POLK & SUMTER COUNTY 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
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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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AUTOPILOT JANUARY 2026
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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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JANUARY 2026
FLORIDA 1
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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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4 FLORIDA
JANUARY 2026
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JANUARY 2026
POLK & SUMTER COUNTY 1
TAMPA BAY FORECAST
On The Spot Fishing By: Capt. Ashley Beall
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anuary cold fronts can slow fishing briefly, but many species feed aggressively before a front and rebound a day or two after. Trout and sheepshead are especially active this time of year. Late mornings and afternoons are often best as the sun warms shallow flats and muddy creek bottoms—water temperature matters more than tide. Redfish Look for redfish in backwater creeks, mangroves, oyster bars, and darker sun-warmed flats. Gold spoons, paddle-tail jigs, shrimp, crabs, and cut bait all work well. Focus on mangrove shorelines with oysters or barnacles, especially near deeper edges—sometimes a shift of just 20 feet makes all the difference.
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Fishing Charters
863-397-5848 www.hookedonhardyguideservices.com
Sea Trout January is prime time for big trout. Late morning through afternoon, especially on incoming tides, fish shallow grass flats, dropoffs, and deeper grass edges (3–6 feet). Popping corks with shrimp, 1/8–1/4 oz jig heads with soft plastics, MirrOdines, and topwater plugs are all effective. Healthy seagrass is key. Snook Snook action depends on water temperature. Cold fronts may slow them briefly, but they often turn back on a day or two later. Target deeper docks, canals, creeks, rivers, and darker water that warms quickly. Afternoon trips are often best. Free-lined shrimp, cut bait, jigs, and topwater lures all produce. Sheepshead Peak sheepshead season is January. Find them around bridges, docks, rocks, oyster bars, and structure. Shrimp and fiddler crabs work best. Fish higher stages of the tide with moving water, using a knocker rig or jig head. They’re excellent table fare and a fun fight.
POLK & SUMTER COUNTY EDITION
Think darker water, deeper edges, and patience until the afternoon bite. Most of all—stay safe, have fun, and make memories. “January is peak season for trout and sheepshead
Magazine and ads also available online, so readers around the world can find you. And, your online ad links to your website!
407-223-5124
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JANUARY 2026
in Tampa Bay.”
Book your charter today! CAPTAIN ASHLEY BEALL
On The Spot Fishing Charters LLC Launching from Hooks Waterfront bar and Grill Ruskin, FL Instagram on_ the _spot_fishing_charters onthesportfishingcharters.com | T: 813-494-6363
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TAMPA BAY FORECAST
LakeLand Fishing OutFitters Polk County’s Largest Tackle Shop Where you get #fittedtofish
“A shift of 20 feet can be the difference between a slow day and a limit.”
Stop in for expert advice and an unbeatable selection all things fishing.
Tackle - Rods - Reels • Rod & Reel Repair Tues - Sat 8am - 6pm 848 W Daughtery Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809 Facebook.com/NorthLakelandOutdoors
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www.lakelandfishingoutfitters.com
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JANUARY 2026
POLK & SUMTER COUNTY 3
are you a small-town amateur angler?
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USA Bassin is your way in! Compete locally, qualify regionally, and take your shot at Bassmaster Team Championship glory! 4 POLK & SUMTER COUNTY
JANUARY 2026
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FL-04 Central Florida Winter Division 11/02/2025 11/22/2025 12/14/2025 01/04/2026 01/18/2026
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JANUARY 2026
POLK & SUMTER COUNTY 5
TENOROC FISHING FORECAST
JANUARY FISHING Florida Bass: January brings the coldest water temperatures of the year to Tenoroc, but bass fishing can still be excellent—just slower and more methodical. As bass settle into their winter patterns, they gravitate toward deeper holes, stable temperatures, and areas with cover. This is the month to slow everything down. Soft plastics like stick worms, flukes, and creature baits worked subtly along dropoffs and submerged structure will consistently draw strikes. On warmer afternoons, expect brief windows where reaction baits—lipless crankbaits, chatterbaits, or swimbaits—can trigger feeding fish, especially around shad schools. Lakes B, C, 4, 5, and Long continue to be strong choices for winter bass. Visit TrophyCatch.com to see recent trophy submissions
Tenoroc Public Use Area
Map may not represent current conditions. Visit MyFWC.com/Tenoroc for updates.
By: Ca
Bream/Panfish: Cool January temperatures typically push bluegill and shellcracker slightly deeper, but action remains steady for anglers willing to adjust. Target sandy areas, grass edges, and bottom structure in 4–10 feet of water. Red wigglers, crickets, and grass shrimp under a weighted float work well when fish are tight to the bottom. On warmer days, small beetle spins or micro-jigs can produce great numbers when fish move into the mid-depth range. Lakes Cemetery, Derby, Picnic, Fishhook, and A remain reliable for consistent winter bream fishing.
Catfish: Catfish remain a solid target in January as they continue feeding throughout the cooler months. Look for them in deeper basins, channels, and around inflow points where food naturally collects. Chicken liver, cut bait, and commercial stinkbaits are dependable choices, while nightcrawlers and live golden shiners can entice the larger channel cats. Cold fronts often spark increased movement just before they arrive, providing some of the month’s best action. Lakes Coronet, Cemetery, Derby, Picnic, and 2 continue producing both numbers and quality fish. We are also setting up a leftover Christmas tree drive on January 4th and 5th from 12pm-4pm to help enhance the habitat for multiple fish species. We are only accepting NATURAL Christmas trees with absolutely NO decorations. These decorations include electrical components, tinsel, ornaments, artificial plants, etc. Please contact Aaron Entrekin at (863) 397-2791/James.Entrekin@myfwc.com or Lillie Mairena-Sullivan at Lillie. Sullivan@myfwc.com if there are any further questions.
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JANUARY 2026
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Offi running Gu
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CENTRAL FLORIDA FORECAST By: Capt. Scott Taylor
F
irst, Happy New Year—and here’s hoping all your big-bass dreams come true in 2025. If you need help making that happen, that’s what we’re here for. We’ve been guiding Central Florida for 15+ years on the Harris Chain, Winter Haven Chain, and Kissimmee Chain, serving as the official guide service for Polk County’s Tourism Board, VisitCentralFlorida.org, and operating out of Camp Mack on the Kissimmee Chain. January fishing is heavily weather-driven, and conditions look favorable this season. While cold snaps may roll through mid-month, bass can still be caught in less-than-ideal weather—just with adjusted patterns. On the Winter Haven Chain, focus offshore in 8–20 feet along hydrilla, pepper grass, and eel grass. The primary forage is small white shad, so streamline bait selection. Soft jerkbaits like Z-Man Jerk ShadZ or Zoom Flukes excel, along with shallow and deep-diving jerkbaits in white, pearl, or silver. Lipless crankbaits in 1/4–1/2 oz are reliable, and when the bite gets tough, wacky-rigged stick baits in natural colors can save the day. The Kissimmee Chain around Camp Mack offers a completely different approach. Mornings often start in open water over scattered grass in 5–9 feet, throwing topwater frogs, Spooks, or Devil’s Horses. Spinnerbaits shine here due to the wild shiner forage. For consistent big bites, chatterbaits—especially paired with a trailer—are hard to beat. As the day progresses, move to grass lines to swim frogs “Winter in Central or flip worms and jigs. Bigger profile worms and creature Florida can produce baits excel in heavy vegetation. Adjust to the weather, fish the forage, and stay versatile— January can deliver some of the best bass fishing of the year in Central Florida.
some of the best bass fishing of the year.”
TIDE CHART MCKAY BAY, TAMPA BAY JANUARY 2026
y 4th fish utely nsel, 863) Lillie.
CAPT. SCOTT TAYLOR
855-FL-GUIDE (855-354-8433) or Scott@TMCGuideService.com Official Guide for Camp Mack on the Kissimmee Chain and has been running the guide services there for 8 years. He also has been the Official Guide for VisitCentralFlorida.org, the Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing Board for 10 years running COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2026
POLK & SUMTER COUNTY 7
Let’s Brag About It! Polk County Folks Catches
Mathew Tenoroc Faith Tenoroc
Konner Haines City
Kevin Tenoroc
Giovanni Tenoroc
Brian Tenoroc
Tiffany Haines City
Submit your catches to be on the next editions bragboard
Chris Haines City
FEBRUARY 11-15 • MIAMIBOATSHOW.COM
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.
www.ladiesletsgofishing.com Register in advance online
S Time for the Southeast
SAILFISH
Tourney Season
W
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
Leg One of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series
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
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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.
NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Check out www.VisitUSVI.com.
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