Coastal Angler Magazine | Greater Orlando April 2026 Edition

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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.

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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

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Spring Block Party at Mud Hole! Spring Block Party at Mud Hole!

Get ready to party with Mud Hole! On Saturday, April 18th, Mud Hole Custom Tackle in Oviedo will host their Spring Block Party, bringing a day filled with food, fun, raffles, showroom discounts, and some of the biggest names in fishing! This FREE event brings the Central Florida community together and promises a chance to see the latest fishing and custom rod building gear.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 18th, from 10 am to 3 pm and prepare to party!  K92FM and on-air personality Obie Diaz will be live and onsite helping with giveaways, music, and loads of fun. Over 30 vendors will be in attendance, including major brands like Bates Fishing, Cashion Rods, Daiwa,  Florida Fishing Products, PowerPro, Shimano, Yeti, Yo-Zuri, and many more!  Mud Hole visitors can also get a taste for local fare with food available from Mission BBQ and local food trucks Bon Appetit and Flacos Family Cantina.

As Central Florida’s premier full-service tackle center, Mud Hole hosted their Fall Block Party back in November to a standing room only crowd, many of whom walked away with FREE rod building kits, reels, baits, and apparel. From freshwater anglers to offshore enthusiasts to local community members looking for some local excitement, there was something for the entire family. And, the Mud Hole Spring Block Party is going to be even bigger and better!

Additional attendees for the Spring Block Party will include the U.S. Marines, Seacoast Bank, and a variety of custom fishing rod makers and captains who can help put the right gear in visitors’ hands and put them on fish in Florida waterways. Also on-site will be Mighty River Recovery, a local non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the St. Johns River. One of Florida’s most vital and diverse ecosystems, the St. Johns is in continued decline. As a founding partner of Mighty River Recovery, Mud Hole is proud to support and host them to share their message with our community.

So don’t miss out on the Mud Hole Spring Block Party! Bring a friend, win some prizes, and gear up for your next one-the-water adventure!

WHEN:  Saturday, April 18th, 10am – 3pm WHERE:  Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Oviedo, Florida CONNECT:  407-447-7637  |  MudHole.com

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Largemouth bass and black crappies are nearing the end of their spawning season. Anglers will want to change their target species to schooling bass, sunshine bass, big catfish, and panfish. Will we see April showers bringing May flowers? When water levels are low like they are now, the fish bedding areas will not be in the pastures. In the lakes, there are signs of new grass growing!

Shad schools are moving back into the lakes, and the schooling bass will be feeding heavily on them. Look for raining schools of bait shad or minnows near creek mouths, or where the river enters and exits Monroe, Harney, and Jessup. Dropoffs near river bends will hold schools of bass waiting for the current to push bait up. Rattle Traps and jerk bait soft plastics

will work well in deeper water. When you cannot see the bait shad on top, you can sometimes find them with your fish finder in deep holes. Target the drop-off when you find the shad deep. Look for recently used bass beds and throw a Carolina rig. Fish will move in on these beds for the last time this year around the full and new moons. After these moon phases the bass will be hungry and eating.

Catfish – the big cats spawn is triggered by rain. Two to three days following heavy rain, you can find catfish ready to take a piece of peeled fresh shrimp in any deep river bend or near creek mouths. Stripers (sunshine bass here in the St. Johns) are back. Use shad imitations or live shiners along the channel edges between the I-4 Bridge and downtown Sanford for striper fun. Crappie will be taken by jigging near bridge pilings, or near sunken trees along the riverbank’s deep-water bends. Watch for insect hatches on the river then break out the fly rod

Fishing has been on and off in general on the Harris Chain of lakes. The warmer days and nights along with the strong winds in March have the fish starting their annual transition a little early this year. All species have been happy and willing to eat if you spend some time on the water to locate bait.

Bass and crappie are entering into the final stages of their annual spawning cycles with the next Full or New Moon and the Shellcracker and Bluegill just starting to arrive into the shallows. Let’s start with the specks.

The lakes producing good crappie numbers and sizes would be Beauclair, Eustis and Dora, if you get a bite usually they are grouped up. Don’t be afraid to fish the mouth of Dead River on either end as well. Jigs tipped with a minnow fished in about 3-5ft of water is going to be the key or naked minnow under a cork. Shallow docks with vegetation near have also been the key to better results.

Most of the big female bass have spawned and are moving their way back to deeper water close to spawning areas and will be looking for a good

meal. Look for hard shell bottom areas close to canals, points, with a drop off and deep water close by. Try fishing a Lipless crankbait (Booyah Knocker Copper Shiner or Fire-Tiger Orange) or a Carolina-rig with a trick worm a little off the shoreline targeting edges of the eel grass or patches of hydrillia will be the key. The U Vibe bite (speed-worm) is happening, and those who aren’t familiar with a Zoom Mega U Vibe, you really need to check them out, Junebug or Black-blue glitter colors have been hot. South end of Little Lake Harris, Lake Dora and the Howie Bridge (SR 19) have been great secondary points for those post spawn fish. Once you get a bite slow down, usually they are in large groups.

Ok last we will get to the newcomers to the shorelines, Shellcracker and bluegills. These feisty fighters of the Harris Chain love them some yellow/ red worms and grass shrimp. When it comes to easy fishing this is where it is at. Bring a kid with a cane pole, cork, and a hook to some lily pads and take a big inhale through your nostril. If it smells like some fish loving is going on, then you are in the right spot. Other tells are oil in the water. Once you do find them dip your bait into an opening and hold on. Dead River, Haines Creek, Cracker Cove, and Green Cove will give you the best chance. Good Luck this month, and remember take a kid fishing.

April is here, which means it’s time to dust off the mahi-mahi (dolphin) tackle. Hopefully we see a better run than we did last year—because let’s be honest, last season was pretty rough.

Anglers will likely need to venture past the usual 70–90’reefs to find the action, as the shallower spots tend to slow down this time of year. No worries though—the deeper water should be holding fish. The usual amberjack haunts will have their share of action. Live bait on a 3-way swivel with the right amount of weight works best. If the tide is moving hard, step up the lead. Croakers, spots, and grunts are top choices for those arm-shredding jacks. Bunker will work, but in heavy current they tend to spin, which can cause tangles or just turn the jacks off—they’re smarter than we give them credit for. Don’t be surprised if you run into a few grouper as well since it’s their spawning season… and as usual, the best grouper

Troy Perez 321-607-2033 capt.troyperez@gmail.com

April is shaping up to be an excellent month on the water if conditions continue the way they have over the past few months. Redfish and black drum fishing should remain phenomenal throughout the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River system. For redfish, focus on areas holding plenty of bait. Large schools of mullet are a key sign, especially on shallow flats, sand holes, and points. The quality of redfish over the past six months has been impressive, with fish sizes reminiscent of the “old days.” Last month alone, two of my clients landed massive 50inch redfish while sight fishing tailing fish on the flats. Live shrimp and cut bait remain reliable options, but artificial lures have been producing well. Gulp shrimp rigged on a jig head has been particularly effective. When targeting larger fish in the 30–40 inch range, I prefer using 10–15 lb. braid with a 25 lb. fluorocarbon leader and a 3/0 hook.

fishing seems to happen between January 1 and April 30—the closed season. Use circle hooks and handle them carefully when releasing.

Dorado fishing can be the time of your life—or make you question why you own a $100k boat or just burned $800 in fuel on your buddy’s rig. Last year we never really saw the full run. Some anglers who made the run to the other side came back with big hauls, which likely means the fish just never pushed over to the western wall.

Look for the usual signs: temperature breaks, weed lines, color changes, and big concentrations of flying fish. Bobo trolling can work in a pinch, but you’re mostly spinning your wheels. The key is to follow the food chain. As for baits and skirts, I personally think it matters less than people think. I prefer to keep things natural and run naked ballyhoo. Every once in a while, I’ll send a chugger back to make some noise, but my hookup ratio is usually better with naked baits. Use teasers, dredges, bowling pins—anything that creates the appearance of a bait school.

Let’s hope for a solid April dolphin run. Good luck out there and go make it happen!

CENTRAL EAST COAST

APRIL 2026

DAY TIME HEIGHT

1W 2:31 AM -0.11 L

8:59 AM 2.49 H

2:48 PM -0.3 L

9:26 PM 2.61 H

2TH 3:12 AM -0.07 L

9:36 AM 2.46 H

3:26 PM -0.31 L

10:05 PM 2.59 H

3F 3:50 AM 0 L

10:11 AM 2.4 H

4:03 PM -0.27 L

10:42 PM 2.53 H

4SA 4:28 AM 0.09 L

10:46 AM 2.32 H

4:40 PM -0.18 L

11:18 PM 2.43 H

5SU 5:04 AM 0.21 L

11:20 AM 2.23 H

5:16 PM -0.06 L

11:55 PM 2.31 H

6M 5:41 AM 0.34 L

11:56 AM 2.12 H

Black drum fishing should also remain strong through April. These fish often travel in large schools ranging from 50 to over 100 fish and can usually be found in the same areas as the redfish, especially where bait is present along grass flats that drop off into sandy bottoms. A1/8 oz jig head tipped with a piece of shrimp works well, paired with 8 lb braid and a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Sea trout fishing has been slower in recent months, but hopefully April will bring improvement. Like redfish, trout tend to stay close to mullet schools. Early mornings are best, and I like using jerk baits or paddle tails on light tackle.

Areas such as Haulover Canal and nearby bridges often hold large redfish and black drum. Half crabs or live shrimp on a ½ oz jig head work well around these structures. Offshore, tripletail fishing should still be productive. Look for weed lines, buoys, and floating debris. After a few days of southeast winds, these fish often show up in good numbers. Later in April and into May, the first tarpon of the season should begin arriving along the coast.

Troy’s Tip of the Month: A quality pair of polarized sunglasses is essential for sight fishing. Oakley Prizm lenses are one of my favorites for spotting fish on the flats and in the ocean.

5:54 PM 0.07 L

7TU 12:35 AM 2.18 H

6:19 AM 0.47 L

12:35 PM 2.02 H

6:35 PM 0.2 L

8W 1:19 AM 2.06 H

7:03 AM 0.59 L

1:19 PM 1.92 H

7:23 PM 0.31 L

9TH 2:09 AM 1.96 H

7:58 AM 0.68 L

2:11 PM 1.84 H

8:21 PM 0.39 L

10F 3:06 AM 1.92 H

9:02 AM 0.69 L

3:14 PM 1.82 H

9:27 PM 0.42 L

PONCE INLET

11SA 4:08 AM 1.93 H

10:08 AM 0.63 L

4:23 PM 1.87 H

10:30 PM 0.39 L

12SU 5:07 AM 2 H

11:05 AM 0.48 L

5:29 PM 2 H

11:28 PM 0.3 L

13M 6:02 AM 2.12 H

11:56 AM 0.27 L

6:28 PM 2.19 H

14TU 12:19 AM 0.19 L

6:51 AM 2.25 H

12:42 PM 0.04 L

7:21 PM 2.41 H

15W 1:08 AM 0.07 L

7:38 AM 2.38 H

1:26 PM -0.19 L

8:10 PM 2.62 H

16TH 1:54 AM -0.03 L

8:23 AM 2.49 H

2:10 PM -0.39 L

8:58 PM 2.78 H

17F 2:40 AM -0.09 L

9:08 AM 2.58 H

2:56 PM -0.53 L

9:46 PM 2.87 H

18SA 3:26 AM -0.11 L

9:53 AM 2.62 H

3:42 PM -0.59 L

10:34 PM 2.88 H

19SU 4:14 AM -0.07 L

10:41 AM 2.61 H

4:32 PM -0.56 L

11:25 PM 2.83 H

20M 5:04 AM 0.01 L

11:31 AM 2.56 H

5:25 PM -0.47 L

21TU 12:17 AM 2.71 H

5:58 AM 0.12 L

12:25 PM 2.47 H

6:22 PM -0.31 L

22W 1:14 AM 2.57 H

6:58 AM 0.23 L

1:24 PM 2.37 H

7:25 PM -0.14 L

23TH 2:14 AM 2.44 H

8:05 AM 0.3 L

2:30 PM 2.28 H

8:34 PM 0.01 L

24F 3:18 AM 2.35 H

9:14 AM 0.3 L

3:40 PM 2.23 H

9:43 PM 0.1 L

25SA 4:22 AM 2.31 H

10:20 AM 0.23 L

4:50 PM 2.26 H

10:48 PM 0.15 L

26SU 5:22 AM 2.31 H

11:19 AM 0.13 L

5:54 PM 2.33 H

11:46 PM 0.16 L

27M 6:17 AM 2.34 H

12:11 PM 0.01 L

6:50 PM 2.43 H

28TU 12:37 AM 0.16 L

7:05 AM 2.36 H

12:57 PM -0.09 L

7:39 PM 2.5 H

29W 1:24 AM 0.15 L

7:48 AM 2.37 H

1:39 PM -0.16 L

8:22 PM 2.56 H

30TH 2:06 AM 0.16 L

8:27 AM 2.37 H 2:19 PM -0.19 L 9:01 PM 2.57 H

Boat Dealers New & Consignment

Astor Marine (352) 759-3655

24535 FL-40,Astor FL www.astormarine.com

Nobles Marine (352) 787-5792

437 N Palmetto St., Leesburg, FL

1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL www.noblesmarine.com

Craig Catamaran (407) 290-8778

4333 Silver Star Rd. $100 Orlando, FL

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

Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311

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

Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262

1021 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL www.centralfloridamarine.com

Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111

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

Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306

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

Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660

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

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

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

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

Boat Improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts

All America Marine (407) 855-9988

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

Advanced Marine Services (407) 498-5142

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

Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117

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

Portside Marina (407) 249-1124

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

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

Team Marine Services (407) 260-8236

1350 28th St., Orlando, FL www.teammarineservices.com

Ahoy Marine (407) 323-8373

311 E. 25th St., Sanford, FL www.superpages.com

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

12307 Wedgefield Dr., Grand Island, FL

AT Trailer (407) 892-1100

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

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

Bait &

Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel

Adventures in Florida (407) 924-3375

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

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

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

Highlands Marina & Camp Resort (336) 668-4491

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

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

Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619

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

Academy Sports & Outdoors

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

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

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

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

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

Home

Improvement Contractors & Service Providers

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

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

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

CJS Aluminum Inc.

210 N. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, FL CF (407) 281-9210 Spacecoast (321) 345-2011 www.cjsaluminum.com

A&H Storage (407) 678-0507

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

RoMac Building Supply (407) 841-1250

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

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

Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0015

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

Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397

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

Area Best Picks for Restaurants

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

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

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

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

Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107

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

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

550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL

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

10 Locations - See our ad on restaurant page

Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401

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

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

TJ’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

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

Sanford Marina (407) 322-2910

531 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL

Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541

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

West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475

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

Community Service Providers Community Service Providers

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

12307 Wedgefield Drive , Grand Island, FL 32735

Always Looking for Captains

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

All American Marine

7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809

Phone: (407) 855-9988

www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

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

Lake Fairview Marina

4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804

Phone: (407) 295-0117 www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

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

Triangle Marine 11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778

Phone:(352) 343-6146

www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

Bennington Pontoons – TideWater Johnson – Evinrude – Yamaha

Boat Max USA

9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817

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

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

Thomas Lumber Company

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

(407) 841-1250 • Lumber • Drywall • Insulation • Trusses • Doors • Windows • Roofing • Siding and More

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

349-0016 Cell: 407-947-5460 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

State Certified Contractor CBC 1255779

(407) 924-3375

Kayak/Canoe Rentals on the Econlockhatchee River

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

935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

Vapor and Company

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

popping bug. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the popping bug get hit. Daytime anglers are catching good numbers fishing the shallow bedding areas. Bait of choice is crickets fished under a float.Another good area to fish is canals when the water is flowing, trolling will only trigger more bites. Crappie - Anglers are fishing open water for crappie using jigs tipped Anglers trolling jigs are catching good limits of crappie. The key is to find them

East Lake Toho - Bass fishing on East Lake has been good using artificial baits early morning. The best place to fish will be at the edges of the cattails. Then move to open water as the morning progresses. Most anglers are flipping open water pepper grass matts with good success. Fish the deeper edges of the grasswatermelon seed, Junebug, and

Panfish - Fish open water shell beds with red wigglers. If you are looking to fill the cooler for dinner, the open water shell beds are

bass trips which are typical for this time of year. The month of September is when to start thinking of booking your bass fishing trip, as the females start to feed up while they make their way into the shallows for the early spawn time. It’s also the time to book your fall crappie trip too. Good fishing areas: parts of the shoal; Dupree Bar; Dyess ditch and Horse Island and Indian Prairie. Tin house has been solid throughout the season for crappie, bass and bream, work your way up towards 3rd and 2nd point where you’ll find some bass feeding on the bedding bream. A few areas on Kings Bar have been good and

To book you’re next fun-filled, productive and educational fishing trip call me at 863-228-7263 or log onto my website to check out the customers and their catches; hotel recommendations; guide rates and etc. Capt Angie’s sponsors are: Caymas boats and Toho Marine; Lews; G-Loomis; BnM

Road Runner; Real Magic; Tru Turn hooks; Mega Strike; Gene Larew; Pradco Brands and BUFF

The past month of March was on again-off again for bass all over the Chain of Lakes. Several huge 30 lb. plus 5 bass limits were weighed-in in recent events all over throughout the chain. Lots of big fish coming from Lake Kissimmee over the 8 lb. plus size. As April gets here the bass have completed this season’s spawning cycle and will be on the move. Most will be relocating to deeper water close by and to off-shore grass, brush piles. The bass will be feeding hard on bait to fatten back up after their hard work up shallows. Some of the males will still be close to the last of the Fry that recently hatch during the end of the spawncycle. Look for the shad spawn in early mornings with bait flickeringnear Kissimmee grass and boat lanes. Try lipless baits, small plastic swim-baits and chatter-baits. Chrome blue back, sexy shad or golden shiner colors have been all producing bites. Once you get a bite or more slow down and work the area over as they

have been grouping up and feeding on bait. Find the hydrilla edges with your electronics off-shore and look for the smaller isolated patches. Try a big swim bait, Carolina-rig with a big trick worm or magnum speed worm in Junebug or Black-blue colors. Look or the cleaner water as it changes from day to day as the wind direction changes. Please handle the big fish with care once you catch them as they are the fish that keep replenishing our future catch. An 8 pound bass can hatch as many as 10,000 plus eggs each time it spawns.

The panfish bite will get better and better through the upcoming summer months. Bream, shellcracker, bluegill, red-ears, etc. will all be spawning over the next several months on or around the Full and New moon phases. Look for shallow water areas near where the bass spawn, in 4 ft. of water and less as the lakes are getting lower due to lack of rains. This is the best time of year for kids, find the bedding areas and grab some redworms, grass shrimp or crickets and put a small hook and a bobber and make a memory. Most times you can smell them as they spawn in huge groups. Only take home what you need to eat while their fresh and release the rest!

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Over these past few months Okeechobee’s water level continues to get lower and lower and most, if not all bass and pan fishing will be done in the Kissimmee River and the canals such as Indian Praire; Harney Pond and J&S. This is a great time to brush up on your deep diving crank baits; Carolina rigging and throwing jigs working the ledges and drop-offs. A good color choice are Junebug plastics and skirts for the jigs; white; watermelon/red; tilapia; plum and red bug. The pan fish have already started spawning, catching them on live-red wiggler worms and crickets on light spinning gear tipped with 4lb mono line. Fishing around the moon phase, catching the bream when they are the most active on/ around the beds will provide nonstop, fun action and is a good time to take the kids and enjoy a beautiful day on the water and fresh caught fish to take home for some tasty meals. The two main areas to launch when fishing on the northend of the lake are the Scott Driver boat ramp located in Okeechobee

on the Kissimmee River and Harney Pond canal, located on the westend in Lakeport. Areas that are still accessible and easily to get to if you’re wanting to fish out in the lake: East side of Kings bar; Westside of Grassy; outside grass edge from Buckhead to 4th point; outside grass edge of Tin house on down and past Indian Praire; and outside edge of the Shoal area. As the water temperature starts heating up, typically June moving forward, can pose a challenge when bass fishing with live bait (shiners) due to the water temperature difference between the holding tank water that the shiners are kept in before purchasing your bait and the lake water temperature. Fishing deeper water such as the Kissimmee River is a good choice for this time of year to help keep the bait alive longer. To book you’re next fun time on the water call 863-228-7263. You can check out my website at www. southfloridabassfishing.com I can accommodate groups; multi-day trips; offer one-person and Veteran discounts; provideall tackle; ice; bottled water; sunscreen and raingear if needed. For all your tackle needs and bait stop by Big Water Bait & Tackle store located in Lakeport near the Harney pond canal boat ramps.

Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.

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.

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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.

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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.

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