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PRO FISHING TECHNIQUES
Snook Season Must Haves
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CAPT. MIKE SMITH
inally, September is here and everyone’s favorite inshore fish is back on the menu. This article will cover the best bait and tackle to hunt down slot-sized linesiders. Check your local rules and regulations before keeping any snook. You can do jail time and get heavy fines by harvesting under- and over-slot snook.
WHAT TACKLE DO YOU NEED TO CATCH A KEEPER SNOOK?
It really depends upon where you are fishing for them. If you are out on the flats or on the beach, then you can get away with lighter tackle. You can land a slot snook with a medium-action rod, a 2500 series reel spooled with 10 pound braid and a 30 pound leader. You don’t need heavy tackle when there is no structure around to get cut off on. If you are fishing for snook around docks, bridges, rocks, mangroves or oyster bars, then you might want to use heavier tackle. A medium/ heavy rod with a 4000 series reel spooled with 20 pound braid and a 40 pound leader will usually do the trick.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BAITS FOR CATCHING SNOOK?
Natural baits usually work the best for snook. Snook love croakers, pinfish, mullet, shrimp and white baits like threadfin herring. The key to using natural baits is using the correct sized hook for the bait that you are using. You wouldn’t want to use a 5/0 hook with a shrimp or a white bait because it’s too heavy to allow the bait to swim. You would want to use a 1/0 or 2/0 hook for those smaller baits. Conversely, you would not want to use a small hook for a large, 10-inch mullet. The small hook would most likely not set properly once the snook ate it. You would want to use a 5/0 or larger hook for a large mullet. You want to match your hook to the bait
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SEPTEMBER 2026
size, not the size of the fish that you are trying to catch.
WHAT ARE THE BEST LURES FOR SEPTEMBER SNOOK?
The best thing about September is the mullet run typically begins about then. Millions of mullet will flood the inshore and offshore waters of Florida; a little later for Georgia and the Carolinas. Every marine predator will be gorging themselves on these delicious baits. Mullet imitations of varying sizes will be a good bet when the schools are passing through. The key is to match the size of the mullet in your area. Mullet within the schools might range from 15 inches down to 4-inch finger mullet. Large topwater lures work great around the outer parts of the schools. My personal favorites are Heddon’s Super Zara Spooks in pearl white, but oftentimes they will hit any color that mimics the size and profile of the fish they are feeding on correctly. Another great choice is the D.O.A. Bait Buster Shallow Runner. This is a soft plastic topwater/ subsurface lure that perfectly matches 4- to 5-inch mullet. Go get ’em. Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass Off Charters, has been fishing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass flats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact fishyourassoff.com or visit fishyourassoff.com.
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TIPS FROM A PRO •
DROP SHOT FOR THE TOUGH BITE
TYLER WOOLCOTT
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he end of summer is drawing near, and the !shing is getting a little tough. From !shing pressure through the summer to warm water temps, this September can be a grind at times. Fish tend to get a little lock-jawed, and this can be really frustrating. When this scenario presents itself, I pull out a spinning rod, downsize my line and bait, and slow down my presentation to get !nicky !sh to eat. One of my favorite techniques this time of year is a drop shot. My drop shot rig consists of a weight tied to the end of the line with a hook and soft plastic tied in about 12 to 18 inches above the weight. #ere are two styles of baits I like to drop shot. One of them is a !nessestyle worm like the 13 Fishing Rabbit Ear Joy Stick Ultra #in 4.5’ worm. I like a worm on my drop shot when I’m targeting largemouth, especially in Southern states. #ese !sh are usually feeding on a little bit larger forage, and the !nesse worm is a perfect !t. Rig this worm on a 1/0 Hayabusa FPP Straight hook with a 1/4- or 3/8-oz. WOO! Tungsten weight for the perfect presentation. #e other soft plastic I like on a drop shot is a small bait!sh imitator. #e 13 Fishing Vertigo Minnow gets a ton of bites. When you !nd !sh chasing small bait!sh or you’re up north where there are smallmouth bass, this style of soft plastic gets the job done. Rig it on a Hayabusa DSR132 #1 !nesse hook with a 1/4- or 3/8-oz. WOO! Tungsten weight, as well. I like to keep things simple when it comes to colors. With !nicky !sh, you want your bait to look as natural as possible. I match colors to the forage in the lake. When throwing the !nesse worm, my favorite colors are the green pumpkins and even pinkish colors like a morning dawn. With the bait!sh, I stick to white and pearl or your green pumpkin and brown. A drop shot is an awesome way to get bites when it gets tough. With the bait suspended o$ the bottom above your weight, it gives !sh a di$erent presentation than the normal Texas rig. Pitch it around hard cover like
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wood and rock, drag it through grass or throw it around dropo$s or deep spots. I always have a drop shot rigged this time of year, and it puts !sh in the boat. Drop Shot Gear: A drop shot is a !nesse approach. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1” medium fast action rod paired with a 2500 size spinning reel. Spool this combo with Seaguar 10-lb. Smackdown braid leading to an 8- to 12-lb. Abrazx fluorocarbon leader depending on the cover and water clarity you are dealing with. Capt. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler, as well as owner/ operator of Florida Big Fish Adventures, providing bass and saltwater guided fishing trips: www.floridabigfishadventures.com.
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A FAMILY KEYS
LAUGHTER, LUNACY & LOBSTERS
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PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®
here is a special kind of chaos that happens when you put your entire family on a center-console boat in the Florida Keys with a pile of lobster gauges, oversized gloves, nets and tickle sticks. Everyone starts the day believing they are an expert lobster hunter. #at con!dence usually lasts until the !rst person gets into the water. Our mission was simple: catch Florida spiny lobsters. #ey have long antennae, great camouflage, and the ability to shoot backward faster than you would think possible. #e basic idea sounds easy. You snorkel across the shallow reef, look under rocks and ledges, and watch for antennae sticking out. Once you !nd a lobster, you slide a tickle stick behind it and gently tap it forward. #en you position your net so that when the lobster shoots backward, it goes right into the net. At least, that is how it is supposed to work. With my family, it looked more like an underwater comedy show. At one point, my teenager managed to guide a lobster straight toward his own shorts. #en we tried to measure our !rst catch underwater with the required lobster gauge and accidentally let it escape.
S By Capt. Michael Okruhlik Watching it disappear while everyone was laughing through flooded masks was probably the funniest part of the day. For the !rst few hours, the lobsters were winning. We missed with the nets, bumped into each other and wasted plenty of time chasing lobsters that had already found another hiding place. Eventually, though, we started to !gure it out. We found several lobsters tucked beneath a patch of seagrass and !nally got into a rhythm. One person worked the tickle stick while another handled the net. Every lobster was measured carefully before going into the bag. By the end of the afternoon, we had a legal catch and enough lobster for a meal none of us would soon forget. One of the best things about lobstering in the Keys is that some dockside restaurants will cook your catch. We pulled up to a restaurant o$ering “Hook and Cook,” handed our bag to the chef, grabbed a table seaside and waited. #e chef served the lobster !ve di$erent ways. We had split tails grilled with garlic butter, lightly fried lobster, blackened, chilled lobster with mango and lime,
and a few others. Every dish was di$erent, and every plate came back empty. By the end of the night, we were tired, sunburned and covered in dried saltwater, butter and mango juice. We didn’t catch the biggest lobsters in the Keys, and we de!nitely didn’t look like professionals doing it. But we caught enough for an incredible family meal—and made the kind of memories we will probably laugh about for years.
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Rahill Wins 2026 Florida Python Challenge
he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners announced the results and winners of the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, an event intended to raise awareness about invasive species while engaging the public in Everglades conservation through removal of invasive Burmese pythons. Over the course of the 10-day event, 907 Python Challenge participants from 30 di$erent states, as well as from Canada and Vietnam, collectively removed 280 invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida. A highlight of this year’s event was the return of Everglades National Park as a partner and one of eight o&cial Python Challenge competition locations. #is year’s Ultimate Grand Prize winner of $10,000 was Tom Rahill (pictured), who removed 96 Burmese pythons during the competition—all of which were removed from Everglades National Park, contributing directly to Everglades conservation. #e longest python of the competition was also removed from Everglades National Park, measuring 16 feet, 5 inches, and removed by Rahm Levinson. “#e number of invasive pythons removed from the Everglades during the 2026 Florida Python Challenge is a major victory for Florida’s native wildlife and a testament to what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and public participation,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “#e 2026 Florida Python Challenge was a resounding success, made possible by the dedication of our sta$, the generous support of our partners, the continued leadership of Gov. DeSantis and the commitment of the many competitors who participated in this year’s event. With more than 1,600 pythons removed through Florida Python Challenge events to date and more than 19,000 removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017, these collective e$orts continue to reduce the threat Burmese pythons pose to Florida’s native wildlife and ecosystems.” #e 2026 Florida Python Challenge was hosted by the FWC and the South Florida Water Management District, working closely with partners at the National Park Service and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
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For more information on Burmese pythons, visit MyFWC.com/Python. The public can also help by reporting pythons and other nonnative snakes, tegus and monitor lizards to FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), and by reporting sightings of other nonnative fish and wildlife online at IveGot1.org or by downloading the free IveGot1 smartphone app. More information on nonnative species can be found at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.
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LAST-MINUTE TRIP PRODUCES RECORD BLUE RUNNER By CAM Staff
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last-minute invitation to go !shing turned into a trip for the history books when Danny Ireland landed a 10.1-pound blue runner, breaking a Florida state record that had stood for nearly 30 years. #e !sh surpassed the previous Florida record of 8.5 pounds by nearly 2 pounds—and came within 1.1 pounds of the 11.2-pound world record. #e remarkable catch happened Saturday, April 18, after his friend Brandon called Ireland late on the night before to invite him along on a family o$shore !shing trip in Southwest Florida. Ireland’s original plans for the weekend had fallen through, so he jumped at the opportunity. #e group started at one spot that produced little action before moving to a nearby reef and began to chum. Brandon quickly got some yellowtail snapper !red up and started catching them one after another. After trying unsuccessfully for mangrove snapper with his girlfriend’s rod, Ireland switched to his go-to setup: an 8-foot Shimano Teramar paired with a Penn Slammer 4500 DX, rigged with approximately 20 feet of 20-pound leader and a 1/0 hook. He free-lined a piece of thread!n to the left of the yellowtail school. “A couple left the school to come over to my bait, and before I knew it, the bait disappeared on the surface, dragging and ripping instantly,” he recalled. At !rst, he thought he might have hooked a mahi-mahi. But the powerful run quickly suggested otherwise. #e !sh took him around the back of the boat and became tangled in several lines, forcing the crew to cut them in an e$ort to keep the !sh hooked. Ireland was doing everything he could to end the !ght, even cupping the spool and tightening the drag in hopes of breaking the line so he could get back to !shing for snapper. But when the !sh !nally came within sight of the boat, everything changed. “#at’s a record blue runner! Get it in the boat!” Brandon yelled. #ere was just one problem: the landing net broke.
With no other option, Ireland grabbed the blue runner by the tail and managed to pull it aboard. #e group took photos before getting back to !shing and continued catching !sh throughout the day. It wasn’t until they returned to an area with cell service that they realized just how signi!cant the catch might be. Ireland looked up the existing records and quickly realized the !sh was going to be close. A shrimper at the dock weighed the !sh at 10.5 pounds on his scale. Two days later, after the !sh had been kept on ice, Ireland took it to a certi!ed scale at Marina Jack’s in Sarasota. #e o&cial weight came in at 10.1 pounds, enough to break the longstanding Florida blue runner record and just 1.1 pounds shy of the recognized 11.2-pound world record. “I’ve been !shing my whole life and never would’ve imagined I’d break any record, let alone on a last-minute trip,” Ireland said.
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Grouper Fishing By: Capt. Angelia Swanson
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rouper fishing in Florida is a given. My career literally started with grunts and groupers on the central Gulf Coast of Florida. No matter what anyone says, catching a giant grouper is thrilling, and I’m sure anyone who has caught one would agree. There are four distinct species of grouper in Florida; red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, and scamp. Red Grouper is very distinguishable and seems to be the most caught, but least liked for table fare, although I have enjoyed many at dinner and I believe they are just as good as the several darker species. Black Grouper would be a little less common, but much more desirable with olive gray body, dark rectangular blotches, brassy hexagonal spots, and a very squared off tail make this grouper very distinctive. Gag Grouper is prized, looking very similar to the black grouper, the gag grouper has a serrated notch at the top of its gill plate, and the tail is slightly concave. Gag grouper will also have wavy worm like lines on its flesh with white edges on its fins. Look closely because they can be hard to tell apart! And then there is the ever sought after, prized scamp, an exceptional member of the grouper family. It is widely renowned by anglers and chefs to be the absolute best tasting grouper around! It has a unique sweet and mild taste with slightly fattier meat than your larger grouper varieties. They are covered in dark reddish-brown spots that will often cluster into ribbon-like patterns. Unlike the other big bodied, heavy groupers, the scamps stay small and are highly agile compared to their larger counterparts. They have a ragged “broom tail” of elongated rays that allow them to escape dangers faster than the larger more menacing grouper varieties. Because of the scamp’s smaller, more agile bodies, they are able to dart out quickly from rock structures and caves to catch that prized crustacean or octopus for their dinner and dart back in successfully leaving anglers frustrated. It’s Grouper fishing! When I first moved to the Florida Keys after successfully catching many
2 FLORIDA KEYS
SEPTEMBER 2026
grouper off Florida’s Central Gulf Coast, I was told that the grouper fishery was very different down here. It only took a handful of fruitless days to switch up my tactics, and I reluctantly did so after some time. What I used to catch with cut squid or ballyhoo, I now needed live pilchards. When I used to chase coordinates in the Gulf, now I just need to find structure holding fish and I needed chum, lots and lots of chum. The fisheries may be different around Florida’s massive coastline, but there are grouper everywhere in these waters. So, drop that chum bag, get some live bait in the water, and catch that grouper of your dreams while the season is still hot, or simply give me a call to book a charter and we will chase them together!
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By: Capt. Bruce Andersen eptember is one of my favorite months to fish in the Florida Keys. While we catch blackfin tuna year-round, the most consistent action takes place from August through October, with September being the peak. Better yet, September falls during one of the slower tourism periods, so there are fewer boats on the water and less fishing pressure. The Islamorada Hump and the 409 Hump come alive with hungry schools of blackfin tuna, making September one of the best times to experience offshore fishing in the Florida Keys. There are several ways to catch blackfin tuna. Trolling small lures and vertical jigging are both productive, but my favorite method by far is live bait fishing. Before heading offshore, we catch live bait, including cigar minnows and pilchards, with pilchards being my first choice whenever they’re available. Once we arrive at the hump, we position the boat up-current of the rip and begin chumming with scoops of live bait. It doesn’t take long before the tuna begin crashing the live chum, often right behind the boat. Watching blackfin tuna explode on the surface and leap completely out of the water just a few yards away is an incredible sight. We then cast live baits into the frenzy using light spinning tackle. Fast runs, powerful fights, and multiple hookups make this one of the most exciting ways I know to fish. It’s visual, action-packed fishing that never gets old. One of the biggest challenges in recent years has been getting tuna past
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the sharks. Sharks have become increasingly abundant, and it’s not uncommon to lose a tuna before it reaches the boat. Even so, the tuna fishing is more than worth the effort. Multiple hookups are common, and it’s not unusual to have several anglers battling tuna at once. Everyone is constantly moving around the boat, ducking under and stepping over each other’s lines while trying to avoid tangles and land their fish. The fast-paced action and teamwork are all part of what makes blackfin tuna fishing so much fun. September also offers excellent late-season mahi-mahi fishing. While the action isn’t quite as consistent as earlier in the summer, we still find impressive schools of mahi along weed lines, current edges, and throughout the Gulf Stream. The fish are often larger this time of year, and productive weed lines and current edges can provide outstanding action. Between the excellent tuna fishing and the opportunity to catch quality mahi-mahi, September offers some of the best offshore fishing of the year. If you’ve never experienced offshore fishing in the Keys during September, you’re missing one of the best times of the year. Whether you fish with me aboard Captain Easy in Islamorada or with any of the outstanding professional captains throughout the Florida Keys, you’re sure to enjoy worldclass fishing and memories that will last a lifetime.
IS PEAK
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— www.captaineasycharters.com | You can reach Captain Bruce Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120 or email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net
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FISHIN’ HOLES By: Capt. Joel Brandenburg
T
ripletail fishing in the Florida Keys is one of the region’s most exciting and underrated angling opportunities. Known for their unusual appearance, incredible fighting ability, and outstanding table fare, tripletail are a favorite target for anglers who enjoy sight fishing. While they can be caught throughout much of the year, the warmer months typically provide the best opportunities as these unique fish are often found floating near crab trap buoys, channel markers, navigation aids, and other objects drifting on the surface. Tripletail get their name from their rounded dorsal and anal fins, which extend toward the tail and make it appear as though the fish has three tails. Their mottled brown coloration allows them to blend in with floating debris and seaweed, making them difficult to spot until you’re almost on top of them. Experienced captains know that slowing down and carefully scanning every buoy or floating object can reveal a trophy-sized fish waiting just beneath the surface. One of the best techniques for targeting tripletail is sight fishing. On calm, sunny days with clear water, anglers can slowly cruise through the bays, channels, and Gulf side of the Florida Keys while watching for fish suspended just below the surface. Polarized sunglasses are essential because they reduce glare and make it much easier to see fish hiding in the shadows of buoys or floating debris. When a tripletail is spotted, stealth becomes extremely important. Approach quietly using the trolling motor or idle speed and make a gentle cast several feet beyond the fish. Slowly retrieve your bait into its field of vision. Tripletail are naturally curious and will often swim over to inspect the offering before inhaling it. Live shrimp remain one of the most effective baits for tripletail. Hook the shrimp lightly through the tail or horn and allow it to drift naturally. Small live pilchards, pinfish, or other baitfish also work exceptionally well when larger fish are present. Artificial lures can be equally productive, especially soft plastic shrimp imitations, paddle-tail swimbaits, or small bucktail jigs. White, chartreuse, and natural colors tend to produce consistently in the clear waters of the Florida Keys. Tripletail are famous for their powerful fights. Although they may appear sluggish while floating on the surface, once hooked they make strong runs, powerful dives, and violent head shakes. A medium spinning outfit with 15to 20-pound braided line and a 20-30-pound fluorocarbon leader provides an excellent balance of casting distance and fighting strength. Since many fish are hooked around heavy structure like buoys and channel markers, applying steady pressure is important to prevent them from wrapping the line. Weather conditions play a significant role in successful tripletail fishing. Calm winds and bright sunshine make spotting fish much easier. Incoming tides often bring clean water and active fish, while overcast skies can make sight fishing considerably more difficult. Patience is one of the biggest keys to success, as anglers may inspect dozens of buoys before finding a fish worth casting to. Besides being exciting to catch, tripletail are widely regarded as one of Florida’s finest eating fish. Their firm, white fillets have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is excellent grilled, blackened, fried, or baked. Many anglers consider tripletail to be among the best seafood available anywhere. For anglers looking to experience one of the Florida Keys most unique fisheries, targeting tripletail offers the perfect combination of sight fishing, exciting battles, and exceptional table fare. Whether you’re an experienced angler or introducing someone to the sport, few fishing experiences match the thrill of spotting a large tripletail beneath a buoy and watching it crush your bait. If you’d like to experience the excitement of tripletail fishing in the Florida Keys, book a trip with Captain Joel Brandenburg of Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon, Florida. Captain Joel specializes in light tackle and sight fishing adventures throughout the Keys. Call 813-267-4401 to schedule your next unforgettable Florida Keys fishing charter. — To book a charter with Captain Joel Brandenburg of Ana Banana fishing Company call 813–267–4401 cell or 305–395–4212 office or visit www.marathonkeyfishingcharters@ gmail.com or come visit with us in person at poncho’s fuel dock located at 1280 Ocean View Ave. Marathon Florida Keys.
6 FLORIDA KEYS
SEPTEMBER 2026
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SE
PT
EM
BER 2
Take Action!
REGISTER ONLINE
5 th -
2 20 , h 2 7t
CATCH & RELEASE TOURNAMENT
6
26th Annual Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge
Club of Key Largo
Presents the 26th annual catch-and-release backcountry fishing tournament to benefit Take Stock in Children and other local scholarships.
Online Registration is Open Angler fees include all social events Friday & Sunday.
$150 Adult & Pro Anglers Also Available Online: (Adult artificial lure division) Socials for Non-Anglers: $30 Friday $75 for Junior Anglers (Ages 13 - 17) Appetizers & $60 Sunday Dinner $30 for Kid Anglers (12 and Under) Tickets for Tom Tharp Cooler O’Cheer
Tournament Schedule Captains & Angler’s Kick Off Party
Dinner and Awards Banquet
Friday | Sept. 25 | 5:00 PM Doc’s Diner
Sunday | Sept. 27 | 6:00 PM Elks Lodge
99696 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL
92600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL
Tournament Highlights • Custom Upscale Trophies Built to Proudly Adorn your Fishing Room • Tom Tharp Cooler O’ Cheer Raffles • Amazing Silent and Live Auction Event
Thank you to our Sponsors! In Memory of
Wayne Hanson TAKE ACTION! Register Online at www.KeyLargoRotary.org Proceeds benefit local scholarships and also support other philanthropic efforts of the Rotary Club of Key Largo and the community.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SEPTEMBER 2026
FLORIDA KEYS 7
TIDE CHART KEY LARGO
www.USHarbors.com
Key Largo, South Sound, SEPTEMBER FL - Sep 2026 2026 High
Date
TIDE CHART ISLAMORADA
Low
High
Date
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
www.USHarbors.com
Islamorada, Florida Bay, FL - Sep 2026 SEPTEMBER 2026
Moon
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
8:52
0.3
7:03
7:41
1
Tue
12:04
1.8
12:43
1.8
7:18
0.1
7:45
0.3
7:02
7:40
1
Tue
1:29
0.8
2:22
0.6
9:10
0.1
2
Wed
12:47
1.7
1:34
1.8
8:07
0.1
8:37
0.4
7:02
7:39
2
Wed
2:05
0.8
3:19
0.5
10:10
0.1
9:26
0.3
7:03
7:40
3
Thu
1:36
1.7
2:32
1.7
9:03
0.1
9:38
0.5
7:03
7:38
3
Thu
2:48
0.8
4:33
0.4
11:20
0.1
10:06
0.3
7:04
7:39
4
Fri
2:34
1.7
3:38
1.7
10:08
0.2
10:47
0.5
7:03
7:37
4
Fri
3:44
0.8
6:15
0.4
12:39
0.1
7:04
7:38
5
Sat
3:42
1.6
4:49
1.7
11:20
0.2
11:59
0.5
7:04
7:36
5
Sat
4:59
0.8
7:51
0.4
2:00
0.1
7:05
7:37
6
Sun
4:56
1.7
5:57
1.8
12:30
0.2
7:04
7:35
6
Sun
6:27
0.8
8:50
0.4
12:27
0.4
3:14
0.1
7:05
7:36
7
Mon
6:08
1.7
6:58
1.8
1:07
0.4
1:35
0.1
7:04
7:34
7
Mon
7:47
0.8
9:32
0.5
1:56
0.3
4:13
0.1
7:05
7:35
8
Tue
7:12
1.8
7:52
1.9
2:07
0.3
2:33
0.1
7:05
7:33
8
Tue
8:54
0.9
10:07
0.6
3:14
0.3
4:59
0.1
7:06
7:34
9
Wed
8:09
2.0
8:40
2.0
3:01
0.2
3:26
0.1
7:05
7:32
9
Wed
9:52
0.9
10:40
0.6
4:19
0.3
5:37
0.1
7:06
7:33
10
Thu
9:01
2.0
9:24
2.0
3:50
0.1
4:14
0.1
7:05
7:31
10
Thu
10:43
0.9
11:12
0.7
5:16
0.2
6:11
0.2
7:06
7:32
11
Fri
9:48
2.1
10:06
2.0
4:36
0.0
5:00
0.1
7:06
7:30
11
Fri
11:31
0.8
11:43
0.8
6:07
0.2
6:44
0.2
7:07
7:30
12
Sat
10:32
2.1
10:46
2.0
5:20
0.0
5:44
0.2
7:06
7:29
12
Sat
12:15
0.8
6:55
0.1
7:15
0.2
7:07
7:29
13
Sun
11:15
2.0
11:25
1.9
6:03
0.0
6:27
0.2
7:07
7:28
13
Sun
12:14
0.8
12:57
0.7
7:42
0.1
7:47
0.3
7:07
7:28
14
Mon
11:57
2.0
6:44
0.1
7:09
0.3
7:07
7:26
14
Mon
12:46
0.8
1:38
0.7
8:28
0.1
8:17
0.3
7:08
7:27
15
Tue
12:03
1.8
12:38
1.9
7:26
0.2
7:52
0.5
7:07
7:25
15
Tue
1:18
0.8
2:19
0.6
9:17
0.1
8:47
0.3
7:08
7:26
16
Wed
12:42
1.7
1:22
1.7
8:10
0.3
8:38
0.6
7:08
7:24
16
Wed
1:53
0.8
3:04
0.5
10:10
0.2
9:16
0.4
7:09
7:25
17
Thu
1:24
1.6
2:09
1.7
8:58
0.4
9:28
0.7
7:08
7:23
17
Thu
2:33
0.8
4:02
0.5
11:11
0.2
9:44
0.4
7:09
7:24
18
Fri
2:10
1.6
3:02
1.6
9:53
0.5
10:28
0.7
7:08
7:22
18
Fri
3:21
0.7
5:40
0.4
12:22
0.2
7:09
7:23
19
Sat
3:04
1.5
4:02
1.5
10:54
0.5
11:32
0.8
7:09
7:21
19
Sat
4:22
0.7
8:12
0.4
1:38
0.2
7:10
7:22
20
Sun
4:07
1.5
5:05
1.6
11:57
0.5
7:09
7:20
20
Sun
5:40
0.7
8:45
0.5
12:00
0.4
2:46
0.2
7:10
7:21
21
Mon
5:13
1.5
6:02
1.6
12:34
0.7
12:54
0.5
7:09
7:19
21
Mon
6:57
0.7
9:04
0.5
1:39
0.4
3:39
0.2
7:10
7:20
22
Tue
6:13
1.6
6:52
1.7
1:27
0.6
1:45
0.5
7:10
7:18
22
Tue
8:00
0.8
9:25
0.6
2:49
0.4
4:19
0.2
7:11
7:19
23
Wed
7:07
1.7
7:36
1.8
2:12
0.5
2:30
0.4
7:10
7:17
23
Wed
8:53
0.8
9:48
0.6
3:44
0.4
4:51
0.2
7:11
7:18
24
Thu
7:55
1.8
8:17
1.9
2:53
0.4
3:11
0.4
7:11
7:16
24
Thu
9:40
0.8
10:13
0.7
4:30
0.3
5:19
0.2
7:11
7:16
25
Fri
8:39
1.9
8:57
1.9
3:31
0.3
3:51
0.3
7:11
7:15
25
Fri
10:24
0.8
10:40
0.8
5:13
0.3
5:46
0.3
7:12
7:15
26
Sat
9:23
2.0
9:36
2.0
4:09
0.2
4:31
0.3
7:11
7:13
26
Sat
11:09
0.8
11:09
0.8
5:54
0.2
6:13
0.3
7:12
7:14
27
Sun
10:06
2.1
10:16
2.0
4:47
0.1
5:12
0.3
7:12
7:12
27
Sun
11:53
0.8
11:40
0.8
6:35
0.1
6:40
0.3
7:13
7:13
28
Mon
10:50
2.1
10:57
2.0
5:27
0.1
5:54
0.3
7:12
7:11
28
Mon
12:39
0.7
7:19
0.1
7:10
0.3
7:13
7:12
29
Tue
11:36
2.1
11:41
1.9
6:10
0.1
6:39
0.4
7:13
7:10
29
Tue
12:14
0.9
1:27
0.7
8:06
0.1
7:41
0.3
7:13
7:11
30
Wed
12:25
2.0
6:57
0.1
7:28
0.4
7:13
7:09
30
Wed
12:51
0.9
2:20
0.6
8:58
0.1
8:15
0.3
7:14
7:10
SNORKEL SNORKEL * ** SANDBAR SANDBAR SANDBAR ** * SUNSET SUNSET SUNSET ** * FISHING CHARTERS FISHINGCHARTERS CHARTERS FISHING
Trips daily. Two Convenient locations Trips TwoConvenient Convenient locations Trips daily. locations indaily. theTwo heart of Islamorada!
in the heartofofIslamorada! Islamorada! in the heart Call: 305-747-8651
Call: 305-747-8651 book online: clearlyuniquecharters.com Call: 305-747-8651
book online: clearlyuniquecharters.com book online: clearlyuniquecharters.com 8 FLORIDA KEYS
SEPTEMBER 2026
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Moon
TIDE CHART
KEY COLONY BEACH www.USHarbors.com
Key Colony Beach, FL - Sep 2026 SEPTEMBER 2026 High
Date AM
ft
TIDE CHART KEY WEST
www.USHarbors.com
Key West, FL - Sep 2026 SEPTEMBER 2026
Low
High
Date
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
12:41
2.0
6:16
0.2
6:16
0.6
7:05
7:42
1
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Tue
12:50
2.0
1:43
1.6
7:03
0.2
6:45
0.7
7:08
7:45
Moon
1
Tue
2
Wed
12:33
2.4
1:33
1.8
7:10
0.2
6:58
0.7
7:05
7:41
2
Wed
1:26
2.1
2:40
1.4
8:03
0.2
7:19
0.8
7:08
7:44
3
Thu
1:19
2.4
2:34
1.6
8:12
0.2
7:49
0.8
7:05
7:40
3
Thu
2:09
2.1
3:54
1.2
9:13
0.3
7:59
0.8
7:09
7:43
4
Fri
2:16
2.3
3:49
1.5
9:23
0.3
8:53
0.9
7:06
7:39
4
Fri
3:05
2.1
5:36
1.1
10:32
0.3
8:56
0.9
7:09
7:42
5
Sat
3:26
2.3
5:13
1.5
10:39
0.3
10:10
0.9
7:06
7:38
5
Sat
4:20
2.1
7:12
1.1
11:53
0.3
10:20
1.0
7:09
7:41
6
Sun
4:46
2.4
6:29
1.6
11:51
0.3
11:25
0.8
7:07
7:37
6
Sun
5:48
2.1
8:11
1.2
1:07
0.3
7:10
7:40
7
Mon
6:04
2.5
7:26
1.7
12:52
0.3
7:07
7:36
7
Mon
7:08
2.2
8:53
1.4
2:06
0.3
7:10
7:39
8
Tue
7:12
2.6
8:11
1.9
12:33
0.7
1:43
0.2
7:07
7:35
8
Tue
8:15
2.3
9:28
1.5
1:07
0.8
2:52
0.3
7:10
7:38
9
Wed
8:11
2.6
8:51
2.1
1:33
0.5
2:28
0.3
7:08
7:34
9
Wed
9:13
2.4
10:01
1.7
2:12
0.7
3:30
0.4
7:11
7:37
10
Thu
9:02
2.7
9:27
2.3
2:27
0.4
3:09
0.3
7:08
7:33
10
Thu
10:04
2.4
10:33
1.9
3:09
0.5
4:04
0.4
7:11
7:36
11
Fri
9:48
2.6
10:02
2.5
3:18
0.3
3:48
0.4
7:08
7:32
11
Fri
10:52
2.3
11:04
2.1
4:00
0.4
4:37
0.5
7:11
7:35
12
Sat
10:32
2.5
10:36
2.5
4:05
0.2
4:25
0.5
7:09
7:31
12
Sat
11:36
2.1
11:35
2.2
4:48
0.3
5:08
0.6
7:12
7:34
13
Sun
11:13
2.4
11:11
2.5
4:51
0.2
5:01
0.6
7:09
7:30
13
Sun
12:18
2.0
5:35
0.3
5:40
0.7
7:12
7:33
14
Mon
11:55
2.2
11:47
2.5
5:36
0.2
5:37
0.7
7:09
7:29
14
Mon
12:07
2.2
12:59
1.8
6:21
0.3
6:10
0.8
7:12
7:32
15
Tue
12:36
2.0
6:21
0.3
6:14
0.8
7:10
7:28
15
Tue
12:39
2.2
1:40
1.6
7:10
0.4
6:40
0.9
7:13
7:31
16
Wed
12:26
2.4
1:20
1.8
7:10
0.4
6:52
0.9
7:10
7:27
16
Wed
1:14
2.1
2:25
1.4
8:03
0.4
7:09
0.9
7:13
7:30
17
Thu
1:10
2.3
2:10
1.7
8:04
0.6
7:36
1.0
7:10
7:25
17
Thu
1:54
2.1
3:23
1.2
9:04
0.5
7:37
1.0
7:14
7:29
18
Fri
2:01
2.2
3:10
1.5
9:08
0.7
8:32
1.1
7:11
7:24
18
Fri
2:42
2.0
5:01
1.2
10:15
0.6
8:12
1.1
7:14
7:27
19
Sat
3:02
2.1
4:22
1.5
10:19
0.8
9:43
1.1
7:11
7:23
19
Sat
3:43
1.9
7:33
1.2
11:31
0.6
9:53
1.2
7:14
7:26
20
Sun
4:12
2.1
5:37
1.6
11:26
0.8
10:55
1.1
7:12
7:22
20
Sun
5:01
1.9
8:06
1.3
12:39
0.6
7:15
7:25
21
Mon
5:22
2.2
6:35
1.7
12:20
0.7
7:12
7:21
21
Mon
6:18
2.0
8:25
1.4
1:32
0.6
7:15
7:24
22
Tue
6:23
2.3
7:18
1.9
1:03
0.7
7:12
7:20
22
Tue
7:21
2.1
8:46
1.6
12:42
1.1
2:12
0.6
7:15
7:23
23
Wed
7:15
2.4
7:55
2.1
12:48
0.9
1:39
0.6
7:13
7:19
23
Wed
8:14
2.1
9:09
1.7
1:37
1.0
2:44
0.6
7:16
7:22
24
Thu
8:01
2.5
8:29
2.2
1:34
0.8
2:12
0.6
7:13
7:18
24
Thu
9:01
2.2
9:34
1.9
2:23
0.9
3:12
0.7
7:16
7:21
25
Fri
8:45
2.5
9:02
2.4
2:17
0.6
2:45
0.6
7:13
7:17
25
Fri
9:45
2.2
10:01
2.0
3:06
0.7
3:39
0.7
7:16
7:20
26
Sat
9:28
2.5
9:34
2.5
2:58
0.4
3:19
0.6
7:14
7:16
26
Sat
10:30
2.2
10:30
2.2
3:47
0.5
4:06
0.7
7:17
7:19
27
Sun
10:11
2.5
10:08
2.6
3:41
0.3
3:54
0.6
7:14
7:15
27
Sun
11:14
2.1
11:01
2.3
4:28
0.4
4:33
0.7
7:17
7:18
28
Mon
10:55
2.4
10:44
2.7
4:24
0.1
4:30
0.7
7:14
7:14
28
Mon
12:00
2.0
5:12
0.2
5:03
0.8
7:18
7:17
29
Tue
11:41
2.2
11:23
2.7
5:10
0.1
5:08
0.7
7:15
7:13
29
Tue
12:48
1.8
5:59
0.2
5:34
0.8
7:18
7:16
30
Wed
12:30
2.1
6:01
0.1
5:49
0.8
7:15
7:12
30
Wed
1:41
1.6
6:51
0.2
6:08
0.9
7:18
7:15
12:12
2.4
Moon
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FLORIDA KEYS 9
A Birthday Worth Hooking By: Jessica Hendrie
S
eptember is a special month for me, it’s my birthday month! But this year, we decided to celebrate a little early with one of my favorite things to do: fishing. Back in July, we headed offshore with one goal in mind, red snapper. There’s just something exciting about dropping a line over a good reef and waiting for that unmistakable thump. Once you hook into a nice snapper, you know you’re in for a fight. They may not peel drag like a tuna or make blistering runs like a wahoo, but they know exactly how to use the bottom to their advantage, and that’s what makes them so much fun to catch. We were lucky enough to have a great day on the water, and bringing home a limit of beautiful red snapper made for the perfect early birthday celebration. Of course, fresh red snapper on the dinner table afterward didn’t hurt either! Every September, I like to reflect on where I’m at in life, and fishing has become a big part of that tradition. Whether it’s chasing a bucket-list species or simply spending a day offshore with family and friends, it’s a reminder to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the memories being made. One of the best parts about these trips isn’t just the fish, it’s the people you’re with. The laughs, the stories, and the time spent together are what make every trip memorable. The fish are just the bonus. So even though I celebrated my birthday a little early this year, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to do it. Here’s hoping September brings more time on the water, calm seas, and maybe a few more snapper in the cooler. Happy fishing!
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Don’t Forget the Spoon By Joe Sheaffer
A
s we move out of Summer and into the Fall season, the redfish will start showing up in schools. They will start moving towards the bays and creeks and should be a little easier to find. There are many different techniques and lure presentations that can be successful in getting redfish to bite, but one lure that many go to during this time of year is a spoon. It seems every angler has a certain spoon, color, different ways to rig it, most effective ways to retrieve it, along with other strategies. Since I have been in Florida, I have been trying to learn how best to use this lure. I have figured out a few things that have helped me be successful. These are a few keys that have helped catching fish using a spoon.
1. I typically use a Gold Spoon, usually a ¼ -½ oz, depending on wind, current, and depth. I have used many different makes and models and have had success with each.
2. I usually tie the spoon to my leader with a loop knot and have had no issues with line twist.
3. I like to make long casts, this really makes a difference especially with schooling fish.
4. A simple steady retrieve has been most effective for me, it seems if I try to make the spoon do more with twitches or faster retrieves it isn’t as effective.
5. I don’t attach anything to the spoon and the only thing I add is a fish attractant like Procure. I’m not sure how much it helps but it doesn’t hurt. One last thing, I have caught many snook, trout and other species with this lure, so it can be an effective all-around presentation. The spoon is definitely a very effective lure and I would encourage you to give it a try anytime but especially during the fall when the redfish are schooled up. Good luck and keep casting!
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GREATER AMBERJACK SEASON OPENS IN GULF SEPTEMBER 1
T
he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to modify the 2026 recreational season for greater amberjack in state waters of the Gulf of America. #e recreational season will be open Sept. 1 through Oct. 13 and will close at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 14. #is season is consistent with NOAA’s recently announced season in adjacent federal waters. Maintaining consistent state and federal recreational seasons for Gulf greater amberjack is intended to prevent quota overages and help ensure the stock continues to rebuild. If you plan to fish for greater amberjack or other specific reef fish species from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation (annual renewal is required). As a State Reef Fish Angler, you could be selected to receive a mail survey component of the State Reef Fish Survey. Data from the State Reef Fish Survey is now being used for greater amberjack management, and through your participation, the data collected will be used to improve management and increased recreational fishing opportunities in Florida. To learn more about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS. For current recreational greater amberjack regulations, visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/amberjack/
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merican shad will now be designated catch-and-release only a!er the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to approve a proposed final rule during its August meeting. According to FWC, the decision aims to ensure the sustainability of American shad stocks in Florida waters. American shad are a migratory species found along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Newfoundland to Florida, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. #ey are born in freshwater, grow up over the course of four years in the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean, then return to freshwater ecosystems to lay their eggs and end their life cycle. In Florida, American shad are found primarily in the St. Johns River, where abundance continues to decline. FWC sta$ worked with stakeholders to gather feedback on the proposed final rule and received broad support for a catch-and-release-only fishery. #is approved rule prohibits the harvest, possession, sale, and exchange of American shad in Florida. To learn more about American shad, visit myfwc.com/americanshad.
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www.VisitDixie.com FWC Announces Harvest Levels for October Apalachicola Bay Where the Oyster Season, Prepares for Suwannee & Big Bend Management and Steinhatchee Rivers Meet the Restoration Gulf of Mexi
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Fishing the Wild Waters of
Cay Sal Bank By A. deGruchy
O
ur Cay Sal trip started at Cat Cay, just south of Bimini, where we checked into the Bahamas before heading south in a 47foot Freeman. Once you leave Bimini behind, the water keeps getting better. Cay Sal Bank is remote, beautiful and surrounded by the kind of bright blue tropical water that makes you want to stop the boat and jump in. The fishing was just as good as the scenery. We fished everything from shallow reefs in about 50 feet of water to deep drops reaching nearly 1,500 feet. On the reef, we caught yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, rock hinds and several other types of grouper. You never really knew what was going to eat next, which kept things fun. Our main setup was Penn International VISX reels paired with custom Connolly rods. We mostly used chicken rigs baited with squid. We also used a ton of virtual jigs. The deep water was one of the coolest parts of the trip. Dropping a bait more than 1,000 feet takes some patience, but it is always exciting when the rod finally loads up. We caught mystic grouper, yelloweye snapper and queen snapper. Watching one of those bright red deepwater fish come into view after a long fight never gets old. We also found tuna and mahi while moving between spots and fishing along the deeper edges of the bank. Out there, you always have to keep an eye out for birds, current lines or floating debris because the action can happen fast. Cay Sal is not only about fishing. We spent time snorkeling, exploring
the reefs and checking out the area’s historic lighthouses. The water was incredibly clear, and it was great to take a break from fishing and see everything below the surface. The lighthouses also give the trip a little bit of history. Being that far from land, surrounded by reefs and open water, really makes you appreciate how wild and remote the area is. A trip like this takes planning. Cay Sal is a long way from help, so having a capable boat, experienced crew, plenty of fuel, reliable navigation and the right safety equipment is important. The 47-foot Freeman gave us the speed, range and room we needed to explore comfortably. Between the reef fishing, deep dropping, tuna, mahi, snorkeling and tropical scenery, Cay Sal delivered a little bit of everything. It is the kind of place where every stop feels like a new adventure, and you never know what might come up on the next drop. Follow all of deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sportfishing on Instagram and YouTube.
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SEPTEMBER 2026
NATIONAL 5
The September Season of Change TIM BAREFOOT
T NORTH CAROLINA’S TWO-WEEK RECREATIONAL FLOUNDER SEASON OPENS SEPTEMBER 1
N
orth Carolina anglers will get a short window to target flounder this fall when the state’s 2026 recreational harvest season opens September 1. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open the 2026 recreational flounder harvest season from September 1 through September 14 in Inland Fishing Waters and Joint Fishing Waters. Anglers may harvest flounder by hook and line during the two-week season. The regulations allow anglers to keep one flounder per day, with a minimum size limit of 15 inches. The limited season is part of North Carolina’s ongoing effort to carefully manage its flounder fishery while still providing recreational anglers with an opportunity to harvest the popular coastal species. The season and regulations are consistent with the state’s flounder fishery management measures. Anglers should be aware that the season applies specifically to the waters and fishing methods covered by the Wildlife Commission’s regulations. With only two weeks available, anglers hoping to put flounder in the cooler will want to plan ahead. As always, checking the latest regulations before heading out is recommended, particularly for anglers fishing waters where jurisdiction can change. For North Carolina’s flounder fishermen, September 1 marks the beginning of a short but highly anticipated opportunity to get back after one of the state’s most popular coastal game fish. Visit https://www.ncwildlife.gov/fishing to learn more.
he middle to end of September is when we should start getting our first good cold fronts. This will start to change the surface temperature and begin the mass migration of cigar minnows and sardines to the traditional nearshore spawning grounds. This will trigger the migration of a lot of the pelagic and bottom fish that are following these huge schools of bait. September is also the height of hurricane season, which can change things drastically, but we always work around that. Hopefully it will be like last year with a minimal amount of hurricanes. Of course we are hoping for zero hurricanes, but we’ll see what happens. September is always the month of surprises with wahoo and yellow tuna very close to the beach in and around big schools of bait. This is also the time of year when the bottom fishing starts to kick into gear. You can expect the best snapper fishing of the year for the next couple months, and certainly the grouper action is just starting to take off. Some of the best scamp bites I’ve ever been on have been in September. I understand that it takes precious time away from the fishing day, but I would strongly suggest spending the first hour or more catching live cigar minnows and sardines. Certainly, I always take two boxes of frozen cigar minnows in case “Plan A” doesn’t work out. Yes they will eat frozen cigars, however, a live one is an instant bite they cannot deny. If you have at least two people on the Sabiki and you get into decent schools of minnows, you will quickly put 100 baits in a live-well in an hour. This will definitely pay dividends. September is also the time of year to go to the edge to bottom fish and keep someone specifically in charge of the light line. Depending on the current, you may not need a float, but if there is not much current, a float tackle is always a good idea. Again, don’t be surprised if there’s not a wahoo bite on the light line. Blackfin and dolphin are given the light line and if they don’t want frozen cigar minnows, a whole squid is an excellent choice. Dolphin simply cannot swim by a whole (frozen) squid on the light line. The bottom line is this…bag all the trolling and go sit on some pretty bottom. Put some baits out on the light line behind a boat and let the fish come to you. Cut off the motors and the radio and listen to the beauty of the ocean and reels screaming. Sound travels long distances underwater, and the fish are very much aware of you if you’re making a bunch of noise, so don’t slam cooler lids or stomp around the deck, and don’t have the music rumbling. Make sure that everyone on board has good raincoat. Please take your children fishing and take plenty of photos and videos they will remember forever. Check out my website for our new 16 ounce Octopus Decoy Jig. To learn more tips and techniques from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and his YouTube channel: @timbarefoot5698.
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CAPITALIZING On the Summer-to-Fall Transition T
By Pro Bass Angler Joey Bloom
he transition from summer into fall is a great time of the year to chase bass. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. A lot of anglers assume bass immediately flood the backs of creeks as soon as the calendar says fall, but that’s rarely the case. What really gets the transition rolling is a combination of shorter days, cooling water temperatures, and one of the biggest factors of all— heavy rainfall. After weeks of hot, stable summer conditions, a good stretch of rain can completely change a lake overnight. Rising water levels flood fresh cover, increase current, and wash nutrients into the system. That fresh influx of water attracts baitfish, and wherever the bait goes, the bass aren’t far behind. One of the first places I look after heavy rains is newly flooded shoreline cover. Bushes, grass lines, willow trees, laydowns and isolated wood suddenly become prime ambush points. Bass move shallow because they now have fresh cover to hide in and an endless buffet of bluegill, shad, crawfish and other forage moving into these areas. My approach during this transition is to cover water until I locate active fish. That’s where the Bait Cave Customs Bloom Shad really shines. Its realistic baitfish profile perfectly imitates the young-of-the-year shad that become abundant this
time of year. Whether I’m rigging it on a Big Daddy Baits jighead, fishing it weightless around flooded cover, or using it as a trailer on a vibrating jig, the Bloom Shad consistently produces bites from bass feeding on roaming schools of bait. As I narrow down productive areas, I slow my presentation with one of my favorite confidence baits—the Bait Cave Customs Zora. This versatile soft plastic urchin style bait is the hottest bait craze on the water anywhere. During the summer-tofall transition, bass often position around the first available piece of cover just outside spawning flats or creek channels before making a full migration into the backs of creeks. The Zora allows me to thoroughly pick apart those high-percentage areas. Another overlooked factor after heavy rains is water color. While many anglers avoid stained or muddy water, I actually embrace it. Bass become more comfortable moving shallow in reduced visibility, allowing anglers to get much closer without spooking them. I simply adjust my bait colors to match the conditions—natural shad colors in cleaner water and darker, high-contrast colors when visibility is limited. Current also becomes a major player. Water flowing through creek channels, around bridge crossings, or across points positions bass in predictable feeding locations. Even subtle current can turn an average stretch of bank into a feeding
frenzy, so always pay attention to where the water is moving. The key during the summer-to-fall transition is staying flexible. Bass are constantly relocating, and conditions can change daily. Keep an eye on rising water levels, follow the bait, and don’t be afraid to fish newly flooded cover that wasn’t in the water just days before. For me, having confidence in proven baits like the Bait Cave Customs Bloom Shad and the Zora makes adapting to changing conditions much easier. When heavy rains begin to raise the lake and fall starts knocking on the door, that’s when some of the biggest bass of the season become catchable. Stay mobile, trust what the conditions are telling you, and you’ll be ready to capitalize on one of the most exciting transitions of the year. Follow Joey Bloom on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.
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Throw Yourself a Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!
T
he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship EXCLUSIVE with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but Stauer® Pocket extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The Binoculars blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its -a $99 valueresistance to corrosion. with purchase of Huntsman Blade The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of What Stauer Clients $99 Stauer power pocket binoculars Are Saying About and a genuine leather sheath FREE Our Knives when you purchase the Huntsman Blade. Your satisfaction is 100% “This knife is beautiful!” guaranteed. Feel the knife in your — J., La Crescent, MN hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, “The feel of this knife send it back within 30 days for a is unbelievable...this complete refund of the item price. is an incredibly fine Limited Reserves. A deal like this instrument.” won’t last long. We have only 1120 — H., Arvada, CO Huntsman Blades for this ad only. BONUS! Call today and Don’t let this beauty slip through your you’ll also receive this fingers. Call today! genuine leather sheath!
FREE
Huntsman Blade $249*
Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170
1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: HBK353-03 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
®
Rating of A+
14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. HBK353-03 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. • 12” overall length; 6 ¹⁄2” stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
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