Coastal Angler Magazine | Houston / Galveston / Upper Coast June 2026 Edition

Remembering Ben Martin

The outdoor and shing community lost a true leader with the passing of Ben Martin, Editor in Chief of Coastal Angler Magazine and !e Angler Magazine

For years, Ben helped shape the voice of one of the most respected outdoor publications in the country. rough his leadership, passion for shing, and dedication to storytelling, he built more than just a magazine— he helped create a community. From o shore anglers and weekend surf shermen to guides, writers, photographers and advertisers, Ben had a way of bringing people together through a shared love of the outdoors.

ose who knew him understood that his passion went far beyond publishing. Ben cared deeply about the shing lifestyle, conservation, and the people behind every story. He believed in supporting local communities, giving outdoor enthusiasts a platform to share their experiences, and keeping shing alive for future generations.

His impact could be felt across every edition, every article, and every relationship he built throughout the industry. He was respected not only as a leader, but as a friend, mentor, and advocate for the outdoor world.

While his passing leaves a tremendous void, Ben’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the publication he helped grow into a trusted voice for anglers everywhere.

e Coastal Angler and e Angler Magazine family mourns the loss of a remarkable man who dedicated his life to the sport, the industry, and the people he loved.

Rest easy, Ben. You will be deeply missed.

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.

2. 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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The Paddle Tail Advantage for Florida Snook

BY CAPT. MICHAEL OKRUHLIK MyCoastOutdoors@yahoo.com www.MyCoastOutdoors.com

Snook fishing in Florida gets me hooked every time. They fight like crazy, pulling you toward every dock or root they can find right after you set the hook. I've tried different methods over the years, but soft plastic paddle tails always pull me back in.

One thing I like about them is how they let you cover a lot of area without looking unnatural. In places like mangrove lines or around docks and passes, they just match what snook eat every day. Like mullet or those small shad, the way it swims seems right. I think that confidence comes from knowing it mimics the bait so well.

A lot of people fish them too quickly, ripping the lure back fast. Snook can be aggressive, sure, but I find better results when I slow it down. Let the thing hang in the zone longer with a twitch here and there. That steady pull with pauses beats the erratic stuff most days. It feels like the fish just need time to commit.

Current makes a big difference, too. I always look for moving water if I can. It pushes the bait around and lines up the snook in spots like points or under bridges. Those dock corners turn into traps when the tide picks up. Positioning up current helps; let the lure drift in naturally.

Snook handle that flow easily and strike at stuff coming their way.

My setup stays basic most times. Grab a three to five-inch paddle tail on a jig head. Lighter ones for shallow spots around mangroves, heavier for deeper passes with more pull. Colors, well, natural ones in clear water, I guess, brighter if it's murky or dark out. Not sure why, but it seems to matter sometimes.

Early mornings along mangrove banks are my go-to. Cast long parallel to the shore, hit every little pocket or drain. Strikes often come right near the edge, so you have to be accurate. Around the docks, I try skipping under as far as possible. Big snook hang in the shade there, especially when it's warmer.

That thump when they hit, you'd better be set. They dive for structure right away, trying to wrap your line. Just keep pressure steady, don't let up.

Florida snook spots are top-notch, and paddle tails work well in that role. Hard to go wrong with them for inshore stuff.

Deep Water Action Near the Galveston Ship Channel

CAPT PAUL MARCACCIO

T.P. & W. & USCG License

Marcaccio Fishing Academy captpaul@gofishgalveston.com www.gofishgalveston.com

As water temperatures climb above 72 degrees, the Houston Ship Channel becomes a prime destination for anglers willing to deal with the unique challenges that come with fishing deep water around heavy ship traffic and strong currents.

This time of year, the channel consistently produces solid speckled trout action along with gafftop, redfish, jack crevalle, and even the occasional blacktip shark. While the fishing can be excellent, success often depends on understanding how to safely fish the structure, currents, and constantly changing conditions found along the ship channel.

Live croaker and live shrimp remain top baits during the warmer months. When trout are aggressively feeding, soft plastic tails can also be extremely productive. Bass Assassin and MirrOlure both make excellent shrimp and shadstyle plastics that perform well around shell pads and deeper ledges.

For anglers looking to cover water, spoons in the ½-ounce to ¾-ounce range and deep-diving plugs are also excellent choices when conditions allow.

One of the keys to locating fish is learning how to use your electronics effectively. Watch your fish finder carefully for shell pads, scattered structure, drop-offs, and flats near deeper water. Once bait and fish are located, position your boat so you can drift naturally with both the current and the wind. Hopefully, both are moving in the

same direction.

Keep a close eye out for slicks and nervous bait activity. Those signs often reveal feeding trout below the surface.

Once you hook up with fish, it’s usually time to anchor or use your trolling motor to hold position. If anchoring, don’t make the mistake of using too little rope. A good rule of thumb is roughly ten feet of anchor line for every foot of water depth. In ten feet of water, you should have close to 100 feet of anchor line deployed for a solid hold in current and ship wake conditions.

Some anglers prefer using drift socks to slow their movement across productive areas. Either method can work well depending on the wind and current.

Fishing croaker requires patience, confidence, and discipline. There are days when the bite seems slow, but when larger trout move through, things can change instantly. More than once, anglers have gone from waiting quietly to suddenly hanging on for dear life as heavyweight trout crush a croaker in deep water.

Rigging is fairly simple. Use a slip weight from ¼-ounce to ½-ounce depending on current strength. Stronger current requires heavier weight. Pair that with a stainless swivel and an 18- to 24-inch, 30-pound-test leader. Wide-gap or circle hooks in the No. 6 range work well for most situations.

One important thing to remember is that large trout often strike croaker differently than smaller fish. Sometimes they hit the bait simply to injure it before circling back to eat it. Other times they inhale the bait and move off hard enough to nearly set the hook themselves. Anglers who react too quickly often pull the bait away before the trout fully commits.

At times, lightly jigging the croaker can trigger strikes much like working an artificial bait. Keeping croaker healthy is also critical. If possible, keep them separated from other bait and use a circular live well with frequent water exchanges to keep them lively.

For anglers looking to buy croaker, availability can vary depending on fishing pressure and time of year. Hillman’s Bait Camp near the Dickinson Bridge is one location known for carrying live croaker when available.

Live shrimp also remains a productive option, especially beneath a popping cork set anywhere from four to eight feet deep. Keep in mind, the longer the leader beneath the cork, the more difficult the cast becomes. Shrimp can also be fished effectively on a Carolina rig around shell and channel edges.

Always have backup locations planned before leaving the dock. Some areas become overcrowded quickly, while others simply stop producing depending on tides and current movement.

Above all else, remember that spoil banks and ship channels can be dangerous. Passing ships can quickly suck water away from shallow structure before sending large wakes crashing back through the area moments later. Those wakes can easily reach several feet high and create dangerous situations for inattentive anglers.

Watch ship traffic constantly. Be prepared to pull anchor and position your bow into incoming wakes when necessary. No trout bite is worth risking the safety of you or your passengers.

As always, enjoy your time on the water and try not to measure success strictly by pounds or inches.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

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3 Wed 12:50 1.6 12:03 -0.3 6:19 8:15

4 Thu 1:32 1.5 12:49 -0.2 6:19 8:15

5 Fri 1:58 1.5 1:36 -0.1 6:19 8:16

6 Sat 1:56 1.3 2:24 0.0 6:19 8:16

7 Sun 12:55 1.2 3:10 0.2 6:18 8:17

8 Mon 11:58 1.2 3:53 0.4 6:59 0.5 6:18 8:17

9 Tue 12:22 0.8 11:39 AM 1.2 4:34 0.7 6:57 0.2 6:18 8:18

10 Wed 3:04 1.0 11:32 AM 1.2 5:13 1.0 7:19 -0.2 6:18 8:18

11 Thu 11:23 1.3 7:51 -0.6 6:18 8:18

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13 Sat 8:17 1.6 9:15 -1.1 6:18 8:19

14 Sun 9:38 1.7 10:05 -1.1 6:19 8:19

15 Mon 11:03 1.7 11:00 -1.0 6:19 8:20

16 Tue 12:19 1.7 11:59 -0.8 6:19 8:20

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18 Thu 1:14 1.4 1:02 -0.6 6:19 8:21

19 Fri 12:49 1.2 2:07 -0.3 5:01 1.1 6:19 8:21

20 Sat 12:12 1.1 3:11 0.0 5:32 0.7 6:19 8:21

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ft AM ft PM ft Rise Set Moon

1 Mon 6:30 2.3 10:22 -0.3 6:20 8:14

2 Tue 7:09 2.3 11:01 -0.3 6:19 8:14

3 Wed 7:50 2.2 11:42 -0.2 6:19 8:15

4 Thu 8:32 2.2 6:19 8:15

5 Fri 9:11 2.1 12:25 -0.1 6:19 8:16

6 Sat 9:45 2.0 1:13 0.1 6:19 8:16

7 Sun 10:12 1.9 9:27 1.1 2:08 0.3 5:25 1.0 6:19 8:17

8 Mon 10:33 1.7 11:32 1.3 3:17 0.6 5:24 0.7 6:19 8:17

9 Tue 10:48 1.6 4:38 0.9 5:42 0.3 6:19 8:17

10 Wed 1:03 1.7 10:56 AM 1.5 6:11 1.2 6:11 -0.1 6:19 8:18

11 Thu 2:10 2.0 10:53 AM 1.5 7:57 1.4 6:49 -0.4 6:19 8:18

12 Fri 3:08 2.3 7:32 -0.8 6:19 8:19

13 Sat 4:02 2.6 8:20 -1.0 6:19 8:19

14 Sun 4:54 2.7 9:11 -1.1 6:19 8:19

15 Mon 5:47 2.7 10:05 -1.1 6:19 8:20

16 Tue 6:38 2.6 11:01 -1.0 6:19 8:20

17 Wed 7:28 2.5 11:59 -0.7 6:19 8:20

18 Thu 8:15 2.3 6:19 8:20

19 Fri 8:56 2.1 7:03 1.3 12:59 -0.3 3:47 1.1 6:19 8:21

20 Sat 9:30 1.8 9:02 1.2 2:04 0.1 4:22 0.8 6:20 8:21

21 Sun 9:57 1.7 11:17 1.3 3:16 0.5 4:59 0.5 6:20 8:21

22 Mon 10:17 1.5 4:43 0.9 5:36 0.2 6:20 8:21

23 Tue 1:09 1.6 10:26 AM 1.4 6:32 1.2 6:11 0.0 6:20 8:22

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29 Mon 5:41 2.2 9:32 -0.5 6:22 8:22

El Niño Hurricane Season & June Fishing Along the Texas Coast

CAPT. DAVID C DILLMAN

Fishing out of Eagle Point Marina 409-632-0924

galvestonbaycharterfishing.com

It’s hard to believe we’re already staring down another hurricane season. Seems like the last one just wrapped up, and now June 1 marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season once again — what can we expect this year?

Most long-range weather indicators are pointing toward the development of a strong El Niño pattern. Historically, El Niño years tend to suppress tropical activity across the Atlantic and Gulf waters by creating stronger upper-level winds that interfere with storm development. Around the Texas coast, those years often bring hotter, drier summers along with steady west and southwest winds.

But before anybody gets too comfortable, let’s make one thing perfectly clear — an El Niño year does not mean Texas is safe from hurricanes.

History proves otherwise.

The last major El Niño event developed during 1982 and 1983. Despite those conditions, Hurricane Alicia formed in August of 1983 after an early-season front slid off the Texas coast and stalled offshore. Within days, the system organized and strengthened before eventually making landfall near the west end of Galveston Island. Alicia became one of the most memorable storms to ever impact the upper Texas coast.

That storm serves as a reminder that all it takes is one system in the right place at the right time.

So now the question becomes — are you prepared for this year’s season? Too many people wait until a storm enters the Gulf before making plans, and by then supplies disappear quickly, fuel lines become backed up, and boat ramps become overcrowded.

This year, make the decision to prepare early.

Here’s a simple hurricane readiness checklist every coastal household should have immediately available:

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Candles or emergency lighting

• Bottled water

• Non-perishable food

• Necessary prescription medications

• A stocked first aid kit

• Pet food and pet supplies

• Blankets, sheets, and pillows

• A “ditch bag” containing clothes, insurance papers, toiletries, valuables, and important documents

• Cash

• A written evacuation plan

• Plywood or storm protection materials if needed

Every family’s needs are different, but this is a solid place to start.

For boat owners, preparedness is even more important. One of the biggest mistakes people

make is waiting too long to secure their boat. If your boat stays in the water or sits on a lift, don’t wait until watches and warnings are issued. Tides often rise well ahead of landfall, and many boat ramps can become unusable long before the storm actually arrives.

If possible, place the boat on a trailer and move it to higher ground early.

Now while hurricane season dominates the conversation, June can also bring some excellent fishing opportunities around Galveston Bay.

This month, focus your efforts around deeperwater structure. The west shoreline of Galveston Bay from Kemah down toward Eagle Point can be especially productive during periods of west and southwest winds. Trout and redfish often relate to shell, drains, and scattered bait activity along that stretch.

Another excellent June option is working the spoil islands along the ship channel. These areas can hold quality fish, especially when tidal movement is strong. Just remember to stay alert for passing ship traffic and move well away from the islands as ships pass through. Safety should always come first on the water.

Fishing throughout May has already been strong, and while west winds aren’t traditionally ideal for Galveston Bay anglers, there are still plenty of fish to be caught for those willing to adapt to changing conditions.

As we move into another Gulf Coast summer, keep one eye on the weather and the other on the tides. Hopefully El Niño helps limit tropical activity this season.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and we’ll see you on the water.

Best Bait on Galveston Bay since 1929

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.

Safe Boating Starts Before the First Cast

BY COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE EDITORIAL STAFF

Safe boating is not about taking the fun out of fishing. It’s about protecting your crew, your family, and your investment while making sure a great day on the water doesn’t turn into a bad situation in a matter of seconds.

One of the biggest mistakes anglers make is becoming too comfortable. Familiar waters can create a false sense of security. Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, Trinity Bay, East Bay, and the Houston Ship Channel all demand respect, especially during changing weather conditions, heavy boat traffic, or low-light runs before sunrise.

Before leaving the dock, every captain should perform a quick safety check. Make sure navigation lights are operational, batteries are charged, bilge pumps are functioning, and all required safety equipment is onboard. Life jackets should not be buried under tackle bags or shoved into compartments. They should be easily accessible and properly fitted for everyone onboard.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to report that the majority of boating fatalities involve drowning, and most victims were not wearing a life jacket. Modern inflatable PFDs are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear all day while fishing. There’s simply no good reason not to wear one, especially when running rough water or fishing alone.

Another major factor in boating accidents is operator distraction. Anglers today are juggling GPS units, side-scan sonar, Power-Poles, trolling motors, phones, and multiple conversations while running the boat. Add fog, floating debris, or heavy weekend traffic, and things can escalate quickly.

Good captains stay alert and avoid running at unsafe speeds for conditions. Early mornings around Galveston Bay often bring reduced visibility, especially during seasonal weather changes. Slow down, use your electronics wisely, and never assume another boater sees you.

Float plans are another overlooked safety tool. Let someone know where you plan to fish and when you expect to return. Cell phones are helpful, but coverage can become unreliable in remote areas or during severe weather. A VHF radio remains one of the most valuable pieces of safety equipment on any fishing boat and can be critical during emergencies.

Weather awareness is equally important this time of year. Along the Gulf Coast, conditions can change fast. A calm morning can quickly become dangerous with building winds and pop-up thunderstorms. Smart anglers constantly monitor radar and forecasts before and during their trip. If storms begin building, don’t wait until lightning is overhead to make a move.

One of the most common issues seen around boat ramps and marinas is alcohol-related poor judgment. While enjoying time on the

water is part of boating culture, operating a vessel impaired creates dangerous situations for everyone around you. Sun, heat, fatigue, and dehydration only amplify the effects. Staying hydrated and maintaining a clear head behind the wheel is critical.

Fishing itself also presents safety concerns many anglers ignore. Hooks, knives, cast nets, slick decks, and high-speed lure retrievals all create opportunities for injury. Keeping the deck organized and free of clutter can prevent accidents, especially when fighting fish or moving around during rough conditions.

For offshore anglers, safety preparation becomes even more critical. EPIRBs, PLBs, extra fuel, emergency medical kits, and reliable communication equipment should all be part of the plan before making long runs into the Gulf. Mechanical failures offshore are more than inconvenient — they can become lifethreatening.

One of the best habits any angler can develop is practicing the “Three R’s” of boating safety: Recognize, React, and Recover. Recognize hazards before they become emergencies. React calmly and quickly when problems arise. Recover safely by having the right equipment and training already in place.

This season, make safe boating part of every fishing plan. Wear the life jacket. Watch the weather. Respect the water. And make sure the only stories coming back to the dock are about the fish that were caught — and the ones that got away.

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NOAA ESTABLISHES LONGEST ATLANTIC RED SNAPPER SEASON IN DECADES

Anglers across the South Atlantic will enjoy a signi cantly longer red snapper season in 2026, thanks to a new management strategy approved by NOAA Fisheries. rough an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), individual states are taking the lead on data collection and management, resulting in a dramatic increase in shing days compared to previous federal seasons. Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina will have more than two months (62 days) for recreational Atlantic red snapper shing, while Florida will have 39 days split into several windows.

Florida’s Extended 39-Day Opportunity

Florida recreational anglers will see the most substantial change, with a season split into summer and fall windows. is expansion aims to reduce regulatory discards— sh that are caught and released but do not survive—by allowing more sh to be kept.

• Summer Window: May 22 – June 20

• Fall Window: October 2–4, 9–11, and 16–18

• Regulations: e daily bag limit is one sh per person. Notably, there is no minimum size limit for Florida under this permit, a move designed to further reduce discard mortality.

Georgia and the Carolinas

North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia are also participating in the pilot program, o ering a continuous two-month season for their residents.

• Season Dates: July 1 – August 31, 2026

• Regulations: e bag limit remains one sh per person. Size limits vary by state: South Carolina maintains a 20-inch minimum, while Georgia and North Carolina have no minimum size for this speci c season.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements e success of this pilot program hinges

on accurate data. For the 2026 Atlantic red snapper season, mandatory reporting is a core requirement.

• Florida: Recreational anglers must have a valid saltwater shing license and a (free) State Reef Fish Angler designation. All red snapper landings must be reported via the FWC EFP Reporting app or website - https://app.myfwc.com/crossdoi/ redsnapperreporting/. While passengers may keep their limit on for-hire trips, captains and crew members are prohibited from retaining red snapper on charter or headboat trips.

• Georgia and the Carolinas: Private recreational anglers must use the VESL app or website (https://blue ndata.com/projects/ red-snapper-with-yamaha) to record their red snapper harvest and discard information to participate in the 2026 red snapper season. For-hire operations who qualify must have a current federal permit and record their harvest and discard information through their appropriate reporting program. is shi toward state-led management re ects a growing e ort to balance the health of the red snapper stock with the needs of the recreational shing community. By gathering more precise catch data through these state programs, o&cials hope to create more sustainable and predictable seasons in the years to come.

Red snapper are highly sought a er by anglers because they’re one of the best-tasting sh in the ocean. ese aggressive sh tend to concentrate around reefs, wrecks, and other deep-water structures, which makes for some fun and fast-paced catching when you can nd them.

2026 GULF RED SNAPPER SEASON

e 2026 Gulf red snapper recreational shing season features a record-breaking 140day harvest period in Florida state and federal waters. e season spans both summer and fall periods, extending all the way into January, with exact limits and dates varying depending on your location and shing permit.

Florida Private Recreational Gulf Season

Florida anglers enjoy the longest season in state history with a 140-day allowance. Bag limit is 2 sh per person, per day, and you must sign up for a no-cost State Reef Fish Survey.

• Summer Season: Open daily from May 22 through July 31.

• Fall Season: Open daily from September 1 through October 4.

• Weekend Openings: Select weekends continue through the rest of the year:

» ree-day weekends in October (Oct. 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-Nov. 1)

» Two-day weekends in November (Nov. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22)

» anksgiving weekend (Nov. 26-29)

» Two-day weekends in December (Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20).

» Christmas weekend (Dec. 25-27) and New Year’s (Jan. 1-4).

Federal For-Hire Gulf Season

For federally-permitted charter/for-hire vessels, the federal waters season in the Gulf of America runs for 147 days and is open June 1 through October 26. Limit of 2 sh per person, per day.

Other Gulf States Regulations and dates vary outside of Florida:

• Louisiana: e season opened on May 1 for private anglers and for-hire charters (state waters), open 7 days a week until quotas are met. e bag limit is 4 sh.

• Alabama: e season opened on May 22, running 7 days a week until the quota is reached.

• Texas: State waters are open year-round.

Always check with your state’s shing and wildlife agency for the most up-to-date rules and regulations.

TA FISHING FATHERS’ CATCH A FISHING FATHERS’ CATCH

the sh bite, and sometimes they don’t. Learning to accept both outcomes gracefully is a lesson many adults still struggle to master.

ey also teach resilience. Every angler loses sh. Hooks snag. Weather changes. Boats break down. Yet shermen keep going. Children who grow up shing learn early that frustration is temporary and persistence o en pays o

By Chatwick G. Peterson III

here’s something timeless about a father teaching a child to sh. Long before the rst cast is made or the rst sh is landed, something deeper is already taking place on the shoreline, in the boat, or along the quiet bend of a creek. Fishing becomes more than a hobby—it becomes a bridge between generations.

For many fathers, shing is one of the rst ways they learn to teach patience, con dence, and respect for the outdoors. It starts with simple things: showing a child how to hold a rod, how to bait a hook, or why you move quietly near the water. ose lessons may seem small in the moment, but they o en become memories that last a lifetime.

A child rarely remembers every sh they catch. What they remember is who was standing beside them. ey remember early mornings wrapped in hoodies while the world was still waking up. ey remember snacks in the tackle box, tangled lines that somehow got xed, and the excitement in their father’s voice when a bobber nally disappeared beneath the surface. ey remember the encouragement a er losing a sh and the celebration a er catching even the smallest bluegill.

Fishing fathers teach far more than technique. ey teach patience in a world that moves too fast. Fishing forces children to slow down, observe, and appreciate the moment. ere are no instant rewards on the water. Sometimes

WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?

Perhaps most importantly, fathers who sh with their children create space for conversation. Some of the best talks happen when there’s no pressure to talk at all. Sitting side by side in a boat or along a bank has a way of opening doors. Kids ask questions. Fathers share stories. Life slows down enough for real connection to happen naturally.

In today’s world, where screens compete for nearly every waking moment, teaching a child to sh may be more important than ever. Fishing pulls kids outdoors and reconnects them with nature. ey learn where food comes from, how ecosystems work, and why conservation matters. ey begin to understand that lakes, rivers, and oceans are not just places for recreation, but resources that deserve protection.

A father teaching a child to release a sh carefully may also be teaching stewardship without ever using the word.

Not every shing father is perfect. Some are patient teachers while others struggle to untangle knots without frustration. Some own expensive boats while others sh from muddy banks with secondhand rods. But none of that truly matters to a child. What matters is presence. Time is the real gi

Years later, long a er tackle boxes rust and rods are replaced, many sons and daughters discover that shing was never really about the sh at all. It was about learning who their father was. It was about shared silence, laughter, stories, and traditions passed down one cast at a time.

And eventually, something remarkable happens: the child grows up and begins teaching another child how to sh. e knot may be tied di erently. e tackle may change. e old family hotspots may even disappear. But the tradition continues. One generation passes something meaningful to the next—not just a skill, but a way of life.

Fishing fathers help shape patient, observant, and connected children. ey teach kids to appreciate nature, value time, and understand that some of life’s greatest moments happen far away from crowds and noti cations.

In the end, the greatest catch a father ever makes may not be the sh on the line, but the bond built beside the water.

Summertime Fishing Patterns

TIM BAREFOOT

June will begin the widespread warm water, instead of just pockets like in spring. Starting now you can catch tuna, wahoo and dolphin anywhere in that 70+ degree water. From now through October, I would put an emphasis on securing big, hardy live baits for the light line. If nothing else, jig up some small snappers wherever you are bottom shing and keep one underneath a oat or under the kite, along with one without a oat that can get some depth. Of course, I like to nd bait to sh around, not just bait on the surface. Don’t hesitate to get these light line baits deeper in the water column. at 75- to 100-foot depth is notorious for wahoo, as well as yellow n tuna during the middle of the day when the sun is high.

I would suggest spending some time posted up on top of a big stack of bait and dedicating at least one person to jigging up dozens of live cigs and sardines. is is the ultimate bait for either the light line or on the bottom. If you put a lot of cigar minnows or sardines on the decoy jig, its life expectancy is under ve seconds on the bottom, but just getting it to the bottom sometimes can be a challenge. We never leave the dock without a couple boxes of frozen cigar minnows and live pin sh this time of year, but nothing, in my humble opinion, is any better than a live cigar or sardine on the jig.

later.

e summer solstice will be June 20—the longest day of the year. It will be daylight right a er 5 a.m. and sh are just like us. ey like to eat breakfast and dinner, so go early. Be there for the daylight bite or stay late and, if you feel froggy, spend the night. ere is nothing like that night bite under the lights. It is a “National Geographic moment” at night under the lights. You see everything. Be sure to dip up some squid for the daylight bite or put them back down at night. Squid will de nitely come to the lights and are easy to catch, but beware—they will bite you and spew very black ink. is is a great time of year to take the kids. You could have big, high-pressure cells that will keep the seas at for days and they will be amazed to see all the life under the lights at night. But dress your kids properly and teach him how to harvest sh and take care of the sh you want to release. Take plenty of videos because they will never want to forget these trips.

Calm seas and tight lines, Ben Martin. We’ll sh together again someday...

Visit barefootcatsandtackle.com for more tips and techniques.

GOING DEEP WITH COPPER STATE TACKLE PRO JOEY BLOOM

When the water starts warming and o shore schools of bass begin grouping up on ledges, hard spots, and deep structure, few techniques can trigger giant bites like a deep-diving crankbait. For Joey Bloom, deep cranking is one of the best ways to locate aggressive sh and force reaction strikes from bass that might ignore slower presentations.

“Deep cranking is all about triggering sh,” Bloom explained. “You’re covering water fast, crashing the bait into structure or bottom, and forcing those big bass to react.”

One reason the technique is so productive is the amount of water it covers. Deep-diving crankbaits allow anglers to e&ciently sh o shore structure in the 10- to 25-foot range while maintaining constant bottom contact. Bass o en position around underwater points, shell beds, creek channel bends, submerged roadbeds, rock piles, and ledges where bait sh collect. By making long casts and grinding a crankbait through those highpercentage areas, anglers can quickly locate active schools.

According to Bloom, some of the best locations to target are hardbottom transitions where so bottom changes to hard, rock changes to clay or gravel, o shore humps near creek channels, and isolated structure that sits away from heavy shing pressure.

“Anytime you nd current, bait, and hard structure together, you’ve got the ingredients for giant bass,” Bloom said. “ e biggest thing is making repeated casts from di erent angles until you contact the sweet spot.”

A deep crankbait becomes even more e ective when it continuously de ects o cover. e sudden change in direction mimics injured bait sh and o en causes bass to strike out of instinct. Many anglers believe those violent reaction bites are what separates deep cranking from nesse shing.

Having the proper gear is critical for shing oversized crankbaits all day. Bloom prefers a longer rod in the 7-foot-6 to 7-foot-9 range with a moderate action. e so er parabolic bend helps absorb the surge of big bass while keeping treble hooks pinned during long ghts. Longer rods also increase casting distance, which helps the bait reach maximum depth and stay in the strike zone longer.

When it comes to reels, Bloom relies on slower gear ratios in the 5:1 or 6:3:1 range. Deep-diving crankbaits create tremendous resistance in the water, and lower gear ratio reels provide the torque needed to grind those baits e&ciently without exhausting the angler.

Pairing that setup with 10- to 12-pound uorocarbon line helps maximize diving depth while maintaining sensitivity. Bloom believes the combination of the right rod, reel, and line can be the di erence between occasionally catching sh and consistently landing giant o shore bass.

“When that crankbait starts digging and bouncing o the bottom, you know it’s any moment that a giant bass is going to eat it,” Bloom said. “ at next cast could be the biggest bass of your life.”

You can !nd all your tackle needs at Copper State Tackle and use BLOOM10 for your checkout discount!

www.copperstatetackle.com

SUZUKI MARINE PARTNERS WITH FUEL 1, PAVING THE WAY TO MAKING ETHANOL-FREE MARINE FUEL AVAILABLE THROUGH SUZUKI MARINE DEALERS

Suzuki Marine has partnered with Fuel 1 to provide an opportunity for its dealer network to o er certi ed Sustainable Marine Fuels to its customers right from their facilities. By teaming up with Fuel 1 — a national retailer of advanced fuel delivery and portable fueling systems — Suzuki Marine is helping its dealers better serve their communities by meeting an important consumer need, maximizing the performance and reliability of their customer’s boats, and supporting sustainability goals important to Suzuki Marine and the entire recreational boating industry.

Working with Fuel 1 provides Suzuki Marine dealers with important advantages, such as the ability to deploy a fully supported fueling ecosystem with zero capital investment. Fuel 1 will provide free Micro-Station Deployment; fully branded portable fueling stations installed at participating dealer locations. In addition to direct fueling solutions, portable distribution systems including 20-gallon exchange pods and tote programs make it easy for customers to fuel their boats with PurFuels’ 93-octane, ethanol-free fuel that has been developed speci cally for marine operating conditions.

“Making sustainable marine fuels more accessible in di erent areas of the country is a great win for our dealers and customers alike,” said Brandon Cerka, Suzuki Marine Vice President Sales & Marketing. “ is partnership is also a major step in Suzuki Marine’s ongoing e ort to reduce the environmental footprint of boating. We have long supported the industry’s e orts to educate the boating public about these cleaner burning, more sustainable fuels. Now, we are stepping up to the plate to help get this fuel to more boaters, using their trusted Suzuki Marine dealers as the source,” added Cerka.

e program also makes strong business sense for dealers. A revenue sharing model will provide dealers with solid pro ts and recurring income. Fuel 1 will manage all compliance, liability, inventory, refueling and pointof-sale systems, making it easy for dealers to provide this valuable service to both loyal and new customers. Fuel 1 provides unmatched business and marketing support, including national marketing campaigns to drive customers to the dealership, dealer spotlighting across Fuel 1 Direct and partner platforms, invitations to participate in Fuel 1’s national sponsorships and marine events, and customer aggregation tools to help position dealerships as a preferred destination for premium marine fuel.

“We have used these fuels exclusively at our Suzuki Marine U.S. Technical Center during engine testing, durability trials, and performance benchmarking. Over years of testing, we have proven that these fuels help Suzuki Marine’s products run at peak performance, e&ciency, and durability in real-world conditions. We have every con dence in these fuels and are pleased to be o ering them to our customers,” added Cerka.

To learn more about the key bene!ts of PurFuels sustainable marine fuel, visit www.fuel1direct.com

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