Coastal Angler Magazine | Fort Myers / Cape Coral / Charlotte Harbor April 2026 Edition

Find Less Stress

With this streamlined MFD, Furuno is bringing big-boat confidence to everyone. & More Fish

Less Stress

fve things you should know about boat insurance

Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are fve things to know about boat insurance.

1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents

With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected fnancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.

Accidents can happen to anyone

When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to specifed limits. It can also cover lawsuit costs if you’re sued.

3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments

Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you’re in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.

4. Most lenders require boat insurance

If you fnanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.

5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages

Ever worry about getting stuck on the water?

Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.

Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your voyage. Cruise with confdence thanks to Progressive Boat insurance. Because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.

Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes.

to learn more.

By A. deGruchy

Mahi season is one of those drop everything and go times of year, and when we begin to slide from spring into summer, you can usually count on schools showing up o!shore. e warmer the water, the better it gets, especially when you nd clean blue water, good current edges, weed lines, oating debris, or any kind of structure holding bait in that 75- to 82-degree range. Fishing with Bean Sport shing in the Florida Keys and other parts of the state, over the past few years we’ve de nitely seen more smaller sh and fewer big cows and bulls, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone. When conditions line up, there’s always a chance a quality mahi-mahi is mixed in with the schoolies.

Mahi love anything moving, so live bait is tough to beat, and when they’re really red up, you can even catch them on y. Tackle-wise, we like running a 6500 size setup because you never know when a better sh shows up. e Penn Slammer IV 6500 paired with a Carnage III rod is a go-to for us, and the Penn Spin sher VII 6500 spinning combo is another solid option. We’ve had great success using the Mustad 7766D 6/0 hook, and for bait we’ll typically sh whitebait or troll Islamorada Flyers depending on the day.

When it comes to the table, blackened or fried mahi is hard to beat, and we only keep what we’re going to eat that day. Even though mahi are one of the fastest-growing sh in the ocean, conservation still matters, and being mindful about what you harvest goes a long way.

Bean Sport shing can run this type of trip, but it’s highly weather dependent o!shore. If you’re looking to book a dedicated o!shore charter in e Keys, I highly recommend LegaSea Charters. Capt. Joey can be reached at legaseacharters.com.

If you’re planning on visiting Islamorada, book at the fabulous ree Waters Resort and reach out to us about a special captain’s discount.

Follow deGruchy’s adventures on Instagram @bean_sport shing and on YouTube @BeanSport shing. To book a charter, visit beansport shing.com.

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales! 60 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

RePower Packages designed to best ft your needs and not stretch your budget. Financing available.

Rest assured, all Mastry Suzuki RePowers are backed by Suzuki’s industry leading 5-year factory warranty.

highest level of Suzuki certifcations to meet and

Stationed strategically around the East Coast, all Suzuki RePower Centers have achieved the highest level of Suzuki certifcations to meet and exceed your repower needs.

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors:

•Every Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Center has decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing

•With a Mastry Suzuki RePower, owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability

•Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program*

•Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers use authentic Suzuki OEM parts and have factory certifed technicians

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Since 2014, Mastry Engine Center, has been building the premiere Suzuki Outboard repower network in Florida. Today, Authorized Mastry Suzuki Outboard Centers have been exceeding expectaions in the Southeast for over two decades. Recently Suzuki Marine requested Mastry Engine Center to expand the network throughout the Northeast. Now boat owners from Maine to Florida can be assured of the best support for their Suzuki outboard repower project. All Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers provide the best options, information and package pricing for excellent performance in repower.

*Get with the Program!

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identifcation card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefts during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

The Pescadora Experience

By: Jessica Hendrie

Irecently had the chance to travel to Costa Rica and fish in the Pescadora Billfish Championship, and it was one of those trips that reminds you why you love fishing so much in the first place. The tournament took place out of Quepos, a small fishing town on the Pacific coast that is known around the world for its incredible offshore fishing. The area has a laid back vibe, but once the tournament begins the energy around the docks really picks up. The Pescadora tournament is special because it is an all women’s billfish tournament. Teams travel from different parts of the world to compete, but it is not just about competition. The event is also about bringing women together in sportfishing and celebrating the passion we all share for being offshore. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented anglers who love billfishing as much as I do. Our mornings started early each day. Boats left the dock just after sunrise while the sky was still glowing over the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Once we got offshore, the crew put the teasers and baits in the water and everyone on the boat kept a close eye on the spread. Costa Rica is famous for its sailfish fishing, and it did not take long before the first fish showed up. Watching a sailfish appear behind the boat never gets old. They light

up with bright blues and purples and charge the teasers with incredible speed. When that happens everything moves fast. The crew starts shouting directions, the angler gets ready, and suddenly the line comes tight. One of my favorite parts of the tournament was the teamwork on the boat. Offshore fishing is truly a team effort. From the captain and mate to the anglers, everyone works together when a fish shows up. When a sailfish is hooked, the energy on the boat changes instantly and everyone jumps into action to make sure the fish is successfully caught and released. Beyond the fishing, Costa Rica itself was an amazing place to visit. The scenery is beautiful with lush green mountains, palm trees, and warm ocean water everywhere you look. The people were welcoming, the food was great, and the whole experience felt like an adventure from start to finish. Fishing the Pescadora Billfish Championship in Quepos was an experience I will never forget. It brought together great fishing, great people, and one of the most beautiful places in the world. Trips like this remind me that fishing is about more than just the catch. It is about the memories, the friendships, and the thrill of being out on the water.

NWarmer Waters

ow that it is April in Southwest Florida, temperatures are warming up as the waters get up to the seventies and the fish will become more active. The king mackerel will be on the move to the north following the seventy-two plus degree water temperature, and spanish mackerel will be right there following them. Trolling is a great way to cover lots of ground and looking for the birds and the fish being attacked on the surface. Troll around the big schools with a planer and a spoon close to the size of the baits in the school as this a very productive way to find and harvest them. Specifically for the spanish, I have learned to use a buck tail jig and a spoon tandem rig. This technique allows when I find the fish I could land two at a time. Mangrove snapper and lanes are around from forty-five to eighty feet maybe some porgies too. Snook, reds and trout should get more active as the waters warm up in the inland shallows. With the warmer water the white baits should be coming back into the inshore waters, and throwing the net makes the catching these much easier. Traveling around the inshore waters, start looking along the outside edges of the bars for cobia and pompano. Pompano will jump out of your boat wake, and I will turn around and cast a shrimp or a jig to find them. April is a great month in our area to catch a lot of different species of fish and if you would like to come along with Capt. Bart you will learn how to catch some of these species.

I of fer training sessions to accompany you on your boat if you are new to the area. I will show you how to use your tackle and where you can take your boat safely in the local waters from Englewood South to Pine Island. Call or e-mail. Capt. Bart Marx 941-979-6517 or e-mail captbart@alphaomegacharters.com.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TARPON

By: Capt. Terry Fisher

Warm waters are here in Southwest Florida bringing baits and tarpon in good numbers. I feel really good about my client’s chances of hooking up and/or catching a Silver King. I have hooked up and caught my share of these fighting fish. There are a lot of different fishing techniques that are utilized to target them.

One effective technique is to fish off the outer islands of Sanibel and Captiva. My range is anywhere from 1 to 10 miles out. I look for ‘rolling’ fish, or other boats fishing for them, and position myself upstream in an effort to be in the area as they move northward toward me. I place presentations behind the boat with one under a cork and the other on the bottom. I utilize my Minn-Kota trolling motor to hold the baits in place anywhere from 40’ to 90’ behind the vessel (one presentation short and one presentation long). Shark and tarpon alike will be receptive to the above strategy, offering the possibility of additional angling action. To increase shark hookups, simply cut the baits to draw a little bit of blood and chum cut baits from time to time.

The baits I use consist of live threadfins, pinfish, mullet or ladyfish under the balloon or cork with a 3 to 4 foot 100 lb. Fluorocarbon leader. Balloons are better as the fish will not tangle the lines around the cork. I place a dead pinfish, mullet, catfish fillet or ladyfish on the bottom presentation. I keep the bait on the seabed by placing a 1oz. ‘folding’ pinch weight approximately 3ft. above a 7/0 circle hook as I prefer the larger circle hooks over the small ones, regardless of the presentation. This technique may be used Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound as well. Inside passes will offer plenty of opportunity. Those that do not have vessels with trolling motors, anchor down.

Another effective presentation while fishing Boca Grande Pass is to find a school of ‘rolling’ tarpon and free-line threadfins to them. This may be done both offshore and inshore. The tarpon can be anywhere. The problem with this technique, is that usually there will be plenty of other boats targeting the same school and getting a hookup may be few and far between, if any! I am reminded of the old, western pictures, whereby the Indians surround the wagon train. Nonetheless, watching the rolling tarpon may be worth the experience in itself, especially for those who have never seen them.

Naturally, while Boca Grande may be the centerpiece of tarpon action for many, it is not for the faint of heart. Numerous boats scramble for position, constantly moving and relocating for the opportunity to spot them on their sonars and dropping jigs to them, while others

cast threadfins at the big rolling schools of giant tarpon. Know and understand the rules for fishing this pass, as only 3 anglers are allowed to have lines in the water at once and ‘snagging’ is prohibited. However, it may be worth experiencing and witnessing for those who have never fished Boca Grande Pass!

Unfortunately, only one or two out of approximately ten hook ups result in landing one of these sought-after game fish. I prefer to fish early morning for tarpon. I like to combine my tarpon charters with an afternoon of back-county fishing for snook and redfish. This way, anglers get plenty of diversification and a lot better opportunity to catch game fish. I find this works really well for those who prefer not to spend 8 hours chasing Tarpon.

In regards to equipment, my equipment for catching tarpon consists of Shimano 8000 and Penn 6000 series reels loaded with 65lb braid. The rods are 20-40lb. rated strength and are 8ft. long. The reason I use and recommend 8’ rods, are for maneuvering around the boat, over the center console and motor when a fish is on. As mentioned earlier, I attach a 60-80 lb. fluorocarbon leader the length of the fish I expect to catch. My circle hooks run anywhere from 7/0 to 9/0. The baits of choice are mentioned above.

I suggest for anglers not able or interested in fishing exclusively for tarpon not to be discouraged. There are plenty of small resident and migratory tarpon willing to take shrimp, artificial and small baitfish presentations on the flats and around the mangroves. I have hooked and caught a number of tarpon in the canals of Cape Coral, on the flats of Pine Island Sound and around mangrove areas while fishing for redfish, snook and seatrout. These tarpon are usually smaller but will put up a good fight and test any angler’s ability on lighter tackle.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tighter lines in April regardless of the species you are fishing for. Hopefully a tarpon will be added to your ‘fishing folio’. I am available as Captain for Hire on your vessel by the hour or contact me at 239357-6829 to schedule a fishing charter on my Pathfinder 26 HPS for the species of your choice. Email any request to fishfacecharters@yahoo. com or check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for charter information.

Fly Fishing Beach Tactics

By: Alex Baumann

April turns the beaches of Sanibel Island into prime staging grounds for spawning snook. As bait schools gather along the Gulf shoreline and water temperatures climb, fish slide out of the back bays and set up in the surf. For fly anglers, success this month depends less on luck and more on reading water, understanding tides and making a few smart adjustments.

At first glance Sanibel’s beaches can look plain, but subtle structure matters. Focus on troughs that run parallel to shore, small points that push into the Gulf, cuts in the sandbar and spots where wave energy changes. If waves break unevenly or form a clear seam, there’s usually a depression or current edge beneath the surface. Snook use these troughs as travel lanes and feeding stations. They’ll pin bait against the inside edge of a bar or sit just off a cut where water funnels through. Don’t be afraid to take a whole day just to identify these spots. Walk with

Tide movement determines where snook hold. On a strong incoming tide fish often cruise tight to the beach in less than two feet of water pushing bait into the wash. As the tide peaks and begins to fall they slide into the first trough or stage near cuts where the outgoing current sweeps forage out to sea. Rather than blind casting long stretches plan your session around moving water. Pick the best ambush points and time your approach to match the strongest part of the tide.

Floating lines can work but an intermediate line is usually the better choice in April’s surf. Even in calm conditions wave action puts too much bow in a floating line and pulls your fly in an unnatural way. A clear intermediate keeps the connection direct, cuts through chop and lets your fly track closer to the bottom which is right in the snook’s feeding window. This is especially helpful when fish sit in the trough instead of the skinny wash. I personally like Royal Wulff’s clear intermediate. Holding depth and tension improves control and hookup rates.

April can bring everything from clear water to wind-stirred color. In clean water go natural and sparse. White, tan and translucent baitfish patterns with light flash match glass minnows and small pilchards. Downsizing often helps when fish get picky. In dirtier water add contrast and profile. Black and orange is my go to, purple or a darker back can make a big difference. Contrast is key to giving snook something to track when visibility drops.

Empty beaches at first light offer quiet water and aggressive fish. Take advantage of that window to cover structure slowly and methodically. But don’t ignore the value of a higher sun. A low tide in the middle of the day can offer some amazing sight fishing. As the light climbs, visibility into the trough gets better and the surf can turn into a bomber sight-fishing arena. On Sanibel Island in April, beach snook reward anglers who slow down read the water and adapt. Structure, tides, line choice and light all work together in the surf. When you line them up the payoff is incredible: a flash of silver, a hard strip set and pure chaos in the wash. If you are interested in Fly Fishing, contact me and I’ll show you my techniques!

704-999-0571 @alextroutsets

8

3

20

21

22

25

26

3

13

SPRING FISHING

By: Caitlyn Gatrell

Spring is definitely one of my favorite times of the year to fish my local areas of Southwest Florida. The weather starts to settle into a nice rhythm, with the heat increasing, the water warming up, and the fish becoming noticeably more active. After the on and off cold fronts and windy days, spring finally brings comfortable weather, calmer conditions, and longer days on the water. I look forward to the spring season transition because it brings the return of Daylight Savings, aka later mornings and later evenings! The later sunsets make a big difference for fishing, especially for those like myself who aren’t always eager to wake up extremely early. With the time switch, you can still get out early to catch that productive morning bite without waking up in the wee hours of the morning.

A t ypical spring fishing day for me usually starts with an early morning or later afternoon run out to the islands in search for lively bait. That first, or straight to the mangrove lines, oyster beds, or shore points with a fresh artificial lure on. The water is often calm, bait is beginning to show up more, and the fish are starting to transition into their more active patterns. Not to mention the wildlife life is out and about and the views are just spectacular.

As the season progresses, trophy species like snook and tarpon become much more common in our area. Snook begin staging along shorelines, backwaters, mangrove mazes, and passes, feeding aggressively as the water temperatures rise. Spring is a great time to target them because they’re active in preparation for spawning, but not yet in the peak pressure of summer. A well-targeted cast along some mangrove branches can quickly turn into an exciting hookup. Tarpon also start showing up more frequently throughout our area, with bigger ones being seen and schools passing through. More are soon to come as the season progresses and summer comes around, but spring offers the first consistent chances at seeing them roll or hooking into one. Trust me, there’s nothing like spotting a tarpon roll close by, getting a bait or lure in front of it, and watching or feeling them strike on it.

One of my favorite things about spring fishing is the flexibility that the longer evenings provide. Instead of feeling rushed to get everything together before sunset, oftentimes almost impossible if you're getting out there after work hours, there’s more time. Time to launch and get out to your spots, gather bait, set up gear, and plan where you want to target the evening bite.

Some of the best action happens right as the sun starts dropping, so it's best to be ready for that moment. A lot of species, including tarpon, begin feeding more aggressively in the fading light. The feeding frenzy at sunset is quite insane!

Kayak Fishing

by: Dan Carns

In my opinion, April is the month that truly defines spring fishing in Southwest Florida! It’s the equivalent of the fall run of October when the fish are fattening up for the pending winter, transitioning inshore eating everything in sight. March is warmer than February but the fish were still in a bit of a protective mode in case it got cold again. These fish were still hovering around sheltered environments in canals and deeper in-shore hideouts but starting to transition out a bit. Now that spring has arrived, all these hunkered down predator snook, red fish and of course tarpon are on the move. Having spent the winter in a somewhat low state of energy and therefore food consumption, it is time to fatten up for the spawn run.

Thi s means for us kayakers, we will be particularly suited to meet these fish in the protected backwaters that define shallow water sport fishing. All too often, I see kayakers trying to catch fish in open water bays when all they simply need to do is tuck in behind the keys that dot the shoreline here. Sure, you will find fish out there but the beauty of kayak fishing is our ability to travel in very skinny water. As the tides rise, just watch all the power boats try to get closer inshore. We are now out of the very low negative tides of winter where even kayaks or the fish for that matter cannot go. Along with the rising tide come the fish, big fish as a matter of fact. These large predators are hunting in super shallow water as the bait have no chance of escape and if your observant you’ll see them crashing into schools of bait or targeting individual baits as they try to escape.

De ep into the mangrove lined channels are hidden coves and deeper cuts that offer cover for the larger fish as they are far less likely to encounter dolphins and sharks. Make sure that you are pushing hard into these backwater haunts. Even if you need to get out and walk in, it should payoff. There is a lot less pressure on these fish as well, so you may have an entire day all to yourself with schools of fish that haven’t seen any artificial lures or bait presentations. Be super stealthy back there, make long casts and keep your approach relatively quiet at first. Once you’ve dirtied up an area in front of you, do try some noisier presentations. It may seem counter intuitive but fish can be attracted to the right kind of noise. Popping corks and top water are two splashy options that will draw fish out of their hideouts if they didn’t respond to your first offerings.

The modern fishing kayak is an amazing tool if used to its fullest so use its ability to go way back and find those unsuspecting fish in very shallow water for the month of April!

It ’s A Wild World-Get Out There!

Paddlinandfishin

Da n Carns

Warmer Waters

By: Capt. Dave Stephens

As we get into the heart of Spring there is now a lot of activity happening in the Charlotte Harbor area. With the cold fronts no longer pushing through and we transition into warmer weather, the water temperatures also begin warming up. This is the time of the year that we can see some good snook fishing. And for the anglers that like to take a few fish home for dinner, the mangrove snapper have been moving into the Harbor. My suggestion is to fish areas with deeper water with that good current flow, a little cover always helps. Spanish mackerel, which is often overlooked, will be migrating through the area, and they are an excellent fish to place on the grill, however, if you do bring them in cook them up right away as they do not freeze well. This is the time of the year I will typically just get what I am looking for dinner that evening. And if you are looking for a real battle, there will be large schools of jacks running through eating anything and everything in their path. Pound for pound jacks can be the toughest to catch. The local sand bars that have oysters or grass will be holding sea trout, as well as other areas that have good current flow. Get ready, the warmer waters will start ushering in some tarpon also. Normally the river mouths and the holes in the harbor are some of the first areas these fish show themselves. Typically, early calm mornings are the best time to locate tarpon. The biggest challenge during the spring in this area is figuring out what to fish for, therefore, we all just might have to just make multiple trips out on the water!

Topwater Lures for Big Spring Snook and Trout

CAPT. MIKE SMITH

Are you tired of catching tons of 13 inch speckled trout and 16 inch snook?

It’s time for you to switch to a big top water lure to catch big springtime sh. A walk-the-dog type of lure is an excellent choice. I like Zara Super Spooks, Mirrolure Top Dogs and Rapala Skitterwalks the best. Make sure to choose a lure that is at least four inches long. Hungry springtime sh are ready to eat a big meal as the water temperatures rise.

A larger lure has many advantages over smaller baits. e larger pro le and length creates more vibrations to attract monster sh from long distances. A larger lure allows you to cover more water because you can make longer casts. A larger lure also discourages most of the smaller sh from biting. You will catch fewer sh but they will be of much better quality.

e best topwater lure colors for speckled trout and snook are silver and white. Choose lures with silver or white sides

Pro Tip #1: Do yourself and the sh a favor and smush down the barbs on your treble hooks. You won’t lose any sh as long as you keep the line tight. e hooks will also come out of the sh and your hand much more easily.

and bellies. e back color doesn’t really matter because the sh will hit from under and behind the lures. e best retrieves for a walk-the-dog lure includes a pause every ten feet or so. Quite o en you will get a vicious reaction bite right a er the pause.

Pro Tip #2: e best leader material for walk-the-dog lures is mono lament. Mono lament line oats versus uorocarbon line that will sink and negatively a ect your topwater lure’s action. A short heavy leader, 12 to 15 inches is a great choice. Long leaders will o en negatively a ect your lure presentation. Many shermen believe that you can’t use topwater lures in the middle of the day. But they are wrong. You can use a topwater lure all day and catch huge speckled trout and snook. Topwater lures do work the best in low light scenarios. It can be sunrise or sunset but cloudy or stormy days are also great times to use big topwater lures. If you nd a school of mullet, cast your topwater lure just outside of the school. You want to make it easy for the snook and trout to distinguish your lure from the rest of the school.

Spring is a great time to catch huge snook and speckled trout with big topwater lures. ese sh need to fatten up again a er fasting through much of the winter. ey would rather eat one large calorie meal than have to chase a bunch of small sh around for the same caloric input.

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.

= approximately 8”

(10) year

L O S CLUB

First

APRIL ON THE FLATS: WHEN SPRING HITS ITS STRIDE

If March is the warmup, April is go time.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Longer days, greener water, and steady warming trends ip the inshore switch from “transition” to “feed.” e bait is thicker, the tides feel stronger, and the sh are no longer just staging — they’re hunting. April is when things start getting fun in a hurry. e key word this month is movement. By April, speckled trout are pushing onto reefs, sandbars, and grass edges with more consistency. Red sh are cruising shorelines, ooded grass, and marsh drains with purpose. Flounder settle into ambush points along drop-o s and current seams. Water temperature swings aren’t as drastic as early spring, but bait movement tied to tides becomes critical. Instead of asking where the warmest water is, start asking: Where is the cleanest moving water? Where is bait being pushed? Where is current creating ambush points? Points, drains, and wind-blown shorelines shine in April. If water is moving and bait is present, predators won’t be far away.

Unlike the slower mid-a ernoon bites of late winter, April o en rewards early risers. at rst light window can be electric — especially on calm mornings with bait dimpling the surface. is is when topwaters re-enter the rotation in a serious way. ere’s nothing subtle about an April blowup. But don’t force it. If sh are swiping and missing, switch to a so plastic or suspending bait and clean up the followers.

April sh are more aggressive, but they’re still opportunistic. Paddle tails, shrimp imitations, and swimbaits all shine, especially when worked with a con dent, steady retrieve. Water clarity should dictate your approach. In cleaner water natural colors and subtle action are key. In stained water, vibration and contrast matter more. If sh are chasing, cover water. If they’re following but not committing, slow down and add pauses. Let the sh tell you what they want.

April breezes can stack bait against shorelines and points. Wind creates feeding lanes. Instead of hiding from it, position yourself to use it. Dri with it. Fish into it. Work the edges it creates. Wind plus tide plus bait equals opportunity.

Next trip, challenge yourself by starting on a wind-blown shoreline and working it thoroughly. en move to a protected drain and compare activity. Pay attention. Which has more bait? Which has more strikes? Fishing in April is less about luck and more about reading conditions in real time.

April feels alive. e marsh hums. Birds dive. Mullet scatter. e sun carries warmth instead of warning. It’s the month where con dence returns, patterns stabilize, and sh feed longer and harder. Somewhere between the rst cast and the last dri , you’ll remember why spring inshore shing is hard to beat. e water’s warming and the sh are moving. Are you taking a kid shing?

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor and owner of Knockin Tail Lures® — https://knockintaillures.com.

SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing

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

COME JOIN

Hello Spring!

TIM BAREFOOT

It’s o!cial…say hello to spring. Anglers can now look forward to targeting a wide variety of species, including black n tuna, wahoo, African pompano, and many other sought-a er sh. With these species actively feeding during their migration north, the opportunities for successful catches are abundant. Whether you prefer trolling, dri ing, or bottom shing, the spring months bring a wealth of options to ll your cooler with quality sh.

e troll bite will probably die as soon as the sun gets up around the nine or ten o’clock timeframe. is is when you need to change tactics. Stop trolling. Put the trolling motor over and start making strategic dri s with the light line out while bottom shing. I would also suggest putting a couple baits out under the kite, as this is the most e ective presentation with very little to no leader in the water. Have at least one person dedicated to the kite baits, if you’re shing a kite. is is one of the best times of the year to spend the night, especially here in North Carolina, as the night bite could be crazy good. Put the bright lights out and you will draw the squid, cigar minnows, sardines, and all the predators to you like moths to a porch light. If you have the ability to spend the night, April could be the month you see the ultimate results. Everything including ying sh are very susceptible to a Sibiki rig. Fill the live well with live baits and start shing on the daylight bite. Fish are like us; they like to eat breakfast and dinner, so be there early and late.

Be sure to keep an eye on the recorder while on the dri for the mid water marks. In addition to shing for the snappers, have rods at the ready for sh that show on the recorder way o the bottom. ese may very well be the African pompano, so have a rod ready with a jig that you can re down and erratically jig upwards 25 to 50 feet o the bottom and then let ascend back to the bottom. Repeat over and over as this will get bites! It’s not just African pompano that frequent these deeper waters. During the middle of the day, wahoo can be found surprisingly deep, and tuna also inhabit these depths. It only takes a few wahoo, black n or pompano to make a great box of sh to take home. is is also a good time to target the smaller snapper with smaller baits on “chicken rigs” with small circle hooks. When you’re on a good bite (using small circle hooks) I would strongly recommend feeling the bite, winding tight to it and stopping. is is when another snapper will jump on the second bait. You will load up quickly with delicious groceries when you’re catching two at a time.

Bring the heat… It’s on!

Learn more tips and techniques at barefootcatsandtackle.com and on Barefoot’s YouTube channel: @timbarefoot5698.

The Best Infatable Fishing Boats

Best For Lightweight Solo Fishing

The versatility of the FishSUP™1210 is unmatched! Use it bare bones with just the board, a paddle & your !shing gear or deck it out with swivel seat, side pontoons, casting bar, motor and more! Incredibly stable, extra wide, swallow-tail !shing SUP holds up to 500 lbs! The FS1210 takes electric and gas motors up to 3 hp. There’s even an option for a bow trolling motor.

Choose From 6 Packages

Starting At Just $999

Best For Lightweight Tandem Fishing

Perfect for !shing rivers, lakes and bays. The STS10 is a lightweight, roomy 1 or 2 person pontoon boat that’s packed with features anglers need & love including 2 built-in !sh rules, 4 built-in rod holders & 2 Scotty® mounts for more rod holders, anchor locks, camera posts or any other Scotty® accessory. Now available with a drop-stitch in atable oor or wooden oorboards.

Choose From 7 Packages

Starting At Just $1449

Best For Lightweight Fish Ski! for 1, 2 or 3 Anglers

This “low-rider” gives you access to the water to reel in and release !sh easily. With a new patented outside, in atable, rigid keel the FSK16 glides through the water at speeds up to 21 mph to get you to the !sh fast! Perfect for 1-3 anglers and room for plenty of gear.

Choose From 9 Packages

Starting At Just $2999

CRAPPIEFISHINGONKENTUCKYLAKE

By Julie Graham- ExploreTRV

Spring

As the last bite of winter gives way to the gentle stirrings of spring, Kentucky Lake comes alive. Located along the western edge of the Bluegrass State, this sprawling body of water—technically a reservoir—has long been a mecca for anglers, especially those in search of springtime crappie.

Kentucky Lake stretches a remarkable 184 miles from the Tennessee state line to the northernmost point at the Kentucky Dam making it the largest reservoir in the state and one of the largest in the U.S. e lake was formed in 1944 with the completion of the Kentucky Dam, a key project by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Today, the lake covers over 160,000 acres, with an average depth of 8-10 feet, though some areas reach even deeper. Its shoreline stretches over 2,000 miles, o ering countless coves, islands, and inlets that make it a paradise for anglers. Fishing enthusiasts quickly discovered the lake’s potential as a world-class destination for crappie, bass, and cat sh, earning it a reputation that has only grown over the decades. Feeding Kentucky Lake are several major tributaries (Blood River, Jonathan Creek, Big Sandy River) that become shing hotspots in early spring, especially where submerged timber

WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?

and man-made structures provide cover. Every seasoned angler in this region knows spring is crappie season. As water temperatures creep into the low 60s, crappie begin their migration from deep winter haunts to shallow spawning grounds— brush piles, stumps, and submerged structures along the shoreline. Preferred bait and techniques vary by angler, but some classics stand the test of time. Live minnows, o en rigged under a slip oat, are a go-to for many, especially during the pre-spawn. Jig shing is equally e ective, with popular choices like 1/16 or 1/32 oz. so plastics in chartreuse, white, and monkey milk colors. When the bite gets tough, tipping jigs with a small minnow or switching to hand-tied hair jigs can coax hesitant sh. Long-line trolling and spider rigging also dominate certain sections of the lake, especially in the deeper channels near creek mouths.

Mornings on the lake feel almost sacred this time of year. Fishermen, some in sleek bass boats, others in aluminum ski s passed down through generations, fan out across coves and creek arms, quietly working the banks. e goal is the same: feel the tap of a crappie on the line, set the hook, and haul in what many call the “gold of the lake.” For many, the draw of spring crappie shing isn’t just the thrill of the bite. It’s also the chance to connect with the natural rhythm of the season while sitting in a quiet cove as the dogwoods bloom, passing along stories, rods, and values to the next generation. At its core, Kentucky Lake is more than a reservoir. It’s a living, breathing legacy—a place where history, sport, and stewardship come together on every cast.

For more information on shing licenses and regulations, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website - fw.ky.gov - or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website - www.tn.gov/twra.html.

“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”

— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals

In a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. "e opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.

Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. "e shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony.

"is breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of

only 930 pieces, making it a rare and treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Plus, when you order today, you’ll receive the gold-!nished sterling silver chain—a $69 value—absolutely free!

Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive tribute to timeless elegance and meaningful symbolism.

Necklace Speci!cations:

• 2 ½ ctw. Kyocera lab opals and DiamondAura® accents

• Yellow gold-finished .925 sterling silver setting

• 18" gold-clad .925 sterling silver chain Opal