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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

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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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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 1

SMOKY MOUNTAINS NORTH CAROLINA/ SOUTH CAROLINA/GEORGIA

Trout in the Classroom: Connecting Students with Nature

____________________________________________ By Tom Champeau, Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited

rout in the Classroom (TIC) began with a Trout Unlimited (TU) chapter in Idaho in 1998, and now is administered by hundreds of TU chapters and other organizations in 35 states. Every year over 4,000 schools participate reaching over 100,000 students from kindergarten through high school. TU staff and chapters sponsor about 1,500 TIC schools, and it is a primary element of TU’s youth education program. In North Carolina, eight TU chapters support TIC systems in 73 schools. At TU sponsored schools, chapter members raise funds to provide schools with 55-gallon aquariums and all the necessary components to filter water chilled to 50 degrees. Some schools raise their own funds for the program and TU volunteers provide advisory roles. Startup costs are about $1,500 and about $100/school is needed to replenish supplies each year. Grant programs such as the Bass Pro Shops/ Cabalas Outdoor Fund have donated to TIC programs across the country. The goal of the program is to bring live trout into the classroom to provide hands-on educational opportunities in STEM - science,

technology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition, most teachers creatively use the program to allow their students to develop skills in teamwork, communication, media and visual arts, music, and creative writing/poetry. TIC and TU websites provide teachers with a wide range of curricula, and many teachers post their applications of the program on YouTube and other social media platforms. TIC curricula also draws connections between what students learn by raising trout themselves to watershed protection, cold water conservation, trout management, and native trout restoration. Trout and salmon are provided by state fish hatcheries as eggs, grown by students to juvenile size, and released during the spring in streams and rivers. In coastal areas, shad are raised. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) provides rainbow trout eggs to TIC schools in September. Rainbow trout are easier to raise than brook trout, but as any TIC teacher can attest, many things can go wrong, and fish die offs are common. Often, classes with good fish survival will donate fish to other schools who lost all their fish so they can complete the program and release fish in the spring. Experiencing declines in fish health and die-offs teach students how sensitive trout are to degraded water quality and highlight the need to protect watersheds and stream water quality. Students learn the life history of trout starting with counting their fertilized eggs to begin tracking survival and mortality. After a couple of weeks, alevins emerge from the eggs with their potbellies retaining their natal yoke sack. Once the yoke sack is consumed, alevins swim up looking for food. Students carefully measure feed rates to avoid overfeeding which creates harmful ammonia levels in the aquarium. Test kits are provided for students to regularly measure pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Learning the nitrogen cycle is a valuable lesson in maintaining fish health as well as understanding how this element essential to all life on Earth is cycled in natural systems. Spring fish releases are times of great excitement for the students as

Continued, see TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM Page 4

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3

TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM continued from page 2 they enjoy a field trip to a local stream. The NCWRC permits releases in Hatchery Supported and Delayed Harvest waters, so students feel they contribute to the future enjoyment of anglers. Following their trout releases, many schools engage students in other activities on the water. Teachers reach out to fish and wildlife agencies, non-profit conservation groups, and other organizations to help sample and identify aquatic insects, teach about forest ecology, and some provide fishing rods to give students a chance to catch a fish. Witnessing the excitement and joy as students release their fingerling trout and explore the stream is amazing. It is often shocking to learn that many students rarely, if ever, experience trips to a stream, forest, or park. During these release events, many students hold a fishing rod for the first time. Especially, but not exclusively, in urban areas, this disconnect with youth and nature is a very sad but common phenomenon. Hopefully, programs like TIC help expose “nature-deficit” kids to the natural world and spark interest to learn more. While teachers share how TIC impacts their students with inspiring stories of success, measuring its impacts quantitatively is difficult. In 2024, Clemson doctoral candidate Seth Gibbons conducted research on the impacts of school-based programs including TIC. Seth was exposed to TIC while he was in school and pursued his interest in the program in graduate school to study its impacts on students and educational systems. His dissertation, “Does the participation in research projects that facilitate interactions with local species change feelings of connection” includes extensive surveys of teachers and students and incorporates detailed analyses. From his abstract, some key findings include: - Greater feelings of connection to the trout the students are raising, greater pro-environmental intentions, increased acknowledgement of responsibility, and awe for the complexity of the aquatic environment. - Enjoyment of the project and identifying closer with the role of

scientists. - Students feel like they learn alongside other peers - Some teachers do not identify TIC strictly as a science-based project. This study and others like it help provide justification to expand these kinds of hand-on approaches that contrast with traditional classroom teaching. Experiential learning has been shown to improve problemsolving, critical thinking, and personal development, as it helps learners bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. Tens of thousands of students and parents are impacted by TIC every year, and the credit must go to the dedicated teachers who work extra hard to maintain the aquariums and integrate the program with their curricula. They have an extremely difficult job, and TIC volunteers work to help their students to be successful in raising their fish. While learning the fundamentals of aquaculture, STEM, and many other disciplines, students learn that trout in nature face many challenges. TIC is helping create the next generation that cares about the conservation of watersheds, cold water habitats, and native trout. Anyone interested volunteering or getting a TIC program started in their school should contact their local TU chapter www.tu.org/chapters/).

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5

The Smoky Mountains Blueways Trail System ______________

By Visit Smokies

esignated in 2020, the • Oconaluftee River Smoky Mountains • Tuckasegee River Blueways Trail System These rivers drain highquietly stitched together one of elevation headwaters, cold the most diverse and fish-rich spring creeks, and deep forested water networks in the Eastern watersheds before ultimately United States. For anglers just flowing into Fontana Lake, at now hearing the name, the the southern boundary of Great timing makes sense—the official Smoky Mountains National Park. designation is young, but the Along the way, they connect waters are ready. * a chain of deep, dam-controlled Developed through a lakes—including Lake Glenville, collaborative effort led by Visit Lake Santeetlah, Nantahala Smokies, in partnership with Lake, and Fontana Lake— the Southwestern Commission, creating a rare mix of freestone Duke Energy, the Blue Ridge streams, tailwaters, river National Heritage Area, and corridors, and stillwater fisheries regional conservation and recreation partners, the Blueways were within a single region. designed with intent: to unify access, safety, stewardship, and navigation Together, these watersheds span the Nantahala National Forest across a landscape where water defines both culture and opportunity. and two National Park units, forming the natural infrastructure that supports the largest and most visited outdoor recreation area in the Where Rivers Build Fisheries Southeastern United States. The backbone of the Smoky Mountains Blueways is a convergence of For anglers, this means options—real ones—across seasons, species, four iconic river systems: and techniques. • Little Tennessee River Built for Anglers Who Know the Difference • Nantahala River What sets the Smoky Mountains Blueways apart is not just access, but range. Within the system you’ll find: • Class A trout streams holding wild rainbow, brown, and native brook trout • Freestone rivers ideal for tight-line, dry-dropper, and streamer work • Tailwater-influenced flows shaped by dam releases and seasonal patterns • Warmwater rivers and reservoirs supporting smallmouth, largemouth, white bass, walleye, and more Common species across the system include rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, walleye, catfish, sunfish, crappie, and rock bass—a diversity few regions in the East can match without long drives or multiple trips. From technical pocket water to long drifts on broad rivers, from dawn hatches to glassy evening lake sessions, the Blueways reward anglers who pay attention.

Continued, see BLUEWAYS TRAIL SYSTEM Page 9 6 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 7

Winter Smallies

_______________ By Ronnie Parris

ey folks I hope all is well. These cold temperatures are hanging around Fontana and Santeetlah, as well as but the good news is it has the fishing heated up. Our local lakes have Nantahala, all used to be predominantly really been producing big fish and big numbers. Several species have smallmouth lakes till the introduction been biting good but smallmouth bass is what I want to focus on.

True, with the surge in spotted bass numbers the last few years, our smallmouth numbers have dropped. This is why I like to release them, especially the big females. For years fishermen thought the spots outcompeted them for food, but really what’s happening is they crossbreed, and the spot being a more dominant gene, eventually breed them out.

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of spotted bass. And don’t get me wrong, I love catching an eating spots. They really are a great fish, but what we’ve learned is that their numbers have to be managed. Smallmouth tend to adapt to different types of shoreline and water temperature and are extremely adaptable to different forage. Smallies eat a variety of bait, from crayfish, threadfin shad, blueback herring, worms and small insects and underwater bugs. Fishing techniques for smallies are unlimited. My favorite is a live minnow fished super slow, but I do love when they are feeding on top, and a jerk bait presentation is working. Any crayfish lure seems to work well, the key being to work super slow in the winter months, as their metabolism slows everything up. Weather in the winter can be unpredictable, so presentation of whatever bait you fish will have to match the weather conditions. Smallmouth hit best on an overcast day with a little chop on the water. If you’re looking to catch a true trophy smallmouth, this is your month some truly big pigs will be biting. So, when the mercury in that thermometer is bottomed out, and you can’t decide what you want to do, grab that new rod you got from Santa and hit the water for some hot smallmouth fishing. As always, take a kid fishing

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Time to be Thinking Ahead _____________ By Scott Norton

he fall has been so full of fun this year, if you bass you want then grab and go. guys have been participating. We are getting Some anglers in the past used to wait until the into a transition into the winter pattern. In sun came out before getting on the water to fish, higher elevations the water is in the mid to upper but I have had different results before the sun comes 40’s and there’s still some good fishing ahead of us. up. I believe that larger, smarter bass still use the Be thinking about where bass are going to be and darkened, shady water to ambush prey, especially also the depth at which the majority will be. This is in clear water. Younger, smaller bass will bite later your time of the year, as an angler, if you choose to when the sun hits the water. Look for balls of shad brave the elements. Fewer and fewer fishermen will and you will find bass nearby. You will find some actually go this time of year and these fish will not bass warming next to hard structure such as bridge be as pressured. pillars, rock piles, stumps and lay downs. These bass If you were to show up and start fishing, where like an easy meal. would you start? Since the winter pattern is close, This is the time to be thinking ahead. Bring a I would start on those secondary points and pinch change of dry cloths and make sure you wear good points. Start moving your way towards the main winter gear, so you are comfortable. Bring things points. If you are in a transition, then they will be like hand warmers, gloves, bibs, coats, glasses and spread out all over, but if they are in the winter holes then you will run into schools of them. Once you find them, then warm hats. This is just as important as having the right baits with you. you will find that there are two different groups. One group will be Always plan for that dreaded wind because it will cut through most types suspended going for balls of shad, and the second group is on the drop- of clothing. Do not forget to know what the life of your batteries are in offs feeding on crawfish or injured shad from feeding bass above them. before you hit the water. You can always go have them load tested at any If you go after suspended bass, use baits like spinner baits, A-rigs, auto parts store. If one is bad, you’re in luck, you are where you need to crank baits, swim baits, strolling shads and jerk baits are the most be to get a new one. Nothing is worse than being dead on the water in the popular baits to use. If you go for bass on the bottom, use baits like cold wind. Enjoy this time of year it can be spectacular. football jigs, under spins, blade baits, lipless crank baits, ned rigs and Scott Norton is a Western North Carolina native. Born in Asheville, N.C., drop shots. Keep these baits on deck and you got it covered. Target the he is a long-time hunter, angler and weekend warrior.

BLUEWAYS TRAIL SYSTEM continued from page 6 Mapping the Water

Visit Smokies maintains access to the official Smoky Mountains Blueways maps, which provide detailed, angler-relevant information including: • Float times and river mileage • Class of water and difficulty ratings • Boat launch amenities • Access points and take-outs Exact GPS coordinates For anglers exploring new water seriously, these maps replace guesswork with precision.

Guided by Local Knowledge

On Smokies water, access is only half the equation. Timing, flow, and local understanding separate average days from exceptional ones. These outfitters know the Blueways system from headwaters to tailwaters: Fish Tales Outfitters — Franklin, North Carolina Technical trout and warmwater trips throughout the Little Tennessee River system, with guides dialed into seasonal hatches, flows, and structure. Tuckaseegee Fly Shop — Sylva, Bryson City & Waynesville, North Carolina A multi-location outfitter offering full-spectrum Smokies coverage— from tailwaters and freestones to Park-adjacent streams—backed by realtime river knowledge. Fly Fishing the Smokies — Bryson City, North Carolina Guided trout fishing on classic Smokies waters, specializing in wild fish, tight-line techniques, and access to National Park waters. Rivers Edge Outfitters — Cherokee, North Carolina Your guide in the trophy waters of Cherokee. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Shady Creek Expeditions — Clayton, Georgia Expert-led fly fishing on Blue Ridge and Chattooga waters, pairing technical instruction with backcountry access.

Follow the Flow

The Smoky Mountains Blueways Trail System isn’t a single destination—it’s a connected fishery. One built on cold water, protected forests, managed flows, and generations of local knowledge. For anglers willing to read water, track conditions, and move with the seasons, the Smokies offer something increasingly rare: room to roam, fish worth chasing, and a system that rewards skill. The rivers are already here. Now, the map finally is too. Link: Smoky Mountain Blueways Overview - Visit Smokies “Ready” reflects existing access, fisheries, infrastructure, and professional guiding services established prior to the 2020 Blueways designation. Access to National Park waters is subject to applicable permits and regulations. Guided services are recommended. JANUARY 2026

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9

Green River Fishing: A New Beginning ___________

By Steve Deblois

he Historic Green River, NC known worldwide for its whitewater kayaking, recreational tubing, and Fly Fishing community, is alive and well. In May 2018 the Green River, like many others in the region, was flooded by Hurricane Alberto. Fast forward to September 2024 when hurricane Helene dropped over 20” of rain following a 15 - 16” of rain just a few days before. Over 30 homes and several outdoor businesses were lost. Now a little more than a year later many are still displaced, and businesses will not reopen.

One business that did remain is Brookside Guides. https://www.brooksideguides.com has served Western North Carolina fly fishing community for over 20 years with guides on the Green River for much of that time. In collaboration with Wilderness Cove Campground, Brookside Guides will be offering fly fishing instruction and guided trips for trout and smallmouth bass, all while you can stay close to the comfort of newly renovated lodging and hospitality of Birdy and Bear. Brooksideguides.com guides were among the first to respond to the Green and Big Hungry River communities. From delivering resources, clearing debris, and river clean-ups they were there doing what they could to help people and their beloved “Mother Green”, as she is often known, recover. Once recovery efforts subsided and a new normal came

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over the area, Brookside Guides began fly fishing the rivers again. Smallmouth bass and long ear sunfish dominated the Green with some occasional largemouth making their way upriver from Lake Adger. In October, the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission began stocking (over 1800) rainbow, brown, and brooke trout back into the delayed harvest section of the Green, with the help of local guides and fishy people from the area. NCWRC stocked again in November, with a two-month total of over 4,000 trout in the delayed harvest section of the river. Since October the trout fishing has been great, with trout eating “trash” flies and at times selecting only the smallest natural imitations, demanding exceptional presentations. Fish have settled in from their newly stocked phase and are beginning to spread out and be more selective in their diet. The next 6 months will be a prime time to visit the Green River so don’t hesitate to reach out to Brooksideguides.com and consider the Green River for your next destination. We are close to the towns of Saluda, Tryon and Hendersonville, NC and not only offer fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying instruction and guided trips, we can help you stay warm during the prime winter season. Tune in next time to learn about staying warm on a Green River fly fishing guided trip.

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 11

TENNESSEE/VIRGINIA/KENTUCKY/ALABAMA

Chasing Winter Giants: Striper Fishing in East Tennessee’s 9 Lakes ___________

By Julie Graham

inter slips quietly into East Tennessee. The crowds disappear, the marinas fall silent, and a thin mist hangs above the cold blue water. What feels like the off-season for most is actually the beginning of the most electrifying chapter for a certain kind of angler—those who know that winter is when the striped bass come alive.

Across the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee, the chill of the season signals something big. Snowmelt trickles down the ridges, winter rains swell the rivers, and the reservoirs begin their slow, steady rise. Below the surface, striped bass respond instinctively. They feed harder, move farther, and stage themselves for the coming spring spawn. For anglers who brave the cold, winter offers not just opportunity—it offers the chase.

A Fishery Built on Stewardship

The winter striper bite exists thanks to decades of careful management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) with support from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Many of the region’s reservoirs cannot support natural striper reproduction, means one thing for winter anglers: there will always be fish to find— so TWRA’s annual stocking program fuels these fisheries. Lakes like and big ones at that. Norris, Cherokee, Douglas, Watts Bar, Melton Hill, Fort Loudoun, and Tellico are replenished year after year, creating one of the Southeast’s Continued, see CHASING WINTER GIANTS Page 15 most exciting cold-season fisheries. This commitment to stocking

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A Legacy Restored _______________ By Matthew More

am a Marine Corps veteran whose journey ultimately brought me back to the quiet place where some of my most meaningful memories were made—my grandfather’s workshop. Long before the uniform, long before the deployments and the weight that came afterward, I was just a kid standing beside a man he admired deeply, watching him shape fishing rods with steady hands, soft patience, and an unspoken kind of wisdom. After leaving the service, I found myself searching for something solid to hold on to. The world felt different—louder in some ways, emptier in others. It was the memory of those moments with my grandfather, the smell of sawdust and varnish, and the gentle rhythm of building something from nothing, that pulled me back. Returning to rod building wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of reconnecting with the man who taught me about craftsmanship, character, and the importance of taking pride in every small detail. That connection is what led me to create Hellbender Outfitters Custom Rods. Every rod I build carries my grandfather’s influence—the patience he modeled, the care he insisted on and the belief that good work should mean something. For me, each rod is a quiet tribute to the man who shaped me, to the lessons that stayed long after childhood, and to the peace I found in carrying that legacy forward.

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CHASING WINTER GIANTS continued from page 12 Winter Behavior: When the Lakes Wake Up

Stripers are surprisingly active in cold water. As temperatures drop, schools push toward the northern ends of the lakes, slipping into river arms where spring flow will eventually signal their spawning attempt. Winter turns them into wanderers, sometimes traveling miles in a single day. For anglers, that means adaptability is key. “Trolling is king in winter,” seasoned guides say. It’s the one technique that can match the striper’s restless pace, allowing anglers to cover water and keep their lines in the path of migrating fish. Umbrella rigs, live bait, and planer boards become the tools of choice as boats trace wide arcs across empty coves and channels.

A Rare Treat: Winter Topwater

Most people think surface action is a spring or fall phenomenon, but winter offers its own subtle magic. On mild, still days when the wind lies low, baitfish rise—and sometimes, so do the stripers. The eruptions are sudden, explosive, and unforgettable. Topwater might be unpredictable this time of year, but any angler who’s seen a forty-inch fish crush a surface plug in January carries that memory for life.

hybrids, Melton Hill Lake is the sleeper that winter elevates to legend. Near the Bull Run Steam Plant, warm-water discharge gathers bait and, in turn, gathers stripers—some of them enormous. Anglers often run live skipjack or slow troll their way through the current seam, hoping for the sudden pull that signals a Melton Hill brute. It is a lake with rules The Solitude of the Season Perhaps the greatest allure of winter fishing isn’t just the fish—it’s that match its potential: a strict two-fish creel limit, with only one fish the quiet. From December through February, the 9 Lakes feel almost allowed over 42 inches. The reward is a fishery where trophy potential untouched. Launch ramps echo under frost. The usual hum of summer survives year after year. boats fades into nothingness. On a winter morning, it’s just you, the The Winter Advantage water, and the cold breath of the mountains. Winter anglers cherish Winter striper fishing isn’t for the fair-weather fisherman. Your this solitude. “Most folks won’t face the cold,” one longtime fisherman guides freeze, your fingers ache, and the wind can feel personal. But shares. “That’s fine. More lake for us.” those who embrace the challenge discover a season rich with possibility.

Spotlight: Melton Hill’s Winter Mystique

The fish are hungry. The lakes are empty. And every strike feels like a While Norris is famous for giants and Cherokee is known for secret shared between you and the water.

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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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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!

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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Coastal Angler Magazine | January 2026 Great Smoky Mountains & The Upstate Edition