Coastal Angler Magazine | February 2026 Greater Orlando Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

TRUST BR AND MARINERS

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Flounder Fishing 101

Do you want to catch more !ounder? You will need to nd an area with current, bait and structure for the !ounder to ambush its prey.

Where are they?

Flounder are very prevalent in creek mouths, jetties, sandy points, oyster bars, docks and any other underwater structures. e !ounder will take advantage of the structures to block the current, saving them energy and bringing bait right to their gluttonous mouths.

Flounder are the perfect ambush predator. ey like to bury in the sand adjacent to structures of some kind facing directly into the current. Your lure presentations always need to come from up current or you will spook them.

What do they eat?

CAPT. MIKE SMITH

and bait sh imitations.

Flounder love to eat unsuspecting shrimp and sh brought to them by the current. e best lures to catch !ounder are scented shrimp

e best colors of lures to use for !ounder are any color as long as it is white. White is by far the best color of lure to catch !ounder. Do other colors work? Yes, if you want to catch fewer !ounders, then use something other than white.

e best lures that I have found for !ounder are Gulp! Shrimp and swimming mullets on a jig head. Start small and go bigger if you notice the bait in the area is large. Having an assortment from 3 to 5 inches will usually be perfect.

A great second choice for a !ounder lure is a white bucktail jig. Add a small piece of shrimp to add odor for best results.

How do you catch a ﬂounder?

Flounder have a very small cone of awareness. ey are very unlikely to notice and

chase a lure that is more than 3 or 4 feet away from them.

ey also have a very small strike zone. ey are very hesitant to rise more than 18 inches o$ of the bottom to eat your lures.

Let’s say you found a beautiful oyster point at the mouth of a creek with plenty of current and bait !owing around it. is scenario is perfect for catching a !ounder.

Cast up current and work the lure on the bottom very slowly in 1 to 3 feet of water. When you think you hooked an oyster, set the hook. Flounder strikes are subtle and o en feel like a hang up.

It is very hard to work your lure too slowly for a !ounder. Old timers will tell you to just drag it on the bottom. I personally like to bounce my lures o$ the bottom being careful to not li it more than 18 inches into the water column.

Pro Tip: Use braided line and !uorocarbon leaders when shing for !ounder. Flouro sinks and helps you present your lures more e$ectively on the bottom. Braid doesn’t stretch and will help you feel a !ounder’s very subtle bites.

If you want to become an o cial !ounder pounder, then follow the tips above and catch more !atties. Go get ‘em!

Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass O Charters, is an inshore "shing guide who has been "shing the inshore 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.

Sailfish in The Florida Keys

By Astrid deGruchy

Sailfish are the true showoffs of the Florida Keys. They’re fast, flashy, and love putting on a performance the second you put a bait in the water. One moment everything’s calm and quiet, and the next your reel is screaming while a sailfish is launching itself out of the ocean like it’s trying to win an Olympic medal. It’s the kind of chaos anglers live for.

The Keys are famous for having one of the best sailfish bites anywhere, especially from November through April. Cold fronts push schools of ballyhoo and other bait along the reef, and the sailfish stay right on their heels. Spots like Islamorada, Marathon, Key Largo, and Key West all fire off during the season, with most of the action happening along

that 80 to 200 foot reef edge. Most captains here rely on live-baiting and kite fishing, two methods that make sailfish practically impossible to resist. There’s nothing like watching a kite bait get

smashed on the surface. And on those calm, clear days after a front, you might even get to sight-cast to tailing sailfish cruising right along the top. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Strong conservation efforts keep sailfish thriving in the Keys, so anglers get to keep making these memories year after year. Whether you’ve done it before or if your someone trying it for the first time, hooking a sailfish here is unforgettable. It’s fast, wild, beautiful and classic Florida Keys fishing.

Follow deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sportfishing on Instagram and on YouTube @BeanSportfishing.

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FWC APPROVES RULE CHANGES FOR GULF LANE SNAPPER

At its November meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule changes for lane snapper in Florida’s Gulf state waters to be more consistent with current and pending federal regulations.

Approved modi!cations of lane snapper in Gulf state waters include increasing the commercial and recreational minimum size limit from 8 inches to 10 inches total length, and establishing a 20-!shper-person recreational bag limit. ese changes are intended to reduce the risk of over!shing, mitigate the likelihood of early closures, and increase consistency between Gulf state and federal waters. e new Gulf lane snapper recreational regulations will go into e ect on April 1, 2026.

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Derby Up-Date 2026

Thanks to all of you anglers for signing up and fishing this great community event. As we turn the corner on a New Year and enter into the last month of our 17th year event it just means you need to spend as much time catching on the water as you can. February is usually when the year’s biggest Shad are caught! We only have a few good ones on the board so far and like most years there wasn’t one up-loaded in the Month of November. Margaret Williams caught the biggest Crappie for the month of November, her entry will earn her a 15” Club Certificate at this seasons’ awards. Last season’s Champ Alan Johnson caught the biggest Crappie for December. and they are neck and neck for the over-all largest so far. We go to print mi-month so we do not know who will win the month of January yet. The Shad have arrived in our area now. Long time supporter and returning angler Joe Collings is the winner of the biggest Shad for the month of December! Joe has fished several seasons with us and helps spread the word our great annual event, while his Shad he entered is a nice one he hopes it will hold up for the over-all Adult Champ, the biggins are usually caught in February!

As always, this great community event can’t happen without the several sponsors that provide the prizes we give away at our awards event. We work hard at getting a few new ones each year. Please take a look at our Full-Page Ad in this issue and visit the website of our sponsors listed and spend some of your cash on new baits, products and equipment! Let them know how much you appreciate them getting involved in our event! We look forward to seeing the winners at this season’s awards event, hosted at Celery City Craft in downtown Sanford, time and date TBD. Come join us for an adult beverage as we crown this year’s CHAMPS!!

Visit coastalanglermag.com/orlando/shad-crappie-derby

Jolly Gator Bass Series Returns in March 2026

Early March always starts our new season or the CAM Jolly Gator Bass Series on the first Tuesday after Daylight Savings time starts, March 10th this year. This tournament has been running for so many years that we have lost track (over 30 years), Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine’s staff has been involved for 12 years now, Owner and Co-publisher Phil Wolf is the official Weigh-master for these events and pics and weekly results can be reviewed on the Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando Face Book page.

Thursday March 5th at 6:30 pm, Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill will be the host for our annual Team registration, meeting as well as the weighin site for all events next to CS Lee Park and ramp. These events are open to all 2 angler teams, $50 fee per event. Events are every Tuesday evening and one Saturday per month until our season’s Classic in midAugust. Pay-out is one place per 7 boats and $10 per boat for Big-Bass of the event. Teams that finish in the top 13 in points or win an event and fish or pay for at least 20 events all qualify for the end of season “Classic Event”. The team with the most points at the end of our season as well as the seasons’ “Big Bass” of year will also win big bucks for their efforts. This Central Florida Bass Series has grown to be one the areas’ biggest averaging over 25 boats per event last several seasons. Every team that qualified for the Classic won cash! Over $30,000 bucks was paid out at last seasons’ Classic Event!! Some of the area’s best anglers fish with us, so if you think you want to give it a shot come join us for an event. All Tuesday events start at 5pm and launch at CS Lee Park next to Jolly Gator just east of Sanford on SR 46 at the ST Johns River Bridge, Saturday events start at safe-light till 2pm.

The public is also welcome at our events to watch our anglers bring their daily catches to the scales. It is great family fun to watch and hang out. Jolly Gator restaurant recently renovated after the flood has great food and some of the coolest beer and adult beverages in town. Come join us for our events and become a regular FAN! Looking forward to seeing all of you at the weigh-ins!

Seminole County Airboat Club Making a Difference for the Community

You have all heard those noisy airboats, a lot of people and anglers seem not to like them. Have you ever been on a ride on our local St Jons River system and the and viewed the spectacular nature and wildlife as well as the brotherhood of this group of controversial of boaters? If you ever get the opportunity should do it. I have enjoyed the ride several times and the experience is one you will remember for a lifetime, especially when the captain is your grandson!

Over the past summer the Seminole County Airboat Club had a fundraising event hosted at Loughman’s Lodge off SR 46 between Geneva and Mims and right on the St johns River system, where this group of dedicated volunteers and their President, Jason Wolf (my oldest son) put together a several day event that raised well over $10,000 dollars to help out local families and kids in need. I was one of the attendees for the event and to say it was a stellar turnout of supporters is a huge understatement! 700 plus guests came through the gate, all paying a modest fee of $10 bucks knowing it would be going back to the community through their efforts. This does not include the 100 plus who all came by Airboats. The group hosted a poker run as well, starting at Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill, then headed south on the river and to 3 other locations, grabbing a playing card at each stop and concluded at Loughmans’ Lodge to get their last card of 5 total. The poker hands were all tallied, the top 3 hands were all awarded cash prizes and most all winners donated their cask back to the club and towards the events total earnings! What a special group of boaters, sponsors, supporters and volunteers.

Most recently the clubs’ president presented a donation to Oviedo’s Boys’ Town of Central Florida of $3,400 dollars to help ensure the Club could start the year off strong and uninterrupted. Boys’ Town Director mentioned that long-standing partnerships like these continue to make a meaningful difference in the youth and families they support as they build stability, develop skills towards a brighter and more independent futures.

Through the clubs’ donation it will make an impact and provide a brighter future for Central Florida residents and their children. The club also donated the same amount to Pinecrest Elementary, Midway Elementary and Geneva Elementary for families in need, pouring over $13,000.00 back to our local communities!

On Saturday April 18th the club will once again sponsor a “Spring Fundraiser” to be Hosted at Loughmans’ Lodge again. Their president “Wolf”, mentioned that he could not done this without their Secretary Lana Davis and her taking charge of the pack of volunteers and all of their efforts. They said the long list of sponsors and supporters were all-in knowing that their support will be given back to local community residents in need of help. If you are reading this, please “Save the Date” in your calendar and join us for a day of great family fun. If you want, you will also have the chance to take a cruise on an Airboat, that is something you can mark off your bucket list and always remember. Schedule to join the staff of Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando and our loyal readers and supporters for a great cause and help make a difference in someone’s life!

Wind, wind and more wind, go away already. Near shore fishing has been great and should continue this month. Massive schools of redfish have been near the port and around the tip of the cape. Look for the birds diving and good chance that there on them. There have been large bunker schools around, so take the time and look. They may not be flipping so watch your machine and the mudd balls. The reds will eat anything you throw in the school, buck tails, bunker, and I’m sure even a hotdog. They’re all big and upwards of 35lbs!

Many of my offshore trips turned into port trips and beach trips if we were lucky with a west wind. If you want to catch a bunch of stuff and keep the kids happy get a few dozen live shrimp and have fun. The way we do our beach fishing is with medium rods and light tackle while using a 1/0 circle hook with a #20 leader to a small swivel then mainline. On the mainline use a 1 or 1.5 oz

egg sinker. This is the typical fish finder rig, works great, very basic. Everything eats a shrimp.

Shark fishing has been on fire as well. Large blacktip, hammerhead and blacknose have been plentiful. A bunch of bulls too. This time last year the big extinct sandbar sharks moved in so we are hoping they do the same thing. They are a blast to catch in shallow water.

Offshore on the days we can get out have been great but this is also the time of year that the kings are picky. If they don’t have a live bunker or threadfin flashed in front of their face they wont eat. You will literally watch everyone around you hooked up and they will not touch a dead spinner bait. You really have to put the effort in right now to catch the live baits.

Last year this time was the best ling run we had as many fish were caught this month. Many of the giants were caught in February. It was even better than March. Take advantage of those sunny days and go look around. 55-foot depths seem to be the most productive this time of year. Patrick has always been a productive. The rays are showing up! Have a great month and good luck. Captain Chris- www. firedupcharters.com

CENTRAL EAST COAST

FEBRUARY 2026

DAY TIME HEIGHT

1SU 1:20 AM -0.66 L

8:07 AM 2.54 H

1:49 PM -0.3 L

8:19 PM 2.45 H

2M 2:10 AM -0.65 L

8:52 AM 2.57 H

2:37 PM -0.4 L

9:08 PM 2.48 H

3TU 2:57 AM -0.59 L

9:35 AM 2.55 H

3:23 PM -0.44 L

9:54 PM 2.45 H

4W 3:42 AM -0.46 L

10:15 AM 2.46 H

4:07 PM -0.43 L

10:38 PM 2.37 H

Troy Perez 321-607-2033

capt.troyperez@gmail.com

February 2026 is shaping up to be an excellent month for fishing in the Mosquito Lagoon and surrounding waters. Redfishing has been particularly strong, with consistent action and large numbers of fish being caught—an encouraging sign for the overall health of the fishery. February is traditionally one of the best months for sight fishing in the lagoon, and recent conditions suggest that trend will continue.

Tailing redfish have been very active over the past few months, especially on clear, sunny days following cold fronts. Crisp skies and calm conditions make for ideal sight‑fishing opportunities when poling shorelines and shallow flats. Reduced grass growth during the colder months allows fish to stand out more clearly, making visual targeting easier.

areas. These fish commonly group together and are generally smaller in size. As daytime temperatures rise, they spread back out across the flats. Water level plays a key role, and lower tides often reveal tailing redfish in shallow zones.

For anglers preferring live or natural bait, live or dead shrimp on a 1/8-ounce white or glow Mission Fishin jighead is highly effective. Up to 90% of black drum are caught on 1/8- to 1/2-ounce jigheads tipped with shrimp. Speckled trout are most often caught on 1/8-ounce Mission Fishin jigheads paired with white paddle tails, with Wyze Guyz Tackle paddle tails being a top choice. Gulp shrimp and MirrOlure Lil John twitch baits in white, glow, and bourbon colors also produce excellent trout action and will attract redfish and black drum as well.

On cloudy days when visibility is limited, focusing on mullet along shorelines and blind casting remains productive. Windy conditions call for soaking cut bait such as mullet, pinfish, or ladyfish, particularly near points with good current.

11W 3:37 AM 1.68 H

9:35 AM 0.53 L

3:34 PM 1.62 H

10:00 PM 0.11 L

12TH 4:41 AM 1.72 H 10:34 AM 0.49 L

4:39 PM 1.66 H

10:54 PM 0.04 L

13F 5:39 AM 1.82 H

11:27 AM 0.4 L

5:38 PM 1.76 H

11:43 PM -0.05 L

14SA 6:28 AM 1.96 H

12:14 PM 0.27 L

6:31 PM 1.89 H

15SU 12:28 AM -0.16 L

21SA 4:36 AM -0.18 L

11:06 AM 2.27 H

4:57 PM -0.48 L

11:46 PM 2.33 H

22SU 5:25 AM -0.05 L 11:51 AM 2.18 H

5:49 PM -0.42 L

23M 12:40 AM 2.23 H

6:20 AM 0.1 L 12:43 PM 2.08 H

6:48 PM -0.34 L

24TU 1:41 AM 2.13 H

7:23 AM 0.23 L

1:44 PM 1.99 H

7:56 PM -0.27 L

25W 2:50 AM 2.06 H

5TH 4:27 AM -0.3 L

10:54 AM 2.33 H

4:51 PM -0.36 L

11:21 PM 2.25 H

6F 5:11 AM -0.11 L

11:32 AM 2.17 H

5:34 PM -0.26 L

7SA 12:05 AM 2.1 H

5:56 AM 0.08 L

12:11 PM 2.01 H

6:20 PM -0.14 L

8SU 12:50 AM 1.96 H

6:44 AM 0.26 L

12:52 PM 1.86 H

7:08 PM -0.02 L

9M 1:39 AM 1.82 H

7:36 AM 0.4 L

1:38 PM 1.74 H

8:02 PM 0.08 L

10TU 2:35 AM 1.72 H

8:34 AM 0.5 L

2:32 PM 1.65 H

9:01 PM 0.12 L

7:12 AM 2.1 H

12:56 PM 0.12 L

7:18 PM 2.03 H

16M 1:09 AM -0.26 L

7:52 AM 2.23 H

1:35 PM -0.04 L

8:02 PM 2.16 H

17TU 1:49 AM -0.33 L

8:31 AM 2.32 H

2:12 PM -0.19 L

8:45 PM 2.28 H

18W 2:29 AM -0.36 L

9:09 AM 2.37 H

2:50 PM -0.33 L

9:28 PM 2.37 H

19TH 3:09 AM -0.35 L

9:47 AM 2.37 H

3:30 PM -0.43 L

10:12 PM 2.41 H

20F 3:51 AM -0.29 L

10:25 AM 2.33 H

4:12 PM -0.48 L

10:57 PM 2.4 H

8:35 AM 0.29 L

2:56 PM 1.95 H

9:08 PM -0.24 L

26TH 4:03 AM 2.07 H

9:47 AM 0.26 L

4:11 PM 2 H

10:17 PM -0.27 L

27F 5:11 AM 2.16 H

10:53 AM 0.15 L

5:22 PM 2.11 H

11:20 PM -0.34 L

28SA 6:10 AM 2.29 H

11:52 AM -0.01 L

6:23 PM 2.26 H

During colder nights, redfish, trout, and black drum tend to move slightly deeper—often just two to three feet—settling into muddy

Troy’s February Fishing Tip: As temperatures rise, expect increased activity across all species—this is one of the most productive and enjoyable times of year to be on the water.

17th Annual Shad and Crappie Fishing Derby – Derby ends February 28, 2026, at sunset. Hurry, there is still time to win! Visit www.coastalanglermag.com/ orlando to learn how to register.

Now is the time for huge largemouth bass! The spawn is on. Shallow beds during full and new moon phases will produce the biggest bass of all year. Catch, photo, and release these large female fish for the reproductive cycle to complete. The largest bass are lazy and will eat large baits – big wild shiners although expensive are the absolute best bait for a trophy fish. Large wild shiners in pre spawn areas (not more than 500ft. from the beds), can yield the monster you’re looking for. When throwing artificial, try using baits that mimic predators of fish eggs, namely lizards, shiners,

February is here and so it the wind! Cold fronts just keep coming every 7 to 10 days. Finding schools of fish on off-shore grass close to shallow water flats and spawning areas will be the key. With the recent cold weather continuing, it will group-up these big fish together. The recent Sunday open event on the chain produced giant 5 bass limits. With the upcoming Full Moon early in the month and recent cool snaps the water temps will be sending the big females to answer mother nature’s calling. With the high water due to the several days of rain ahead of the fronts, uncommon for this time of year, the bass have a lot more accessible areas for this season’s spawn. The bass are moving to the shallows and looking for their place to spawn near the aggressive buck bass!

and bream. Lipless Rattle Trap style crank baits, soft-plastic lizards, and shallow surface lures like a Devil’s Horse work great.

Speckled perch (crappie) are feasting every chance they get during the spawn. Minnows are plentiful in the river system and grass shrimp round out their diet. Jigs tipped with minnows trolled along channel edges is a sure bet. Watch your depth recorder in the river bends while trolling and you will learn to see them before they strike the lures. Crappie spawn in colonies and bunch up – find them and troll many passes for a bucket full of good eating. Florida crappie limit is 25 per person.

American shad are in full swing; go get them while they last. This year the shad run is strong – their life cycle is 4 years. These fish return to where they were born to lay eggs similar to salmon up north. Small 1.5” tandem shad darts with a trailer spoon trolled against the current at 1.5 to 2.0 mph should get a strike in shad alley – between Mullet Lake Park south all the way to Puzzle Lake.

The baits of choice recently have been white spinnerbaits, bladed jigs and shallow running square bill crankbaits in natural or bluegill colors and large swim baits. You can fish these baits near wood lay-downs,

lilly pads, eel grass or Kissimmee grass and hydrilla. Weightless flukes in white, copper field, watermelon red are another bait to have tied on with this cooler weather. Lipless crankbaits in bright orange or chrome blue back are another bait that has been producing bites. A yo-yo technique can trigger reaction strikes especially when ripping it out free from eel grass or hydrilla! Keep your eye out for schooling fish chasing bait on top. Topwater baits are a great way to get explosive strikes! A sexy dawg or popper or Evergreen Pencil pooper are what I have used to catch them good. Once you get a bite or catch a fish, slow down and work that area thoroughly. Check the canals all over the chain for the bedding females. Take care of these fish when caught and take time to release them unharmed.

The crappie bite is also hot all over the chain of lakes, Tie on several different colors of jigs tipped with a live minnow and head to the shoreline cover and start catching them! Don’t forget to get registered for the 17th Annual Shad & Crappie Derby heading into it’s last month of this season, it only takes one fish to win it ALL!!!! The time to catch a memory of a lifetime is NOW!! Be sure to take a kid fishing with you when you go.

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4 - Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778 www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

30 - Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311 6304 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando FL 32807 Full Service Mechanics

Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311

6304 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL Full Service Mechanics

25 - Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262 1021 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 www.centralfloridamarine.com

Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262 1021 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL www.centralfloridamarine.com

38 - Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111 3165 N John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32804 www.orlandoboatsales.com

Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111

3165 B. John Young Pkwy., Orlando, FL www.orlandoboatsales.com

24 - Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306 9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817 www.boatmaxusa.com

Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306

9700 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL www.boatmaxusa.com

46 - Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660 3455 S. Orlando Dr. Sanford, FL 32773 www.gibsontruckworld.com

Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660

3455 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL www.gibsontruckworld.com

14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL

60 - Next Level Inc.“Florida Marine Customs” (407) 704-5676 • 87 W. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806 info@floridamarinecustoms.com

Next Level Inc. “Florida Marine Customs” (407) 704-5676

87 W. Michigan St., Orlando FL info@floridamarinecustoms.com

Boat improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

36 - All American Marine (407) 855-9988 7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando FL 32809 www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

Boat Improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

All America Marine (407) 855-9988

35 - All Star Marine (407) 423-9953 28 W Jersey St, Orlando, FL 32806 www.manta.com

7024 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL www.allamericanmarineorlando.net

Advanced Marine Services (407) 498-5142

1322 Carolina Ave., St. Cloud, FL advancedmarine.co

29 - Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117 4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804 www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117

32 - Portside Marine (407) 249-1124 2730 Forsyth Rd, Orlando, FL 32792 www.portsideorlando.com

4503 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL www.lakefairviewmarina.com

Portside Marina (407) 249-1124

2730 Forsyth Rd., Orlando, FL www.portsidemarina.com

23 - Talon Marine Services (407) 542-7600 439 Aulin Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765 www.talonmarineservices.com

Talon Marine Services (407) 542-7600 439 Aulin Ave., Orlando, FL www.talonmarineservices.com

20 - Team Marine Services (407) 260-8326 1350 28th Street, Orlando FL 32805 www.teammarineservices.com

Team Marine Services (407) 260-8236 1350 28th St., Orlando, FL www.teammarineservices.com

19 - Ahoy Marine (407) 323-8373 511 E 25th St, Sanford, FL 32771 www.superpages.com

Ahoy

(407) 323-8373

9 - Instant Insurance Agency (352) 735-5560 25833 State Road 46, Sorrento, FL 32776 www.instantinsuranceagency.com

4820 E. Irlo Brunson Memorial Hwy., St Cloud FL www.attrailercenter.com

34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250 231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, www.thomaslumber.com

34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250

231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, www.thomaslumber.com

A&H Storage (407) 678-0507

2500 N. Forsyth Rd., Orlando, FL www.AHStorage.co

Marinetec Systems (321) 363-6550 1061 TidenVille School Rd., Winter Garden FL www.marinetecsystems.com

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

15 - American Tackle Co. (800) 516-1750 2133 Component Loop, Suite 1031, Oveido, 32765 www.americantackle.us

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

5 - Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 1000 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778

Adventures in Florida (407) 924-3375

The Original Central Florida Guided Kayak Tour Company Since 1995 www.adventuresinflorida.com

7 - Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030 935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 1000 W. Burleigh Blvd., Taveres, FL

11 - Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort (386) 668-4491 488 W Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713 www.campresort.com

Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030 935 N. Bay St., Eustis, FL

14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

Highlands Marina & Camp Resort (336) 668-4491

488 W. Highbanks Rd., DeBary, FL www.campresort.com

21 - Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619 65 N US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750 www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 3370 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL www.boattree.com

43 - Academy Sports + Outdoors East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL

Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619

65 N. US Hwy 17-92, Longwood, FL www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

Lee Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Drive Orlando, FL Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way Orlando, FL Lake Mary 3641 Lake Emaa Road Lake Mary FL

Academy Sports & Outdoors

49 - Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL 32766 www.martintreeserviceinc.com

Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250

231 W. Gore St., Orlando, FL www.thomaslumber.com

50 - Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0016 285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

51 - Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397 3621 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL 32773 SR 436 Altamonte Springs East SR 50 Orlando www.vaporandco.com

Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL www.martintreeservice.com

Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0015

285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

Areas Best Picks for Restaurants

Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397

47 - Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554 4650 E State Rd 46, Geneva, FL 32732 www.thejollygator.com

47 - Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554

4650 E State Rd 46, Geneva, FL 32732 www.thejollygator.com

3621 S. orlando Dr., Sanford, FL SR 436, Altamonte Springs, FL East SR 50, Orlando, FL www.vaporandco.com

39 - Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881 7937 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32812 www.fishonfireorlando.com

Area Best Picks for Restaurants

Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (689) 263-3232

40 - High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422 4645 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822 www.hightideharrys.com

4650 S. State Rd. 46, Geneva, FL www.thejollygator.com

Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881 7937Daetwyler Dr., Orlando, FL www.fishonfireorlando.com

33 - Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107 Aloma Square Shopping Center, 6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792 www.bostonsfishhouse.com

East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando Lee Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Dr., Orlando Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way, Orlando Lake Mary 3641 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary

45 - Wojo’s Bait & Tackle (407) 891-1003 Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769

48 - Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. (407) 447-7637 2133 Componet Loop Suite 1001, Oveido, FL 32765 www.mudhole.com

Wojo’s Bait & Tackle (407) 891-1003 Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St., St. Cloud, FL

56 - Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 www.orlandooutfitters.com

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. (407) 447-7637 2133 Component Loop Suite 1001, Oviedo, FL www.mudhole.com

High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422

17 - St. Johns River Steak & Seafood (407) 878-0980

4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL www.hightideharrys.com

550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107

37 - The Steer (407) 286-6802 8015 S. Orange Ave., Orlando FL

Aloma Square Shopping Center 6860 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL www.bostonsfishhouse.com

22 - Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6004 www.hueymagoos.com

22 - Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6004 www.hueymagoos.com 10 Locations – See our ad on Restaurant Page

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood (407) 878-0980

10 Locations – See our ad on Restaurant Page

Home Improvement Contractors & Service Providers

Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL www.orlandooutfitters.com

26 - DWR Plumbing LLC. (407) 293-3717 6344 All American Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810

27 - Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839 65 Harold Ave, suite B, Winter Park, FL 32789 www.orlandopaintingservice.com

Captain Troy Perez (321) 607-2033 capt.troyperez@gmail.com Mosquito Lagoon - Indian River - Port Canaveral

28 - Millennium Electric (407) 420-2001 4340 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804 www.millennium-electric.com

41 - Water Works Pressure Cleaning & Sealing (407) 376-9526

490 Buck Lake Lane, Geneva, FL 32732 www.jmwaterworksinc.com

Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839 65 Harold Ave.,

550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL

13 - Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401 100 S White Cedar Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 www.camphousebarandgrill.com

Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6802 www.hueysmagoos.com

52 - The Deli (407) 332-8800 4360 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771

10 Locations - See our ad on restaurant page

Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401

53 - T J’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

100 S. White Cedar Rd., Sanford, FL www.camphousebarandgrill.com

197 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765 12231 E Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando(407) 250-4191 www.tjsseafoodshack.com

The Deli (407) 332-8800 4360 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL

54 - Oasis On The River (407) 636-6300 4380 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

TJ’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

54 - Oasis On The River (407) 636-6300 4380 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

197 E. Mitchell Hammock Rd., Oviedo, FL 12231 E. Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando, FL www.tjsseafoodshack.com

56 - Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541 114 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL 32771 celerycitycraft.com

Sanford Marina (407) 322-2910

531 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL

55 -West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475

Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.drinkatwestend.com

55 -West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475 202 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.drinkatwestend.com

Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541

114 Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL www.celerycitycraft.com

West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475

202 Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL www.drinkatwestend.com

Community Service Providers Community Service Providers

Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes (877)800-1492

12307 Wedgefield Drive , Grand Island, FL 32735

Always Looking for Captains

Lake, Orange, Western Volusia, Seminole, Osceola, Western Brevard, Eastern Sumter, Eastern Polk

All American Marine

7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809

Phone: (407) 855-9988

www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

Service All Outboard Brands – Stern Drives –Canvas – Interiors – Trailer Repair

Lake Fairview Marina

4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804

Phone: (407) 295-0117

www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

Consignment Sales – Outboard Service –Storage – Ship Store – Sailing Classes

Owens Fishing & Marine

935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726 Phone: (352) 357-3030

Saltwater Tackle & Bait - Ballyhoo, Freshwater Tackle - Live Bait - Wild Shiners Costa - Shimano Top Shelf Dealer Outboard Service & Boat Parts Hunting & Snorkeling Accessories

Triangle Marine 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778

Phone:(352) 343-6146

www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

Bennington Pontoons – TideWater Johnson – Evinrude – Yamaha

Boat Max USA

9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817

Phone: (321) 866-0306 www.boatmaxusa.com

Pioneer - Glasstream - Aquasport - Stottcraft New Boats Sales - Authorized Yamaha and Suzuki Dealer Parts and Service

Thomas Lumber Company

231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, Phone: (407) 841-1250 www.thomaslumber.com

Old Fashion Lumber Yard – Lumber – Trim –Custom Doors – Hardware – Delivery –Customer Service

Campbell Renovations Inc.

285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 Phone:(407) 349-0016 Cell: 407-947-5460 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

State Certified Contractor CBC 1255779

Residential & Commercial New Construction – Renovations – Kitchens –Bathrooms – Additions – Tenant Build Out

Vapor and Company

3621 S. Orlando Dr. Sanford FL 32773 Phone:(407) 878-7397 www.vaporandco.com

Electronic Cigarettes and E-Liquid Experts in Smoking Cessation

Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine Approved! Altamonte Springs, Orlando East SR 50

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

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; Lews; G-Loomis; BnM Poles; MidSouth

Tackle; Maui Jim; Gill; Bullet Weights; Road Runner; Real Magic; Tru Turn hooks; Mega Strike; Gene Larew; Pradco Brands and BUFF

Lake O’s water level has been around the 13.5 ft mark which makes for safe boating a priority especially if you are unsure where you are as you navigate Okeechobee’s expansive fishery. Bass and crappie fishing has been pretty consistent with quality and quantity size bass and limits being caught for the crappie. If you haven’t booked your fun time fishing on beautiful Lake Okeechobee now is a great time to get your trip of a lifetime booked for bass and/or crappie before the spawn season ends. Bass are being caught on a few major areas on the lake such as: Observation Shoal; Dyess Ditch/ Horse Island areas; Indian Praire/Tin House; Buckhead Ridge area; Kings Bar and a few areas on the East side around Nub N Slough and some small areas around J & S. Some areas of the lake have lots of eel grass and other vegetation that is taking hold and growing back and both crappie and bass love those areas. Lures for bass are: senkos; popping frogs;

swim jigs/baits; cut tail worms; spinner baits; shallow crank baits and some top water. A good color pattern for this time of year is Junebug; Redbug; White; Crawdad; Tilapia; GreenPumpkin/Gold flake. For the crappie bite, both drifting/pushing/pulling with live-minnows are working in the deeper water areas such as Canals and the Kissimmee River. Lure colors for crappie for jigging are: chartreuse; white; orange; pink and green…water color/clarity can depict color to use and well as color for the jig head but I prefer simple black with chartreuse/white eye. Areas for crappie are pretty much the same as for the bass. Some crappie are being caught in mixtures of various vegetation clumps. To book you’re fun and educational day on the water call 863 633 0034 or 863 228 7263 to find out more information on booking a trip and what all is included check out my website www.southfloridabassfishing. com hotel discounts available at the time of booking with a top hotel in Okeechobee as well as Veteran/Oneperson discounted trips. My Sponsors include: Toho Marine; Mercury; Lews; Bullet Weights; G-Loomis; Gill; Real Magic; BnM Poles; Mid-South Tackle; Tru-Turn hooks and Road Runner crappie lures.

Seminole Junior Anglers

The fourth tournament of the Seminole Junior Anglers 2025-2026 season took place on Lake Okeechobee, launching from Roland Martin’s in Clewiston, on December 20th and 21st. The weekend had some windy conditions early morning, but the preparation, teamwork and persistence paid off with multiple Top 10 finishes on both days! Once again, SJA did very well and competed at a high level in these tough conditions. On the first day, the Juniors team of Brycen Moriarty and John Johnson took 3rd place and the High School team of Grant Pergler and Kyler Utzman took 5th place, to include getting 4th place Big Bass with a weight of 6.31 lbs. On the second day, the Juniors team of Luke Jacobs and Tanner Blevins took 5th place, to include getting 2nd place Big Bass with a weight of 3.74 lbs. The High School team of Tytus Sadowski and Spencer Goehrig took 9th place while getting 1st place Big Bass with a weight of 7.54 lbs. We had several other teams close behind those leaders for a combined strong weekend performance. Thank you to Daniel Tillis and Florida BASS Nation for organizing another great event.

The next tournament will be on the St. Johns River on January 24th and 25th in Palatka, where we are looking forward to have more teams move up in the ranks.

We will keep you updated throughout the season as to where we are fishing and how our teams are doing. As always feel free to reach out if you want to fish with us.

February brings winds and cold fronts to our famous Kissimmee Chain of lakes! The recent cold fronts and colder than usual temps have got the Bass and Crappie very active all throughout the chain. Recent tournament events have seen huge weights with 5 bass limits over the 30 plus pound mark which are very common this time of year. If you want to catch a personal best huge female bass over 8 plus pounds, now is the best time of the year to make it happen. Both Lake Toho and Lake Kissimmee have been producing some giants and a few from Lake Cypress. With reports of several fish over the 10 lb. mark, you need to get out there and wet a line. Best baits of choice is always a large wild shiner of more than 8”, the bigger the better. These are predators to the bass eggs and the bass can’t stand to have them around. While you are fishing with artificial baits, float a giant shiner under a cork out behind the boat. When the cork disappears reel your

line tight and wait several seconds (15 or more) before setting the hook home and hold on. Large speed worms in Junebug, watermelonred, redbug and the old black/blue colors are best bets. Lipless crank baits in shad color or chrome/blue back will help you find bites. Chatter baits in black/blue, gold shiner colors have all been good also. Bass are moving shallow around the New and Full moon phases, look for beds in areas of 4 ft and less, once you find some active male bass feeding the big girls are close by.

Fish the same areas during the moon phases for the crappie bite. The males are shallow all over the chain of lakes. Best baits are bright colored small jigs 1/16 oz. tipped with minnow. Fish different depths until you get a bite or two and repeat what you are doing. The crappie are really grouped in areas, once you find them slow down a work area thoroughly. Make sure you sign-up for the 17th Annual Shad and Crappie Derby at Wojo’s Bait and Tackle in St. Cloud, it is “Free” to enter, it ends the last day of February! Good luck, take a kid with you fishing to create a memory the will last their lifetime.

We couldn’t do it without our sponsors, so we want to give a big thanks to:Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando, Mudhole Custom Tackle, Southeast Shell, Oakley, Avid Gear, CST Fishing Apparel, Mid Florida Carts, Plan Hull Consulting, Grove Scientific & Engineering, Total Enviro Services, Acme Environmental Services, Progressive Plumbing, Precision Fire, HGA Construction, H.J. High Construction, Brockman Site Development, Batia Construction, Scorpio Construction, Outdoor Construction, Tri-County Screen, Dick Joyce Well Drilling, Jacob’s Land Solutions, The Other Side Landscape, All Seasons Pools, Dreamscape Pools, Pauls Pool Service, Bait and Tackle Me, Guardian Equipment, Sunstate Fleetworks and more!

Thanks again for all the support!

The Tradition is Back: Fresh Smoked Mullet at Fish on Fire

There’s a legendary call that used to echo across Florida’s coastlines: “Mullet on the Beach!” In years past, that simple cry was enough to empty out shops and homes as neighbors rushed to the shore to participate in a community harvest. It’s a tradition deeply woven into the fabric of Florida, from the ancestral practices of Indigenous peoples to the heritage of the Minorcan settlers. This February, Fish on Fire is bringing that authentic “Cracker” culture right to the heart of Orlando.

From the River to the Rack

We believe that the secret to the perfect smoked mullet starts with timing. Our fish are sourced directly from the St. Johns River, and we take pride in our “water-to-wood” turnaround. Every mullet we serve was swimming just the day before it hit the brine. That absolute freshness is what gives the meat its rich, buttery texture and distinct Florida flavor.

The Authentic Cracker Seasoning

Once the fish have been perfectly brined, we stay true to the roots of the Florida pioneers. We don’t hide the flavor behind heavy sauces; instead, we season each piece with a traditional Florida Cracker blend:

• Course Salt and Black Pepper

• Garlic Powder

• Onion Powder

• A dusting of Paprika for that iconic golden-red finish

Smoked low and slow, the result is a savory, smoky delicacy that tastes like a piece of Florida history.

Join Us Every Weekend in February

Nothing beats the simple joy of a fresh smoked mullet and a icecold beer on a Florida afternoon. We are serving this local specialty every weekend throughout February, while supplies last. Whether you want to join us for dine-in or grab a spread for take-out, we’ve got you covered.

Where: 7937 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32812

Preorders: These go fast! Secure your catch by calling 407-8126881.

Anthony Courtney and Sean Cunningham with 20 lbs. plus to take the win at “Hook’d on Lake Monroe” event, Sean was unable to attend the weigh-in, Congrats!

Schmidt caught this nice Bass on the St.

Logan Wright and his boyz caught this 11 ft. plus Hammer Head fishing in Vero Beach, yup this is what is swimming near shore! Crappie Division winner at “Hook’d on Lake Monroe” Scott, just 2 of his 5 giants, including “Big Fish” of the day at 2.95 lbs., Fishing alone!

Kaleb

Johns River near Lake Monroe area.

HIGHS LOWS& ON LAKE 'O'

By Don Norton

For years, underwater vegetation in Lake Okeechobee has been disappearing, but now it’s making a comeback!

Last December, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started a “recovery” schedule for Lake Okeechobee, with the goal of getting the lake below 12 feet

for 90 days or below 11.5 feet for 60 days. !e lower lake level is needed for sunlight to reach the lake bottom and new submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) to sprout.

Lake Okeechobee level was 12.08 on April 13, 2025, which was 2.82 feet lower than a year ago. By April 15th, the lake fell below 12 feet above sea level.

At the June 5 meeting of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board, scientists were hopeful the lake low would stay below 12 feet for the full 90-day target. If the water rises faster than the plants can grow, new plants could be damaged or lost.

!en, by June 22, 2025, the o cial Lake Okeechobee elevation was 10.99 feet.

Last year, on the same day, the lake was at 13.37 feet. And the year before that? A whopping 14.33! Even the historical average for that time of year (1965-2007) was 13.24 feet. !at meant we were sitting about 2.25 feet below average.

What did that mean for you, the angler? Well, lower water levels can concentrate the sh, making them easier to nd…sometimes. But even more importantly, you have to be extra careful navigating those shallower areas.

I don’t normally sh Lake Okeechobee, but thanks to Capt. Robin Clegg and his late summer YouTube videos, I ventured down to the “Big O” a couple of times and had a great time catching bass.

Launching at C. Scott Driver Park, I took Capt. Clegg’s advice and made the short trip to King’s Bar, and for the next couple of hours, caught bass a er bass on a wide variety of lures. !e key was to be there at rst light!

!e water was still pretty low, but as long as you shed the outside reeds, there was plenty of water (and bass).

Capt. Clegg, by the way, works out of Garrard’s Bait and Tackle, located at 4375 US Highway 441 in Okeechobee, just a couple of miles from the boat ramps.

As I write this article in mid-January, the water level is back up to 13.3’ thanks to all the rain we’ve received, the new plants are doing well—and the shing is still excellent!

Don Norton is Co-Publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Okeechobee edition. Contact him at (863) 273-4998 or don@theanglermagazine.com.

Valued at over $90,000 MSRP, only 2500 tickets left.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

water bites

February might not get the hype of spring break or summer tides, but pro cient coastal anglers know a secret: some of the best shing of the year happens when the crowds are gone, the water is cold, and the sh are predictable.

Winter has settled in by February. Water temperatures hover in the upper 40s to low 50s, especially a er a strong north wind. !at cold pushes bait and game sh into tighter zones, turning miles of water into a handful of high-percentage spots. If you can nd warmth, you can nd sh.

Speckled trout are the headline act this time of year. Big trout in particular prefer slow, easy meals in cold water, which is why February is prime time for trophy hunters. Deep guts, channels and drop-o s near shallow ats are key. Trout slide shallow during the a ernoon when the sun warms mud or dark grass, then fall back into deeper water when temperatures drop.

Slow presentations rule. So plastics on light jig heads, suspending twitch baits, and so jerk shads worked slowly can trigger reaction strikes. Make sure you know the gear ratio of your reel. You may think you are moving slowly, but if the reel is taking up a lot of line, you may be o target. Cold-water trout won’t chase far, but they will inhale an easy meal.

Red sh remain a dependable target throughout February. While they may not school as aggressively as in the fall, reds still prowl shorelines, back lakes, and marsh drains—especially on sunny days. Look for black mud bottoms that warm faster and concentrate bait.

Sight-casting opportunities can be outstanding on calm, clear days. Reds cruising skinny water are o en willing biters, even in cold conditions. Gold spoons, paddletails, and weedless so plastics shine here, particularly when worked steadily along shorelines.

February shing success is less about the tide chart and more about the thermometer. Midday is prime time. Early mornings can be brutally slow a er a cold night, but a few hours of sunshine can ip the switch fast. Pay attention to warming trends—two or three stable days can dramatically improve the bite.

Wind plays a major role this month as well. Strong north winds drain water out of bays and expose structure, which can help you locate sh holding in remaining deeper pockets. On calmer days, expect clearer water and more nicky sh.

February rewards patience, observation and con dence. It’s not about covering water—it’s about shing smart, shing slow, and being ready when that unmistakable thump signals a wintertime strike worth remembering.

As I write this article in January, it is near 80 degrees. With that said, if February feels like an early spring, follow your spring shing guidelines. !e sh don’t have a calendar.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures,® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing

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ATLANTIC SNOOK SEASON

OPENS FEB. 1

The recreational harvest of snook in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Northeast, Indian River Lagoon and Southeast management regions will open February 1 and remains open through May 31. During snook season, anglers may keep one snook per person per day that is not less than 28 or more than 32 inches in total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the sh is lying on its side. Other regulations include:

• No commercial harvest or sale of snook is permitted

• Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore

• When on a for-hire trip, captain and crew may not retain a bag limit

• Allowable Gear: Hook and line only

• License Requirements: Snook permit and recreational shing license !e harvest of snook in all of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico state waters, including Everglades National Park and all of Monroe County, remains closed until March 1. Anglers may catch and release snook during the closed season, but the FWC encourages anglers to handle and release these sh carefully to help ensure their survival upon release. Proper handling methods can help ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about sh handling, visit https://myfwc.com/ shing/saltwater/ outreach/ sh-handling/.

For more information, visit myfwc.com/ shing/saltwater/recreational/snook/.

Hooking Giants In Ketchikan, Alaska BUCKET

By Capt. Lukas Brickweg

If you’ve ever dreamed about catching halibut and cod in the wilderness of Alaska - rod bent, line screaming, and majestic wildlife abound – now is the time to turn that dream into reality. Every season in Ketchikan, Alaska, May marks the kicko! to world-class halibut and Paci c cod shing, and we are ready to put you on the sh of a lifetime.

May Is Extraordinary!

May is a special month in Southeast Alaska. e long daylight hours return, the ocean comes alive, and the early-season halibut move onto nearshore waters to feed. Halibut gather on the underwater ledges, humps, and sandy $ats, areas that we know like the backs of our hands, ranging from 200-400 feet.

At the same time, hungry Paci c cod patrol the same bottom structure, adding an action-packed bonus to every trip. “Alaska cod shing chaos” is the best way to describe

this seasonal bite. ere are no limits on retaining Paci c cod, allowing anglers to bring home huge hauls of cod and halibut. is means you can o en pull up a mixed bag of halibut, cod, and rock sh - making for one of the most productive and delicious shing experiences anywhere in the world.

Reeling up cod and halibut until your arms give out is a good way to summarize Alaska bottom shing in May.

May trips tend to ll quickly because the reputation for aggressive sh and minimum shing pressure. is combination equates to an anglers dream scenario. Whether you’re $ying in for our three to four day allinclusive lodging/ shing packages or on a cruise, it’s best to start planning and booking early. Ketchikan provides convenient $ights, accommodating guests from all over the US. Our all-inclusive packages provide airport transfer, lodging, meals, shing and sh processing.

The Bottom Line ere’s shing, and then there’s Alaska shing. And when it comes to halibut and

cod, May in Ketchikan is as good as it gets. So give us a call to book your spot, and come experience the thrill of hooking giants where every trip is a story worth telling.

Book your "Bucket List" trip to Alaska with Capt. Lukas Brickweg, of Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, at ketchikan shingtrips.com, call (907) 617-4717 or email ketchikan shingtrips@gmail.com.

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BRAVING THE COLD FOR BIG WINTER STRIPERS

By CAM Sta

Whether in saltwater or freshwater, excellent striper shing awaits anglers hearty enough to brave winter conditions. So layer up, zip into that parka, and go—some of the biggest sh of the year are feeding right now.

At the southern end of their fall migration, striped bass spend the winter o! the coast of North Carolina. ey follow schools of bait up and down the shoreline from Wilmington to the Outer Banks, feeding heavily along the way. In many years, Oregon Inlet becomes the epicenter of the action, though stripers can be found in most inlets throughout the region.

e key is to follow the birds, which o en reveal bass blowing up on menhaden, glass minnows, or eels. At times the action pushes close enough to shore that surfcasters can hook stripers right from the beaches of the Outer Banks. More o en, however, the best approach is hiring a local captain armed with recent intel and a fast boat.

Farther south, Wilmington provides another winter opportunity as striped bass stack up in the Cape Fear River. ese sh hold near structure, dropo!s, and creek mouths, and can be caught on arti cials—or even on $ies. is resident population is separate from the highly migratory sh wintering o! the Outer Banks. Cape Fear stripers are strictly catch-and-release and must be returned to the water immediately, so keep an eye out for tagged sh.

Meanwhile, freshwater reservoirs across the Southern states and into the Mid-Atlantic also produce solid winter striper shing. While smaller, schoolie-sized sh can become sluggish during the coldest periods, larger stripers continue to feed. e pace may not match summertime downline action over massive schools, but the sh that do bite are o en bigger.

Tactics vary by shery, but when water temperatures stabilize—or during a multi-day warming trend—the largest sh in the lake o en push shallow, sometimes surprisingly so, as they shadow schools of small shad. Find the $ickering bait, and you’ll nd the stripers. You may even see them picking o! prey near the surface. Stealth is critical in these situations, and so plastics like Flukes frequently outproduce live bait. ey’re easier to cast and allow for a slow, controlled retrieve.

Another e!ective approach is covering water by trolling wide spreads of small live baits, pulling umbrella rigs loaded with swimbaits, or combining both methods. When shing this way, good local information is invaluable. On some lakes, stripers spend the winter near the dam; on others, they push far up into the creeks.

Winter may test an angler’s resolve, but for those willing to endure the cold, striper shing can be at its best. From coastal inlets and rivers to inland reservoirs, striped bass remain active and accessible, o en with less pressure and a better chance at trophy-sized sh. Success comes down to preparation, paying attention to bait and bird activity, and adapting tactics to changing conditions. Bundle up, do your homework, and embrace the season—the reward could be the biggest striper of your year.

OVER 100 ANGLERS TO COMPETE IN 2026 BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES

Coming o! the heels of a record-breaking 2025 season that awarded 11 century belts, saw four- rst time champions (two of which were members of the 2025 rookie class) and garnered over 183 million social media impressions, B.A.S.S. has announced the 101-angler eld for an exciting 2026 Elite Series season.

is year, anglers will be put to the test with the use of forward-facing sonar only being allowed at ve of the nine regular-season Elite events. Anglers will be competing for a $100,000 rst-place prize at each stop of the season, while also accumulating valuable Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points in hopes of making it to the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

“Each season, the Bassmaster Elite Series showcases the very best in professional bass shing, and 2026 will be no exception,” said B.A.S.S. Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “We’re excited to welcome 101 incredibly talented anglers who represent the heart of this sport—a mix of proven champions, rising stars and hungry newcomers all ready to compete on some of the most iconic sheries in the country. It’s going to be an unforgettable season for our anglers and fans alike.”

With the exception of one angler, every 2025 Elite Series angler who quali ed is returning next year. e list of anglers includes 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic champion Easton Fothergill of Grand Rapids, Minn., who won the most coveted trophy in bass shing during his freshman season on the Elites. Two-time Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year Chris Johnston will also join the ranks of returning anglers alongside Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year Tucker Smith, who took home his rst blue trophy at the 2025 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork with a 127-pound, 8-ounce winning weight that also earned him a century belt.

Ten anglers from the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Quali ers will also be joining the 2026 Elite roster, including 20-year-old Alabama phenom Fisher Anaya who claimed the 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Quali ers Angler of the Year title. Wisconsin’s Nick Trim clinched an Elite Series spot for himself alongside his big win at the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance. e 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series kicks o! on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville February 5. From there the tournament trail will wind through six states as anglers battle for cash prizes and attempt to qualify for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

Each tournament will begin with the full eld of anglers on Days 1 and 2 before the eld is cut to the Top 50 on Semi nal Saturday. Only the Top 10 anglers will sh the nal day of the event, with a $100,000 rstplace prize and a blue trophy on the line. For the complete roster, and to keep up with all the action from the 2026 Elite Series season visit Bassmaster.com.

February Cold Water Offshore: Wahoo

This is the time of year to nd the wall of warmer water and get the wahoo bite going. All of the water nearshore is cold and where the 68- plusdegree water meets that cold water can be an excellent spot for targeting wahoo. is is a great time of year to target wahoo during the rst hour or two of your trip using high speed trolling. You can cover a lot of ground high speed trolling, which speci cally targets wahoo. Once the sun has been up for a few hours your chances at a wahoo bite diminish unless it’s an overcast or rainy day. Wahoo regulate the amount of sun they take in by going deeper as the sun rises, so midmorning is a good time to change tactics.

Slow dri s, kite shing and jigging the column with live baits is a great mid-morning tactic and the bigger the bait the better. ere’s no telling what you’ll raise during these colder days shing the temperature change. Never count out deep dropping near these temperature change areas either. Fishing the entire water column from the surface to the bottom turns a cold day into a cooler full of sh and some awesome dinners.

Meet the Beauty in the Beast

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Helenite is produced from the heated volcanic rock of Mount St. Helens and the brilliant green creation has captured the eye of jewelry designers worldwide. Today you can wear this massive 6!-carat stunner for only $99!

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Make your emeralds jealous. Our Helenite Necklace puts the green stone center stage, with a faceted pearcut set in .925 sterling silver finished in luxurious gold. The explosive origins of the stone are echoed in the flashes of light that radiate as the piece swings gracefully from its 18" luxurious gold-finished sterling silver chain. Today the volcano sits quiet, but this unique piece of American natural history continues to erupt with gorgeous green fire. Your satisfaction is guaranteed. Bring home the Helenite Necklace and see for yourself. If you are not completely blown away by the rare beauty of this exceptional stone, simply return the necklace within 30 days for a full refund of your purchase price.

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Necklace enlarged to show luxurious