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ST. AUGUSTINE EDITION

TROPHY TROUT

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FEBRUARY 11-15, 2026

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NEARSHORE GROCERY SHOPPING

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VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 370

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W O R L D W I D E

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Nearshore Grocery Shopping TIM BAREFOOT

anuary marks a shi! in fishing targets, with a focus on species ideal for winter meals. This month traditionally finds anglers pursuing seabass and other nearshore fish, following a tradition passed down from my dad, who favored seabass and flounder for their taste and suitability for freezing. Seabass are not only delicious but also keep well in the freezer, providing a reliable food source throughout the colder months. Flounder, prized for its flavor, remains a favorite for many. While seeking black seabass close to shore, anglers o!en encounter gag grouper, grey trout, and flounder. However, many of these species have strict creel limits, with retention o!en prohibited in regions like North Carolina. To avoid catching undersized or barely legal seabass, using larger bait on a jig is recommended. Live pinfish—ideally the size of a tennis ball or baseball—make exceptional bait. If you have access to a marina’s fish cleaning table, pay attention to discarded scraps, as these can help attract

2 NATIONAL

JANUARY 2026

pinfish. Setting a pinfish trap or using finely cut scraps to chum and cast net for pinfish are effective methods for securing live bait. This technique is not only excellent for larger seabass but also irresistible to gag grouper. The same structures that attract seabass also hold baitfish such as cigar minnows, sardines, and small snapper. When anchored or spot-locked over structure, keeping a Sabiki rig ready can be invaluable. Keep one person in the boat constantly on the Sabiki providing live baits for the rest of the boat. This will certainly pay dividends. Be mindful of state and federal regulations of what you can and cannot keep, but this tactic catches everything on the reef without exception. The thing I like about pinfish is everything down there will give a live sardine and a live cigar minnow a fatal attack, but only the critters with a large enough mouth and a bold nature will go a!er pinfish or small snapper. The goal is not to catch a hundred fish, but to land a dozen high-quality bites—those worth taking home for dinner. Anywhere south and north of North Carolina, flounder is still on the menu for dinner, and a jig paired with a live cigar minnow is the ultimate flounder catching instrument. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so, but if you take light tackle to some of these nearshore seabass holes, you will lose fish to powerful gags. For nearshore flounder and grouper, opt for heavier tackle—a grouper stick equipped with a four-ounce jig and live cigar minnows or sardines. The other byproduct of this style fishing will be large drum, which tend to congregate on nearshore structure. Don’t be surprised to catch seabass, flounder, gags, and drum in the same spot. Also don’t hesitate to take chunks of crab or sand fleas for sheepshead. January is a winter wonderland, so make the most out of your nearshore grocery shopping by being prepared for all the possibilities. Learn more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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he flat was silent. No birds. No bait popping. Only the crunch of frost under my boots and the faint ripple of tide against the shoreline. Every sensible voice in my PHO TO COURT ESY OF KN head said the fish wouldn’t OCKIN TA IL LURES® feed. Then the line jumped—just once— and everything changed. For those who chase speckled trout of larger proportions, one truth becomes painfully clear: big winter trout do not give themselves up easily. Cold water slows their metabolism, feeding windows shrink, and mistakes multiply. Most anglers default to the winter mantra—slow everything down. It’s solid advice… but it isn’t the whole story. Winter trophy trout live in a world of conserving energy. They don’t want to chase far, but they will react violently to the right movement at the right moment. That’s where two tools come together: erratic presentation and precise timing. Let’s start with timing. Like many anglers, I once dismissed solunar tables as folklore. As a kid, I’d scan the fish symbols on the calendar before every trip. More fish meant higher hopes. Fewer fish meant lower expectations. Over time, I saw no real correlation and abandoned the idea. But as I matured into a better saltwater angler—and began truly hunting trophy trout—I returned to solunar tables, this time paired with tides and conditions. The difference was undeniable. These tables aren’t magic. They won’t put fish where they don’t exist. But if you are on fish, they o!en reveal when those fish are most willing to feed. Many anglers assume the “major” bite is always better than the “minor.” Not true. The difference is duration, not intensity. The major typically lasts about two hours, the minor closer to ninety minutes. Either can be explosive. One rule I never break: don’t relocate during a feeding window. On a recent trip, I was grinding through a slow morning and nearly moved on. I checked the time—ten minutes before the bite. I stayed. What followed was an aggressive feed that turned a dead stretch into a trophy-class opportunity. Big trout don’t feed o!en. When they do, you’d better be ready. That brings us to presentation. In winter, I rely on suspending and slow-sinking lures with erratic, nervous action. When I say “slow,” I mean forward movement—not motion. With a so!, whippy rod, I shake the lure in place with almost no forward travel, then let it pause. Shake. Pause. Repeat. This technique works best with braided line, which transmits every movement without stretch. Winter trout may be cold—but when timing and motion align, they don’t just bite… they attack. The strike comes without warning. No tap. No thump. Just sudden, heavy weight and the slow, head-shaking surge of a true gator. In that moment, frozen fingers, long quiet hours, and doubt all vanish. There is only tension in the line and the knowledge that patience, timing, and the right dance delivered the fish you came for. And that’s why we brave the winter. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures,® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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Pro Tips for Inshore Fishing This Winter

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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JANUARY 2026

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ear Readers,

ST. AUGUSTINE EDITION Franchise Owners Eric & Gina Diesl CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Capt. Tommy Derringer St. Augustine-Inshore www.inshoreadventures.net Capt. Robert Johnson St. Augustine-Offshore www.jodielynncharters.com Capt. Kirk Waltz Mayport www.enterprisefishingcharters.com Capt. Tony Bozzella Sisters Creek www.tonybozzella.com Noel Kuhn Pier & Surf www.thesurfangler.com Capt. Dominic Anderson Instagram: staugustine_fishing

Happy New Year! January brings a crisp clarity to Northeast Florida’s waterways, from the tidal creeks of St. Augustine to the broad expanse of the St. Johns River. Cooler water temperatures push redfish into tight schools, often tailing in shallow flats where patience and precision pay off. Speckled trout linger near deeper holes and drop-offs, striking live shrimp or slow-worked soft plastics. Offshore, when the seas allow, anglers find black sea bass and sheepshead around wrecks and reefs, while surf casters along Jacksonville’s beaches chase whiting and pompano in the frothy winter surf. The month’s shorter days and brisk mornings demand preparation, but the rewards are often steady action and fewer crowds. Conservation-minded anglers know January is also a time to fish responsibly, respecting slot limits and handling fish with care in colder water. The season highlights the rhythm of Northeast Florida’s fisheries: a slower pace, but one rich in opportunity for those willing to adapt. Whether poling a skiff through spartinalined creeks or soaking bait from a jetty, January offers a chance to connect deeply with the landscape. The stark beauty of winter marshes, the flash of a trout’s strike, and the camaraderie of bundled-up anglers remind us that fishing here is more than a pastime—it’s a seasonal ritual woven into the fabric of coastal life. We are excited to share our Facebook page that will now feature more articles and links to local events happening throughout the month. www.facebook.com/CAMStAugustine. Please send in pictures, tournament dates and ideas for articles to us at: gina@coastalanglermagazine.com. We currently have a choice of advertising options available ranging from print & digital to video & social. If you would like us to add your business to our monthly delivery route or any other assistance you may need, please contact us:

Capt. Eric Diesl - 904-829-7571 Eric@coastalanglermagazine.com

WEBMASTER Ryan Clapper

Gina Diesl - 904-540-2311 Gina@coastalanglermagazine.com

DISTRIBUTION Bob Bueno

For advertising inquiries, Call Capt. Eric at 904-829-7571 or e-mail eric@coastalanglermagazine.com

You will find our St. Augustine edition in print for free at over 200 fine local retailers every month as well as online at coastalanglermag.com & vidmag.com. Until next month, we wish you tight lines and warm breezes.

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- Capt. Eric & Gina

JANUARY 2026

ST. AUGUSTINE 1

Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Inshore By Capt. Tommy Derringer

his time of year, the early bird (or fish in this case) doesn’t always get the worm... January is such a great month to fish (especially for redfish) and being able to sleep in a little longer than usual can be nice. There’s no need to get on the water super early this month as the fish will be chewing better after the sun gets up and the flats start to warm up a bit. A mid-day low tide this time of year is a Northeast Florida angler’s dream come true. Redfish were schooled up in December, and they should continue to be schooled up this month. Low tide is the easiest time to find those schools. Look for flats with dark colored bottoms and creeks with an abundance of oyster bars. I’m hoping for a dry, cool winter as all the rain we had late this summer and fall still has the water somewhat stained from the tannins. If it does stay dry and we get some colder air and water temps the water will start to clear up, giving us the opportunity to do some sight-fishing. As of report time the water is starting to clear up as we’ve had some cool nights... being cold is no fun but it makes for some awesome fishing! Even if it doesn’t get crystal clear you can locate schools of redfish by looking for “muds” or small fleeing baitfish and shrimp. Don’t worry if you don’t own a super shallow water skiff, these fish are still accessible. Most decent size creeks in the area have small “flats” on their banks on extreme winter low tides. Use the trolling motor to work slowly as far back

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as possible in the creeks while eyeing the banks for cruising reds. One very important piece of equipment for this time of year and sight-fishing in general is a good pair of polarized sunglasses. I prefer Bajio Sunglasses with a copper or amber colored lens. You’ll be surprised how much of difference a good lens can make. The quicker you can spot the fish the easier it is to catch ‘em. My favorite baits this month are small soft plastics like a Saltwater Assassin paddle tail or a live shrimp both paired with an 1/8-ounce jig head. The reason I prefer the 1/8 ounce or even a 1/16-ounce jig is they make less splash when casted and with the clearer water we should have right now our reds can get a little spooky. This is also a great time of year to bust out the long (fly) rod. Many a redfish and even a few sheepshead will fall to small shrimp and crab pattern flies. Being able to see the fish before you cast makes fly fishing that much more exciting and rewarding. Slot sized black drum should be a good bet this month in the deeper creek and ICW holes. Fresh dead shrimp or sometimes even better, a fiddler crab fished on the bottom will do the trick. Black drum have smallish mouths and tend to be subtle biters so make sure to wait until you feel the fish swimming away before setting the hook. Speaking of fiddler crabs and light biters, the sheepshead bite was great in December and should continue to be good through the next few months. Target area bridges and pilings with fiddlers, oyster crabs, or small shrimp. If you’re feeling a little sportier look for sheepies on the flats feeding on oyster bars. It seems like sometimes every oyster bar you pass by this time of year will have a few munching away just waiting to be caught.

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AN E-MAGAZINE Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine OffshoreOF ST. AUGUSTINE

EDITION IS AVAILABLE EVERY MONTH AT:

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Cold Temps HOT Fishing!

anuary is a great month for blue water fishing. Cooler water temps near shore will push pelagic species such as Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi and Sails to the shelf edge. Just like me, they do not like cold anything.

I look for water temps 72 and above. Find the temperature and bait and you will find the fish. If Tunas and Sails are targets, we pull naked ballyhoo on monofilament. The tried-and-true cedar plug is hard for Tuna fish to resist. If the fish are picky you may have to pull your rigs back to 200-250’ behind the boat – a lot of work but worth the results. Sailfish typically show behind the teasers on short riggers and multiple bites are not unusual. Depending on water temperatures, there will be mahi around as well. Normally not as large as springtime fish – but the bailers are still tasty and fun to catch. On the bottom – mutton and vermillion snapper are available from 145’ out to 160’ and should be chewing! If you want a big pull, plenty of Amberjacks are available as well. If you don’t like crowds and have a flexible schedule, pick your days in between the fronts and enjoy some of the best fishing NE FL has to offer!

Captain Robert Johnson (904)540-2628 Jodielynncharters.com Jlfishing@bellsouth.net

43 a feet Lafa from resid

Fishing Report Pier and Surf By: Noel Kuhn

ast month the bite was on fire because our water temperature was dropping FAST! As of my writing on 12/7/25 we were in the low 60’s already. See photo from SST Rutgers. That is my go-to web search for sea surface temperature. This tool will be very important if the water temp drops below 60. Because at that point our surf and pier fishing will end. Some species will go east and deep for warmer water. The rest will head south for the same reason. At that point a road trip will be necessary to catch up with the Pompano.

Another useful tool is the app WINDY. This is a great tool for wind speed and direction. During these cool winter months, calm winds are a whole lot better than a 10-20 mph Nor’easter. It can be a dramatic difference between 15 mph at Little Talbot and 5 mph at Crescent Beach. Just do a little homework before you head out to the beach to make your day a lot more enjoyable. If you want to fill the cooler with great tasting Whiting, downsize your offering. Normally I fish 2/0 circle hooks. For these next two months, I drop down two sizes to a #1. Also, I reduce my bait size from the size of a nickel down to the size of a dime. One of my favorite winter time Whiting baits is little chunks of Whiting. It stays on the hook really good and when it is on, they cannot resist it. A variety of baits in your cart can also make a difference. Pink shrimp flavor Fishbites, fresh shrimp, live clams and small crab knuckles all work really good too. No beads or floats on a Mortician rig is my go-to. I tie mine with a 50 pound main line and 30 pound snoods. If you have a chance to attend a seminar on the beach this winter, this year I will be in Jensen Beach Jan 24 and 25, Vero Beach Feb 7 and 8 and Melbourne Mar 21 and 22. To sign up, please visit www.outpostacademy. com and scroll to the bottom for the correct dates. These seminars are sponsored by Guy Harvey and limited to ten anglers per class. See you on the beach! Tight lines. Noel Kuhn Surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com

4 ST. AUGUSTINE

JANUARY 2026

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JANUARY 2026

ST. AUGUSTINE 5

Bridge Bruisers. Banging the OTHER drum... By Landon Hall can still feel that first one like it was yesterday. A cold evening under the bridge, the tide rolling steady, and a couple of us kids crowded around a bucket of bait, laughing more than fishing. I dropped my line down by a piling without thinking much about it. A few minutes later my rod bent over so hard I thought I was snagged. But then the “snag” shook its head, and I realized I was tied into something heavier than anything I’d ever hooked before. There weren’t any jumps, no blazing runs—just raw, stubborn weight. Every crank of the reel felt like pulling on a cinder block that had decided to fight back. By the time we hauled that fish close, my arms were rubber, my buddies were hollering, and I was grinning ear to ear. That was the night I fell in love with black drum, and I’ve been chasing them around Florida bridges ever since.

The Black Drum’s World Black drum aren’t showy fish. They don’t leap like tarpon or slash bait like snook. They root and they rumble. They’re bottom feeders at heart, cruising slow along the pilings and scouring the sand for crabs, shrimp, clams, and just about anything else the tide washes their way. And Florida bridges give them everything they need—structure, current, and an endless buffet. Walk up to any bridge in the state and you’ll see it: mussels clinging to the concrete, barnacles stacked thick, baitfish pushed and pulled by the tide. That’s a black drum’s dinner table. It’s no wonder they hang around, from the Panhandle to the Keys. Some are small “puppy drum,” barely a couple of pounds and perfect for the skillet. Others are giants, 40–60 pound bruisers that fight like a tractor pulling against your line. Timing and Tides The real secret to bridge drum fishing is understanding the water. Moving tide makes the difference. When the current begins to push, life under a bridge changes, and that’s when drum feed most aggressively. Outgoing tide has a way of flushing shrimp, crabs, and baitfish from the flats into the deeper spans, and drum wait right where the flow funnels through the pilings. Incoming tide can be just as productive, especially where deeper channels bring food toward the bridge. The slack tide in between is usually slower, though you might pick up the odd fish if you’re patient. Season adds another layer. Late winter through early spring brings the heavyweights, schools of giant drum moving into inlets and bridge channels to feed and spawn. They’ll test the best of anglers. The rest of the year, smaller drum still hold around most bridges, giving steady action for those willing to fish with patience and good bait. Tackle for Bridge Fishing Black drum don’t play fair, and light gear rarely ends well. Stiff rods in the medium-heavy to heavy class are the standard, matched with reels that carry smooth drags and enough backbone to lean on a fish that would rather grind your line against a piling. Spinning reels in the 5000 to 8000 size range strike a balance of strength and versatility, while stout baitcasters serve those who prefer a thumb-controlled fight. For line, braided mainline in the thirty to fifty pound class gives the strength to horse a fish away from danger while still letting you feel the subtle thump of a bite. A heavy leader—forty to sixty pound monofilament or fluorocarbon—is a must, not so much for invisibility but for toughness. Bridges are covered in barnacles sharp enough to shred most lines in seconds. Circle hooks sized between 3/0 and 6/0 do the work cleanly, catching in the corner of a drum’s mouth and giving you a good chance of release when you’re wrestling the bigger breeders. The Baits That Work The drum’s diet is no mystery. They’re bottom feeders with a nose for natural offerings, and the best bait is the same food they find along the pilings. Nothing calls in a true bruiser like fresh blue crab. Split in half and pinned to a hook, it’s as close to irresistible as you’ll find. Shrimp, whether lively or dead, are the everyman’s bait, catching everything from small 6 ST. AUGUSTINE

JANUARY 2026

drum to slot-sized keepers, and often a few surprise redfish or sheepshead along the way. Clams and mussels are messy to rig but deadly effective, especially when you crush the shell a little to release their scent. Fiddler crabs too, scuttled onto a hook, make a perfect offering for smaller drum nosing around the rocks. Whatever you choose, the rule is simple: keep it near the bottom. Drum aren’t prowling the surface. They’re down where the current rolls food across the sand, and that’s where your bait needs to sit. Fishing the Bridge Fishing from a boat gives you the advantage of positioning. Slide just upcurrent of the pilings, drop your rig back, and let the flow carry it into the strike zone. Keep your line tight, feel for that subtle thump, and when the weight sets in, lean back and let the circle hook find its mark. Fishing from the bridge itself carries its own charm. Many Florida spans were built with catwalks or pedestrian access, and for generations they’ve been evening gathering spots for locals with buckets of shrimp and coolers ready. Dropping baits straight down along the pilings can be just as effective as boating, though you’ll want a long-handled net or pier gaff where legal to haul up a heavy fish. There’s something timeless about leaning over a railing in the glow of bridge lights, waiting for the unmistakable pull of a drum. The Fight Hooking a drum isn’t like tangling with a snook or tarpon. There’s no flash or fire, no leaping silver. It’s grit and stubbornness. When a drum realizes it’s hooked, it digs in, shaking its head and surging for the nearest piling. The battle is as much about patience as power. Keep steady pressure, use the backbone of your rod, and trust your tackle. Rush the fight and you’ll lose to the barnacles. Play it right, and you’ll eventually see that big black-and-silver slab rise slow from the depths, a reward hard earned. From the Skillet to the Release Florida anglers know the smaller drum, those in the fifteen to twentyfour inch range, make fine table fare. Their meat is firm and mild, taking well to a hot skillet or a smoky grill. But the giants—the fish that pull your arms sore and test every knot in your rig—are breeders. Their meat turns coarse, often riddled with worms, and they are far more valuable alive. Letting those heavy fish swim back into the current is part of the unspoken contract between angler and fish, a way of ensuring there will always be drum under the bridges for the next generation. Best Bridges in Florida for Black Drum From one end of the state to the other, bridges draw drum. In Northeast Florida, the Mayport area and the Matanzas Inlet Bridge near St. Augustine produce fish year after year. Down around Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway and its old piers are legendary for giant spring drum. Farther south, the Seven Mile and Bahia Honda bridges in the Keys deliver some of the largest drum seen anywhere in the state. And in the Panhandle, bridges across Escambia Bay keep rods bent with steady action. Truth is, if you’re near a major bridge with healthy current and barnacle-covered pilings, chances are good there are drum waiting below. Closing Thoughts There’s something honest about chasing black drum. They’re not flashy, not glamorous, but they are steady, powerful, and willing to test you in ways no other fish quite does. They’re the working man’s fish, the kind you catch with friends under the rumble of passing cars, standing in the glow of bridge lights with the smell of salt in the air. If you want a taste of Florida fishing at its most down-to-earth, grab a bucket of bait and find a bridge when the tide is moving. Drop your line by the pilings and wait. With luck, you’ll feel that slow, heavy pull—the unmistakable sign that you’ve tied into a bridge bruiser. And when you do, you’ll understand why some of us never stopped chasing them after that first unforgettable fight.

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DAY

JAN2026 Jax Beach, 8720030

DAY 01 THU 05:59 AM 5.66 H 12:19 PM -0.44 L 06:28 PM 4.51 H

11 SUN 02:10 AM 4.38 H 08:31 AM 0.80 L 02:26 PM 3.75 H 08:34 PM 0.54 L

02 FRI 12:23 AM -0.94 L 06:56 AM 5.82 H 01:12 PM -0.68 L 07:21 PM 4.65 H

12 MON 03:09 AM 4.31 H 09:29 AM 0.89 L 03:27 PM 3.61 H 09:28 PM 0.62 L

03 SAT 01:18 AM -1.17 L 07:49 AM 5.88 H 02:03 PM -0.83 L 08:13 PM 4.74 H

13 TUE 04:08 AM 4.30 H 10:25 AM 0.85 L 04:28 PM 3.59 H 10:23 PM 0.60 L

04 SUN 02:10 AM -1.26 L 08:40 AM 5.83 H 02:51 PM -0.85 L 09:03 PM 4.79 H

14 WED 05:03 AM 4.36 H 11:18 AM 0.72 L 05:23 PM 3.65 H 11:16 PM 0.47 L

05 MON 03:01 AM -1.18 L 09:30 AM 5.67 H 03:39 PM -0.76 L 09:53 PM 4.78 H

15 THU 05:53 AM 4.48 H 12:07 PM 0.51 L 06:11 PM 3.75 H

06 TUE 03:52 AM -0.92 L 10:18 AM 5.40 H 04:26 PM -0.58 L 10:42 PM 4.74 H

16 FRI 12:05 AM 0.26 L 06:38 AM 4.62 H 12:51 PM 0.28 L 06:53 PM 3.86 H

07 WED 04:44 AM -0.55 L 11:05 AM 5.06 H 05:13 PM -0.36 L 11:32 PM 4.67 H

17 SAT 12:49 AM 0.03 L 07:19 AM 4.77 H 01:32 PM 0.06 L 07:33 PM 3.97 H

08 THU 05:39 AM -0.12 L 11:51 AM 4.69 H 06:02 PM -0.10 L

18 SUN 01:29 AM -0.17 L 07:58 AM 4.89 H 02:09 PM -0.12 L 08:11 PM 4.09 H

09 FRI 12:22 AM 4.58 H 06:36 AM 0.27 L 12:39 PM 4.32 H 06:51 PM 0.14 L 10 SAT 01:14 AM 4.47 H 07:34 AM 0.59 L 01:30 PM 4.00 H 07:41 PM 0.36 L

19 MON 02:07 AM -0.30 L 08:37 AM 4.97 H 02:45 PM -0.24 L 08:50 PM 4.21 H 20 TUE 02:44 AM -0.36 L 09:14 AM 4.99 H 03:20 PM -0.31 L 09:28 PM 4.35 H 21 WED 03:22 AM -0.34 L 09:53 AM 4.94 H

03:56 PM -0.34 L 10:09 PM 4.50 H 22 THU 04:04 AM -0.26 L 10:33 AM 4.83 H 04:35 PM -0.32 L 10:52 PM 4.65 H 23 FRI 04:51 AM -0.13 L 11:16 AM 4.67 H 05:18 PM -0.28 L 11:37 PM 4.77 H 24 SAT 05:44 AM 0.01 L 12:02 PM 4.46 H 06:06 PM -0.21 L 25 SUN 12:27 AM 4.84 H 06:43 AM 0.13 L 12:54 PM 4.24 H 06:59 PM -0.14 L

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26 MON 01:23 AM 4.86 H 07:47 AM 0.20 L 01:54 PM 4.03 H 07:59 PM -0.12 L 27 TUE 02:27 AM 4.87 H 08:54 AM 0.19 L 03:01 PM 3.90 H 09:04 PM -0.18 L 28 WED 03:37 AM 4.91 H 10:01 AM 0.08 L 04:12 PM 3.92 H 10:09 PM -0.35 L 29 THU 04:45 AM 5.04 H 11:05 AM -0.13 L 05:17 PM 4.06 H 11:13 PM -0.63 L

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ST. AUGUSTINE 7

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Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament Jan. 30-Feb. 1

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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.

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JANUARY 2026

NATIONAL 7

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.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Check out www.VisitUSVI.com.

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JANUARY 2026

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ESCAPE IS JUST ONE CAST AWAY. VISITUSVI.COM

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Coastal Angler Magazine | January 2026 St. Augustine Edition