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Nearshore Grocery Shopping TIM BAREFOOT
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anuary marks a shi! in fishing targets, with a focus on species ideal for winter meals. This month traditionally finds anglers pursuing seabass and other nearshore fish, following a tradition passed down from my dad, who favored seabass and flounder for their taste and suitability for freezing. Seabass are not only delicious but also keep well in the freezer, providing a reliable food source throughout the colder months. Flounder, prized for its flavor, remains a favorite for many. While seeking black seabass close to shore, anglers o!en encounter gag grouper, grey trout, and flounder. However, many of these species have strict creel limits, with retention o!en prohibited in regions like North Carolina. To avoid catching undersized or barely legal seabass, using larger bait on a jig is recommended. Live pinfish—ideally the size of a tennis ball or baseball—make exceptional bait. If you have access to a marina’s fish cleaning table, pay attention to discarded scraps, as these can help attract
2 NATIONAL
JANUARY 2026
pinfish. Setting a pinfish trap or using finely cut scraps to chum and cast net for pinfish are effective methods for securing live bait. This technique is not only excellent for larger seabass but also irresistible to gag grouper. The same structures that attract seabass also hold baitfish such as cigar minnows, sardines, and small snapper. When anchored or spot-locked over structure, keeping a Sabiki rig ready can be invaluable. Keep one person in the boat constantly on the Sabiki providing live baits for the rest of the boat. This will certainly pay dividends. Be mindful of state and federal regulations of what you can and cannot keep, but this tactic catches everything on the reef without exception. The thing I like about pinfish is everything down there will give a live sardine and a live cigar minnow a fatal attack, but only the critters with a large enough mouth and a bold nature will go a!er pinfish or small snapper. The goal is not to catch a hundred fish, but to land a dozen high-quality bites—those worth taking home for dinner. Anywhere south and north of North Carolina, flounder is still on the menu for dinner, and a jig paired with a live cigar minnow is the ultimate flounder catching instrument. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so, but if you take light tackle to some of these nearshore seabass holes, you will lose fish to powerful gags. For nearshore flounder and grouper, opt for heavier tackle—a grouper stick equipped with a four-ounce jig and live cigar minnows or sardines. The other byproduct of this style fishing will be large drum, which tend to congregate on nearshore structure. Don’t be surprised to catch seabass, flounder, gags, and drum in the same spot. Also don’t hesitate to take chunks of crab or sand fleas for sheepshead. January is a winter wonderland, so make the most out of your nearshore grocery shopping by being prepared for all the possibilities. Learn more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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he flat was silent. No birds. No bait popping. Only the crunch of frost under my boots and the faint ripple of tide against the shoreline. Every sensible voice in my PHO TO COURT ESY OF KN head said the fish wouldn’t OCKIN TA IL LURES® feed. Then the line jumped—just once— and everything changed. For those who chase speckled trout of larger proportions, one truth becomes painfully clear: big winter trout do not give themselves up easily. Cold water slows their metabolism, feeding windows shrink, and mistakes multiply. Most anglers default to the winter mantra—slow everything down. It’s solid advice… but it isn’t the whole story. Winter trophy trout live in a world of conserving energy. They don’t want to chase far, but they will react violently to the right movement at the right moment. That’s where two tools come together: erratic presentation and precise timing. Let’s start with timing. Like many anglers, I once dismissed solunar tables as folklore. As a kid, I’d scan the fish symbols on the calendar before every trip. More fish meant higher hopes. Fewer fish meant lower expectations. Over time, I saw no real correlation and abandoned the idea. But as I matured into a better saltwater angler—and began truly hunting trophy trout—I returned to solunar tables, this time paired with tides and conditions. The difference was undeniable. These tables aren’t magic. They won’t put fish where they don’t exist. But if you are on fish, they o!en reveal when those fish are most willing to feed. Many anglers assume the “major” bite is always better than the “minor.” Not true. The difference is duration, not intensity. The major typically lasts about two hours, the minor closer to ninety minutes. Either can be explosive. One rule I never break: don’t relocate during a feeding window. On a recent trip, I was grinding through a slow morning and nearly moved on. I checked the time—ten minutes before the bite. I stayed. What followed was an aggressive feed that turned a dead stretch into a trophy-class opportunity. Big trout don’t feed o!en. When they do, you’d better be ready. That brings us to presentation. In winter, I rely on suspending and slow-sinking lures with erratic, nervous action. When I say “slow,” I mean forward movement—not motion. With a so!, whippy rod, I shake the lure in place with almost no forward travel, then let it pause. Shake. Pause. Repeat. This technique works best with braided line, which transmits every movement without stretch. Winter trout may be cold—but when timing and motion align, they don’t just bite… they attack. The strike comes without warning. No tap. No thump. Just sudden, heavy weight and the slow, head-shaking surge of a true gator. In that moment, frozen fingers, long quiet hours, and doubt all vanish. There is only tension in the line and the knowledge that patience, timing, and the right dance delivered the fish you came for. And that’s why we brave the winter. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures,® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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Pro Tips for Inshore Fishing This Winter
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paddle tails this time of year. Small bucktail jigs and ned rigs are also great choices this time of year. Pro Tip #3 - Slow down your retrieve. Cold fish can’t move as quickly as warm fish can. It’s really that simple. Whatever retrieve you like to use in the summer months, slow it by 50% and that will probably be just about right for winter. CAPT. MIKE SMITH Make sure to bounce your jigs, ned rigs and shrimp will most likely be the shrimp off of the bottom. Fish tend to stay near main forage for these fish in the coldest months. the bottom in winter months. Because fish are cold blooded it is harder Pro Tip #4 - Use longer leaders. Often, for them to digest food when they are cold. It is the water gets gin clear in the winter months. easier on their metabolism to digest a 2-inch fish Because you are retrieving your lures more than a 6-inch fish. slowly, the fish will get a better look at your lines and lures. %is is when a long fluorocarbon leader is the way to go. I like an 8 ft. leader married to a braided line with an FG knot. If you don’t know how to tie an FG knot, then learn. It is a must have part of your fishing arsenal. Why Fluorocarbon? %e benefits of fluoro over monofilament are no stretching and it sinks. Mono stretches and floats. Cold water can be a problem for inshore lure fishermen but it doesn’t have to be. Follow the pro tips above and you will catch more wintertime fish.
anuary and February are the coldest months for humans and for inshore game fish. Both species are moving a little slower and are looking for warmth. Fish have it worse because they are cold blooded. Pro Tip #1 - Find warmer water. Just a couple of degrees can make all the difference between catching and not catching fish during the cold months. Focus on the southern facing shorelines that receive the most hours of sunlight each day. Conversely, avoid fishing shady spots. Start fishing later in the day to allow the sun’s power to heat the water. An especially good time to fish is when low tide coincides with the middle of the day. Shallow water is easier to heat up and it concentrates the fish. If you are fishing during the higher parts of the tide, then you should look for shallow flats that are adjacent to deeper water (8 to 10 ft). Fish seek out shallow water to warm up after spending the night down deep where the water Capt. Bucky Goldman caught this black temperatures are more stable. drum sight casting a live shrimp. Pro Tip #2 - Fish with smaller baits. Most of the prey items available to snook, redfish, Use lures 3 inches or smaller this time of speckled trout, flounder and other predatory fish are small this time of year. Small minnows and year. I love to use 2.75-inch shrimp and 3-inch
Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass Off Charters, is an inshore fishing guide who 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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intuitive, connected, and elevated experience for attendees and exhibitors. This evolution reflects extensive planning and thoughtful consideration of what visitors value most, resulting in a footprint that is easier to navigate and more closely aligned with the expectations of today’s marine consumer. A centerpiece of this redesign is the return of the Miami Beach Yacht Collection to Collins Avenue, restoring a signature element of the show that last appeared there in 2018. Yachts will once again line the waterfront along Indian Creek, a setting known for both its beauty and its deep-rooted connection to Miami Beach’s boating culture. The move has already attracted an impressive range of premium yacht brands, creating an environment that naturally supports serious buyers and provides stronger visibility for exhibitors. The Collins Avenue location is surrounded by some of Miami Beach’s most recognized hotels, offering an atmosphere that enhances the luxury of the in-water displays. The show’s new layout also introduces Sailor’s Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami, a dedicated destination for the sailing community. This area will showcase sailboats, catamarans, gear, and lifestyle elements in a marina setting specifically designed for hands-on exploration. Upgraded docks, modern amenities, and on-site training from the Annapolis School of Seamanship bring additional depth to the experience. A convenient Park and Ride system will make it easier for visitors to move between Sailor’s Cove and the other primary locations of the show. Across its three main sites, the 2026 show emphasizes accessibility and a seamless flow. A single ticket grants entry to every location, allowing guests to explore everything from boats under 49 feet at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park to luxury motor yachts, superyachts, and the full sailing lifestyle across Miami Beach and downtown Miami. Complimentary shuttles, golf carts, and rideshare access support effortless movement between venues. As one of the largest boat shows in the world, the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show continues to strengthen the recreational boating industry and generate significant economic impact for the region. With renewed energy, enhanced connectivity, and an expanded range of he 2026 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is preparing experiences, the 2026 edition is positioned to deliver a world class showcase of to deliver one of its most transformative editions yet. Returning marine innovation and culture. February 11 to 15 over Presidents Day weekend, the show enters its For more details and ticket options, visit miamiboatshow.com. 85th year with a completely reimagined layout designed to create a more
THE ULTIMATE BOATER’S DESTINATION
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The New Year By: Jessica Hendrie
A
s the calendar flips to a new year, anglers everywhere feel that familiar spark of hope, that this is the year to land the fish we’ve been dreaming about. Whether you chase billfish offshore, bass in the lakes, or anything that bends a rod, the New Year is the perfect time to set intentions that make every trip on the water more meaningful. My personal goal this year is to catch a marlin in the country of Panama! Although one of the best resolutions anyone can make is simply to slow down and enjoy the process! Too often, we get caught up counting catches, measuring inches, and comparing photos even though those are still fun themselves. This year, I will be committing to appreciating the hobby over what I can show I did. Something else I challenge you to do this year is to learn something new. We tend to get stuck in our ways thinking we know how to do it, we’ve been doing it for years, however, try to learn a new way, and who knows, it may even lead to more fish in the boat. For all of us who dream big, 2026 can be a year of firsts, bucket list catches and overall experience. Saying all of this brings me to the most important task this year, fish more with people who matter. Invite a friend who’s never been or who’s never even held a fishing pole, take someone who only fishes offshore to a lake, or even schedule that big 2-day fishing trip with your best fishing partner. At the end of the year, that is what you will reflect on and it’ll be pretty cool if you catch fish too. So, here’s to a new year of bent rods, tight lines, and new memories!
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | JANUARY 2026 | FORT MYERS 1
Abundant Opportunities
By: Capt. Bart Marx
J
anuary in Southwest Florida and the beginning a new year for fishing in our area. This month, there should be plenty of those spotted sea trout hanging out on the grass flats lying in the little sand patches waiting for a non-suspecting bait to swim by and ambush it for a meal. Around the docks and seawalls will be holding sheepshead as their meal of choice is crustaceans. Flounder can be found in closer from the Gulf in preparation to head offshore to spawn. Redfish should be along the edges of the mangroves and in the small creeks throughout Southwest Florida. If you are heading offshore this month there should be plenty of snapper to target. Mangrove and lane snapper are good table fare and they can be found in forty to eighty feet of water, and look for hogfish on some of the bigger ledges and artificial structure. There crustacean eaters too, therefore, if you are heading offshore to fish, take some live shrimp as this will make for great bait to catch these fish. January is also a good month for white grunts as they like the cooler water and they are plentiful. If you have ever been to the Florida Keys and had grits and grunts these are the fish. They are one of the fish that are very good eating fresh never frozen. And if you mix grunt filets and snapper and fry them you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. We have many ways to catch various species of fish, and if you would like to come along and learn some of these skills feel free to call us! Many of the newer residents of our area may be unfamiliar with our fisheries and we can help with the fishing learning curve. We provide training on your boat or ours. Feel free to contact Capt. Bart Marx at 941-979-6517, or e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegachartrs.com
Alpha Omega Charters | alphaomegacharters.com captbart@alphaomegacharters.com | 941-979-6517 2 FORT MYERS | JANUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM
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ANNUAL FISHING CALENDAR
By: Capt. Terry Fisher
E
very month of every year will present different challenges to all anglers. Understanding when and where to go will make all the difference for catching fish. I am presenting my views from many years of experience, fishing SW Florida waters, in hopes that anglers will gain more advantage when utilizing some of my recommendations together with their own experiences. These recommendations will focus on which species are best to target during particular months on a quarterly basis as follows: JANUARY-MARCH Sheepshead will be one of the easiest fish to target as they. Larger fish have moved from the offshore reefs and wrecks to the inland waterways to spawn and eat. They will congregate around and under docks, mangroves, around oyster bars and seawalls, making it easy for anglers to locate. Like many species, they like structure such as piles and rocks. Many anglers will use ‘Mud Crabs’ or Fiddler Crabs to catch them. I keep it much simpler by using shrimps on small bait hooks with a ‘pinch’ weight to assist when casting the presentation. These fish have a reputation for being difficult to catch. That’s true for any fish that are not in a feeding mode. However, to the contrary, when Sheepshead decide to eat, they virtually will hook themselves due to their aggressive mode. Snook is a year around favorite or anglers that have a boat and proper equipment such as a trolling motor and power pole. Most all anglers have a desire to land a Snook. If one does not have a boat, canoe or kayak then I suggest fishing from the beach into the troughs and passes of the outer islands. Vessel owners with proper equipment will have good results from just off the beaches, in the canals and up creeks. Artificial presentations will all produce such as swim, crank, soft plastics, and top water. Preferred live baits include Pinfish and big shrimps. Snooks favorite live bait requires throwing a cast net for Threadfins and white baits, such as Pilchards. Spanish mackerel will begin their migration southward. Artificial presentations such as Gotcha lures, gold and silver spoons produce. Watch for diving birds and usually anglers will find them at those locations. Grouper and snapper move within ten miles of the outer islands of Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva and N. Captiva. Some even find locations closer to the islands. The water temperature has cooled. Prior to now, guides and recreational anglers were traveling 40 to 70 miles offshore to find these fish. Nonetheless, I recommend fishing 30 miles out (80-100 ft. water) the months of January-March for the best chances of larger groupers, snappers, triggers and other fish during these months. APRIL-JUNE Seatrout will inhabit most grass flats in 3-6ft. of water. Look for the murky green color indicating sea grass. Larger seatrout will become more prevalent during the early spring months. Artificial presentations all work but shrimp, suspended under a popping cork, will be the most effective way to catch lots of seatrouts. Tarpon will begin to arrive during their annual spring migration
from Mexico and beyond. Look for them off the beaches, in Pine Island Sound, Redfish/N. Captiva passes, Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor. In other words, this time of year and for a couple of months they will be everywhere. I suggest to anglers who have never caught or hooked a tarpon to hire a guide, as there are several locations and several different techniques to be utilized. Proper equipment is also needed. Snook will begin to move from rivers, creeks and canals to the beaches to spawn during April. Redfish become the target fish for many. The higher daily tides offer anglers and fishing guides access to shallow, less pressured area(s) of the winter months. Look for them around the oyster beds, mangroves, around the passes and under docks. While artificial presentations will work, pinfish, pilchards and shrimps will provide best results. Mangrove snapper are an inshore favorite. They are smaller than most of the offshore Mangrove snapper as they are younger and will not move offshore until after they reach bigger lengths (usually about 3 years). The inshore harvest length is 10 inches while the offshore catch requires 12 inches. This species is technically gray snapper. JULY-SEPTEMBER Redfish and snook will be everywhere in the back-country areas. Anglers with shallow running boats have access because of the high summer tides. The fish will move to the mangroves for protection and new food sources from the mangrove barnacle as the tides move in, then departing to potholes as the daily tide moves out. Seatrout will remain everywhere but the sizes will be smaller as the water temperature heats up. Catfish become a nuisance during the summer months. Grouper and snapper will move further offshore to 100-140 ft. of water due to water temperatures. OCTOBER-DECEMBER Redfish and snook will mirror the above report for the previous three months. However, this month may produce the largest redfish and snook sizes of the year. Come December, the tides will not be as high and the water will begin to cool and anglers will be dealing with winter conditions similar to those mentioned in the first quarter. Pompano and spanish mackerel will be for the most part ‘by catches’ while targeting seatrout on the grass flats. This time of the year is when things start changing with lower tides, less boat access to backcountry areas. During the end of the year and throughout the months of January and February with low tides, fish the passes and current cuts. This is Captain Terry Fisher with Fish Face Charters, LLC. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Email me at fishfacecharters@ yahoo.com or call me direct at 239-357-6829. I am available as your ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel (by the hour) for instructions on navigating SW Florida waters, fishing locations and techniques that guarantee every trip will produce fish.
4 FORT MYERS | JANUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM
Fish Face Charters | fishfacecharters.com | 239-357-6829
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2333 El Jobean Road (Route 776), Port Charlotte, FL 33948
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Low Tide Reds on Fly By: Alex Baumann
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anuary on Sanibel Island is about as good as it gets for fly anglers who love technical skinny water sight fishing. Winter’s low sun and those steady northeast blows help pull the tides even lower than the charts call for, draining the grass flats and leaving sand bars high and dry across Pine Island Sound and the backcountry. For anyone chasing redfish, it honestly feels like the whole system tilts in your favor. You get clear water, concentrated fish, and plenty of shots if you are patient enough to slow down and really hunt. The entire game this month and winter in general revolves around the bottom of the tide. As the water slips off the flats, reds slide off the
grass beds and gather around potholes, slight depressions, and the little troughs that form next to exposed bars. When there is just a sheet of water left, you will start seeing backs, tails, and push wakes as they feed on baitfish, small crabs, and shrimp. Stealth becomes everything in this ultra-shallow water. With winter clarity, the fish see and feel every mistake. Moving extra slow and using the wind to hide your approach makes a huge difference. Keep an eye out for birds wading on flats as redfish tend to be close behind feeding on the goodies they stir up. An eight weight with a floating line and a 9-foot 16-pound tapered leader with 2-3 feet of 20-pound shock tippet, dropping to 16-pound if need be. Around ten to twelve feet in total. Fly choice does not need to be complicated. Small, subtle, and lightly weighted wins this month. Tan or olive EP minnows, micro crab patterns, shrimp imitations, or little craft fur baitfish in sizes two through six all match what they are feeding on. I personally like throwing bead chain shrimp patterns. The biggest mistake this time of year is too much weight. When the water is low, a heavy fly will plow bottom or blow fish out instantly. If you really need a touch more weight for a deeper edge or pothole, let it sink for longer opposed to adding more weight. Presentation is the whole deal. Reds in low water rarely tolerate anything landing right on top of them, except if they are tailing in the grass. Lead the fish a few feet, more if they are moving, and let the fly settle naturally. Then give it tiny ticks of the line, just enough to look like a shrimp trying to scoot off or a crab digging down. When a fish flares and pins the fly, strip until you are tight. A trout set will cost you. Some of the best sessions on these extra low tides come from wading instead of polling. A skiff, even a paddle board or kayak, pushing through inches of water usually bumps fish before you ever see them, but stepping out lets you move precisely, stalk singles, and drop a fly exactly where it needs to go. Look for waving tails, aggressive pushes, or that bronze flash on white sand. Alex Baumann specializes in fly fishing in the area. You can reach him directly at 704-999-0571.
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5:47
1
8:27
-0.8
7:17
5:47
9:18
-0.8
7:17
5:48
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Thu
12:27
1.3
4:00
0.4
9:43
-0.5
6:19
0.3
7:16
5:46
2
Fri
1:19
1.4
4:45
0.4
10:32
-0.6
7:38
0.3
7:16
5:47
3
Sat
2:13
1.3
5:18
0.4
11:15
-0.5
8:55
0.3
7:16
5:47
11:54
-0.5
10:03
0.2
7:16
5:48
2
Fri
3
Sat
12:27
2.0
4
Sun
1:19
2.0
5:02
0.8
10:02
-0.7
7:58
0.8
7:17
5:49
4
Sun
3:08
1.3
5:48
0.5
5
Mon
2:12
1.9
5:04
0.8
10:40
-0.6
9:29
0.6
7:17
5:49
5
Mon
4:03
1.2
6:18
0.5
12:27
-0.4
7:16
5:49
6
Tue
3:07
1.8
5:21
0.9
11:13
-0.5
10:32
0.4
7:17
5:50
6
Tue
4:58
1.0
6:50
0.6
12:57
-0.3
7:17
5:49
7
Wed
4:04
1.6
5:45
1.0
11:43
-0.4
11:31
0.3
7:17
5:51
7
Wed
5:52
0.9
7:23
0.6
12:06
0.0
1:23
-0.3
7:17
5:50
8
Thu
5:02
1.3
6:13
1.1
12:12
-0.2
7:18
5:52
8
Thu
6:47
0.7
7:59
0.6
1:06
0.0
1:47
-0.2
7:17
5:51
9
Fri
6:12
1.0
6:46
1.2
12:34
0.1
12:38
0.0
7:18
5:52
9
Fri
7:47
0.5
8:36
0.7
2:10
-0.1
2:12
-0.2
7:17
5:52
10
Sat
7:41
0.8
7:22
1.3
1:44
0.0
1:04
0.2
7:18
5:53
10
Sat
9:01
0.3
9:15
0.7
3:26
-0.1
2:38
-0.2
7:17
5:52
11
Sun
9:07
0.6
7:58
1.3
2:56
-0.2
1:28
0.3
7:18
5:54
11
Sun
10:32
0.2
9:54
0.8
4:59
-0.2
3:07
-0.1
7:17
5:53
12
Mon
10:37
0.6
8:35
1.3
4:11
-0.3
1:49
0.5
7:18
5:55
12
Mon
12:10
0.1
6:42
-0.3
3:39
0.0
7:17
5:54
13
Tue
9:12
1.3
5:26
-0.4
7:18
5:55
13
Tue
1:46
0.1
7:54
-0.5
4:20
0.1
7:17
5:55
14
Wed
9:56
1.4
6:27
-0.5
7:18
5:56
14
Wed
3:02
0.2
8:45
-0.6
5:15
0.2
7:17
5:55
15
Thu
10:48
1.4
7:17
-0.6
7:18
5:57
15
Thu
3:51
0.3
9:28
-0.6
6:23
0.2
7:17
5:56
16
Fri
11:40
1.5
8:01
-0.6
7:17
5:58
16
Fri
12:43
1.0
4:23
0.4
10:05
-0.6
7:30
0.3
7:17
5:57
17
Sat
3:40
0.8
8:41
-0.6
6:31
0.7
7:17
5:59
17
Sat
1:30
1.0
4:48
0.4
10:38
-0.6
8:30
0.2
7:17
5:58
18
Sun
12:26
1.6
3:52
0.8
9:17
-0.5
7:18
0.7
7:17
5:59
18
Sun
2:19
1.0
5:10
0.4
11:07
-0.5
9:23
0.2
7:16
5:59
19
Mon
1:10
1.7
4:06
0.8
9:48
-0.5
8:14
0.6
7:17
6:00
19
Mon
3:08
1.0
5:29
0.5
11:33
-0.5
10:10
0.1
7:16
5:59
20
Tue
1:54
1.7
4:23
0.9
10:16
-0.5
9:16
0.4
7:17
6:01
20
Tue
3:56
1.0
5:49
0.5
11:56
-0.4
10:56
0.0
7:16
6:00
21
Wed
2:43
1.7
4:42
1.0
10:43
-0.5
10:13
0.3
7:17
6:02
21
Wed
4:43
1.0
6:09
0.5
12:19
-0.4
7:16
6:01
22
Thu
3:34
1.5
5:03
1.1
11:07
-0.4
11:07
0.1
7:16
6:02
22
Thu
5:31
0.9
6:32
0.6
12:41
-0.3
7:16
6:02
23
Fri
4:29
1.3
5:25
1.2
11:31
-0.2
7:16
6:03
23
Fri
6:20
0.7
7:00
0.7
12:34
-0.2
1:04
-0.3
7:15
6:02
24
Sat
5:33
1.0
5:51
1.3
12:07
0.0
11:52
0.0
7:16
6:04
24
Sat
7:17
0.5
7:33
0.8
1:35
-0.2
1:26
-0.2
7:15
6:03
25
Sun
7:07
0.8
6:24
1.4
1:19
-0.2
12:12
0.2
7:15
6:05
25
Sun
8:31
0.3
8:13
0.9
2:50
-0.2
1:48
-0.2
7:15
6:04
26
Mon
8:56
0.6
7:09
1.5
2:41
-0.3
12:27
0.4
7:15
6:06
26
Mon
10:16
0.1
9:01
1.0
4:28
-0.3
2:08
-0.1
7:14
6:05
27
Tue
8:08
1.5
4:05
-0.4
7:15
6:06
27
Tue
9:58
1.0
6:28
-0.4
7:14
6:06
28
Wed
9:17
1.6
5:28
-0.6
7:14
6:07
28
Wed
11:04
1.1
7:54
-0.5
7:14
6:06
29
Thu
10:35
1.7
6:35
-0.7
7:14
6:08
29
Thu
8:51
-0.6
7:13
6:07
30
Fri
11:47
1.8
7:29
-0.8
7:13
6:09
30
Fri
12:14
1.1
3:50
0.3
9:37
-0.6
6:48
0.2
7:13
6:08
31
Sat
3:54
0.8
8:16
-0.8
7:13
6:09
31
Sat
1:22
1.1
4:12
0.4
10:17
-0.6
8:09
0.2
7:12
6:09
6:42
0.7
8 FORT MYERS | JANUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM
Moon
10871 Kelly Rd Ft Myers, FL 33908 239.267.6857
SANIBEL/ CAPTIVA
www.USHarbors.com
January/2026 • 26°29’N 82°11’W
Captiva Island (outside), FL - Jan 2026 High
Date 1
Thu
PUNTA GORDA/ CHARLOTTE HABOR
7141 Gasparilla Rd. Port Charlotte, FL 33981 941.698.9902 www.USHarbors.com
January/2026 • 26°56’N 82°4’W
Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, FL - Jan 2026
Low
High
Date
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Moon
11:46
1.5
9:25
2.5
4:24
-1.0
3:39
1.2
7:16
5:47
1
AM
ft
Low PM
ft
Thu
AM
ft
Rise
Set
8:18
-0.7
PM
ft
7:17
5:46
2
Fri
12:30
1.5
5:15
-1.1
4:33
1.1
7:17
5:48
2
Fri
12:19
2.1
9:10
-0.8
7:17
5:47
3
Sat
1:15
1.5
6:03
-1.1
5:24
1.0
7:17
5:49
3
Sat
1:11
2.1
9:59
-0.8
7:17
5:47
4
Sun
1:56
1.5
6:50
-0.9
6:17
0.9
7:17
5:50
4
Sun
2:05
2.1
6:33
1.0
10:44
-0.7
8:54
0.9
7:18
5:48
5
Mon
12:00
2.4
2:33
1.6
7:36
-0.7
7:15
0.8
7:17
5:50
5
Mon
3:00
2.0
6:35
1.0
11:25
-0.6
10:09
0.8
7:18
5:49
6
Tue
12:55
2.2
3:06
1.6
8:17
-0.4
8:12
0.7
7:17
5:51
6
Tue
3:57
1.8
6:45
1.0
12:02
-0.4
7:18
5:50
7
Wed
1:53
2.0
3:36
1.6
8:54
-0.1
9:08
0.6
7:18
5:52
7
Wed
4:54
1.6
6:58
1.1
12:36
-0.2
7:18
5:50
8
Thu
2:51
1.7
4:03
1.7
9:29
0.2
10:11
0.5
7:18
5:52
8
Thu
5:54
1.3
7:17
1.1
12:26
0.5
1:08
0.0
7:18
5:51
9
Fri
3:58
1.4
4:30
1.7
10:05
0.5
11:28
0.4
7:18
5:53
9
Fri
6:58
1.1
7:42
1.2
1:37
0.4
1:37
0.2
7:18
5:52
10
Sat
5:51
1.2
5:01
1.7
10:49
0.8
7:18
5:54
10
Sat
8:18
0.8
8:12
1.3
2:53
0.2
2:04
0.4
7:18
5:53
11
Sun
7:31
1.1
5:40
1.7
12:37
0.2
11:48
1.0
7:18
5:55
11
Sun
10:26
0.7
8:49
1.4
4:12
0.0
2:22
0.6
7:18
5:53
12
Mon
9:40
1.1
6:25
1.8
1:33
0.0
12:43
1.1
7:18
5:55
12
Mon
9:32
1.5
5:29
-0.1
7:18
5:54
13
Tue
10:37
1.2
7:14
1.8
2:29
-0.1
1:33
1.1
7:18
5:56
13
Tue
10:21
1.5
6:35
-0.3
7:18
5:55
14
Wed
11:06
1.3
8:09
1.9
3:23
-0.3
2:27
1.1
7:18
5:57
14
Wed
11:12
1.6
7:30
-0.4
7:18
5:56
15
Thu
11:34
1.3
9:06
2.0
4:10
-0.4
3:23
1.1
7:18
5:58
15
Thu
8:15
-0.5
7:18
5:56
16
Fri
12:04
1.3
4:51
-0.6
4:09
1.0
7:18
5:59
16
Fri
12:00
1.7
8:54
-0.6
7:18
5:57
17
Sat
12:36
1.4
5:28
-0.6
4:47
1.0
7:17
5:59
17
Sat
12:46
1.7
5:13
1.0
9:29
-0.6
7:35
0.9
7:18
5:58
18
Sun
1:08
1.4
6:05
-0.6
5:23
0.9
7:17
6:00
18
Sun
1:30
1.7
5:16
0.9
10:01
-0.6
8:28
0.8
7:18
5:59
19
Mon
1:37
1.4
6:40
-0.6
6:01
0.9
7:17
6:01
19
Mon
2:13
1.8
5:24
0.9
10:31
-0.5
9:19
0.7
7:18
6:00
20
Tue
1:58
1.5
7:15
-0.5
6:45
0.8
7:17
6:02
20
Tue
2:58
1.7
5:32
1.0
11:01
-0.5
10:10
0.6
7:17
6:00
21
Wed
12:22
2.1
2:14
1.5
7:47
-0.3
7:35
0.6
7:17
6:02
21
Wed
3:44
1.6
5:44
1.0
11:30
-0.4
11:03
0.5
7:17
6:01
22
Thu
1:12
1.9
2:29
1.6
8:16
-0.1
8:25
0.5
7:17
6:03
22
Thu
4:34
1.5
6:02
1.1
11:58
-0.3
11:59
0.3
7:17
6:02
23
Fri
2:09
1.7
2:49
1.7
8:41
0.2
9:21
0.3
7:16
6:04
23
Fri
5:28
1.3
6:26
1.2
12:24
-0.1
7:17
6:03
24
Sat
3:10
1.5
3:16
1.8
9:04
0.5
10:34
0.1
7:16
6:05
24
Sat
6:28
1.1
6:54
1.4
1:02
0.1
12:47
0.1
7:16
6:04
25
Sun
4:37
1.2
3:52
1.9
9:25
0.7
11:59
-0.2
7:16
6:06
25
Sun
7:43
0.8
7:27
1.5
2:13
0.0
1:03
0.3
7:16
6:04
26
Mon
7:10
1.1
4:41
2.0
9:45
1.0
7:15
6:06
26
Mon
9:45
0.6
8:08
1.6
3:33
-0.2
12:54
0.5
7:16
6:05
27
Tue
5:49
2.1
1:10
-0.4
7:15
6:07
27
Tue
9:01
1.7
4:57
-0.4
7:15
6:06
28
Wed
10:41
1.3
7:01
2.1
2:17
-0.6
1:04
1.2
7:15
6:08
28
Wed
10:08
1.7
6:16
-0.5
7:15
6:07
29
Thu
11:07
1.3
8:18
2.2
3:23
-0.8
2:23
1.2
7:14
6:09
29
Thu
11:18
1.8
7:24
-0.7
7:14
6:07
30
Fri
11:36
1.4
9:33
2.3
4:19
-0.9
3:37
1.0
7:14
6:09
30
Fri
8:19
-0.8
7:14
6:08
31
Sat
12:07
1.5
5:06
-0.9
4:33
0.9
7:13
6:10
31
Sat
9:06
-0.8
7:13
6:09
12:24
1.8
4:53
0.9
7:27
0.9
Moon
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S LARGEST CONTINENTAL BOAT TRAILER DEALER
7141 GASPARILLA RD. PORT CHARLOTTE, FL 33981
941.698.9902
WWW.WESTCOASTTRAILER.COM FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | JANUARY 2026 | FORT MYERS 9
Calusa Blueway By: Mike Hammond
E
very year I ponder who I can recruit to be a speaker for the Calusa Blueway Speaker Series, and every year our paddling community steps up and offers great programs. We have three talks I’m excited about this year. Our Jan. 6, 2026 the presenter will be Don Rice. Don is an American Canoe Association instructor, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member and has an abundance of Southwest Florida paddling knowledge. His November talk and on-the-water safety training were very successful. The January presentation will be “Paddling the Everglades,” followed by a two-day free safety training session. Chad Gillis will be our second presenter on Feb. 3. Chad is a longtime environmental reporter for The News-Press and an avid paddler. He paddles the Calusa Blueway so often that I believe he holds the distinction of being the person I most frequently run into on the water or at launches. During one of those random encounters, I thought, “Why hasn’t he been a speaker yet?” Chad graciously agreed to talk about his new book, which recounts his experiences paddling across the Everglades with tips and information on the ecosystem, the park and the best places to camp.
Our final program will be March 3, “Fishing Southwest Florida,” presented by Estero River Outfitters. Paula Stuller was the original owner of the iconic shop and one of the driving forces behind establishing the Calusa Blueway more than twenty years ago. Her three sons grew up at the shop and have been on, in or near the water almost every day of their lives. They now run Estero River Outfitters and will share their extensive paddling and fishing knowledge during the presentation. As always, the strength of the Calusa Blueway Speaker Series comes from the passion of the paddling community itself. With this year’s lineup offering everything from Everglades exploration to environmental insight and local fishing expertise, we’re looking forward to another season of learning, connection and celebrating the waters we love. The Calusa Blueway Speaker Series will be hosted at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers, on the first Tuesday of January, February and March. Programs start at 6:30 p.m., however participants are invited to arrive a few minutes early to enjoy light snacks and talk paddling with fellow enthusiasts.
Two locations to serve you
CalusaBlueway.com
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751 Fishermans Wharf • Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 • 239.765.8700 2455 Fowler St • Fort Myers, FL 33901 • 239.765.8700 DYSinc.com 10 FORT MYERS | JANUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM
The Candlelighters of
lighters of SWFL
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | JANUARY 2026 | FORT MYERS 11
Kayak Fishing by: Dan Carns
C
ape Coral is home to an expanding population of peacock bass. I recently had the pleasure of joining Johnny Sullivan as he gave me a crash course in how to target them. Johnny has been posting his peacock bass pics, affectionately known as Pea’s, on his Facebook feed for quite a while. I mistakenly thought he was fishing in a very confined area of the Cape, but then I realized his launch points where all over Cape Coral as are these fish! I’ve been so focused on fishing saltwater that I didn’t realize that the Cape has public freshwater launches all over the city. We met on a pleasant Sunday morning, and dropped our kayaks into one of these launches. This canal looks like every other canal system here, surrounded by residential homes and has a super healthy population
of lily pads and other aquatic plant life. Johnny had mentioned that these Pea’s were taking top water plugs and that I should have a Chug Bug to start. As we settled into our kayaks at daybreak, he said we were headed to his “spot” but mentioned that the Pea’s could be anywhere. He had his first one on in less than a minute, meanwhile, I am an old largemouth bass nut and got one on my second cast. The thought crossed my mind that catching largemouth bass all morning couldn’t make me happier but we were here to target Pea’s. As we continued on down the canal Johnny was setting the example for me to follow and I didn’t quite have the right cadence down, so he’s catching Pea’s and I’m catching largemouths until all of a sudden, I got my first Pea hit and overreacted, missing the strike. Johnny told me to wait for the second strike as I reel in and sure enough the second hit comes and again I miss it. I’m still in largemouth strike mode but after multiple strikes and Johnny’s coaching I got my first Pea and she’s a beauty! We continued on down the canal, Johnny asks me to come up ahead of him because his favorite corner, surrounded by submerged rocks, is up ahead. I was using a fairly large chug bug in silver/blue without a tail feather while Johnny is using a saltwater series Chug bug in metallic silver mullet color with a tail feather and he’s getting blown up. I attribute my lack of hits more to my inexperience and less to the plug until I switched lures. I tied on an old smallmouth bass top water plug in silver and black with big yellow eyes and a tail feather. The cadence for these plugs is way faster than you might think for these fish but Johnny assures me its right and suddenly I’m getting multiple strikes and landing both Pea’s and largemouth. Thanks to Johnny’s patient guidance and his willingness to share, I’m now onto a whole new fishery and not enough time! It’s A Wild World-Get Out There! @paddlinandfishin Dan Carns
12 FORT MYERS | JANUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM
@paddlinandfishin | gulfcoastkayak.com | 239-283-1125
d that Chug e were where. m an ought uldn’t inued ollow Pea’s st Pea or the s and ultiple uty! me up erged r/blue Chug etting nd less ss top ather. nk for etting nks to w onto
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Sheepshead Time By: Capt. Dave Stephens
H
ere we are in 2026, Happy New Year! What is the most frequent asked question I have been asked? It's been about have you been catching sheephead, therefore, that will be the topic of this article. During the winter, or should I say cooler months here in Southwest Florida, we have a jail break. This is the time of year when these black and white striped bait thieves spawn. The positive thing about spawning fish is that it brings many of them together, making targeting them much easier. Sheephead are known far and wide for their ability to steal an angler’s bait without the slightest acknowledgment. If I knew the secret to catching more of these fish, I would gladly share it, however, I honestly believe it is being in the right place, right time fishery. I'm going to help you out with the places, however, you will have to figure out the best times. These fish are crustacean eaters, which makes them a light biting fish as they do not have to attack or ambush their meal. They
live around and feed on crusty dock pilings, rock seawalls, and areas with hard bottom. Some of the best baits are shrimp, fiddler crabs, and sand fleas. The trick is to down size your tackle, but stay in contact with the bottom. These fish are not going to chase down their dinner, and I like using a small circle hook weighted down to make contact with the bottom, seems to do the trick. The reason why these fish are such great bait thieves is they spend their whole life feeding on sharp objects, just trying to get the good stuff from the middle and when they feel your hook, they discard it like a piece of shell. As the waters continue to cool down, sheepshead should be even more plentiful. If these fish are on your target list, now is the time get out there and support your local tackle shops, get a bucket of shrimp, and try to tame the best bait thieves!
14 FORT MYERS | JANUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM
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Happy New Year
this 36” caught de. n o is d n a Tyler M off Boca Gra cobia
Dylan Madison caught this snook off Gasperilla Sound.
Christine Heffern on Sanibel Island landed this 40 incher. Logan’s nice red snapper on the Hog Hunter.
k is snoo ught th land. a c e g r Is eo Chris G off Keewaydin g in h s fi
Earl Horecky caught this 38” beauty on Pine Island.
Wyatt his firs Rich from MN tF w Crevall L fish, a 20” J / e ack o n 8 thanks to Bree /24. Special Ell us fish on her is for letting anniver sary.
Brody Nitsche showing off some SWFL reds!
Collin M alloy an da
beautifu l snook !
Photos submitted Courtesy of Coastal Angler Readers and Contributing Writers Submit pics to: camswfl@gmail.com or text to 239.595.8265
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Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament Jan. 30-Feb. 1
Go for the Gold! Islamorada, FL Keys. Win trophies, a gold sailfish pendant and a crown! Meet the other anglers! Fish your own boat or reserve a charter slot when registering.
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inter in south Florida brings an awesome collision of ballyhoo and sailfish that makes for some of the best fishing of the year. It’s also the time of year for some of the richest and most fun tournaments. If you’re interested, right now is the time to register. Here’s a list of some good sailfish tournament events: JAN. 5-7, 2026 2026 Silver Sailfish Derby Sailfish Marina, Singer Island westpalmbeachfishingclub.org JAN. 9-10, 2026 Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament Islamorada • fishforholly.com JAN. 14-18, 2026 Operation Sailfish
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Sailfish Resort & Marina, Palm Beach www.bluewatermovements.com
JAN. 20-24, 2026 Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament Buccaneer Marina Resort, Riviera Beach buccaneercup.com JAN. 23-25, 2026 Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament 2nd Event of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship
Cheeca Lodge, Islamorada www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com
JAN. 20-21, 2026 Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament 3rd Event of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship
Whale Harbor, Islamorada www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com FEB. 18-22, 2026 Sailfish Challenge
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Three checkpoints: Miami, Pompano Beach, West Palm
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uckily, I have never personally been seasick, but I can con!rm that when it gets someone, they look like they legitimately want death. Watching people board the boat in the morning full of personality, and quickly turning into a quiet, helpless version of themselves breaks my heart every time. It’s funny, I’ve taken people !ve miles out in flat calm seas and watched them turn green within an hour, while others can ride out a choppy twelvehour sword!sh trip without a single grimace. Seasickness, or motion sickness, isn’t about toughness. It’s about biology, and knowing how to outsmart it can mean the difference between the trip of a lifetime and one you’d rather forget. At its core, seasickness is your brain throwing a !t over mixed signals. Your inner ear, which controls balance, feels the constant motion of the boat. Your eyes, however, might be locked on the deck or a smartphone, telling your brain that you’re not moving. This mismatch can confuse the body enough to trigger nausea, cold sweats, dizziness, and that unmistakable “I need the rail” moment. The good news is that you can do a lot to keep it from happening, or at least keep it from ruining your day. Start the night before. One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is showing up tired, dehydrated, and with nothing in their stomach. Lack of sleep makes your body more sensitive to motion. Drink plenty of water the day before and have a balanced dinner, nothing too greasy or heavy. And go easy on alcohol, nothing gets people
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon faster than being hungover. Eat before you board. An empty stomach is not your friend at sea. Eat a light breakfast with complex carbs and protein; think a bagel with peanut butter or scrambled eggs with toast. Skip the spicy breakfast burrito...you’ll thank me later. Pick your spot wisely. The closer you are to the boat’s center, the less movement you’ll feel. On smaller boats, this often means staying near the console or midship. If you’re anchored or drifting, facing into the wind can help you get fresh air, and fresh air is one of your best allies. Whatever you do, don’t lay down and close your eyes, no matter how much you’d prefer to be in the fetal position, this is your enemy. Keep your eyes on the horizon. Your inner ear is telling your brain you’re moving, and your eyes need to con!rm it. Locking your gaze on the horizon gives your brain consistent information and can stop the mixed-signal meltdown before it starts. Avoid the downward spiral. Once seasickness takes hold, it can be hard to shake. If you feel that !rst wave of queasiness, act fast. Get to fresh air, keep your head up, and focus on a !xed point.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, The Florida Keys. (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
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Know your aids. There are plenty of over-the-counter and prescription remedies, from Dramamine and Bonine to scopolamine patches, but timing matters! Take them before you step aboard, or even get them in your system the night prior to a trip. Ginger candies, wrist acupressure bands, and peppermint gum can also help. Respect your limits. If you know you’re prone to seasickness, tell your captain ahead of time. We’d much rather work with you to make your trip comfortable than see you suffer in silence. Lastly, if you do need to heave, please try to do it downwind of the captain. I dont care if its all over the boat, but truly, I have been puked on more times than I’d like to admit. To the client who got me right in the mouth from 10 feet away on a windy trip, 10/10 for accuracy, but I’d rather not be handing out those awards. Seasickness is nothing to be embarrassed about as even seasoned captains have had their moments. The key is to prepare, listen to your body, and take action early. The ocean is an incredible place, and a little planning can make sure you enjoy every second of it, without clinging to the rail.
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Adjusting to Post-Front Bass
water temperatures. Since Florida lakes, where I’m located, are shallow and cool down quickly PRO ANGLER JOEY BLOOM in the wind, I spend extra time searching for protected areas—canals, marinas, or creek arms—that retain warmth longer. Even a slight increase of a couple degrees can spark !sh activity. I’ve often seen a quiet stretch come hen a powerful cold front sweeps a shaky head or Texas rig along alive after the sun heats it up by midday. across your location, bass !shing grass lines, letting Bait Cave’s lifelike action do If you’re !shing grass-rich lakes, concentrate conditions can shift dramatically the work. That realistic movement and high- on dense vegetation near deeper water—look overnight. A reliable shallow bite can vanish by for hydrilla edges, reeds, or mats. These zones the following morning as water temperatures trap heat and provide bass a sense of safety. I plummet, skies clear, and previously gentle love flipping a Bait Cave Customs creature bait south winds turn into chilly gusts from the into that thick stuff with a heavy rod and braid, north, stripping warmth from the lakes. staying alert for subtle bites that follow a cold Consistency as a bass angler hinges on knowing front. how to adjust your approach after these fronts As the day warms and the barometric move through. pressure stabilizes, don’t rule out reaction baits. My !rst reminder after a cold front is A suspending jerkbait or lipless crankbait can simple: the !sh haven’t gone anywhere—they’ve entice suspended !sh that aren’t chasing much just changed their mood and location. Most else. largemouth bass dislike cold, high-pressure Cold fronts can be humbling, but they also weather, so they slide off the banks, tuck tighter teach adaptability. Every front is a learning into cover, or suspend near feeding areas. opportunity. Be patient, trust your instincts, Recognizing these subtle changes can turn a and use your con!dence baits—my favorites challenging day into a productive one. are Bait Cave Customs soft plastics and the Returning to productive spots after a front, gear I pick up from Copper State Tackle’s new I slow down and target slightly deeper water. Inverness, Fla. location. If you’re near there, If I had success with moving baits in two feet check out their shop—they have everything you of water before, I’ll now !sh four or !ve feet need to stay prepared for any conditions. deep with more subtle lures. This is when I rely on my con!dence baits—especially the Joey Bloom is a 2024-2025 National Professional soft plastics from Bait Cave Customs. Their quality construction make a big difference Fishing League Tournament Pro. Follow his stick baits and !nesse worms are essential for during tougher bites. fishing and fun on Instagram, Facebook, my cold-front strategy. I’ll drag one slowly on Another important tactic is seeking stable and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.
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FISHING FOR A GREAT GETAWAY? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN USVI!
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hat you really need to cure those winter blues is a little sun and sand, beaches and rainforests, music and culture, food and fun. And no place delivers the rhythms of the Caribbean quite like St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. ST. THOMAS: St. Thomas’ location near an undersea canyon makes it one of the best places in the world to catch massive !sh—we’re talking up to 350 pounds or more! Inshore, offshore and deep-sea !shing charters like Offshore Adventures and Double Header Sportfishing offer half or full-day excursions into waters teeming with blue marlin, yellow!n tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and more. Or if you’d rather combine a little work and play, Virgin Islands Sportfishing can customize a trip that includes plenty of !shing, plus a place to stop for cocktails to celebrate your big catch. For an adventure to remember, book a trip to Coral World Ocean Park, where you can scuba dive or swim with dolphins, sea lions and turtles. (Guides are provided and no certi!cations are required). The park’s 5 acres also include aquariums, outdoor pools, nature trails and other marine experiences. The littles on your list will never forget a trip to the hands-on Pirates Treasure Museum, where kids (and kids at heart) can steer a virtual pirate ship through a storm, learn all about submarines
and even search for pirate booty — before scoring their own pirate-themed merch in the museum gift shop, of course. ST. CROIX: The outdoors and history blend beautifully on St. Croix. Thrill-seekers can fuel their adrenaline rush with a ride on the Carambola Zip Line, which delivers a heart-pounding 200-foot vertical drop before racing 2,500 feet across a lush tropical valley. You can also explore some of the island’s more remote reaches on a two-hour Gecko’s Island Adventures guided ATV tour through trails and forests you simply can’t access by car. These treks require a sense of adventure combined with a little grit, but the stunning views that await are oh, so, worth it. Those wanting a more relaxing vacation will love exploring St. Croix’s historical towns, where you can wander among buildings that haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. All of the exploring will work up quite an appetite, so be sure to book a tasty food tour while you’re here! Companies like Virgin Islands Food Tours or Taste of Twin City Food Tour will help you eat and drink your way around town, while a Christiansted Sip & Savor Mixology Class teaches guests how to make three signature cocktails mixed with local Cruzan Rum and tropical ingredients. ST. JOHNS: Don’t be fooled by the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands. St. John
absolutely delivers when it comes to uncrowded beaches, relaxation and unspoiled natural beauty. More forested and less developed than its sister islands, it offers the perfect escape for those looking for a true “check out from civilization” getaway. That seclusion and natural beauty make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations for romantic getaways. Book a luxury stay at The Westin St. John Resort Villas or Lovango Resort & Beach Club. Reserve a table at !ne restaurants like ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay or casual joints like Skinny Legs Bar & Grill. Book a Cruz Bay Watersports sunset sail or a Night Kayak glow tour. Another unique way to explore St. John’s pristine beaches is on horseback. Book a ride with Carolina Corral to take a guided trail ride along coral-strewn shorelines before making your way up a sloping hillside that leads to sweeping views of Coral Bay.
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