in Everglades City, thanks to sponsorship by Coastal Angler! Each year as I prepare for the tournament, my team and I head down and go fishing some days before to get an idea on what’s going on in the area and to make sure we know where the fish and bait are at! I got the perfect idea for this article as I was participating in one of my practice days.
While Florida doesn’t have much seasonal change down here, there’s still a way to feel a change in the air. Going boating and fishing is actually one of the biggest ways I can feel that change. For one I’m usually covered in sweats because it can get quite chilly out there! Especially if you’re driving fast or you’re out during dawn and dusk hours. The air feels crisper and cooler, the water splashes are colder and skin crawling, and the gorgeous scenery still shines, almost more golden and colorful. And of course, the main takeaway this time of year is we now have those early sunrises and earlier sunsets.
Some species come out to play more and others we aren’t seeing as much. Redfish for example, they definitely have been seen and hooked up
to more recently, and the same goes for trout. We even still see our big game fish like tarpon rolling around, but they have been a little harder to get to bite. Overall, it’s a great time of the year to do fishing tournaments that focus on reds and trout.
In addition, it’s prime camping season for many down here in the islands! I’ve written more in-depth articles on island camping, but with cooler temperatures and less mosquitoes being out, it’s an excellent time to go. We typically set up our camp and then go fishing, and once it gets dark we head back to the campsite. And then repeat the next day. It is pretty cool to be sitting in your chair by the fire, with your rod in the holder when you hear it go off and get ready to jump into action. I recommend to give island camping a try to everyone at least once!
Peak winter can be a little rough out there because it’s usually pretty chilly and sometimes it can be windy. And sometimes the fish seem to hide a little bit. But there still are fish to be found and adventures to be made, even if you just get out for a joy ride. A lot of the wildlife also is out & about at times, so you can really be immersed in nature. It truly is natural beauty!
BEACH LADIES
By: Joe Sheaffer
Poor man’s tarpon, a fitting name for such an aggressive feisty fish. Ladyfish can be found throughout Florida’s surf and bays. There are many days finding a school of ladyfish can save a day for many anglers. Ladyfish can be a great way to get kids hooked on fishing. Ladyfish are very aggressive, they jump and fight hard. They are pesky, and can be downright messy. I have ruined quite a few shirts because they spew some nasty crud. Ladyfish can be the go too bait for many anglers. A great cut bait option for redfish, snook and sharks to name a few. They can be a very good live bait option as well. Tarpon, snook, and many pelagic species have no problem gobbling these fish up. Over the last few months, when fishing the beaches in my area, I look for any bait activity
along the surf. Usually with bait activity the ladyfish will be working the surf. I prefer artificial lures and I am usually successful on most fishing trips with lures. When the surf is calm and clear, it can be tough using an artificial presentation. I have a rule that I follow, if I catch a pinfish or ladyfish, I don’t throw them back. I hook them on my jig behind the dorsal fin and let them swim in the surf. Lately I have seen some nice snook along the beach and that can be a great time to hook up and free line a ladyfish in the trough. I have been able to hook and land some very nice snook on this presentation. The bite can be very explosive and super exciting. I would encourage you to try using live ladyfish on your next beach adventure. Good luck and keep casting!
Cortez, FL - Dec 2025
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Kayak Fishing
by: Dan Carns
The coastal environment here in S.W. Florida is super corrosive to fishing gear. Let’s face it, we are at water level in our kayaks and we are subject to far too much salty water. Next time you’re out, just see how much water is landing in your kayak and consider what impact that has on your gear. If you are not paying special attention to your gear it will begin to fail.
Here is my routine for combating salt intrusion. First let me say that if you are hosing your reels off with water, it is a huge mistake. Just think for a moment that all that salt is now deluded with fresh water and is going to find any crevice or gap and enter your reels. I do recommend that you line all your rods up and hose off all the guides and handle, just do not spray the reels! Once they are hosed off you must dry wipe the eyelets so that they don’t corrode the between the metal eye frame and the line inserts. After every trip I spend about an hour at my bench cleaning every reel thoroughly with one or two products. Either Super Slick or CorrosionX will work. First unwind the drag knob, remove the spool and wipe down the inside with a clean rag, next re-wipe with a CorrosionX or SuperSlick saturated rag to coat the surface with protectant. Add a small drop of gear oil onto the drag spring. Clean the exterior of the spool with the same protectant (do not touch the line), wipe the drag knob and add reel gear grease to the rubber gasket. Add a drop of oil onto the drag washers under the drag knob. Next, clean the reel body under the spool and add a drop of oil to the spindle and the drag gear on the spindle. Remove the handle and the opposite nut cap, add one drop of oil in each opening but not more. Make sure you have wiped down the entire body of the reel with the protectant making sure to get a rag in all the hard to reach spots! Before replacing the handle and opposing nut cap add gear grease to the threaded shaft and cap threads. This gear grease will act like a liquid gasket keeping any water from entering through the screw threads. Next add oil to the bail arm connections and the roller bearing where the line rolls off the spool.
By now your beginning to think that this as a lot of time for each reel but it gets faster and easier as you begin to make a routine out of it. We spend a lot of money on our gear so it’s in our best interest to make sure it lasts as long as possible.
It’s A Wild World-Get Out There!
@paddlinandfishin
Dan Carns
December’s Opportunities
By: Capt. Dave Stephens
This month can be kind of a tricky month which mainly depends on the weather. If we have a warmer month we can go one way, and if its cooler we go another. So, let's start with a warmer month. If the weather continues to stay warm keeping our water temps in the 70's the snook bite will stay pretty consistent. Areas such as deeper creeks, residential canals and deep cuts in the mangroves will be holding good numbers of fish. You can also expect to catch a few reds and trout also. If we are not so lucky and mother nature sends some cold fronts our way dropping the water below 70 degrees, for the most part the snook bite will certainly shut down until spring. This is normally a sign to get the jig-heads out and start shrimp fishing. The fishing can
be very good this time of year and fishing potholes and deep points can be very effective. Normally, the reds and trout move into these areas. If you can find some areas with a limestone bottom the sheep-head will be around also. The color of the jig is based on personnel preference, myself I am a chartreuse guy. I like to use one just heavy enough to make contact with the bottom. So, I guess we just have to sit back and see what mother nature has in store for us. If you would like to experience some of Southwest Florida's finest fishing give us a call or send an email. All of our trips are private and customized to fit you and your party's needs.
Cooler Weather
By: Capt. Bart Marx
As the water temperatures finally begin cooling down, it encourages the fish tomove around more as some fish like the cold water and others not so much. If you are going offshore, look for schools of bait being attacked by the spanish and king mackerel, and you could still run the stone crab buoy lines looking for tripletail. For bottom fishing, I like to use shrimp or small crabs as that seems to be the choice for hogfish to eat and they like the cooler waters. Sometimes, I can find them where I catch mangrove snapper as they like ledges and hard bottom. Along the coast and close to shore, reefs will be holding flounder. Sheepshead should start showing up on those nearshore reefs and ledges as well. If I am inshore fishing, I typically find redfish along the mangroves, and as the tide comes in they tend to go deeper into the roots of the mangroves. Many anglers like to still fish for them using shrimp or pinfish and whitebait if you are able to find it, and when moving back out on the grass flats target speckled sea trout. I like using a bobber and a bait under it, my preference is to use artificials, soft
plastics or scented baits. If you locate an area that is very productive, try a suspending bait or a top water plug. I always bring a fly rod along as I can cast most flies that have some weight to them and the fish will attack it. Moving further inshore around the docks and bridge bumpers, there should be some good snook action, and if you get into those areas around the bumpers and piling of the bridges use a half of a blue crab and there should be a black drum to munch on that and sometimes I may even pick up a red drum using this bait.
With the holidays approaching, I have Gift Certificates available for gifts for those that may be coming to visit this winter. I also provide inshore and offshore training sessions. I can also show you where you can take your boat safely without destroying the grass flats. Call me to book a trip with me at 941-979-6517 or e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com
Wishing You
Jumbosnookonthenight biteinEvergladesCity!
AshleyHeinz’s bigslotsnook onEnglewoodBeach.You gogirl!
HoosierAngler,Jay Heidenreichhorsesin monstersnooklike atrueBoilermakerin GasparillaBay!
JennaKioNorthFortMyers caughtabass.
KaiSujevich15ofNaples,FL sentinsomebeauties! Here’s oneofhisnighttimecatches!
Myers,KoryKioofNorthFortFLw/anicepeacock bass4pounds.
MattShields-Drumroll please…Giantblackdrumin theshallows!EvergladesCity.
ScottWeedcaughtthis33” beautifulsnookandreleased itinBonitaSprings,thought itwouldbetherightthing todo.
HoosierAngler,Tripp Cremernailsbigsnookat BocaGrande!
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LUNA NUEVA BY COSTA DEL MAR
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MICRO RODS MAKE
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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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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
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