HOUSTON/GALVESTON/UPPER COAST EDITION
TROPHY TROUT
@CAMTAMagazine
LOCAL REPORTS & PICS
FORMULA
FEBRUARY 11-15, 2026
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VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 370
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JANUARY 2026
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Nearshore Grocery Shopping TIM BAREFOOT
J
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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January Galveston Bay Fishing Forecast CAPT. DAVID C DILLMAN
I
832-228-8012 galvestonbaycharterfishing.com
hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions—they’re usually made to be broken—but I do head into January feeling optimistic about what lies ahead on Galveston Bay. December wrapped up on a strong note, with solid speckled trout catches reported across multiple parts of the bay system. West Galveston Bay gave up some quality fish, and Trinity Bay also produced well, which is always encouraging this time of year. Outside of Eagle Point, anglers found success working shorelines littered with old pier pilings, and Moses Lake continued to be a dependable option for winter trout. As we turn the calendar to January, our focus shifts fully into winter fishing mode. Cold fronts become more frequent, and the north to northwest winds that accompany them can make much of the bay uncomfortable—or unfishable—on certain days. Because of that, protected water becomes the name of the game. The upper northwest portion of Galveston Bay, stretching from Sylvan Beach to Houston Point and farther north, typically offers the best
protection during these winter fronts. This area includes a series of smaller bays—Tabbs, Burnet, Scott, and San Jacinto—that I’ve fished regularly for more than 35 years. These bays provide much-needed shelter from strong winds and are located close to the Houston Ship Channel, which serves as a critical refuge for fish during periods of extreme cold. When water temperatures drop, speckled trout often slide into the deeper channel to ride out the cold. Once conditions stabilize, they’ll move back out and feed over the surrounding shallow flats. Timing those warming trends after a front can lead to some excellent winter trout action. One of my most memorable speckled trout catches came from this very area years ago, with air temperatures hovering right around the 30-degree mark—a reminder that some of the best fishing of the year can happen when conditions seem the toughest. What we don’t need in January is a hard, fish-killing freeze. We’re finally seeing an uptick in speckled trout numbers across the bay system, and hopefully Mother Nature continues to cooperate. If she does, January could offer patient anglers some outstanding opportunities on Galveston Bay.
Best Bait on Galveston Bay since 1929 What’s made Eagle Point Fishing Camp unique since 1929 is its location and business model. Because it’s in the center of the Galveston Bay, EPFC allows anglers to conveniently fish a vast stretch of water spanning from Houston to Galveston. Using the same full-service concept as its date of establishment, EPFC has proven for nearly a century that easy access to the water combined with a skilled staff creates the perfect fishing experience. Along with the boat ramp, boat storage, live bait for purchase, tackle shop, and RV park, EPFC has always had a fleet of shrimp boats to supply the bait that so many of their regular customers desire. Their successful commercial shrimping business has been an intricate part of what makes EPFC unique.
www.eaglepointfishingcamp.com 101 1st Street San Leon, TX 77539 281-339-1131
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S E D I 2 TJanuary 026 ED BY SOR
N SPO
Lee's
ED BY SOR
N SPO
BAIT&TACKLE BAIT&
www.USHarbors.com
www.USHarbors.com
High
Date
AM
ft
Low
PM
ft
AM
ft
11:59
-1.0
1
Thu
10:36
1.2
2
Fri
11:37
1.1
PM
ft
12:59
-1.1
Rise
Set
7:15
5:32
7:15
5:32
3
Sat
2:00
-1.1
7:15
5:33
4
Sun
12:43
1.1
3:01
-1.0
7:15
5:34
5
Mon
1:37
1.0
3:57
-0.9
7:15
5:35
6
Tue
2:01
0.8
4:45
-0.7
7:15
5:35
7
Wed
1:45
0.7
5:29
-0.5
7:16
5:36
8
Thu
1:23
0.6
11:15
0.3
7:59
0.2
6:16
-0.2
7:16
5:37
9
Fri
1:11
0.5
2:22
0.3
8:04
-0.1
7:13
0.1
7:16
5:38
10
Sat
12:45
0.4
5:40
0.4
8:27
-0.4
8:19
0.4
7:16
5:39
11
Sun
12:09
0.4
6:50
0.6
8:56
-0.6
7:16
5:39
12
Mon
7:42
0.7
9:29
-0.7
7:16
5:40
13
Tue
8:40
0.8
10:08
-0.8
7:15
5:41
14
Wed
9:38
0.9
10:57
-0.8
7:15
5:42
15
Thu
10:27
0.9
11:48
-0.9
7:15
5:43
16
Fri
11:10
0.9
12:36
-0.9
7:15
5:43
17
Sat
11:49
0.9
1:20
-0.9
7:15
5:44
18
Sun
2:02
-0.9
7:15
5:45
19
Mon
12:19
0.8
2:42
-0.9
7:14
5:46
20
Tue
12:19
0.8
3:21
-0.8
7:14
5:47
21
Wed
12:11
0.7
3:59
-0.7
7:14
5:48
22
Thu
12:11
0.6
4:38
-0.5
7:14
5:49
11:09
Eagle Point, Galveston Bay, TX - Jan 2026
11:59
0.5
EAGLE POINT • GALVESTON BAY, TX
Morgan's point, TX
Morgans Point, Galveston Bay, TX - Jan 2026
Moon
High
Date 1
AM
ft
Thu
Low PM
ft
AM
ft
10:48
1.0
10:46
-0.9
11:43
-1.0
PM
ft
Set
7:14
5:32
2
Fri
7:14
5:33
3
Sat
1:04
1.0
12:40
-1.0
7:14
5:33
4
Sun
2:24
1.0
1:34
-0.9
7:14
5:34
5
Mon
3:21
0.9
2:25
-0.8
7:15
5:35
6
Tue
3:59
0.7
3:12
-0.6
7:15
5:36
7
Wed
2:03
0.6
3:55
-0.4
7:15
5:36
8
Thu
1:31
0.4
4:32
-0.2
7:15
5:37
9
Fri
12:31
0.3
10
11:37
0.3
7:58
0.0
7:15
5:38
Sat
9:29
0.4
7:42
-0.2
7:15
5:39
11
Sun
7:03
0.5
8:07
-0.4
7:15
5:39
12
Mon
7:35
0.6
8:40
-0.5
7:15
5:40
13
Tue
8:19
0.7
9:17
-0.6
7:15
5:41
14
Wed
9:12
0.7
9:58
-0.7
7:15
5:42
15
Thu
10:12
0.7
10:42
-0.8
7:15
5:43
16
Fri
11:21
0.7
11:27
-0.8
7:14
5:44
17
Sat
18
Sun
12:27
19
Mon
20
12:10
-0.8
7:14
5:44
0.7
12:51
-0.8
7:14
5:45
1:09
0.7
1:29
-0.8
7:14
5:46
Tue
1:11
0.6
2:04
-0.7
7:13
5:47
21
Wed
12:54
0.5
2:39
-0.6
7:13
5:48
22
Thu
12:16
0.4
11:29
0.3
3:13
-0.4
7:13
5:49
23
Fri
7:42
0.1
10:49
0.2
5:00
0.1
3:46
-0.1
7:13
5:50
24
Sat
9:00
0.3
5:26
-0.1
7:12
5:50
25
Sun
7:50
0.4
6:03
-0.4
7:12
5:51
26
Mon
6:37
0.6
6:49
-0.6
7:11
5:52
27
Tue
7:28
0.7
7:43
-0.7
7:11
5:53
23
Fri
11:39
0.4
6:21
0.0
5:24
-0.2
7:13
5:50
24
Sat
1:49
0.3
6:50
-0.3
6:43
0.1
7:13
5:50
25
Sun
3:45
0.5
7:24
-0.6
8:22
0.4
7:12
5:51
26
Mon
5:53
0.7
8:03
-0.8
7:12
5:52
27
Tue
7:07
0.8
8:48
-0.9
7:11
5:53
28
Wed
8:29
0.9
9:46
-1.0
7:11
5:54
28
Wed
8:32
0.8
8:43
-0.8
7:10
5:54
29
Thu
9:47
0.9
10:57
-1.1
7:11
5:55
29
Thu
9:51
0.8
9:47
-0.9
7:10
5:55
30
Fri
10:43
0.9
12:08
-1.1
7:10
5:56
30
Fri
11:43
0.8
10:50
-1.0
7:09
5:56
31
Sat
11:27
0.9
1:07
-1.1
7:09
5:56
31
Sat
11:48
-1.0
7:09
5:56
0.2
ED BY SOR
N SPO
www.USHarbors.com
www.USHarbors.com
Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, TX - Dec 2025
Galveston Pleasure Pier, TX - Jan 2026 ft
Low PM
ft
AM
ft
Rise
Set
Thu
3:22
2.2
6:49
-1.3
7:13
5:32
2
Fri
4:12
2.2
3
Sat
4:59
2.1
7:42
-1.4
7:13
5:32
8:36
-1.4
7:13
5:33
4
Sun
5:43
2.0
9:29
-1.3
7:14
5:34
5
Mon
2:26
1.3
6:23
1.8
12:10
1.2
10:22
-1.0
7:14
5:35
6
Tue
3:45
1.2
6:58
1.6
12:42
1.1
11:15
-0.7
7:14
5:35
7
Wed
5:07
1.0
7:28
1.4
1:22
0.8
12:10
-0.3
7:14
5:36
8
Thu
6:40
0.9
7:52
1.2
2:06
0.5
1:09
0.1
7:14
5:37
9
Fri
8:36
0.9
8:12
1.1
2:49
0.3
2:24
0.5
7:14
5:38
10
Sat
10:50
1.0
8:23
1.0
3:32
0.0
4:07
0.8
7:14
5:39
11
Sun
12:27
1.3
4:12
-0.2
7:14
5:39
12
Mon
1:27
1.5
4:51
-0.4
7:14
5:40
13
Tue
2:11
1.6
5:30
-0.5
7:14
5:41
14
Wed
2:49
1.7
6:08
-0.7
7:14
5:42
15
Thu
3:24
1.7
6:47
-0.8
7:14
5:43
16
Fri
3:56
1.7
7:24
-0.8
7:13
5:44
17
Sat
4:27
1.7
8:01
-0.9
7:13
5:44
18
Sun
4:56
1.7
8:37
-0.9
7:13
5:45
19
Mon
5:24
1.6
9:13
-0.9
11:51
1.0
7:13
5:46
20
Tue
1:58
1.1
5:50
1.5
9:49
-0.7
11:44
0.9
7:13
5:47
21
Wed
3:16
1.0
6:13
1.4
10:29
-0.6
7:12
5:48
22
Thu
4:35
1.0
6:33
1.3
12:02
0.7
11:13
-0.3
7:12
5:49
23
Fri
6:02
1.0
6:49
1.1
12:33
0.4
12:05
0.1
7:12
5:49
24
Sat
7:40
1.0
7:01
1.0
1:12
0.1
1:12
0.5
7:11
5:50
25
Sun
9:32
1.2
7:05
1.0
1:59
-0.2
2:51
0.8
7:11
5:51
26
Mon
11:17
1.4
2:52
-0.5
7:10
5:52
27
Tue
12:36
1.7
3:48
-0.8
7:10
28
Wed
1:37
1.9
4:47
-1.1
29
Thu
2:29
2.0
5:46
30
Fri
3:14
2.0
31
Sat
3:55
1.9
1
AM
PM
ft
CLEAR LAKE • GALVESTON BAY, TX
High
Date
Moon
ED BY SOR
N SPO
GALVESTON PLEASURE PIER, TX
Rise
Moon
High
Date 1
Mon
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
4:00
0.8
8:48
1.1
12:07
0.7
12:04
0.0
6:57
5:21
2
Tue
10:21
1.2
12:38
-0.2
6:58
5:21
3
Wed
11:47
1.3
1:19
-0.4
6:59
5:21
4
Thu
2:08
-0.4
7:00
5:21
5
Fri
1:09
1.3
3:06
-0.5
7:00
5:21
6
Sat
2:30
1.3
4:08
-0.5
7:01
5:21
7
Sun
3:47
1.3
5:10
-0.5
7:02
5:21
8
Mon
4:40
1.2
6:09
-0.4
7:03
5:21
9
Tue
5:01
1.1
7:01
-0.3
7:03
5:21
10
Wed
5:07
1.0
7:48
-0.2
7:04
5:21
11
Thu
4:42
0.9
8:29
0.1
7:05
5:22
12
Fri
4:22
0.8
9:04
0.4
7:05
5:22
13
Sat
3:58
14
Sun
15
11:46
0.3
0.7
11:22
0.1
7:06
5:22
2:22
0.7
11:34
-0.1
7:07
5:23
Mon
12:57
0.8
11:59
-0.3
7:07
5:23
16
Tue
1:08
0.9
12:26
-0.3
7:08
5:23
17
Wed
1:34
1.0
12:57
-0.3
7:08
5:24
18
Thu
2:08
0.9
1:31
-0.3
7:09
5:24
19
Fri
2:50
0.9
2:14
-0.4
7:10
5:25
20
Sat
3:27
0.9
3:04
-0.4
7:10
5:25
21
Sun
3:29
1.0
3:57
-0.5
7:11
5:26
22
Mon
3:45
1.0
4:50
-0.6
7:11
5:26
23
Tue
4:03
1.0
5:41
-0.6
7:12
5:27
24
Wed
4:12
0.9
6:31
-0.6
7:12
5:27
25
Thu
3:57
0.8
7:22
-0.4
7:12
5:28
26
Fri
3:51
0.7
8:18
-0.1
7:13
5:28
5:53
27
Sat
3:46
0.5
4:15
0.4
9:43
0.1
9:21
0.1
7:13
5:29
7:10
5:54
28
Sun
3:00
0.4
6:17
0.5
10:09
-0.2
10:40
0.4
7:14
5:30
-1.2
7:09
5:55
29
Mon
1:07
0.4
8:17
0.7
10:43
-0.4
7:14
5:30
6:44
-1.3
7:09
5:55
30
Tue
9:47
0.8
11:24
-0.6
7:14
5:31
7:40
-1.3
7:08
5:56
31
Wed
11:09
0.9
7:14
5:32
10:01
1.2
4:44
0.5
12:13
-0.7
TIDES collected from
Moon
www.USHarbors.com www.USHarbors.com
Jamaica West TX2025 - Aug 2025 Jamaica Beach, Beach, West Bay, TXBay, - Aug Date
High
High
Date AM
ftAM
PMft
ftPM
Low
Low AMft
ftAM
PMft
ftPM
ft Rise
Rise Moon Set Set
1
Fri1
Fri 9:28
9:28 0.8
0.8
9:08
9:08 6:38 0.0 0.0
6:38 8:12
8:12
2
Sat2
Sat 7:09
7:09 0.9
0.9
9:50
9:50 6:39 -0.1 -0.1
6:39 8:11
8:11
Moon
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rones are now a common sight along the Texas coast, but their use in fishing has caused confusion. Texas Game Wardens have clarified that while drone-assisted fishing is not a violation of Texas state law, it is prohibited under federal law. As questions increased, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reviewed federal regulations under Title 50 CFR §19.11, part of the Federal Airborne Hunting Act. Under this law, drones are considered “aircraft,” and aircraft may not be used to take wildlife or aid in the taking of wildlife. Federal definitions include fish as wildlife, making drone use to assist fishing illegal. This means anglers may not use drones to: Deploy or place bait • Position fishing lines • • Scout or target fish • Assist any part of the fishing process These federal restrictions apply throughout the Texas coast, including the surf, bays, and passes. The confusion comes from enforcement. While Texas law does not specifically cite drone-assisted fishing, states cannot issue permits or exemptions, and federal agents may issue citations for violations of the Airborne Hunting Act. Anglers may still use drones for photography or video, but once a drone helps catch a fish, it becomes a federal violation—with potential penalties. Bottom line: If a drone assists your fishing in any way, you’re risking a federal citation. For Texas fishing rules, visit tpwd.texas.gov.
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Winter Fishing in January CAPT PAUL MARCACCIO
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ishermen and women alike who catch fish along the Texas Gulf Coast this time of year are those who fish slow and deep. And, as an afterthought, it helps to know which lures to use and how they are fished, because January is one of those months when live shrimp are often very difficult to obtain. Fish in deep waters, because that’s where the speckled trout and redfish go when the temperature falls to near freezing temperatures. Fish take on the temperature of the water in which they live. Cold water sinks, but when the sinking water is about 40 degrees, it starts to rise back to the surface. And then if the cold air is intense enough, the water freezes. We lose fish, speckled trout and redfish and a lot of others, every time we have a hard freeze along the Texas Gulf Coast. The fish that are lost are those that failed to get to protection in deep water. These fish losses occur when hard freezes follow a lengthy period of moderate surface temperatures. Fish continue to feed in cold water, but they do so less frequently than when the water is just moderately cool. Not only that, but they also feed in a different manner than when the water is warmer. When the water is cold, fish tend to only nip and peck or just hold the bait. Consequently, it is important to work the bait slow. Then when a 8 HOUSTON
JANUARY 2026
nibble or tension is felt set your hook hard. The fisherman who scores consistently in cold weather works their bait slow along the bottom of deep structure; especially where there are no strong tidal movements. The most productive way to work the bait is to bump it slowly off the bottom. Since the fish are sluggish because of the cold, it is important to work the entire bottom within casting range. Cold-numbed speckled trout or reds just do not pursue their food the way they do in spring or summer. Fishing in January or for that matter in any of the wintertime requires a great deal of patience and dedication. Besides having chapped lips and a dripping nose, along with cold hands and feet, fishermen must concentrate on catching. You must work the bait all the time. No throwing it out and just waiting. Keeping it moving in a series of short but slow hops along the bottom and this holds true whether you are using lures or natural baits. Effective ways to fish the deep holes is to allow the boat to drift but keep a drift sock or sea anchor to slow your movement. This type of fishing technique is to jig the bait or lure up and down. Allow it to touch the bottom, if possible, point the rod tip to the surface of the water, lifting it up and again point it at surface causing the lure to flutter as it falls back to the bottom. Most fish strikes occur when the lure falls toward the bottom. Fishermen who drift over the deep structure in wintertime can greatly improve their success if they use a depth finder. Garmin Electronics among others are excellent units. Cost
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varies with each unit’s ability to show different configurations along the bottom. Schools of fish do not blanket the bottom of holes. On day they may be along the north side of the hole, the next day it might be on the east, south or west side. You can locate them quicker if you have a good fish finder or key on any small bait attempting to avoid the predators working on the surface of the area you find to have a good bottom of SHELL and Mud. An interesting aspect about winter fishing is that frequently the fish that pecks and nibbles turns into a real fighter when brought to the surface. Another plus about fishing in January, most of the speckled trout are generally in the 2-4 lb. Range. Occasionally, specs to 6-7lbs. are caught this time of year. Redfish on the other hand will usually be in the slot. Color selection should be light – glow-pearl or limetruse, using a ¼ oz or 3/8 oz lead head depending on the tidal flow and structure you are fishing. Dark colors will also work like plum-red and fire tiger. Saltwater Assassin and Brown Lures will be one that gives you all the above and more. Use the wide gap screw on ultra point lead heads by Bass Assassin or Norton Lures for that super strong hook set. Spoons in either gold or silver and red buck tail will show a lot of flash on or near the bottom. Use ½ to ¾ oz Johnson Sprite. Mirro-lure slow sinking plugs work extremely well this time of year. Either the series 38, 51 or 52 work well in flash colors. My favorites are orange or 808. The one advantage of Saltwater Assassin and Norton Lures is they are soft and feel like something edible. Hence fish will make a second or third pass at it. Happy New Year to everyone. May the Lord indeed bless you and your family!
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L
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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