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In Alpine Helen, GA Freshwater Fun Abounds
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia against a backdrop of forests and river banks, the bustling Bavarian alpine village of Helen o!ers a wealth of shing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
By Unicoi Out tters
Trout shing is a highlight in the Helen area, with rainbow, brown, and brook trout abundant in local waters. Anglers can explore various shing experiences:
• High-Elevation Wild Trout: Tackle small creek wild trout in the serene mountain streams.
• Stocked Streams: Fish in streams replenished by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, o!ering both catch-and-keep and catch-andrelease options.
• Smithgall Woods State Park: Reserve a spot to pursue trophy trout in this pristine park.
• Private Water Access: Book guided or unguided trips on exclusive sections of the Chattahoochee and Soque Rivers.
#e optimal trout shing seasons are spring (March-May) and fall (October-November), with cooler water temperatures and comfortable
A L PINEHELE N , GEORGIa • A L ELEHENIP N , aIGROEG • BUCKET LIST 2025
air conditions. Winter shing is also rewarding for those prepared for colder conditions.
For bass enthusiasts, the Helen area o!ers diverse shing experiences:
• River Fishing: Target native shoal bass, spotted bass, redbreast sun sh, and bluegill in the Chattahoochee and Chestatee rivers.
• Lake Fishing: Explore lakes like Burton, Seed, Rabun, Chatuge, and Lanier for largemouth bass, spotted bass, and sun sh species.
#e Helen, GA region is also home to three species of native redeye bass: Chattahoochee, Bartram’s, and Coosa bass. #ese colorful and spirited sh are best targeted from April to September. Anglers can pursue these species as part of the Georgia Bass Slam.
And, worth noting, Helen is an excellent destination for family shing adventures:
• Unicoi State Park: O!ers opportunities for
kids to trout sh in Smith Creek, bream sh in the lake, and enjoy activities like hiking to Anna Ruby Falls, zip-lining, kayaking, paddle-boating, and archery.
• Lake Burton Trout Hatchery: A short drive from Helen, this hatchery allows visitors to sh for stocked trout at Moccasin Creek State Park, explore wild trout streams upstream, bream sh at the lake shoreline, and hike to Hemlock Falls.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, Helen, GA o!ers a diverse range of shing experiences and is a worthy destination to add to your bucket list.
Unicoi Out tters, established in 1994, is the Helen, Ga area’s premier y shop and guide service, providing expert guidance and quality gear to enhance your shing experience. Visit unicoiout tters.com to learn more about available trips, gear, and to book your next shing excursion. To learn more about Helen, GA, visit helenga.org.
MOUNTAIN STRONG
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
Chimney Rock Village, North Carolina was decimated by last year’s rare hurricane surge in the Rocky Broad River. Decimated. All ve of the village’s bridges, 30 percent of the small businesses, most of Main Street to Bat Cave, the village’s two campgrounds, over 35 RVs, and over 30 homes were washed away. With only one road in or out of Chimney Rock, no power, no public services and winter coming on, this little mountain village of 125 residents banded together to help each other. #ey immediately rolled up their sleeves and began the process of survival and renewal.
Always one of this writer’s favorite trout streams, Chimney Rock Village and it’s meandering Rocky Broad River was an annual sojourn for me and many anglers throughout the country.
I recently visited Chimney Rock and had the opportunity (privilege) to speak with the town’s mayor, Peter O’Leary, about the village’s reconstruction e!ort and how truly self-reliant these mountain folk are. According to Mr. O’Leary, volunteer groups like Spokes of Hope and the 101st Airborne showed up with much needed supplies and the Chimney Rock community, along with the volunteers, began the process of moving forward; volunteers like Shane Zoccole, Barbara Meliski, Joe from Wyoming, the whole Spokes of Hope crew immediately started pitching in.
#e river has taken a somewhat di!erent route through Chimney Rock. Some say its course now resembles its course from the mid 1800s when residents rst began settling the Hickory Nut Gorge. Today, crews are hard at work everywhere you look, roads are in and the future looks bright for a return to a new form of reality for both the residents as well as visitors. And while the course of the river has morphed, the sh haven’t gone anywhere, and while the riverfront buildings will invariably change, the beauty of the
mountains and the serenity and superior trout shing of the Rocky Broad River, along with the spirit of the residents will likely never be diminished. For that we wholeheartedly embrace the moniker of “Mountain Strong” for everyone involved in this heartfelt e!ort to reclaim and restore this beautiful mountain village.
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during the initial feeding frenzy.
If you have outriggers, trolling 4 lines is pretty straightforward. If your riggers have dual clips, the highest set clip will hold your longer lines. If you only have single clips, use them for longer lines with rigged ballyhoo, and run two chuggers from the gunnels, set closer to the boat.
If you dont have outriggers, you can use shorter rods or bent-butts for short lines near the back of the boat, and run two longer lines from taller trolling rods, set behind them midship, or just keep it simple and run two or three lines. #e most important rule of setting a spread is that lures that dive deeper should be set as shorter lines, running closest to the boat, while lures that skip the surface will be your longest set lines. #is gives you the ability to turn the boat without risking tangles. If your short chuggers are exactly the same, they can be run at identical lengths, otherwise, stagger them appropriately according to their weight and depth they run through the water.
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
or new boat owners with a vessel and captain capable of getting o!shore, targeting mahi is a great choice for rst-timers who are wanting to push into the o!shore shery.
Mahi shing doesn’t require any predetermined coordinates, and anyone can head out there and nd them. Depending on your location and time of year, you can start looking for signs of life as shallow as 100’. #is time of year in the Florida Keys, you may have your best luck past 500’.
As you make your way o!shore, your hunt begins immediately. Your head should be on a swivel, scouring near and far for the telltale signs of mahi activity. Current edges, weedlines, debris, baitsprays, and diving birds found within the
desired depths, are all worth checking out.
When you have found one of these potential mahi zones, you will initially troll the area, and then move into casting at the school once you have hooked up to a sh.
Depending on your boat’s set-up, you can get the job done trolling 2-5 lines. It really isn’t necessary to go overboard with a mahi spread as they have a tendency to tangle lines, and a majority of your catching will be done a$er you have hooked up to a single sh. Once you have hooked up on the troll, you will have to clear all the other lines to prepare for casting at the school. If you have too many lines to clear, you may miss your opportunity for multiple hookups
If you want to run a $h line down the center, you can choose a long line that increases your chances of catching tuna. #is rod should be placed up high on the center of the boat in the rocket launcher and should have a very light lure that skips the surface. Alternatively, you can run it short from the transom, with a lure that dives deeper and increase your chances of catching wahoo.
If you opt for the short $h line, be aware that running anything with treble hooks is not recommended for targeting mahi. Not only do ip like rabid snakes when in the boat, but as they jump and shake when hooked, they can send that lure %ying back at you if they are successful in freeing themselves. Choose a wahoo lure with single hooks if you are running this type of spread.
If you go with a long line as your $h line, be mindful that you will likely catch more weeds this way. #is is a better option in open water while trolling under birds rather than weedlines. It also makes cult to make tighter maneuvers. Always make wide turns, and speed up through them to keep the lines tight and maintaining the lure’s action.
Once you’ve hooked into a mahi, slow the boat but keep it in gear while you clear the other trolling lines. Bring the hooked sh close to the boat, but leave it swimming in the water as it will act like a chumbag to bring his buddies up to casting range. Grab your spinning rods with 50-80# leader and an 8/0 j hook, toss on a live or chunk of bait and cast out behind the hooked sh. Let back, occasionally stopping the line with your nger and giving it a little twitch and then continuing to free-line it back. When you get a bite, give the sh a few seconds to eat awnd then close your bail and reel. Once you have all your rods hooked up with sh, start taking them into the boat one at a time and casting back into the school, holding multiple hooked sh in the water as you start rotating them out.
If you aren’t quite ready to go solo yet, give Sweet E’nuf Charters a call to book a mahi catching trip and we’ll teach you everything you need to know to make the mahi fear you.
Happy hunting!
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, e Florida Keys. (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
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NOAA Sets 2-Day Atlantic Red Snapper Season; Withdraws Bottom Fishing Closure Proposal
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has announced a short recreational season of just two days for 2025 for red snapper in the South Atlantic. Red snapper harvest will be open for recreational anglers in the South Atlantic, from North Carolina through Florida, July 11 and 12. !e limit is one sh per angler.
Dates are subject to change in case a small cra weather advisory is projected. Any change in the date of the recreational season will be announced in the Federal Register, Fishery Bulletin, and an announcement via NOAA Weather Radio.
NOAA Fisheries also withdrew the proposed bottom shing closure from Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the SnapperGrouper Fishery of the South Atlantic.
Amendment 59, introduced in January of this year, proposed a 3-month bottom shing closure for 55 species of reef sh in Northeast and Central Florida each year. Comprising federal waters from the Florida/Georgia border to Southern Brevard County, the closure would have had devastating
impacts on the sport shing industry and coastal communities that rely on angling tourism dollars.
!e American Sport shing Association (ASA) applauds the elimination of the proposed closure. “We are encouraged to see NOAA reconsider and withdraw the $awed bottom shing closure,” said Martha Guyas, Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for ASA. “With more than 5 million anglers taking to the water each year in our state, recreational shing contributes $11.1 billion to the Florida economy and supports more than 70,000 jobs. !is haphazard proposal would have gutted the industry without any sound scienti c justi cation.”
Moving forward, continued e orts to improve data collection and management are necessary to assist in providing more reasonable access. !e South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count is underway and is expected to be completed later this summer.
ASA led a joint letter earlier this year in which 76 members of the recreational shing industry from dozens of states expressed their opposition to the area closures included in the Amendment. NOAA Fisheries also held multiple in-person hearings and received extensive comments during the public comment period, most of which opposed all or part of the proposal.
Unfortunately, Amendment 59 still maintains an unacceptably short recreational season of just two days for 2025. Although there was widespread grumbling and gnashing of teeth by recreational anglers, it did not come as a surprise to pretty much anyone.
By Don Norton
A SECRET TO OKEECHOBEE BASSIN’
If you’ve never been to Lake Okeechobee, it’s like shing in an ocean. With a surface area of 730 square miles, 135 miles of shoreline, and a length of 35 miles, it can be a bit humbling even to the top professionals who sh tournaments there. Hot spots abound. At one time or another, throughout the calendar year, virtually everywhere on the lake is a good shing area.
!e lake’s water levels uctuate 3-5 feet per year. !e normal water level in the winter ranges from 14 to 16 feet above sea level, and the normal water level in the summer months ranges from 12 to 15 feet.
As I write this article in mid-May, the water level is 11.17 feet above sea
level, unusually low for this time of year, creating many navigational hazards. It is expected to go even lower before the rainy season hits South Florida. What’s a sherman to do? !e lake becomes dangerous at this depth, and many of the best spots can be hard to get to.
Like many other anglers, I found the answer years ago.
!e Kissimmee River originally owed over 100 miles from Lake Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee. !e waterway, part of the Everglades headwaters, was straightened and channelized into a 56-mile-long canal called the C-38 Canal in the 1960s for ood control. Restoration e$orts are underway to restore the river to its original meandering state and revitalize the ecosystem. !e depth of the river as it enters Lake Okeechobee ranges between 25 and 30 feet deep, o$ering an excellent opportunity for anglers to catch bass, crappies and bluegills. Other parts of the river can be as deep as 45 feet.
But it o$ers some excellent bass shing. Just ask Greg DiPalma, Brandon Palaniuk, Will Davis Jr., or Timothy Dube, four professionals who shed the 2025 BassMaster Elite Tournament on Lake Okeechobee earlier this year.
On Day One, shing in a small stretch of the C-41A Canal that ows southeast from Lake Istokpoga, DiPalma weighed in 29.12, Davis Jr., 26.2, Palaniuk 23.7, and Dube had 23.7. !e foursome was in rst, second, third, and 10th, respectively.
On Day Two, Palaniuk put two 8-pounders in the boat on consecutive casts, weighing in 34.10 for the day. He went on to win the tournament with a staggering 95.4 pounds, all caught in the Kissimmee River.
!is wasn’t the rst time an Elite series tournament on Lake Okeechobee was won on the Kissimmee River. Tyler Rivet won the event in 2023 a er nding an underutilized area of hard bottom spots, similar to the area Palaniuk and the others shed.
As Buck Perry used to say, “!e Home of the bass is deep water.” More and more anglers are proving that to be true.
Most of the locals will tell you, don’t overlook the river. As good as Lake Okeechobee is, the key in low water conditions, as well as other times of the year, is the Kissimmee River.
Don Norton is Co-Publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Okeechobee edition. Contact him at (863) 273-4998 or don@theanglermagazine.com.
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COASTAL ANGLER
PANAMA CITY BEACH • FORGOTTEN COAST • FLORIDA PANHANDLE
JULY 2025 | www.coastalanglermag.com/panama-city
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
June was such a busy month, that it kinda went by in a flash, and here we are in July already! I had the privilege of getting out there and meeting a LOT of different people and business owners in the month of June, and it was heartwarming to see the response that I received from the reintroduction of Coastal Angler Magazine into the area!
This Coastal Angler Magazine spans 12 counties, from Walton County--all the way to the lovely little town of Carabelle, and everything in-between! There really are some amazing places and people in our surrounding areas, and I encourage you all to get out there and make a day-trip out of doing some exploring!
If you’re a tourist that’s reading this magazine, we as locals all know and appreciate the value of tourism on our local economy, so from all of us here in the Panhandle let me just take a moment to say “thank-you”! Now that being said, if you’re a local, I think we can all agree that the areas and waterways that we call home get extremely crowded and the traffic alone is enough to make ANYONE lose their mind a little bit.
Many of you out there, like me, use Hwy. 20 as an alternate route to running the gauntlet that is Hwy. 98. If you didn’t know, well now you know! One of my favorite places along Hwy.20 is Nick’s Seafood. This local gem is tucked away in a corner of the Choctawhatchee Bay, and be sure to ask for the owner, Trey, and you’ll find yourself in a conversation with one of the most genuine and down-toearth people you’ll ever meet!
My travels also take me all over the place, but one area I can’t ever seem to get enough of is Franklin County. Between it’s old Southern charm, relaxed pace of life, and incredibly sweet people that just seem nice to their core-- I think you’ll probably fall in love with it as well! Check out some of the local fare at places like The Station Raw Bar for a more relaxed atmosphere, or dress it up for an evening of finer dining, upstairs at The Owl Cafe in downtown Apalachicola!
So many places, so little time! But in place like St George Island or East Point, time seems to stand still. Larry and Angela Troy at Island Outfitters on St George Island will get you set up with all the gear you need for a day on the water. When you’re done there, swing around the corner to check out the brand new establishment called ‘The Point’, which is a brand-new one-stop-shop marina/bar/grill/bait & tackle, from East Point local legend, Capt. Bruce Millender!
Looking for something a little more inland and away from the crowds at the beaches? How about Blue Springs and the Bottom & Middle Creek tributaries that originate from the springs? This area has been recovering from the wake of damage that Hurricane Michael imposed on the area, almost 7 years ago now, and the area is just now reopening to the public. The NW Florida Water Management District has been working hard to get these areas cleaned up and reopened, and local guides like Angela of Econfina Creek Adventures will gladly take you on a kayaking adventure that you and the entire family will enjoy!
There were so many people, so many places, and I’ll just have to keep mentioning different places from month to month. In between all the work that I put into this magazine, I do watch the weather and surf reports as I’m constantly seeking out a day to put my boat in and get out there to catch some fish! The weather and surf haven’t made it easy lately, but there is plenty of advice in the pages that follow, and these local Captains know their stuff when it comes to putting you on the fish!
Send me some of your catch photos, get in touch with me, and we’re always looking for local advertisers to fund the magazine that you all love and enjoy reading each month. In the meantime… Keep those lines tight, stay safe, and show some respect for each other out there on the water!
Joey RobertsPublisher/Owner
The Other Snapper
By Capt. Chester Reese, Contributing Writer
The American red snapper is a prized fish that stirs the soul of every offshore angler. In recent years the stocks of this great eating fish have risen dramatically. There are catches now that top 15 to 20 plus pounds. The old guys refer to these large red snappers as sows because they are usually breeding females. With the recent opening of the Gulf season there has been a fleet of boats heading out of Carrabelle hitting them pretty hard. The increased pressure on the fishery has a way of thinning the schools, especially in the closer to shore fish. But there is another snapper that has a larger catch limit and is equally tasty and fun to catch.
The mangrove snapper or grey snapper, as the biologists call them, can be taken in the same area as the reds. Mangroves tend to be closer to the bottom structure and lay below the water column with red snapper above. The tackle and technique for catching them is somewhat different. Lighter rigs such as 1 ounce deep gigs tipped with shrimp or squid can do the job. Now regular circle hook, sinker and leader has always worked but these fish can be very wary if the tackle has too much hardware. In the Keys we had a lot of what was called dock snapper. These were smaller mangroves that discovered that there could be easy meals around the fish cleaning stations. But these fish were smart. You could take 6 shrimp, put a tiny hook deep in one and they would eat the 5 and leave the hooked one alone.
During the full moon phases in July and August, mangroves move around structure to aggregate spawn. Fish will come from great distances and join up, both males and females to fertilize eggs. Some
schools number hundreds of fish, mostly larger mature fish, and they work higher levels of the water column. We have some great areas to target these fish, such as the near offshore towers like O Tower and S Tower. Also, the artificial reefs can hold fish. Bryson’s, Robbie’s and Yamaha are good locations that have produced excellent catches. Sometimes lower hard bottom reef areas will hold them too, so it pays to hunt around. Chumming can really increase the bite if you send the first bag to the bottom and juke the line up as you retrieve. When the spawn is on daylight fishing is as good as night. When mangroves are hot you can get them right up to the boat. What great fun it is to sight fish them in clear water where sometimes you can pick the fish you want to take. This can be done by using a small circle hook like a 1/0 or 2/0 and a small piece of bait similar to what the chum looks like and pay it out into the slick. This is the same technique used in the Keys when fishing for yellow tail snapper.
So, there are other snappers out there. Mangroves as we have discussed but also the lane snapper and vermillion snapper, sometimes call a Bee Liner. Whichever snapper you go for, Good Luck and be Safe.
CAPT. CHESTER REESE
Natural World Charters, LLC Capt. Chester Reese captchet@earthlink.net 850-228-9060
Red Snapper “SOW” caught by Bill Spencer off Dog Island
Capt. Chester with a 8 pound Mangrove
Spawning Mangrove Snapper Anglers
Jeff and Micheal Pollick
FISHING REPORT: Gulf Action Heating Up
by Capt.Jack Whaley, Contributing Writer
June is here, and that means one thing: red snapper season is in full swing—and the action has been nothing short of phenomenal!
We’ve seen a wide range of sizes, from just-legal fish under 25 inches to monsters tipping the scales at over 20 pounds. No matter the size, they’re all fantastic on the grill.
Right now, bottom fishing is the main attraction, and red snapper is the headliner. The bite has been so hot that on many trips, we’re icing down a six-man limit in as little as 15 minutes. That’s not just fast fishing—it’s some of the best snapper productivity we’ve seen in years.
Once the snapper box is full and the fish are properly iced and cared for, we shift focus to other bottom dwellers. Mangrove snapper are showing up in solid numbers over hard bottom. We lighten things up for them—40lb fluorocarbon is the go-to, as they tend to be leader-shy compared to their red cousins, which we usually tackle with 60lb.
Red grouper are around as well, though there are quite a few shorts in the mix. That said, the “big baits, big fish” mantra has held true, with larger offerings occasionally producing quality keepers. And if you’re into a little variety, vermilion snapper have been running large—some of the biggest we’ve seen in years. Double rigs with cut bonita seem to be the ticket, with the occasional bonus porgy adding to the haul.
When the bottom bite tapers off or you’re just looking for a change of pace—and maybe a little A/C break—trolling offers a great alternative. King mackerel have been stacked up thick around the piers, beaches, wrecks, and hard bottom. We rig up with 44lb 7-strand wire and #6 treble hooks for these fast movers.
But kings aren’t the only ones in the mix. Trolling often brings surprise visitors to the spread—
mahi, cobia, wahoo, or bonita can all show up, making for an exciting and unpredictable bycatch.
On calm days when we can make the run offshore to the 100-fathom line, the deep-dropping game is on. Yellowedge grouper and snowy grouper are the main targets out there, and they'll deliver some of the finest fillets you’ll ever blacken and plate!
We use whole squid and drop them down to 700 feet or more, aided by lights and electric reels—essentials when fishing that deep. And if luck’s on your side, you might haul up a stunning longtail sea bass—an elusive and prized catch.
We just came off the Strawberry Moon, and the stronger currents and brighter nights have changed the game a bit. With the fish feeding under the moonlight, the daytime bite can get a little finicky. That’s when we downsize everything—lighter weights, smaller baits, and more finesse presentations—to entice those full-bellied fish into one more snack.
It’s also peak spawning season for snapper, meaning they’ll move slightly off-structure and they'll usually spawn in the nearby sand flats. Don’t let their absence on your go-to spot fool you—they’re still around and ready to eat, you just have to adjust your game plan! There’s still plenty of beautiful weather ahead, and no shortage of action offshore. Whether you’re after a trophy red snapper or looking to load up on a variety of highly coveted reef species, now is the time to hit the water!
Jeff, first mate of Grocery Gettin' Charters ith a 23" vermillion snapper
Give us a call—we’ll put you on the fish and help fill your freezer with premium Gulf seafood.
CAPT. JACK WHALEY Grocery Gettin' Charters, LLC grocerygettincharters@gmail.com 850-896-6147
Roy from Buffalo, NY with a huge America red snapper
David from Leesburg, GA with a nice American red snapper
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INSHORE/OFFSHORE FISHING REPORT: Port St. Joe to Cape San Blas and Mexico Beach
by Capt. Pete Barwick, Contributing Writer
Hello again, fellow fishermen! Capt. Pete here with your latest fishing report from Bounty Bay PSJ Charters. June has brought us a mix of weather conditions, including plenty of wind, which has certainly impacted our fishing adventures. However, the determination to catch quality fish remains strong among our crew.
INSHORE FISHING UPDATE
The inshore fishing scene has seen a slight decline in activity for species like Redfish, Trout, and Flounder. This has required us to dig a little deeper on some days to find success. However, persistence pays off! We've found that fishing during the beginning of a falling or rising tide has been crucial in landing some nice catches.
The fish we are catching are of excellent quality, and our go-to baits include live shrimp, minnows, and popper corks paired with either live or artificial soft baits. Additionally, we’ve enjoyed some exciting top-water action using twitch baits. Overall, the fishing in the bay remains quite good, and we’re optimistic about what the rest of the month will bring.
OFFSHORE FISHING HIGHLIGHTS
As we venture out to the edge of the Gulf, we’ve seen a promising arrival of king mackerel this year. Trolling with cigar minnows using a traditional duster setup at speeds between 3-4 mph has proven effective. We’ve also been fortunate to catch a few Mahi Mahi and spanish mackerel mixed in with our catches.
When drifting along the buoy line or inshore reefs, flat-lining live baits such as cigar minnows, herring, and blue runners has yielded productive results.
RED SNAPPER BONANZA
The offshore scene has been particularly exciting, with the red snapper bite being on fire! We’ve also been reeling in some nice red grouper,
along with vermillion snapper, mangrove snapper, and lane snapper. For these deeper waters, we utilize conventional reels with a 60lb mono main line, complemented by a 60-80lb Yozuri HD fluorocarbon leader, approximately 6 feet long. A 7/0 Mustad ultra circle hook paired with a 6-8oz lead, depending on the current, has been our setup of choice.
Live bait options like sand perch, pin fish, and grunts work wonders when targeting larger fish. Additionally, frozen cigar minnows, spanish sardines, and northern mackerel are excellent for getting the reef fired up.
We’ve also had some thrilling encounters with pelagics like wahoo and sailfish, caught in waters as shallow as 100 feet. To maximize your chances, keep those flat lines out while fishing the reefs and troll some lures between spots.
SAFETY FIRST
As we continue to enjoy our fishing adventures, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Always conduct thorough safety checks on your boat, create a checklist, and ensure that your flares and safety equipment are up to date. I highly recommend investing in a good Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), especially if you spend any significant time offshore.
As always, stay safe out there, respect your fellow anglers, and keep those lines tight! If you have any questions or need to book a charter, feel free to reach out to me at captpetebarwick1@gmail.com.
Tight lines and happy fishing!
CAPT. PETE BARWICK
Bounty Bay PSJ Charters
Port St. Joe, Florida
Captpetebarwick1@gmail.com 850-628-4528
Spearfishing
by Capt. James Tew, Contributing Writer
The water is great with temps in the upper 70s to low 80s. We have been noticing currents at different depths and even going in different directions. Spearfishing is great if you can find out-ofthe-way places. There are so many great charters in the Panama City area it’s hard to go wrong. Something I have been noticing is a lot of people getting bent out of shape over boats coming in close to a dive boat with a dive flag up and displayed. Most of these people are on the dive boat so I’m trying my best to educate them and other boaters. The law states that “You must use caution within 300 feet of a displayed dive flag on a boat or a buoy.” The wording “use caution” is sometimes interpreted as “cannot come within”. This is wrong “use caution” means just that bring your boat down to idle speed or less and watch for divers and or their bubbles. If you are in Panama City area there are certain locations that most if not all commercial dive boat operators use. These are Black Bart, Span 14, Hovercraft, Red Sea, Strength, Span 12, Span 1, and Span 2. These are not all the locations we go to but are the most popular. Please if one of the big dive boats comes to these locations don’t get angry at them they are just trying to make a living the same as must people. Most times fishing gets better with divers in the water.
One thing you must learn when spearfishing is how to identify the fish for species, size and bag limits underwater. It’s easy to identify them above the water but not so easy underwater because you don’t have most colors at depth and water also magnifies the size of the fish so be careful not to kill something you can’t harvest. You must ID the fish by shape of their body and fin size and positions.
This month’s safety tip is to have multiple safety devices on you while diving such as a SMB, reflective mirror, flashlight, whistle, and above all preplanned communication though hand/noise signals with the person staying on the boat when you are diving. So, get out there and have fun with family and friend on the water and as always PLAN YOUR DIVE AND DIVE YOUR PLAN. Thanks for reading.
CAPT. JAMES TEW
TOP QUALITY GEL COAT SPECIALIST
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HOW TO DO IT RIGHT! FLORIDA’S MINI LOBSTER SEASON:
By A. deGruchy
For two days every July, Florida’s coastlines, especially in the Keys, come alive with divers, snorkelers, and boaters all chasing one thing...spiny lobster. !is short window, known as Lobster Mini Season, is a chance for recreational shers to get in the water and collect lobster before o cial season begins on August 6. It is fast-paced, competitive, and incredibly rewarding if you know what you are doing.
Mini Season always falls on the last Wednesday and !ursday of July. It is a long-standing Florida tradition and one of the most exciting events of the year for local divers and visitors alike. But it is also highly regulated and o$en chaotic, so the di erence between a great haul and a frustrating day o$en comes down to preparation.
To start, you’ll need snorkeling gear, a legal lobster gauge, a dive &ag, net and tickle stick. !e best nets are the “Lobster Florida Nets” by Brook Crist. !ese nets are lightweight, easy to handle in the water, and extremely e ective when it counts. When it comes to nding lobster, structure is everything. In the Keys, ledges and rocky crevices are prime spots. Look for antennae sticking out from under the ledges. Lobsters o$en cluster together, so if you nd one, there are likely more.
!e water depths also vary anywhere from 3 feet to much deeper, from 20 feet and beyond. To catch them, approach slowly from behind, use your tickle stick to gently coax the lobster forward, but never grab from behind as they’ll retreat deeper. When the lobster begins to walk, quickly position your net to block its escape. It’s important to note that spiny lobsters swim backwards when threatened, so your net should be placed just behind them, anticipating their retreat and staying one step ahead of where they’re going. Once in the net, grab the end of the net lining so the lobster doesnt escape and measure it in the water using your gauge. Only lobsters with a carapace of at least three inches can be kept.
buddy, stay visible, and if you are not an avid diver, give yourself enough time between dives to catch your breath. Be aware of boat tra c and always use a dive &ag.
!ere are speci c regulations you must follow depending where you are, every are has limits and all lobsters must be measured while still in the water. You must also have a valid Florida saltwater shing license and a lobster permit.
Additionally, there are no-lobstering zones to be aware of; for instance, in the Florida Keys you cannot catch lobster within 300 feet of any shoreline, residential or commercial structure, public or private dock, jetty, or seawall from land during Mini Season. In some zones like the Key Largo and Islamorada Sanctuary Preservation Areas, lobstering is prohibited altogether. Always
When you return to the dock, a$er tailing the lobsters you can prep them however. Our favorite is to slowly poach them in butter and then mixing it into some homemade mac & cheese. However you cook them, there’s nothing quite like eating what you caught yourself. Florida’s Mini Season is one of the most thrilling sheries the state has to o er. With the right gear, smart planning, and respect for the rules and the reef, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Follow deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sport shing on Instagram and YouTube.
A Must Attend Marketplace for Discovering What’s
In the world of watersports, outdoors, and coastal living, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just a competitive edge—it’s a necessity. That’s where Surf Expo comes in. As the leading marketplace for watersports, coastal, and outdoor lifestyle brands, Surf Expo isn’t just another trade show—it’s the heartbeat of the industry.
Held twice a year in Orlando, Surf Expo draws thousands of retail buyers and brands from across the country—and around the world. From tackle shop owners and coastal outfitters to resort boutiques and outdoor lifestyle stores, attendees come to explore, connect, and stock their shelves with the hottest products for the season ahead.
What makes Surf Expo such an essential stop on the retail calendar? It starts with the sheer variety. From high-performance gear and accessories to apparel lines that bridge the gap between beachwear and everyday style, the show covers every angle of coastal living. Whether your customers are anglers, surfers, paddleboarders, or just enjoy hanging out on a shoreline, you’ll find products that resonate.
Surf Expo is a launchpad for innovation. It’s where new brands make their debut and where trusted names unveil their latest collections. Walk the floor, and you’ll see sustainable materials in outdoor apparel and gear—trends that shape what ends up in your store and, ultimately, in the hands of your customers.
But it’s not just about the gear. Surf Expo is a place to connect and build lasting connections. With educational sessions and hands-on demos, retailers gain real-time insights into consumer behavior, merchandising strategies, and industry evolution. The chance to hear from thought leaders and engage in conversations that shape the future of the industry is invaluable.
Even more than a business event, Surf Expo feels like a gathering of friends. There’s an unmistakable sense of community that comes from being surrounded by people who love the water, the outdoors, and the lifestyle that ties it all together. It’s an event where passion meets professionalism, and where inspiration flows.
For businesses grounded in coastal life—whether you run a marina shop, a beachfront boutique, or an outdoor outfitter—Surf Expo offers the perfect blend of product discovery, industry insight, and relationship building. It’s a one-stop destination to get inspired, get stocked, and get ahead.
Attend Surf Expo, and experience firsthand where the business of coastal lifestyle meets the adventure of the outdoors. Because when it comes to outfitting your customers for life on or near the water, this is where it all begins.
Visit surfexpo.com to see a list of exhibitors and events.
Qualified Retail Buyers - Register for Free Before August 21, 2025.
COASTAL ANGLER CATCHES
By atch Maguire
For retailers in the outdoor industry, showing up at ICAST each year is a pilgrimage that enables every town and every shery in many countries to be equipped to catch more sh and pursue their outdoor experience better. New innovations and inventions are the hallmark of this massive four day event, and while we all recognize the rapid rate of change occurring in our lives through advancements in technology and entrepreneurial excellence, witnessing the evolution of the art of catching sh over the last 25 years has, for this writer, been nothing short of mind-boggling. It’s as if the sh don’t stand a chance. Today’s electronics and gear are so advanced that anglers can almost negate the luck and even the skill factor that played such an important role in yesterday’s angling success. !at’s not to say acquiring the skills and
ICAST 2025, the world’s largest sport shing tradeshow, will be held July 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. ICAST is a trade-based show and is not open to the general public. “The show is the cornerstone of the sport shing industry, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, consumers, conservationists, state agencies and other sport shing stakeholders. In its 68th year, ICAST continues to be the place where the most valuable business relationships are born, strengthened and celebrated.” www.icast shing.org
expertise to utilize today’s innovative equipment doesn’t require e ort, dedication, and focus as the pursuit of excellence in shing did a generation ago; it’s only to say that it’s di erent today and to suggest that it will continue to evolve.
I recently shed with an accomplished young guide for snook in the Sebastian Inlet (on the east coast of central Florida) and his electronics and forward sonar were so exceptionally dialed in that we literally targeted the largest snook with the precisely duplicated bait and in a three hour trip we caught nine world class snook that, any one of
which, 20 years ago would have been considered a “ sh of a lifetime.” Braid line, superior rods, smooth reels. All these advancements made their introductions at ICAST.
!is year, Coastal Angler and its’ vast network of Franchisee Co-publishers will be scouring the booths to bring you the latest and greatest in new innovations to our beloved sport.
For an up to date look at what we’re seeing at ICAST 2025, check out all of our ICAST coverage at CoastalAnglerMag.com and VidMag.com.
PHOTO CREDIT: RYAN CLAPPER
CCA FLORIDA STAR ADDS THE DRUM SPOTS
REDFISH DIVISON TO ITS SUMMER-LONG FISHING COMPETITION
NEW DIVISION OFFERS SIX WINNERS $25,000 IN PRIZES FOR REDFISH CAPTURED WITH THE MOST SPOTS
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida STAR competition presented by Yamaha is thrilled to announce the newest division to the summer-long shing event, the Drum Spots “Lots-a-Spots” red sh division presented by Gulf States Automation. !e new division adds a unique twist to the popular catchphoto-release competition by awarding anglers for catching red sh with the highest number of spots.
Unlike any other division, “Lots-A-Spots” celebrates one of the most distinctive and eyecatching features of red sh, the iconic black spots. Participants in this division will submit photos of his or her catch, and the sh with the most combined spots on both sides will be awarded prizes.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the Drum Spots ‘Lots-A-Spots’ division presented by Gulf States Automation to the 2025 CCA Florida STAR competition,” STAR Director Capt. Leiza Fitzgerald said. “ !is exciting, new division adds another level of fun and strategy for our anglers, rewarding those who reel in the red sh with
the most spots. It’s a great way to celebrate the unique beauty of these sh while encouraging participation in a conservation-minded, catchphoto-release shing competition.”
!e “Lots-A-Spots” division continues STAR’s mission to highlight Florida’s diverse marine resources while encouraging sustainable practices through catch-photo-release participation. Anglers who participate in the division must submit photos of the le$ and right side of the red sh. !e winning sh will be the red sh with the most spots counted and combined on both sides of the sh’s body.
!e 2025 CCA Florida STAR competition presented by Yamaha invites anglers and nonanglers alike to participate for their chance to win prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats from Carolina Ski , Sea Born, Spyder and Micro Dra$ Ski , Yamaha motors, scholarships and more.
Registration is open throughout the competition. To register for STAR 2025 or for more information on divisions, prizes and more, visit cca star.com.
Lots-A-Spots Division ~ $25,000 in Prizes
• 1st Place: SUP Customs Hybrid Skiff with trolling motor bow mount, Minn Kota Riptide Power Drive 12V Trolling Motor & transom bracket with 6HP Yamaha, Power Pole Micro, and a great accessories package plus a Ross Currington Art replica of winning redfish
• 2nd Place: Abyss Battery 36V Battery with charger, Ross Currington Art replica of winning fish, Bull Bay Rod/ Florida Fishing Products Reel and Bahio Sunglasses
• 3rd Place: Power Pole 8ft Sportsman, King Sailfish Mount replica of winning fish, Bahio Sunglasses and Relentless Knife
• 4th Place: original art piece by Ashton Howard, RCI optics and NLBN Package
• 5th Place: Bay Flats Lodge fishing trip for two plus food and lodging for two nights, RCI Sunglasses andToadfish Package
• 6th Place: Humminbird Helix 7, RCI Sunglasses, Zman Baits, Toadfish Package and NLBN Package
IGFA CERTIFIES NEW WORLD RECORDS
The International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) world record database is a great source for folks who like to see some of the great sh anglers are catching around the world. Here are a handful of catches recently approved for the record books. For more world records, visit the IGFA website at igfa.org.
Hale’s Red Drum
Gill’s Yellowfin Tuna
On November 11, 2024, Earl Gill IV was shing aboard the Excel captained by Justin Fleck when he landed this massive 443-pound yellow n tuna. With this sh, Earl has set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record as well as the IGFA Men’s 60-kg (130 lb.) Line Class World Record for the species, surpassing the previous records by 16 pounds! !e Excel was shing the Lower Banks o Mexico when this record yellow n struck Earl’s cut bait. A$er an intense 1 hour and 45-minute ght, the crew was able to ga the tuna and bring it aboard.
On February 9, 2025, Graig L. Hale was shing the backwaters near Port Sulphur, Louisiana, when he landed a 37.4-inch (95 cm) red drum—tying the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species. !e record red sh ate a crab &y while Graig was shing with Capt. Scott MacCalla, making for an unforgettable day on the water. A$er boating the sh, Graig was able to record the length on his O cial IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the sh safely.
Moss’ Landlocked Striped Bass
Pamela Moss was shing on Lake Lanier in Georgia on February 10, 2025, when she landed this 9-pound, 5-ounce landlocked striped bass. With this sh, Pam has set the IGFA Women’s 4-kg (8 lb.) Tippet Class World Record for the species. She was shing with guide Dillon Lancaster when she landed this record sh. She released the sh safely a$er recording the weight on her certi ed scale.
Salles’ Payara
On November 22, 2024, IGFA Representative and multiple World Record holder, Rodrigo Salles, was shing the Rio Xingu in Brazil when he landed this 33.07-inch (84 cm) payara. With this sh, Rodrigo has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species. Rodrigo landed the toothy payara on a black streamer &y. He was then able to record the length on his O cial IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the sh safely.
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FIND THE BAIT, FIND THE FISH
July and August will be the hottest months of the year. !e wahoo and yellow nn will be everywhere and nowhere they should be. For example, you could go up and down the edge of the break and not nd a wahoo or a yellow n anywhere, but the guy slow trolling a menhaden for king mackerel 10 miles o# the beach catches a 100-pound wahoo or the guy 30 miles o# the beach light lining a pin sh while bottom shing catches a 50-pound yellow n. None of it makes any sense this time of the year, except one thing... nd the bait, nd the sh. !e same thing applies to bottom shing. !is is the time of year to search for big stacks of bee liners, cigar minnows, and sardines. Keep an eye on the recorder when you’re running to wherever you’re going, and if you see a big stack of bait on the surface, take a minute to check it out. If that stack of bait happens to be near pretty bottom, there’s a good chance it’s a good place to sh. !is is the time of year when it is especially productive to jig live cigars and sardines and put them back out.
whatever you want to, but stay focused on the bottom. Always keep a pitch rod handy with a live cigar, mina or sardine on a small circle hook and $ourocarbon. You never know when a sail sh will swim by the boat. When it does happen, remain calm do not go screaming and running around the deck because, chances are, you will spook the sh and not get another shot presenting a bait to it. If you’re very quiet, chances are a sail sh will come right back to the boat and you’ll get a shot at hand-feeding him a cig or sardine. And just like that...you’re hooked up!
It’s always a good idea to keep one person dedicated to the Sabiki. When you have big marks on the bottom or see schools of bait on the surface, just know that every one of those minnows caught on the Sabiki turns into a bite, either on the light line or on the bottom.
Of course, I have to say all of this to promote bottom shing because I do not believe in trolling. For all the sh you’re trying to catch trolling, you can hook on the light line while bottom shing. Not only that, sh are a lot more fun to catch on light tackle from an anchored-up boat rather than with trolling gear. Do I like to catch kings and dolphin on the light line? Yes. Are they my favorite sh to eat? No! Yes, they are edible, but I prefer to eat sh from the bottom. So, keep a light line out to catch and release
Needless to say, a live cig or sardine has a life expectancy on my Decoy Jig of under 10 seconds and everything eats one on the light line.
So, go to all your normal places in July and August that traditionally hold the bait, and you will most likely nd the sh. Live bait is always the best, but don’t ever leave the hill without a box or two of frozen cigar minnows. More sh have been caught on frozen cigs and sardines, than all the other baits combined. It’s never a bad idea to take live pin sh from the marina as well; the beauty live pin sh is that not everybody down there can put it in their mouth which eliminates a bunch of trash bites.
Yes, you will have to deal with catching and releasing all the “endangered” American red snappers and gag grouper, but that’s just what you’re gonna have to do until we can get this straightened out. Learn how to handle these sh properly for a successful release and come home with some good dinners.
Check out more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
CAST LURES IN A MITZI TOURNAMENT 17
Tim Barefoot
In general, the trend in boating these days is bigger is better. Right? Engine horsepower is getting higher and higher, and boats are being built able to accommodate two, four, even six engines. But what about the other end of the spectrum—anglers and cruisers that are looking for the ultimate in portable propulsion? Whether you are looking for a boost for your kayak or a reliable motor for your in$atable shing boat or tender, the perfect engine should be lightweight, easy to take on and o#, easy to use and provide the range and speed for almost any conditions. It should be selfcontained, so you don’t have to deal with lugging around a fuel tank, or even have to purchase and safely store gasoline on your boat.
Electric propulsion is the way to go, but no one has really gotten the
converters, the eLite can be fully charged in around four hours. For added capability and convenience, the engine includes a USB-C output that allows users to charge and power other electrical devices. At just under three-feet in length and weighing 14.7-pounds including the built-in battery, the eLite stores easily and the one-click quick-release bracket allows for installation and removal in a matter of seconds. For exceptional portability, the tiller handle converts to a perfectly balanced carry handle. With multiple trim and tilt angles, adjustable steering resistance and sha length, and a shallow-water mode, the eLite is completely customizable. Its Smart Battery Monitoring System e%ciently optimizes performance, carefully regulating battery level, temperature, and remaining state-of-charge all displayed on an ultra-simple interface, leading to extended range, a more energy-e%cient operation and longer battery life. Built to last, it is IP67 waterproof, and is constructed of aviationgrade aluminum alloy for lighter weight and greater durability. In addition, the anti-ground auto kick-up feature protects the motor from accidental damage. Available for under $1,000, it is also the most a#ordable electric outboard in its class.
!ere’s no time like today to upgrade to the electric outboard of the future. !e ePropulsion eLite is in stock and ready to take you quietly and sustainably to your next adventure.
A PRO THROWING BIG BAITS FOR BIG BASS
TYLER WOOLCOTT
Most of the time the saying is true, bigger bait equals a bigger sh! Although elephants eat peanuts, a big bait pro le is something sh can’t resist no matter if you are shing the open ocean or the Great Lakes. I have spent a lot of time over the last few years throwing baits bigger than my old “comfort zone” sizes for bass and it is pretty special what gets curious to come look or bite them.
!ere are many di#erent types of swimbaits out on the market, but I’ll break them down into two for this article to keep it simple. You have the hard, gliding-style treble hook swimbaits, or you have so body swimbaits that is more of a steady slow reel and most of the time more weedless. !ey both have an awesome time and place to get thrown and will both attract some very big sh.
Depending on where you are in the country and the size of the forage in your lake, a normal meal for a bass is usually much bigger than you think. A 6- to 8-inch bluegill is something a two or three pound bass would have no issues at all with swallowing and eating it whole. A 10+ pounder, on the other hand, could eat bait sh such as gizzard shad up to 14 inches, which I have personally seen. Trying to exactly duplicate the larger bait sh that are in your lake in a natural presentation is the absolute best way to draw attention from sh to your arti cial lure.
Most of the time when I am throwing a gliding-style hard swimbait, my rst choice is always going to be a shad imitation. A majority of the
places I sh are full of shad and this seems to be a favorite food source for bass when available to them. Another major large food source for big bass that a lot of people forget about are crappie. I have personally witnessed some absolute giant bass in multiple lakes that feed primarily on crappie. When throwing so swimbaits my go-to imitation is typically a bluegill. Usually when I’m throwing a so swimbait I’m wanting to either creep it through grass or along the bottom, which calls for a more weedless rig. Both places bluegill typically live and the bass that feed on them aren’t usually too far away. !ere are many di#erent brands of swimbaits out there, hard and so . When rst starting out I would stick to some of the a#ordable baits that have good reviews by users and are proven to work until you build up your con dence, then start working your way up to bigger and more customized things.
When throwing bigger lures like swimbaits you typically want bigger equipment to throw them. 13 Fishing makes an awesome, very a#ordable 8-foot rod in their Defy series that can handle most swimbaits I throw. Pair this up with a 300 sized reel like the 13 Fishing Concept A3 and some 20-25 lb. Su x Advanced Fluorocarbon and you are ready to go battle with some big sh!
It’s hard to t all the info needed to explain this technique in this article, but I hope it sparks your interest to get out there and throw a big bait. !e best way to learn is to get on the water and give it a try for yourself! I tried it once and now it is one of the coolest and most fun ways I target big bass all year long.
Don’t be afraid to reach out via my website or social media platforms with any questions you may have!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.
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- William Blake, English poet
THE LIGHTEST, MOST POWERFUL ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE INDUSTRY.
Whether you’re fishing from a paddleboard, kayak, canoe or small boat, the ePropulsion eLite 500W redefines your on-water experience with innovative features and commitment to sustainability. Designed to be the most compact and lightweight electric outboard in its class, the eLite is an easy-to-use alternative to small internal combustion engines for enthusiasts worldwide. Max 5.6 miles at half throttle and 3.5 miles at full throttle.
