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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.
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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.






CAPT PAUL MARCACCIO
T.P. & W. & USCG License
Marcaccio Fishing Academy captpaul@gofishgalveston.com www.gofishgalveston.com
March and April are proven months for anglers looking to land a true trophy speckled trout along the upper Texas coast. For those who spend their springs chasing big fish, this season brings a certain edge — warming tides, moving bait, and the real possibility that the next cast could connect with the trout of a lifetime. One of the most productive ways to target these fish is by wade fishing select marsh areas around Galveston Bay.
Each spring, flood tides push water deep into the back-bay marshes, covering ground that remains dry or barely accessible much of the year. These conditions scatter shrimp, mullet, and other baitfish throughout shallow ponds, grass shorelines, and narrow drains. Anglers willing to put in the effort to reach these areas often find themselves in the right place at the right time. It’s not always easy fishing. Muddy bottoms, shifting winds, and long walks through shin-deep water are part of the deal. But that’s also where trophy trout live.
Timing your trip around a falling tide can make all the difference. As the water begins to drain out of the marsh, everything that moved in with the high water is suddenly on the move again. Shrimp skip across the surface. Nervous bait flickers along the edges. Small currents begin to form in cuts and bayous. Larger trout recognize the opportunity and position themselves where food is forced past them. When this feeding window opens, the action can be fast and violent.
Early morning and late afternoon remain the best times to wade these areas. As sunlight warms the shallows, bait activity increases and the marsh comes alive. Slicks form on the surface, mullet flip in the distance, and every cast carries a little more anticipation. Bigger trout are often focused on larger meals, keying in on forage like mullet or croaker. Matching your lure size and presentation to that profile can significantly improve your chances.
Pay close attention to marsh drains, canals, and bayous that funnel water back toward open bay systems. These transition zones act like feeding lanes for predators. Work them thoroughly and don’t be afraid to fish aggressively. Cast your lure up current and allow it to sweep naturally back toward deeper water. This presentation mimics disoriented bait and frequently draws reaction strikes from trout staging along the drop-offs.
Topwater lures remain one of the most exciting ways to target big specks during the spring. Hardbody plugs from trusted brands like Bomber and Heddon have earned their place in coastal tackle boxes for good reason. A steady “walk-thedog” retrieve creates the illusion of a wounded baitfish struggling on the surface. When a big trout commits, the strike can be explosive. It’s also common to experience dramatic “blow-ups,” where fish attack but fail to hook up. Staying patient and maintaining your retrieve often leads to a second opportunity.
Classic topwaters like the Baby Spook, She Dog, and Skitter Walk continue to produce year after year. When trout are holding deeper or show less interest in surface presentations, brokenback twitch baits and dependable offerings from Mirrolure can be excellent alternatives. Color selection should match water conditions. Natural

tones perform best in clear water under bright skies, while louder colors and rattling baits help fish locate your lure in stained or overcast conditions.
Soft plastics have accounted for countless trophy trout over the decades. Walk into any tackle shop and you’ll see rows of options in every color and shape imaginable. The truth is, many baits are designed more to catch anglers than fish. Keeping your selection simple and confidence high is often the better strategy. Shrimp imitations and shad tails consistently produce results. Reliable choices from Salt Water Assassin and Norton remain favorites among serious coastal fishermen. Rigging these baits on a ¼-ounce jig head provides enough weight for solid casting while maintaining a natural fall.
Spoons are another tool that should never be overlooked. Old-school designs like the Johnson Sprite can shine when trout refuse other presentations. The wobble and flash they create often trigger reaction strikes, particularly in offcolored water or windy conditions.
Line choice can also play a role in success. Many anglers favor braided line for its strength and sensitivity, allowing them to detect subtle strikes and maintain solid hooksets at distance. Options from Sufix have become popular for their durability and performance in harsh coastal environments.
There are countless lure combinations and techniques that can work in the marsh each spring. Ultimately, confidence and presentation matter just as much as gear. Understanding how tides move bait, recognizing productive structure, and committing to a proven approach can lead to some of the finest fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer. And when everything finally comes together — when a heavy trout erupts on your lure in kneedeep water — it becomes more than just another catch. It becomes a story worth telling long after the tide has turned












SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR MARINA
2400 South Shore Harbour Blvd, League City, TX 77573
LAKE LEWISVILLE
1481 E Hill Park Rd, Lewisville, TX 75056
GRANDPAPPY POINT
1789 Harbor Dr, Denison, TX 75020
NORTH POINT MARINA
3681 Cedar Ridge Park Rd, Temple, TX 76502
WALDEN MARINA
12050 Melville Dr Suite 6, Montgomery, TX 77356
WATERPOINT MARINA
15320 TX-105 Suite 500, Montgomery, TX 77356
ROUGH HOLLOW IN LAKEWAY 105 Yacht Club Cove, Lakeway, TX 78734
SANDY CREEK MARINA
8714 Lime Creek Rd, Leander, TX 78641
1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732
MARKER 37 MARINA
13317 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
PELICAN REST MARINA 7819 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77554
COVE HARBOR YACHT CLUB 121 Cove Harbor Rockport, TX 78382


Boats available for members to enjoy fishing and exclusive amenities.
















3 Fri 7:28 1.5 4:40 1.4 12:48 1.3 7:05 7:38
4 Sat 9:01 1.5 4:24 1.4 12:02 0.0 2:16 1.4 7:04 7:39
5 Sun 11:55 1.6 12:33 -0.1 7:03
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12 Sun 5:27 1.4 6:59 0.4 9:34 1.3 6:55 7:43
13 Mon 12:36 1.4 4:16 1.3 7:58 0.5 9:05 1.1 6:54 7:44
14 Tue 2:09
16 Thu 4:44 1.6 3:15 1.4 10:30 1.1 10:18 0.1 6:51 7:46
17 Fri 5:59 1.7 3:15 1.5 11:28 1.4 10:56 -0.2 6:50 7:46
18 Sat 7:17 1.8 2:58 1.7 12:51 1.6 6:49 7:47
19 Sun 9:11 1.9 6:48 7:48
20 Mon 12:38 1.9 12:25 -0.5 6:47 7:48
21 Tue 1:59 2.0 1:18 -0.4 6:46 7:49
22 Wed 2:57 1.9 2:18 -0.3 6:45 7:49
23 Thu 3:39 1.8 3:29 -0.1 6:44 7:50
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www.USHarbors.com

1 Wed 4:03 1.9 3:48 1.5 10:28 0.8 9:50 0.4 7:08 7:37
2 Thu 4:58 2.0 4:00 1.4 11:25 1.0 10:17 0.2 7:07 7:38
3 Fri 5:50 2.0 4:09 1.4 12:32 1.2 7:05 7:38
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5 Sun 7:37 2.1 11:59 0.0 7:03 7:39
6 Mon 8:38 2.1 7:02 7:40
7 Tue 9:49 2.1 12:46 0.1 7:01 7:41
8 Wed 11:04 2.0 1:43 0.1 7:00 7:41
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12 Sun 1:54 1.9 6:04 0.3 7:58 1.2 6:55 7:43
13 Mon 12:28 1.5 2:14 1.8 7:00 0.4 7:54 1.0 6:54 7:44
14 Tue 1:42 1.7 2:31 1.7 7:56 0.6 8:08 0.7 6:53 7:45
15 Wed 2:46 2.0 2:46 1.6 8:53 0.8 8:34 0.4 6:52 7:45
16 Thu 3:46 2.2 2:59 1.5 9:56 1.0 9:07 0.1 6:51 7:46
17 Fri 4:44 2.4 3:09 1.5 11:07 1.2 9:46 -0.2 6:50 7:46
18 Sat 5:44 2.6 3:14 1.5 12:36 1.4 6:49 7:47
19 Sun 6:45 2.7 11:21 -0.6 6:48 7:48
20 Mon 7:52 2.7 6:47 7:48
21 Tue 9:04 2.6 12:19






























27 Mon 1:24 1.7 1:47 1.7 7:39 0.8 8:01 0.7 6:40 7:53
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CAPT. DAVID C DILLMAN
Fishing out of Eagle Point Marina 409-632-0924
galvestonbaycharterfishing.com
The month of April is what I consider the beginning of the trout season for Galveston bay. Now you can, and I do, catch speckled trout year-round. What I was referring to is the movement of speckled trout that filter into our bay. Years ago, my friend and late fishing guide Capt. Mike Williams and I talked about this movement. A movement of fish that he referred to as "The Nine."
Years ago in a downtown Houston hotel, a seminar took place with some of the best trophy trout guides in Texas. Capt. Williams was one of the guides, and with a ballroom full of people, he stood up and introduced himself, and then said, "I can tell you when the trout come and I can tell you when they leave, down to a tide change." Then Williams continued, talking about a movement of speckled trout, that he calls "The Nine."
With a packed room of about 300 people, Williams said to them, "Close your eyes. Now, imagine a strong front blows in, emptying the water in Galveston bay to an extremely low level. Right before the tide starts to fill the bay with water, a group of men, 'trout trackers,'
dump environmentally friendly fluorescent dye in between the Galveston jetties. From a plane, these trout trackers could see how the current flows into the Galveston bay complex. That's the exact way our non-resident trout come into our bay."
This movement of fish usually begins around April 20 to May 20, during a period Williams calls, "The Tides Of Taurus." These schools of trout move through the Galveston jetties, as well as San Luis Pass. As the trout filter into lower Galveston bay, some move west towards Half Moon Reef, Dollar Reef, and the Texas City Flats. Others spilt off and head east into east Galveston bay. Some continue to filter north, towards Eagle Point, and the adjacent shorelines.
For many years I made a living of fishing the shell pads and wells, waiting on this movement of fish to occur. One year, Williams calls me, then tells me, "to get ready, their coming." This call took place around May 1. Three days later, the speckled trout showed up, right outside of Eagle Point.
Right after the seminar, Texas Parks and Wildlife came out with a statement that they have no evidence of a movement of fish from the gulf, into our bay system. That statement was printed in the Houston Chronicle. Prior to 1985, no one ever used the term "surf runners' or 'resident trout,' they were just called trout. All that is now changed, because everyone now agrees, even TP&W, that there's a movement of speckled trout from the gulf into our bays, that Williams called "The Nine."



What’s made Eagle Point Fishing Camp unique since 1929 is its location and business model. Because it’s in the center of the Galveston Bay, EPFC allows anglers to conveniently fish a vast stretch of water spanning from Houston to Galveston. Using the same full-service concept as its date of establishment, EPFC has proven for nearly a century that easy access to the water combined with a skilled staff creates the perfect fishing experience. Along with the boat ramp, boat storage, live bait for purchase, tackle shop, and RV park, EPFC has always had a fleet of shrimp boats to supply the bait that so many of their regular customers desire. Their successful commercial shrimping business has been an intricate part of what makes EPFC unique. www.eaglepointfishingcamp.com


















BY CAPT. MICHAEL OKRUHLIK MyCoastOutdoors@yahoo.com
www.MyCoastOutdoors.com
If March is the warm-up, April is go time. Longer days, greener water, and steady warming trends flip the inshore switch from “transition” to “feed.” The bait is thicker, the tides feel stronger, and the fish are no longer just staging — they’re hunting.
April is when things start getting fun in a hurry.
By April, speckled trout are pushing onto reefs, sandbars, and grass edges with more consistency. Redfish are cruising shorelines, flooded grass, and marsh drains with purpose. Flounder settle into ambush points along dropoffs and current seams.
The key word this month? Movement.
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 midafternoon bites of late winter, April often rewards early risers.
That first light window can be electric — especially on calm mornings with bait dimpling the surface. This is when topwaters reenter the rotation in a serious way.
There’s nothing subtle about an April blowup.
But don’t force it. If fish are swiping and missing, switch to a soft plastic or suspending bait and clean up the followers.





April fish are more aggressive, but they’re still opportunistic. Paddle tails, shrimp imitations, and swimbaits all shine, especially when worked with a confident, steady retrieve.
Water clarity should dictate your approach:
• Cleaner water → more natural colors and subtle action.
• Stained water → vibration and contrast matter more.
And remember: speed kills… sometimes. If fish are chasing, cover water. If they’re following but not committing, slow down and add pauses.
Let the fish 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.

Drift with it. Fish into it. Work the edges it creates.
Wind plus tide plus bait equals opportunity.
MAKE
Next trip, challenge yourself:
Start on a windblown shoreline. Work it thoroughly. Then 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. The marsh hums. Birds dive. Mullet scatter. The sun carries warmth instead of warning.
It’s the month where confidence returns. Patterns stabilize. Fish feed longer and harder. And somewhere between the first cast and the last drift, you’ll remember why spring inshore fishing is hard to beat.
The water’s warming. The fish are moving. Are you taking a kid fishing?
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor and owner of Knockin
Photo















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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By Julie Graham- ExploreTRV

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


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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— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals
In a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. "e opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.
Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. "e shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony.
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