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LOCAL REPORTS & CATCH PHOTOS VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 378

PHOTO CREDIT: CAPT. SHANE TROTTIER WHATEVER TURNS U ON FISHING CHARTERS WWW.WHATEVERTURNSUONFISHING.COM IG: @WHATEVERTURNSUON

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PRO FISHING TECHNIQUES

Snook Season Must Haves

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

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

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.

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

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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As September arrives here on the Harris Chain, we are hoping that the local air-temps start to cool-off!! With the hottest temps on record for the month of July and August the water temp is in the low 90s by mid-afternoon. The bite all over the chain has been decent even with the high temps. September also brings more breezy days and the beginning of fall and shorter days. Look for areas with any current from the breezes or running and moving water from our afternoon rains as the fish have been grouping up and feeding on schools of bait. Find bait and you will find the bass. The low light conditions have been best until about mid-morning, so get out before first light.. Top water baits like the trusted Zara Spook, Devilshorse, Pencil Poppers, hard or soft bodied frogs have been producing explosive strikes from above average size bass at first light. Try the mouths of canals, both ends of the Dead River and areas with off-shore spot-patches of hydrilla or eel grass lines in Big and Little

Lake Harris, Dora and Eustis. Once the sun gets up try finding shellCrappie season is almost here. bars, humps, eel grass all close to The largest specks are usually deep water, switch to large deep caught in November, in the Shad running crankbaits like a 6XD, big and Crappie Derby but during swimbaits or carolina-rigs with a large worm at least 10” or bigger. September and October the word Fish them slow, once you catch begins to slip out that slabs are one there are usually more in the coming in. Black Crappies are Water levels are up like they area so work the area thoroughly. usually found jigging structures Flipping the heavy Kissimmeeare supposed to be this time all along the river and near bridge grass and mats with black-blue of year. The Florida cool down and dock pilings in early season. creature baits or June-bug colored begins soon. Fish are behaving Deep water in the bends and plastic trick worms have also been in their summertime patterns. overhanging or fallen trees is a producing bites at the hottest part Water temperatures will be the of the day. The larger deeper docks great combo for slabs. Try a white key to catching bass – they love located all around the chain have curly tail on a 1/8th ounce jig cooler water during the daytime been producing keeper bites later head, then drop to the bottom and hours. The ‘bite’ doesn’t last long in the day as well, target areas jig it 3 times every 2 feet on the on the docks with largest shaded - daybreak, moon over, moon way up. Patience is key, running areas skipping a ½ oz. jig or senko under, and right before a storm and gunning fills the frying pan. as far back under as you can, best are when they feed aggressively. when the breeze is blowing in on Downsize your lures and mimic Catfish up to 20 lbs. and sunshine them. fish fry that are schooling. The crappie bite will pick up bass up to seven pounds round Rattletraps, crank baits, Senkos, towards the end of the month. out the summer targets. Fish for and flukes will find fish. High Use jigs tipped with a minnow for cats with peeled fresh shrimp or water means the bass have many crappie. Vary the depth of your red worms and use just enough baits until you find where they want places to hide – look for small weight to hold the bottom. Look it! The deeper holes in big Lake creek runoffs that have water for sunshine bass (stripers) to bite Harris have been producing the flowing out. Start outside on each hard plastic lures at the mouth of best bites for crappie. Great ready side of the runoff and work your the Wekiva River and both the for the 18th Annual Shad & Crappie baits with the current. Soft plastic Derby coming soon. Take a kid south and north mouths of Lake colors for the river: 1) black with with you as crappie are great fun Monroe at sunrise. blue flakes, 2) black with light blue with light tackle great on the dinner accent, 3) dark colors. Watch the table! Watch out for the afternoon thunderstorms and stay safe! afternoon storms, lightning is not COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM JUNE 2020 LOCATION 1 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Tide Charts Brought To You By: Also, give the big drop a try. We’ve had cobia swimming right up to the boat lately! Later in the day, they’ve been surfacing around rays, turtles, and even free-swimming. And yes, they absolutely love some live bait!

CENTRAL EAST COAST SEPTEMBER 2026 DAY

TIME

1TU

5:29 AM 12:20 PM 5:56 PM 2W 12:24 AM 6:18 AM 1:11 PM 6:48 PM 3TH 1:13 AM 7:14 AM 2:09 PM 7:49 PM 4F 2:11 AM 8:19 AM 3:15 PM 8:58 PM 5SA 3:19 AM 9:31 AM 4:26 PM 10:10 PM 6SU 4:33 AM 10:41 AM 5:34 PM 11:18 PM 7M 5:45 AM 11:46 AM 6:35 PM 8TU 12:18 AM 6:49 AM 12:44 PM 7:29 PM 9W 1:12 AM 7:46 AM 1:37 PM 8:17 PM 10TH 2:01 AM 8:38 AM 2:25 PM 9:01 PM 11F 2:47 AM 9:25 AM 3:11 PM 9:43 PM

HEIGHT

0.09 L 2.79 H 0.49 L 2.63 H 0.12 L 2.72 H 0.62 L 2.56 H 0.19 L 2.64 H 0.74 L 2.5 H 0.26 L 2.58 H 0.81 L 2.48 H 0.29 L 2.59 H 0.79 L 2.52 H 0.27 L 2.67 H 0.68 L 2.64 H 0.2 L 2.8 H 0.51 L 2.8 H 0.13 L 2.93 H 0.33 L 2.96 H 0.09 L 3.03 H 0.17 L 3.08 H 0.09 L 3.08 H 0.06 L 3.15 H 0.14 L 3.08 H

Miami Beach, Government Cut 12SA 3:31 AM 10:09 AM 3:55 PM 10:23 PM 13SU 4:14 AM 10:52 AM 4:38 PM 11:02 PM 14M 4:55 AM 11:34 AM 5:20 PM 11:40 PM 15TU 5:37 AM 12:15 PM 6:03 PM 16W 12:19 AM 6:21 AM 12:59 PM 6:49 PM 17TH 1:01 AM 7:09 AM 1:46 PM 7:39 PM 18F 1:47 AM 8:04 AM 2:39 PM 8:39 PM 19SA 2:41 AM 9:05 AM 3:39 PM 9:43 PM 20SU 3:44 AM 10:08 AM 4:42 PM 10:45 PM 21M 4:50 AM 11:05 AM 5:39 PM 11:38 PM

0.03 L 3.15 H 0.23 L 3.01 H 0.06 L 3.08 H 0.37 L 2.9 H 0.16 L 2.96 H 0.54 L 2.77 H 0.3 L 2.81 H 0.72 L 2.63 H 0.46 L 2.65 H 0.89 L 2.49 H 0.62 L 2.5 H 1.04 L 2.38 H 0.76 L 2.39 H 1.15 L 2.3 H 0.84 L 2.34 H 1.18 L 2.27 H 0.86 L 2.37 H 1.13 L 2.32 H 0.81 L 2.46 H 1.01 L

22TU 5:50 AM 11:56 AM 6:29 PM 23W 12:23 AM 6:44 AM 12:41 PM 7:13 PM 24TH 1:04 AM 7:32 AM 1:22 PM 7:54 PM 25F 1:42 AM 8:16 AM 2:02 PM 8:34 PM 26SA 2:20 AM 9:00 AM 2:42 PM 9:13 PM 27SU 2:58 AM 9:43 AM 3:23 PM 9:53 PM 28M 3:38 AM 10:27 AM 4:05 PM 10:34 PM 29TU 4:21 AM 11:13 AM 4:50 PM 11:18 PM 30W 5:08 AM 12:02 PM 5:39 PM

2.43 H 0.73 L 2.58 H 0.86 L 2.58 H 0.64 L 2.72 H 0.68 L 2.75 H 0.55 L 2.83 H 0.5 L 2.92 H 0.48 L 2.92 H 0.34 L 3.06 H 0.43 L 2.98 H 0.2 L 3.16 H 0.43 L 2.99 H 0.12 L 3.19 H 0.47 L 2.98 H 0.1 L 3.17 H 0.56 L 2.93 H 0.14 L 3.09 H 0.67 L

PONCE INLET (Halifax River)

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE

SEBASTIAN INLET BRIDGE

TIME OFFSET High +5 min / Low +33 min HEIGHT OFFSET High *1.18 ft / Low *1 ft

TIME OFFSET High -64 min / Low -38 min HEIGHT OFFSET High *1.5 ft / Low *1.43 ft

TIME OFFSET High -48 min / Low -24 min HEIGHT OFFSET High *.93 ft / Low *1.0 ft

CAPE CANAVERAL

CANOVA BEACH

SEBASTIAN (IRL)

TIME OFFSET High -66 min / Low -44 min HEIGHT OFFSET High *1.5 ft / Low *1.42 ft

TIME OFFSET High -53 min / Low -26 min HEIGHT OFFSET High *1.49 ft / Low *1.5 ft

TIME OFFSET High 92 min / Low 156 min HEIGHT OFFSET High *.15 ft / Low *.5 ft

6 ORLANDO

SEPTEMBER 2026

What a Great Month We Had! Gotta love it! The bunker have been easier by the day to get. They’ve been in the port and, for a change, fairly easy to catch. Here’s the kicker: now that you’ve got the prime choice in bait, they don’t want it—they want frozen! Yup, that’s right. So here’s the lesson: try both. Put out one dead and one live and see which one gets hit better. We couldn’t figure out what the deal was with the live bait after marking fish, until we finally switched things up. Who would’ve thought? Also, don’t forget about the cans. They’ve been holding sardines, and a sardine will always get hit. Even when the ocean presents itself as the socalled “dump!” Cobia Cobia are all over! Get out there with your bucktails and start looking around. There’s no one specific place to find them, but the reefs are a great place to start—hint, hint.

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

Fishing for redfish, trout, black drum and snook heat up in September because of the finger mullet run and change of weather. Usually we start having more rain and wind, the water level should also start to come up. When the water is high, I like to fish the Indian River and the Mosquito Lagoon better than when the water is low. You have more places to fish and you can fish in any kind of conditions when the water is high. Fishing underneath the mangroves, you never know what you will catch when the water is high. If you like to use artificial, try a light jig head with a paddle tail or a weedless spoon or a jerk bait. I use 8-10# mono with tied to a 25# fluorocarbon leader when using artificial. If we have a lot of rain and run off, fish drainage ditches or where culvert pipes are draining. If using bait, use live shrimp or finger mullet or cut bait. Fish points of land and drainage pipes where the wind is blowing onto it. Usually I will use 15# braid and 25# fluorocarbon leader with a 3-0 J hook. The drainage pipes will often have smaller tarpon and snook around them. Fly fishing small flies and small jigs, like mini jigs work best for small tarpon and snook. The day after heavy rains and

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Wreck Fishing This is a great month for wreck fishing. Use all your normal tactics, from threeway rigs to knocker rigs. Live bait has definitely been working the best. Try using lighter tackle for even more fun. The amberjack and plenty of other species have been sitting right above the wrecks, and the action has been great! You can also try anchoring up and chumming. Use some lighter fluorocarbon for the mangos—they’ve been plentiful! We’ve even been seeing some muttons coming up to feed. Sea Bass & Triggerfish And don’t forget about chicken rigging for all the monster sea bass and triggerfish! Man, we’ve had some studs lately. This is especially a lot of fun for the kids and a great way to keep everyone bent over a rod. Get out there, enjoy the water, and make some memories. You never know what’s going to bite!

strong winds can be the best day to fish. I catch the most snook in September in the river due to the water levels being up and flowing to push the snook out from the mangroves and out of the marshes where they like to hide. September is the start of snook season. Snook fishing in the ocean is some of the best. Try fishing in the surf and along the jetties. The finger mullet run usually starts mid- September or early October, depending on tropical storms. Usually I fish along the shorelines and the jetties when I see the mullet exploding in those areas. You can also catch redfish, tarpon, jacks, blue fish, Spanish-mackeral and sharks in the mullet schools so it can be a lot of action. Use finger mullet as bait caught with a cast net or purchased at a bait shop. The all around line I use is 1520# braid tied to a 30-40# fluorocarbon leader with a 3-0 J hook. If the tarpon are big and the sharks are around I will use wire on the sharks and heavier rods for the tarpon with 20-30# braid and 60# fluorocarbon downsizing my hooks to 6-0 circle hook. Underneath the finger mullet you can put a ½ ounce slip sinker or split shot to have a better chance to catch a flounder or redfish because the redfish will also show up in the surf. Also, triple tail fishing will pick up with the change in the weather especially after it blows from the east for a while. Tip of the month go fishing after a heavy rain!

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Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146

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6 (877) 800-1492

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AT Trailer (407) 892-1100

9 4820 E. Irlo Brunson Memorial Hwy., St Cloud FL www.attrailercenter.com

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61 1061 TidenVille School Rd., Winter Garden FL www.marinetecsystems.com

Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel Adventures in Florida (407) 924-3375

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15 The Original Central Florida Guided Kayak Tour

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Boat Improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts All America Marine (407) 855-9988 36 7024 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL www.allamericanmarineorlando.net

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8 ORLANDO

Company Since 1995 www.adventuresinflorida.com

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

Highlands Marina & Camp Resort (336) 668-4491

11 488 W. Highbanks Rd., DeBary, FL www.campresort.com

Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610

14 3370 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL www.boattree.com

Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619

21 65 N. US Hwy 17-92, Longwood, FL www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

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East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando

Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Dr., Orlando 43 Lee Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way, Orlando

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CJS Aluminum Inc.

100 210 N. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, FL

CF (407) 281-9210 Spacecoast (321) 345-2011 www.cjsaluminum.com

A&H Storage (407) 678-0507

31 2500 N. Forsyth Rd., Orlando, FL www.AHStorage.co

RoMac Building Supply

841-1250 34 (407) 231 W. Gore St., Orlando, FL www.romacfl.com

www.martintreeservice.com

Campbell Renovations Inc.

DWR Plumbing LLC. (407) 293-3717 Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839

27 65 Harold Ave., Suite B, Winter Park, FL www.orlandopaintingservice.com

Millennium Electric (407) 420-2001

28 4340 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL www.millennium-electric.com

Water Works Pressure Cleaning & Sealing

(407) 376-9526 41 490 Buck Lake Lane, Geneva, FL www.jmwaterworksinc.com

AUGUST 2026 SEPTEMBER 2026 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Lake Harris

947-0015 50 (407) 285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397 3621 S. orlando Dr., Sanford, FL 51 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

47 4650 S. State Rd. 46, Geneva, FL www.thejollygator.com

Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881

39 7937Daetwyler Dr., Orlando, FL www.fishonfireorlando.com

High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422

40 4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL www.hightideharrys.com

Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107 Aloma Square Shopping Center 33 6860 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL www.bostonsfishhouse.com Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. (407) 447-7637 48 2133 Component Loop Suite 1001, Oviedo, FL St. Johns River Steak & Seafood www.mudhole.com 17 (407) 878-0980 550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220 56 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6802 www.orlandooutfitters.com 22 www.hueysmagoos.com 10 Locations - See our ad on restaurant page Captain Troy Perez (321) 607-2033 99 capt.troyperez@gmail.com Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401 Mosquito Lagoon - Indian River - Port Canaveral 13 100 S. White Cedar Rd., Sanford, FL www.camphousebarandgrill.com

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

Home Improvement Contractors & Service Providers

The Deli (407) 332-8800 52 4360 Carraway Pl., Sanford, FL TJ’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

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Lake Eustis 2

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Lake Monroe 55

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Lake Harris

54 56

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Lake Jessup 53 23

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Lake Apopka

429

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ORLANDO 9

Community Service Providers Triangle Marine

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11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778 Phone:(352) 343-6146 www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

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

285www.adventuresinflorida.com Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 (407) 924-3375 The Original349-0016 Central Florida Kayak Tour Phone:(407) Cell:Guided 407-947-5460 Company Since 1995 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

437 N Palmetto St, Leesburg, FL 34748 or 1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River Phone: (352) 787-5792 www.noblesmarine.com

Econ Outfitters

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935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726 Phone: (352) 357-3030 Saltwater Tackle & Bait - Ballyhoo, Freshwater Tackle - Live Bait - Wild Shiners Costa - Shimano Top Shelf Dealer Outboard Service & Boat Parts Hunting & Snorkeling Accessories Bow Fishing

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10 ORLANDO 10 ORLANDO

9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817 511 E 25th St,866-0306 Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: (321) Phone: (407) 323-8373 www.boatmaxusa.com

SEPTEMBER 2026 AUGUST 2022

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Unique Artwork of Gregory Neston You know the old saying, you need to see it to believe it. Such is true with the unique artwork of Central Florida artist Gregory Neston. He mentioned that even at forty plus years old he is still engaging in trying to be known and remembered, long after his life for my art. Greg says creating artwork is who I am as a person at work, in public and with my friends. This gives me the inspiration and creativity as an ongoing part of who I am.

Seminole Junior Anglers

Gregory attended Mid Florida Tech IN 2008 for marketing, merchandising and parts operations. He was quickly noticed by teacher Mr. Hugh for his talent for Graphic Design and Arts as a self-taught artist. While attending Mid-Florida Gregory he learned salesmanship, marketing and how to become to be an entrepreneur. His talents were utilized to help teach other students about how to use Photoshop poster and T-shirt design. Gregory was a volunteer employee for Joe and Scott the owners West Orange Comics and Video Games located in Ocoee, off Maguire Road, just south of Colonial drive. They were his first “Brick & Mortar” location to carry some of Gregory’s artwork such as stickers, prints, bookmarks etc. He also does digital art, paintings, water colors, photography and many others including a You-Tube Channel. If you are reading this take the time to checkout his work and make a purchase, he sales his designs very reasonably. You can find his work in lots of places, visit gregorynestonartwork.com, thegregoryinthearts.com, his channel You-Tube.com/@Squidheadgreg, also his artwork is on display at Dezerland Park Orlando near Bass Pro Shops on I-Drive. A long-time influencer of his art is Armando Hevia of heviart.com. Take a minute to visit Gregory Neston on Amazon published by nestontopstore. com, and Instagram.com/gregneston85 Gregory says friends and family are the tools to share my artwork in retail stores, Online and Theme Parks. He says they help me to keep revising my artwork and help him stay engaged and inspired. He lives his life with a simple moto, waking up is a gift, People love you for who you are. Knowing the sun will always rise in the morning; says don’t be scared to live your life as “Yourself”! Do him a favor and buy some of his Art .

Seminole JR Anglers September 2026 Hello, Coastal Angler readers, My name is Eric Pergler, and I am excited to begin my second year as Club Director of Seminole Junior Anglers. Our club gives high school anglers the opportunity to compete in two of Florida’s premier youth bass fishing tournament circuits: the Florida B.A.S.S. Nation High School Series and the Florida Elite Series. Both circuits provide our anglers with valuable tournament experience, strong competition, opportunities to qualify for state and national championships, and the chance to compete for college scholarships. Our tournament season begins next month, and it is not too late to join! We welcome experienced youth and high school anglers who are interested in competitive bass fishing, improving their skills, and becoming part of a team that supports one another both on and off the water. Anglers compete as two-person teams with an adult boat captain. If you are interested but do not yet have a partner or boat captain, please reach out. We may be able to help connect you with others in the club. Throughout the season, our teams will travel across Florida and compete on some of the best and most challenging fisheries in the state. Our schedule takes us from Lake Okeechobee in South Florida through Central Florida and into North Florida. Each lake brings different conditions and challenges, giving our anglers the opportunity to learn new techniques, become more versatile, and grow as competitors. Seminole Junior Anglers is about more than tournament results. Our goal is to help young anglers develop confidence, teamwork, responsibility, sportsmanship, and a lifelong appreciation for fishing and conservation. We are proud of the way our anglers represent their families, schools, sponsors, and community. None of this would be possible without the generous organizations and businesses that support our club. We would especially like to thank Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando, Gumbo Wars, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, and all our other sponsors, volunteers, parents, and boat captains. Your continued support helps keep our kids on the water and makes these opportunities possible. We look forward to another exciting season and hope to see you on the water!

ved!

mes –

“Spreading Awareness and Acceptance to Au3sm through the Sport of Fishing”

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ORLANDO 11

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ORLANDO 13

The current lake level at the time of my report is 10.90 ft. The average water level that is typical for this time of year is 13.79. In 2007, the lake level dropped to a historical low to 8.82. The previous years leading up to 2026, Mother-Nature was the reason for low water conditions but for 2026, it’s an induced low water level for several reasons: Allow re-growth of natural vegetation; planting of natural vegetation seedlings and scraping areas of the lake for optimal fish bedding areas. Mother- Nature is giving us rain, which helps but hotter temperatures will drop the water level naturally via air absorption. I am anticipating a great upcoming 2026-2027 spawn season for bass and crappie and encourage you to start planning your fishing excursion and trip to Lake Okeechobee !! As an established Licensed Fishing Guide on the lake since 2004, I can offer great hotel discounts and offer inside information that will help you to get the most out of your visit/stay here in Okeechobee, such as restaurant

David Paycheck 605-681-4883 davidpaycheckfishing.com With September here now water temperatures are still hovering around 87° in the morning with temperature temperatures raising to 94 or even 95 in the afternoon. The water will sometimes cool off in the afternoon if we get thunderstorms and that gives you a great opportunity to catch a bunch of really nice fish in the evening right before sunset. Otherwise, get out early in the morning still a half hour before sunrise. Till about 11 or noon, then the water starts warming up and the fish don’t bite as easily. Lake Toho has been fishing the best out of the chain. The other lakes are really low right now with the lack of rain that we’ve got this summer. And the south end of Toho has been very tough. Focus on the northern end of the lake and you will find fish. 14 ORLANDO

fave’s; other places to visit and etc. I welcome all walks-of-life people and ages and can accommodate group trips; offer Military discounts and encourage a Q/A while fishing out on the lake to help you gain the knowledge that will help you to figure out your home body of water; share tips; latest lures; live-scope and etc. Lures that are producing fishing the Kissimmee River and Lake are: worms; senkos; frogs; swim jigs/ swim baits; urchin-style plastics; mid-deep crank baits and top water lures. The bream are still biting and can be caught when they are the most active on the beds so time your fishing day with accordance to the moon phase. Fishing with live-worms and crickets rigged on spinning ultra light tackle works best. Crappie (specks) are being caught in deeper water areas such as the Kissimmee River, early morning is best and in shady areas such as bridge pilings and some ledges/drop offs. To book your next fun day fishing call me at 863-228-7263. My website www.southfloridabassfishing.com Thank you to my Sponsors: Mercury Marine; Caymas boats; Real Magic; Bullet Weights; Gill; Rapala; Gene Larew; Lews and G-Loomis.

The fish are focusing on deeper water areas or the outside edge of the Hydrilla. Many fish are busting on baitfish. I would recommend driving around a little bit and looking for areas that have tons of minnow activity. If you find that you’ll definitely catch the bass. Some areas that include that are around the powerlines between the west shore and Mackison.

Almost like that old friend coming back around the redfish rebound has that same feel. Never really gone, but clearly absent, and noticeably back in the picture. We definitely had a decline as grass loss on the flats took hold a decade ago. Taking what once was considered a staple of lagoon fishing around the island and turning it into a treat to be revered. Yes, for years we held the self-proclaimed title of Sea Trout Capitol. With numbers of big fish that supported the claim. However, when the purpose-built flats boats and sight fishing took off in the 90’s our area became a sort of promised land and not for big Sea Trout. It was the redfish that filled pages of magazines and graced TV screens solidifying the Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River, and Banana River surrounding Merritt Island as a world class fishery. The clear waters and endless grass flats were home to a seemingly unending amount of redfish from small fun fish to massive bull reds that would test your tackle. Stalking happy fish in clear shallow waters was our game and it was hard to not love. The lagoons habitat wasn’t just “good” for redfish, it was ecologically perfect in ways that only our area could boast. The seclusion from open ocean, grass flat nursery, and high salinity meant we are different in a big way. Unlike other areas in the redfish range where large breeding schools are ocean/gulf residents and spawn in the open ocean/gulf with juveniles entering the estuary on the tide. Our large redfish stayed put and due to water conditions could successfully spawn in the lagoon. Unbelievably unique and thought to be one of the only, if not the only area this happens. The grass flats that supported these fish were necessary throughout their entire life cycle. Protection and food from fertilized egg to juvenile stages, hunting grounds as they grew and the base of their existence. When the brown algae (Aureoumbra lagunensis) brought by excessive nutrients stripped the lagoon bottom of roughly 80,000 acres of seagrass a decade ago the population showed it, quickly. Fish kills took a toll, but movement due to habitat loss was a huge factor. The reduction was so stark that by fall of 2022 the FWC implemented a moratorium on the taking of redfish from lagoon waters. Though a drastic measure, it was well warranted. In the 4 years since that moratorium, we’ve seen an increase of grass coverage every summer. Habitat returning, and guess what! So are the redfish. Even the smallest lagoon redfish alive pre-moratorium is now of breeder size and those spawned just after are reaching it too. It takes roughly 4 years for a redfish to reach breeding size. Increase habitat + available adult spawning population = better yearly recruitment and more redfish to catch. A simple yet extremely powerful equation we are seeing play out with better catches. So, on the full moons of the next few months (redfish spawn Aug-Nov) when all the magic happens, maybe light a candle to set the mood for a great redfish spawn. This hearty fish does well with proper handling in catch and release fishing, so go have fun while they strive to rebound.

Throw shiners is what I recommend but if you are dead, sat on throwing artificial, I would recommend a white top water spook, white fluke or a black and blue chatter bait. Basically anything that’s representing a minnow. Match the hatch and you’ll catch fish. We’ve been averaging 20 to 30 fish on my 4 hour charters that’s throwing shiners though. You definitely can catch fish on artificial, but it’s much more difficult that’s why us guides throw live bait. If you have any questions, please reach out. I’m always talking fishing with everyone. :)

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n June 12, 2026, Ronald Patella had an incredible day of flats fishing in Biscayne Bay, Fla. He landed an impressive permit along with a tarpon and Atlantic bonefish to earn himself an International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Inshore Grand Slam! For more IGFA records, visit IGFA.org.

GREATER AMBERJACK SEASON OPENS IN GULF SEPTEMBER 1

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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uring its August meeting in Panama City Beach, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced harvest levels for the upcoming Oct. Apalachicola Bay oyster season and discussed the development of future management and restoration initiatives across Florida’s Big Bend. #e season begins Oct. 1, 2026, and will continue through Feb. 28, 2027, for endorsed commercial and permitted recreational harvesters. During this season, harvesting in Apalachicola Bay will be allowed at three reef sites, NWFW Cat Point, Cat Point Spur and Peanut Ridge, with a total annual harvest limit of 2,560 bags. FWC sets harvest levels for each season based upon oyster abundance. “We’ve opened a fishery that has been closed for six years and now we have it in a restored fashion where people are able to get back on the water, this is a huge success,” said Vice Chairman Joshua Kellam. In the Big Bend, oyster populations have experienced long-term declines, and harvest regulations no longer reflect the current condition of the resource. As a result, FWC sta$ are developing updates to oyster harvesting regulations specific to the Big Bend. Public workshops will be held throughout the summer and fall to gather public input and comments. In addition to these proposed regulatory updates, sta$ are initiating restoration e$orts in Dixie, Levy, and Citrus counties to support the longterm recovery and sustainability of oyster populations. For more information on commercial oyster harvest regulations, visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/commercial/oysters/. For more information on recreational oyster harvest regulations, visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/shellfish/

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Fishing the Wild Waters of

Cay Sal Bank By A. deGruchy

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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NATIONAL 5

The September Season of Change TIM BAREFOOT

T NORTH CAROLINA’S TWO-WEEK RECREATIONAL FLOUNDER SEASON OPENS SEPTEMBER 1

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!

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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