The Angler Magazine | Lake Okeechobee / Lake Istokpoga April 2026 Edition

LOCAL REPORTS & CATCH PHOTOS CRAPPIE Crappie

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fve things you should know about boat insurance

Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are fve things to know about boat insurance.

1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents

With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected fnancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.

Accidents can happen to anyone

When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to specifed limits. It can also cover lawsuit costs if you’re sued.

3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments

Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you’re in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.

4. Most lenders require boat insurance

If you fnanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.

5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages

Ever worry about getting stuck on the water?

Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.

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By A. deGruchy

Mahi season is one of those drop everything and go times of year, and when we begin to slide from spring into summer, you can usually count on schools showing up o!shore. e warmer the water, the better it gets, especially when you nd clean blue water, good current edges, weed lines, oating debris, or any kind of structure holding bait in that 75- to 82-degree range. Fishing with Bean Sport shing in the Florida Keys and other parts of the state, over the past few years we’ve de nitely seen more smaller sh and fewer big cows and bulls, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone. When conditions line up, there’s always a chance a quality mahi-mahi is mixed in with the schoolies.

Mahi love anything moving, so live bait is tough to beat, and when they’re really red up, you can even catch them on y. Tackle-wise, we like running a 6500 size setup because you never know when a better sh shows up. e Penn Slammer IV 6500 paired with a Carnage III rod is a go-to for us, and the Penn Spin sher VII 6500 spinning combo is another solid option. We’ve had great success using the Mustad 7766D 6/0 hook, and for bait we’ll typically sh whitebait or troll Islamorada Flyers depending on the day.

When it comes to the table, blackened or fried mahi is hard to beat, and we only keep what we’re going to eat that day. Even though mahi are one of the fastest-growing sh in the ocean, conservation still matters, and being mindful about what you harvest goes a long way.

Bean Sport shing can run this type of trip, but it’s highly weather dependent o!shore. If you’re looking to book a dedicated o!shore charter in e Keys, I highly recommend LegaSea Charters. Capt. Joey can be reached at legaseacharters.com.

If you’re planning on visiting Islamorada, book at the fabulous ree Waters Resort and reach out to us about a special captain’s discount.

Follow deGruchy’s adventures on Instagram @bean_sport shing and on YouTube @BeanSport shing. To book a charter, visit beansport shing.com.

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WHERE TO FIND THE ANGLER MAGAZINE

We print and deliver 5000 copies of The Angler Magazine every month and distribute it to over 200 local business partners. Often, locations change, but here are a few businesses where you can always find a

AVON PARK

Avon Park Chamber of Commerce

Walmart

Wild Turkey Tavern

Bill Jarrett Auto

Huston Chevrolet

Huston Dodge/Jeep

SEBRING

Sebring Chamber of Commerce

Fish Candy

Food For Thought

Alan Jay Ford

Alan Jay Chevy/GM

Veterans Administration

McKibbons

McPhails Auto

Sebring Toyota

YMCA

Walmart

SPRING LAKE/LORIDA

Gator Shack

Spray and Pray

Sebring Resorts

Seven Hotel

LAKE PLACID

Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce

Lake Placid Western Wear

Lake Placid Marine

Lake Placid Historical Society

Bass Addict

The Bait Shop

LAKEPORT

Brighton Seminole Casino and Hotel

Big Water Bait and Tackle

Brighton Trading Post

Lakeport Quik Shop

OKEECHOBEE

Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce

Fast Break Bait and Tackle

Skull Hill Archery

Garrards Bait and Tackle

Lake and Trail USA

Eli’s Western Wear

Walmart

PALMDALE

Gatorama

Fisheating Creek Outpost

KOA Holiday RV Park

CLEWISTON

Clewiston Chamber of Commerce

Jolly Rogers Marina

Roland Martin Marina

Hampton Inn

Walmart

LABELLE

LaBelle Chamber of Commerce

Walmart

LaBelle Ranch Supplies

Red Rooster Restaurant

Bridgestreet Auto Parts

WAUCHULA

Wauchula Chamber of Commerce

Caloosa Outfitters

Thousand Trails

Alan Jay Ford

Alan Jay Jeep/Chrysler

Walmart

ARCADIA

Arcadia Chamber of Commerce

Gator Guns

Arcadia Golf Course

Walmart

Eli’s Western Wear

Capital Pawn

If you haven’t read some of my other books, they are available on Amazon, my website https://dnortonbooks.com, or locally at Western Wear, 417 US 27S, Lake Placid; Fish Candy, 702 N. Ridgewood Dr,

Jennifer M. Bush - Executive Director 863-465-4331

MORE WAYS TO PLAY, STAY AND

TICKETS ON SALE

AIRBOAT WILDLIFE Adventures

By Don Norton

Looking for things to do in Central Florida? At Airboat Wildlife Adventures, we’ll take you on a true airboating experience through old Florida – just minutes from downtown Sebring and the famous Sebring International Raceway.

AIRBOAT TOURS

Looking for something unforgettable? Whether you’re with family, friends, or even going solo, this is a must-do experience everyone will love. Trust us, you’ll be talking about it long after you’ve left. Book your tour and get ready for fun.

Join us on one of our rides and explore the beautiful marshes around Sebring – from the peaceful waters of Arbuckle Creek to the massive 28,000-acre Lake Istokpoga. You’re likely to spot gators, birds, and all kinds of Florida wildlife along the way.

We accommodate up to 6 people at a time, and operate primarily by reservation, but will accommodate walk-ins or last-minute bookings when available.

Whether you’re here for the races, a weekend getaway, looking to enjoy nature, or in town to check out our HGTV Hometown Makeover – our tours are a Sebring experience that you won’t want to miss.

Give us a call Today at 863-655-4737.

Fish Candy

By Don Norton

Last fall, the owner of Jesse’s Auto Repair decided to open up the front of his business to customers looking for live bait. He spent some time learning how to build his own shiner tanks and attaching a refrigerated unit to keep the water at a steady 65 degrees.

Once that was completed, he built another tank, but this one didn’t need any refrigeration. It would hold wild golden shiners.

He added other live baits like nightcrawlers and redworms, got his first order of minnows and domestic shiners, and opened up for business under the name Fish Candy.

About the same time, different lure-makers in and around Highlands County contacted him, and soon, their airbrushed lures, plastic worms, and lead-head jigs began appearing in the store.

Today, he’s added other merchandise, including a few rods and reels, hooks and bobbers, and other equipment for both crappie and bass fishermen.

The store is open Monday through Friday, 7 am to 5:30 pm; Saturday, 7 am to 3 pm; and closed on Sunday.

Jesse is proud that he has the only store that specializes in custom-made lures and custom-built fishing rods.

Boat and RV storage is also available. Give him a call at 863-658-1686, or stop by at 702 N. Ridgewood Dr., Sebring, Florida 33870.

Jesse A. Choquette Owner-Operator

GOLFER ARTIST ANGLER &

By Don Norton

One of the most beautiful, hand-painted lures in my modern-day collection was painted by Joel King, owner of KingFisher Kustom Baits. The lure doesn’t necessarily look like any fish I’ve ever seen, but the color combinations he used are one-of-a-kind.

I spoke to Joel a couple of weeks ago to learn more about his many colorful creations and how he got into airbrushing fishing lures.

I was surprised to learn that he’d been a golf professional in Bradenton, Florida, where he grew up. After forty years in the golf business, he moved to Sebring.

“We used to drive over here all the time from Bradenton to fish for bass in Lake Istokpoga. My wife is my fishing partner, and we both love the lake and

the people. We found a place right here, on the lake, and we get out three or four times a week to fish. It’s so much different than playing golf. No rush. No pressure.”

In addition to airbrushing fishing lures, Joel also pours worms.

“I have about 30 or 40 plastic worm molds, so I’m always busy pouring worms,” he said.

I asked why he has so many molds, and he said most of the molds only have two to four cavities, and if he wants to make a large number of a particular plastic worm, it’s just so much easier with a number of the same molds.”

Over the years and with more practice, he’s gotten pretty good at matching his customers’ requests. “I kind of specialize in large orders, particularly the 5” Senko style bait. Guys tend to request that the most, and they are very particular about the color.”

Like many bass fishermen, Joel agreed that color may influence a fish’s decision to bite, but it definitely influences the fisherman to buy.

“You don’t make a ton of money painting lures and pouring worms, but it helps offset the cost of buying the materials,” he confided.

I asked how he came up with the name KingFisher, and he admitted that KingFisher was his favorite bird and that, at one time, it was also the name of his boat.

If you’re interested in seeing his baits or placing a special order, you can do both at one of the newest bait and tackles in Sebring, Florida, Fish Candy Bait and Tackle, 702 N.Ridgewood Drive, Sebring, Florida.

Capt. Robin Clegg

Okeechobee REPORT & FORECAST

April’s Looking Good

It was a foggy morning when I took New Jersey brothers, Eddie and Tim, out on a crappie trip.

We were using Muck City Cocaine Jigs, 4 lb test Suffix line, and Mafia crappie rods to catch a 36 legal limit of these tasty treats.

With the lake lower than usual, trolling the Kissimmee River with live minnows was the ticket. As the weather warms up, night fishing will be a great choice for catching crappies.

If you want to know what’s going on at Lake Okeechobee, follow me on YouTube. (Capt. Robin Clegg).

However you choose to fish, be sure to stop by Garrard’s Tackle and get all the right equipment. Garrards also offers guide services with knowledgeable anglers like Capt. Danny or Capt. Bob. Or you can call me at 863-763-3416.

Located on 2,000 acres of Florida bays, pines, palmettos, and oaks, outside the small town of Lake Placid, the Lightsey Family Ranch is perfect for the avid hunter and outdoorsman. Owner and lifelong hunter, Lee Lightsey, offers you to a one-of-a-kind hunting experience, including wild hog, quail, pheasant, turkey, deer, and alligator hunts. During your hunt you are welcome to stay at our lodge which features room for up to 28 guests, a large lobby with a true old Florida feel, and a full time Chef ready to prepare your meals.

of

AN ANGLER & A MASTER CRAFTSMAN

By Don Norton

There are lots of guys who dabble in lure-making; pouring plastics and lead, building out spinnerbaits, buzz baits, and chatter baits, and a few even airbrush lures. But no one does it quite like Don Enright of DB Custom Baits.

I recently visited him at his home in Lake Placid, and I was immediately taken aback by his spacious work area, complete with specific spots for making jigs, pouring worms, painting lures, and making different types of spinnerbaits.

“I can remember fishing in Ohio with my brother. I couldn’t have been much more than 4 or 5 years old, and my dad would bend a safety pin back and tie it onto about 6’ of line at the end of a stick, and we’d spend hours sitting on a bridge over a ditch catching small bluegill.”

“Both of my grandfathers were avid fishermen, and they were my true inspiration behind fishing.”

He didn’t move to Florida permanently until 2019, after spending five years as snowbirds.

“I love Florida and the ability to go fishing year-round.”

“There was this particular worm that I really liked, and they stopped making it. So, I made a plaster mold, melted the smaller worms, and enlarged them. Kind of started as a hobby and grew into a business.”

I marveled at the quality of his painted lures, and he said, “I found an airbrush and a compressor of my mom’s that she used for ceramics, and I started playing around with it. And that’s what led me to where I am today, painting lures.

“But I didn’t start pouring soft plastics until much later,” he said.

I asked how he got started pouring worms, and he said, “There was this particular worm that I really liked, and they stopped making it. So, I made a plaster mold, melted the smaller worms, and enlarged them. Kind of started

as a hobby and grew into a business.”

Today, he does a lot of custom work. Looking for a worm in a particular size, shape, and color? He can probably match what you’re looking for.

I looked around and saw quite a few large bags of custom-ordered plastics. He showed me a plastic worm a customer had left for him and the worms he made to match it.

It was an exact duplicate. And he made a 100 of them.

“That’s what guys are looking for,” he said.

Most of the work I do now is custom work. Guys have a favorite color, and I make them a bag full. But I’d really like to spend more time painting lures.

He doesn’t have a showroom, but for anyone interested in picking up some of his baits, he has some at two tackle shops in Highlands County: Fish Candy, 702 N. Ridgewood Drive in Sebring, and The Bait Shop, 1451 US Hwy 27S in Lake Placid.

ASK RED

By Don Norton

Do Bass Eat During the Spawn?

This is an interesting question, since many of the biggest bass caught every year are the big females that have moved shallow to spawn.

The answer to the question is no: bass and other fish typically do not eat during the spawn. And in the case of largemouth bass, once the eggs hatch, the male will continue to guard the nest and the fry, refraining from eating for 10-14 days.

Come Outside & Play!

So the question quickly becomes, “If the bass don’t eat during spawn, how come fishermen catch them?”

Bass become increasingly protective of their bed and the surrounding area, often striking anything that appears to be a threat. Anglers who bed fish tempt the bass with a variety of lures, and the bass will attack the lures, assuming they are invaders, and typically expel them away from the nesting site.

Just to be clear, not all bass spawn at exactly the same time; therefore, some bass may be in pre-spawn, spawn, or post-spawn, which means they may still be feeding.

Just prior to and just after the spawn are the best times to target and tempt a largemouth bass with a meal.

Experience world-class b ass fishing in the heart of Okeechobee, FL, where every cast is an opportunity for an unforgettable catch.

Capt. Angie Douthit

Okeechobee REPORT & FORECAST

Over the past few months, Okeechobee’s water level has continued to drop, and most, if not all, bass and panfish will be caught in the Kissimmee River and the canals such as Indian Prairie, Harney Pond, and J&S.

This is a great time to brush up on your deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigging, and throwing jigs when working the ledges and drop-offs.

A good color choice for jigs is Junebug plastics and skirts: white, watermelon/red, tilapia, plum, and red bug.

The pan fish have already started spawning, catching them on live-red wiggler worms and crickets on light spinning gear tipped with 4lb mono line. Fishing around the moon phase, catching bream when they are most active on/around the beds, will provide non-stop, fun action and is a good time to take the kids, enjoy a beautiful day on the water, and bring home fresh-caught fish for tasty meals.

The two main areas to launch when fishing on the north end of the lake are the Scott Driver boat ramp, located in Okeechobee on the Kissimmee River, and Harney Pond canal, located on the west end in Lakeport.

Areas that are still accessible and easy to get to if you want to fish out in the lake: East side of Kings bar; West side of Grassy; outside grass edge from Buckhead to 4th point; outside grass edge of Tin house on down and past Indian Prairie; and outside edge of the Shoal area.

As the water temperature typically heats up in June, it can be challenging when bass fishing with live bait (shiners) because the water temperature in the holding tank where the shiners are kept before purchasing your bait differs from the lake water temperature.

Fishing deeper water, such as the Kissimmee River, is a good choice for this time of year to help keep the bait alive longer. To book your next fun time on the water, call 863-228-7263.

You can check out my website at www.southfloridabassfishing.com. I can accommodate groups, multi-day trips, offer one-person and Veteran discounts, and provide all tackle, ice, bottled water, sunscreen, and rain gear if needed. For all your tackle needs and bait stop by Big Water Bait & Tackle store located in Lakeport near the Harney pond canal boat ramps.

Gone Bass Fishin

All about bass fishing for older guys and gals. Don’s got a lot of wild and crazy stories and some good, solid information about fishing as you get older.

Bass Fishing for guys over 70 60 years of Bass Fishing Knowledge Legends and Lies, Truths and Tall Tales

— “This guy tells it like it is. No BS, just good solid fishing information.”

— “I like your easy-going style. It’s pretty clear that you know bass fishing.”

— “You’re a great storyteller. I’ve already learned a few tricks of the trade.”

— “You hit the nail on the head. First time I ever heard anyone say that.”

— “I had a similar situation happen to me, and I ended up doing exactly what you did.”

By Capt. Dave Stephens

Boca Granda Pass, Charlotte Harbor, and the

Flats REPORT & FORECAST

As we get into the heart of Spring, we have a lot going on here in Charlotte Harbor. With the cold fronts no longer pushing southward, water temperatures are warming. We are getting into some really good snook fishing. For the anglers who like to take a few fish home for dinner?

If you are looking for a fight?

Well, we have some large schools of Jacks roaming around, eating anything in their path. Pound for pound, these guys are the toughest around.

The Mangrove Snapper have been moving into the harbor. Fish areas with deeper water with good current flow, and a little cover also helps.

Another fish that migrates through Charlotte Harbor that is often overlooked is the Spanish Mackerel. These guys are excellent on the grill; the only downside is that they do not freeze well. So, I recommend just getting what you want for dinner that evening.

If you are looking for a fight? Well, we have some large schools of Jacks roaming around, eating anything in their path. Pound for pound, these guys are the toughest around.

The local sand bars that have oysters or grass will be holding Sea Trout. Another place to locate Trout is off mangrove points with good current. Warmer waters should also start ushering in some Tarpon. Normally, the river mouths and the holes in the harbor are some of the first areas

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But Will It Catch Fish? ?

By Stephen Rampersand

Ihave been collecting vintage fishing tackle for more than a decade, with a focus on lures made right here in Florida. What started as a casual interest quickly became something deeper. The more I learned about these old baits, the more fascinated I became not only by how they were built, but also by why they were created in the first place.

Many of Florida’s early lure makers were not companies at all. They were fishermen. Tinkerers. Problem-solvers working out of garages and backyard shops along rivers, lakes, and coastal communities. They built lures to answer questions they faced on the water, adjusting shapes, hardware, and balance until something finally worked.

The variety they produced is remarkable. Some lures were weighted, others left unweighted for a different action. There were topwater poppers built to chug loudly across calm water and gliders designed to slide unpredictably just beneath the surface. Early crankbaits appeared in floating, sinking, and suspending versions long before those terms became marketing language. Hardware ranged from simple screw eyes to cupped metal components, line-through designs, wire leaders, and heavy swivels. Paint schemes ranged from realistic baitfish patterns to bold experimental colors, and sometimes to no paint at all, just carefully shaped bare wood.

Every lure tells a story. Some were built to target a specific species. Others were attempts to solve a local fishing problem. And many were simply

experiments, created to answer a single question: would anything bite it?

Not every maker intended to sell lures commercially. Some hoped to turn their designs into a business, while others made baits only for personal use or to share with friends. Regardless of their motivation, each lure faced the same test once it reached the water.

Does it catch fish?

That question has never gone away. When I look across my collection today, representing many of Florida’s early lure-making pioneers, I realize the question remains exactly the same as it was decades ago. These handcrafted baits still carry the same promise and uncertainty they did when first tied onto a line.

What strikes me most is how little has changed. I can walk the aisles of Bass Pro Shops surrounded by rows of modern lures featuring advanced finishes, precision engineering, and confident marketing claims, and I still find myself asking the same thing.

Does it catch fish?

We have all heard the saying that some lures are made to catch fishermen more than fish. The truth likely lives somewhere in between. Confidence matters as much as craftsmanship. A lure becomes effective the moment an angler believes in it enough to tie it on and fish it with purpose.

Vintage or modern, handmade or mass-produced, every lure represents hope cast into the water. The maker experiments. Advertising and promoting is done. The angler trusts. The fish decides.

And after all the innovation, collecting, and history behind every bait ever made, the final question remains unchanged.

But will it catch fish?

March Madness: Headwaters Reservoir Was the Place to Be This Spring

By Capt. Valerie Morrell

College basketball isn’t the only sport that created March Madness this year. If you missed the fishing at Headwaters Reservoir this past March, you missed what many are calling a “perfect storm” of angling conditions.

This year, the atmosphere remained stable. The water stayed calm, and the fish stayed comfortable, allowing for a steady, predictable bite that lasted from the first of the month to the last. As the Florida sun beat down on the shallow, vegetation-rich flats of Headwaters, the water temperatures climbed steadily into the low-to-mid 70s. This “magic number” serves as a biological dinner bell for largemouth bass. February’s uncharacteristic low temperatures made the March spawn better than in previous years.

Many of my clients experienced aggressive topwater strikes: frogs, Big Ez’s, and spooks were lethal in the early morning. A consistent shiner bite: For those using live bait, the action was nearly nonstop, with myself and

other captains reporting 30 to 50 fish days. High Energy spawn and post-spawn feeding: bass that had already finished their duties were hungry and looking to pack on weight. The combination of stable weather, climbing water temperatures, and a peak spawning cycle created a window of opportunity that most anglers only dream of. Whether you were a seasoned pro or a weekend hobbyist, it was almost impossible not to find success among the flooded timber and lily pads.

Headwaters Reservoir is quickly becoming the “go to” destination for Florida Largemouth for both Florida residents and anglers from across the country looking to catch a trophy bass.

If I’ve sparked your interest and you would like to book a trip to Headwaters, I still have dates available for April. Visit my website at morrellfishing.com, scan the QR code, or call me directly at 863-633-7335 for more information.

THE KING CRAPPIESof

By Don Norton

March is typically the best month of the year for crappie. Spawning crappie, that is. But if you’re going after them in deep water, not on their beds, it’s time to call the Crappie King, Dennis Crenshaw, for a day or night trip in April.

Retiring after 25 years of Law Enforcement Service.  Dennis decided to start his own charter and guide service because he has always had a passion for fishing, ever since he was a little boy.  He truly loves and enjoys what he does, and I know he looks forward to fishing with you someday.

He currently has three boats available for bass, crappie, and nature/sunset cruises throughout the year. All ages and all experience levels are welcome; he wants to ensure everyone (from beginner fishers to experts) has a great time!  With over 20 years of experience and knowledge, he works hard to ensure you have a safe and rewarding experience that the entire family can enjoy. He also offers realtor and eco-tours.

You will not have to worry about being prepared. He provides everything you need to get you started on the right foot. He offers rods, bows for bow fishing, bait, and tackle. Refreshments of grilled hamburgers or hot dogs will be served as a token of appreciation for your business.  So come on out and book a trip today.

FISHING HOBBIES

By Don Norton

y the time I was a teenager, I was lding fishing rods and repairing broken rods for my dad’s iends. It didn’t pay much back then, but I was able to use the money to buy supplies. I’m still building rods and repairing broken rods, but I’ve added a number of new hobbies to my list over the years.

While I was still in Ohio, like many other bass fishermen, I decided to pour my own jigs, paint them, and dress them out with various skirt materi als. It was about then that I started making extra-large spinnerbaits, too. These were 1 ¼ to 1 ½ ounce lures meant for muskies, but I used them in deep water, slow-rolling them for big walleyes and largemouth bass.

Years later, I bought a couple of injection molds and started pouring my own plastic worms. Of all the hobbies, that was the hard est one for me to learn. I can’t tell you how many times I burned myself or dripped the hot plastic on my legs. Eventually, I got the hang of it and poured the worms I used most, but at some point, I realized it was just easier and more conve nient to buy plastic baits at the store.

Then, a few years ago, I ran across an old airbrush that I’d once tried and put away for another day. Of course, I didn’t clean it very well, and no matter how hard I tried, I never could get it to spray right. I ended up buying another one, then another one, and finally, another one. Each time I bought a new airbrush, it was more expensive than the last. And each time it worked for a while, and then stopped working.

I scoured it with every cleaning device I had until I finally got it working

So, I packed them up and started selling a few. Like most airbrush hobbyists who turn their hobby into a small business, I take what I make om my different hobbies and use the funds to buy more paint, eyes, or lure bodies.

Painting lures with an airbrush is fun and a great hobby for fishermen who are always looking for that one special lure.

I’ve been selling my lures at Western Wear in Lake Placid, 417 US 27S, for the last couple

going

to me, that’s what makes the hob by fun.

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The Braggin’ Board

Topwater Lures for Big Spring Snook and Trout

CAPT. MIKE SMITH

Are you tired of catching tons of 13 inch speckled trout and 16 inch snook?

It’s time for you to switch to a big top water lure to catch big springtime sh. A walk-the-dog type of lure is an excellent choice. I like Zara Super Spooks, Mirrolure Top Dogs and Rapala Skitterwalks the best. Make sure to choose a lure that is at least four inches long. Hungry springtime sh are ready to eat a big meal as the water temperatures rise.

A larger lure has many advantages over smaller baits. e larger pro le and length creates more vibrations to attract monster sh from long distances. A larger lure allows you to cover more water because you can make longer casts. A larger lure also discourages most of the smaller sh from biting. You will catch fewer sh but they will be of much better quality.

e best topwater lure colors for speckled trout and snook are silver and white. Choose lures with silver or white sides

Pro Tip #1: Do yourself and the sh a favor and smush down the barbs on your treble hooks. You won’t lose any sh as long as you keep the line tight. e hooks will also come out of the sh and your hand much more easily.

and bellies. e back color doesn’t really matter because the sh will hit from under and behind the lures. e best retrieves for a walk-the-dog lure includes a pause every ten feet or so. Quite o en you will get a vicious reaction bite right a er the pause.

Pro Tip #2: e best leader material for walk-the-dog lures is mono lament. Mono lament line oats versus uorocarbon line that will sink and negatively a ect your topwater lure’s action. A short heavy leader, 12 to 15 inches is a great choice. Long leaders will o en negatively a ect your lure presentation. Many shermen believe that you can’t use topwater lures in the middle of the day. But they are wrong. You can use a topwater lure all day and catch huge speckled trout and snook. Topwater lures do work the best in low light scenarios. It can be sunrise or sunset but cloudy or stormy days are also great times to use big topwater lures. If you nd a school of mullet, cast your topwater lure just outside of the school. You want to make it easy for the snook and trout to distinguish your lure from the rest of the school.

Spring is a great time to catch huge snook and speckled trout with big topwater lures. ese sh need to fatten up again a er fasting through much of the winter. ey would rather eat one large calorie meal than have to chase a bunch of small sh around for the same caloric input.

Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass O Charters, is an inshore shing guide who has been shing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass ats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@ shyourasso .com or visit shyourasso .com.

= approximately 8”

(10) year

L O S CLUB

First

APRIL ON THE FLATS: WHEN SPRING HITS ITS STRIDE

If March is the warmup, April is go time.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Longer days, greener water, and steady warming trends ip the inshore switch from “transition” to “feed.” e bait is thicker, the tides feel stronger, and the sh are no longer just staging — they’re hunting. April is when things start getting fun in a hurry. e key word this month is movement. By April, speckled trout are pushing onto reefs, sandbars, and grass edges with more consistency. Red sh are cruising shorelines, ooded grass, and marsh drains with purpose. Flounder settle into ambush points along drop-o s and current seams. Water temperature swings aren’t as drastic as early spring, but bait movement tied to tides becomes critical. Instead of asking where the warmest water is, start asking: Where is the cleanest moving water? Where is bait being pushed? Where is current creating ambush points? Points, drains, and wind-blown shorelines shine in April. If water is moving and bait is present, predators won’t be far away.

Unlike the slower mid-a ernoon bites of late winter, April o en rewards early risers. at rst light window can be electric — especially on calm mornings with bait dimpling the surface. is is when topwaters re-enter the rotation in a serious way. ere’s nothing subtle about an April blowup. But don’t force it. If sh are swiping and missing, switch to a so plastic or suspending bait and clean up the followers.

April sh are more aggressive, but they’re still opportunistic. Paddle tails, shrimp imitations, and swimbaits all shine, especially when worked with a con dent, steady retrieve. Water clarity should dictate your approach. In cleaner water natural colors and subtle action are key. In stained water, vibration and contrast matter more. If sh are chasing, cover water. If they’re following but not committing, slow down and add pauses. Let the sh tell you what they want.

April breezes can stack bait against shorelines and points. Wind creates feeding lanes. Instead of hiding from it, position yourself to use it. Dri with it. Fish into it. Work the edges it creates. Wind plus tide plus bait equals opportunity.

Next trip, challenge yourself by starting on a wind-blown shoreline and working it thoroughly. en move to a protected drain and compare activity. Pay attention. Which has more bait? Which has more strikes? Fishing in April is less about luck and more about reading conditions in real time.

April feels alive. e marsh hums. Birds dive. Mullet scatter. e sun carries warmth instead of warning. It’s the month where con dence returns, patterns stabilize, and sh feed longer and harder. Somewhere between the rst cast and the last dri , you’ll remember why spring inshore shing is hard to beat. e water’s warming and the sh are moving. Are you taking a kid shing?

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor and owner of Knockin Tail Lures® — https://knockintaillures.com.

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Hello Spring!

TIM BAREFOOT

It’s o!cial…say hello to spring. Anglers can now look forward to targeting a wide variety of species, including black n tuna, wahoo, African pompano, and many other sought-a er sh. With these species actively feeding during their migration north, the opportunities for successful catches are abundant. Whether you prefer trolling, dri ing, or bottom shing, the spring months bring a wealth of options to ll your cooler with quality sh.

e troll bite will probably die as soon as the sun gets up around the nine or ten o’clock timeframe. is is when you need to change tactics. Stop trolling. Put the trolling motor over and start making strategic dri s with the light line out while bottom shing. I would also suggest putting a couple baits out under the kite, as this is the most e ective presentation with very little to no leader in the water. Have at least one person dedicated to the kite baits, if you’re shing a kite. is is one of the best times of the year to spend the night, especially here in North Carolina, as the night bite could be crazy good. Put the bright lights out and you will draw the squid, cigar minnows, sardines, and all the predators to you like moths to a porch light. If you have the ability to spend the night, April could be the month you see the ultimate results. Everything including ying sh are very susceptible to a Sibiki rig. Fill the live well with live baits and start shing on the daylight bite. Fish are like us; they like to eat breakfast and dinner, so be there early and late.

Be sure to keep an eye on the recorder while on the dri for the mid water marks. In addition to shing for the snappers, have rods at the ready for sh that show on the recorder way o the bottom. ese may very well be the African pompano, so have a rod ready with a jig that you can re down and erratically jig upwards 25 to 50 feet o the bottom and then let ascend back to the bottom. Repeat over and over as this will get bites! It’s not just African pompano that frequent these deeper waters. During the middle of the day, wahoo can be found surprisingly deep, and tuna also inhabit these depths. It only takes a few wahoo, black n or pompano to make a great box of sh to take home. is is also a good time to target the smaller snapper with smaller baits on “chicken rigs” with small circle hooks. When you’re on a good bite (using small circle hooks) I would strongly recommend feeling the bite, winding tight to it and stopping. is is when another snapper will jump on the second bait. You will load up quickly with delicious groceries when you’re catching two at a time.

Bring the heat… It’s on!

Learn more tips and techniques at barefootcatsandtackle.com and on Barefoot’s YouTube channel: @timbarefoot5698.

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CRAPPIEFISHINGONKENTUCKYLAKE

By Julie Graham- ExploreTRV

Spring

As the last bite of winter gives way to the gentle stirrings of spring, Kentucky Lake comes alive. Located along the western edge of the Bluegrass State, this sprawling body of water—technically a reservoir—has long been a mecca for anglers, especially those in search of springtime crappie.

Kentucky Lake stretches a remarkable 184 miles from the Tennessee state line to the northernmost point at the Kentucky Dam making it the largest reservoir in the state and one of the largest in the U.S. e lake was formed in 1944 with the completion of the Kentucky Dam, a key project by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Today, the lake covers over 160,000 acres, with an average depth of 8-10 feet, though some areas reach even deeper. Its shoreline stretches over 2,000 miles, o ering countless coves, islands, and inlets that make it a paradise for anglers. Fishing enthusiasts quickly discovered the lake’s potential as a world-class destination for crappie, bass, and cat sh, earning it a reputation that has only grown over the decades. Feeding Kentucky Lake are several major tributaries (Blood River, Jonathan Creek, Big Sandy River) that become shing hotspots in early spring, especially where submerged timber

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and man-made structures provide cover. Every seasoned angler in this region knows spring is crappie season. As water temperatures creep into the low 60s, crappie begin their migration from deep winter haunts to shallow spawning grounds— brush piles, stumps, and submerged structures along the shoreline. Preferred bait and techniques vary by angler, but some classics stand the test of time. Live minnows, o en rigged under a slip oat, are a go-to for many, especially during the pre-spawn. Jig shing is equally e ective, with popular choices like 1/16 or 1/32 oz. so plastics in chartreuse, white, and monkey milk colors. When the bite gets tough, tipping jigs with a small minnow or switching to hand-tied hair jigs can coax hesitant sh. Long-line trolling and spider rigging also dominate certain sections of the lake, especially in the deeper channels near creek mouths.

Mornings on the lake feel almost sacred this time of year. Fishermen, some in sleek bass boats, others in aluminum ski s passed down through generations, fan out across coves and creek arms, quietly working the banks. e goal is the same: feel the tap of a crappie on the line, set the hook, and haul in what many call the “gold of the lake.” For many, the draw of spring crappie shing isn’t just the thrill of the bite. It’s also the chance to connect with the natural rhythm of the season while sitting in a quiet cove as the dogwoods bloom, passing along stories, rods, and values to the next generation. At its core, Kentucky Lake is more than a reservoir. It’s a living, breathing legacy—a place where history, sport, and stewardship come together on every cast.

For more information on shing licenses and regulations, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website - fw.ky.gov - or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website - www.tn.gov/twra.html.

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