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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.
2. 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
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By Will Schmidt
Nothing quite gets your heart rate up like the sound of drag screaming as a king rips line from the reel. Maybe it’s so exciting because for many, king!sh !shing can be slow, especially when targeting big !sh. e good news is there are some tournament proven techniques that can really help.
Perhaps the most well know tactic to bring kings to you is chumming. ere are several forms. Cutting up chunks of thread!ns and tossing them into the current is certainly a tried-and-true method. is is a great method especially if you are anchored. e challenge here is getting enough bait to keep the ow going. Another option we use in tournament !shing is a constant drip of menhaden oil. Using a bag like an IV bag you can set have a slow drip continually putting scent in the water as you troll. It’s great for covering ground and still helps to bring !sh to you at the same time. Unfortunately, menhaden oil has become a bit pricey.
ese techniques work great, but on tournament days I believe there is so much scent in the water that they become less e$ective. So, now my new go to is to add an extra sensory stimulation in the form of eye candy. Speci!cally, a Fish Razr mylar dredge. Made of re ective strips that look like a school of bait, they shine like an underwater disco ball. Plus are easy to use and reusable so they are cost e$ective. Simply attach them to a kite rod or cleat and toss them over the side. I’ve literally had !sh in my spread within seconds of deploying the dredge.
For baits I do prefer big blue runners, but sometimes they can be hard to come by. A good trick when big baits are sparse is to double up smaller baits, like sardines or thread!ns. I use two hooks wired about 5 inches apart with a stinger o$ the second to create a larger pro!le o$ering. I believe the added ash of multiple baits helps as well.
For tackle I like 20 to 30 pound trolling gear like a Shimano Terez medium action rod with Talica A 16. For years we went very light on our tackle thinking that kings had so mouths and needed to be babied. While they are somewhat more delicate, a big !sh is tough and you still need gear that can do the trick. is setup has a light enough tip and silky smooth drag to help absorb the initial hit but plenty of backbone to battle a hardier smoker king. A mono top shot also helps with that opening blow.
For me the key to king!sh !shing is to combine looking for them while also having them look for me. Adding the dredge to my spread is a real gamechanger.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about shing for more than two decades. Follow Will on Instagram @saltynstrong.
IA Closer Look at South Carolina’s New Red Drum Laws
By Joey Coz, SC Department of Natural Resources
t is hard to believe that July is right around the corner, but I am excited to announce that July 1 marks the implementation of South Carolina's new red drum laws. After years of scientific review and public input, the South Carolina Legislature recently passed legislation modifying red drum bag, boat, and size limits and introduced restrictions on the use of large offset circle hooks or J-hooks when fishing for gamefish species. These changes were triggered by a 2024 regional assessment of the Southern Atlantic red drum stock (South Carolina, Georgia, east coast Florida) that determined red drum were both overfished (not enough fish in the population) and that overfishing was occurring (more fish being removed than added back each year). A South Carolina-specific study came to a similar conclusion. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing the Senate by a vote of 39-1 and the House by a vote of 98-3 before being signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster.
The new regulations include:
• 1 red drum per person per day(previously 2)
• 2 red drum per boat per day (previously 6)
• 18–25-inch slot limit (previously 15–23 inches)
• Non-offset, non-stainless circle hooks required when fishing for gamefish with natural bait and hooks 4/0 and larger
Since the legislation was signed, I have received numerous questions regarding the rationale behind these changes and how the new regulations will be applied. To help address some of the most common points of confusion, I've provided answers to several frequently asked questions below.
Why were the bag limits reduced?
Red drum are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), of which South Carolina is a member state. As mentioned, the 2024 stock assessment found that red drum were overfished with overfishing occurring. Once
cont'd on page 6
Great Summer Fishing
by Captain Mike Able, Contributing Writer
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any hotter, July rolls around and graces us with more heat and humidity! The other thing July marks for us all this year is the 250th Anniversary of our Independence! A semiquincentennial, as they call it! Happy Anniversary America!
While it is still hot and the fishing is still great, we are all lucky to be able to enjoy the freedoms of so many things including a favorite hobby of fishing! The inshore bite will continue to be strong. Fishing the creeks will require you to fish extremely early. A topwater bite can still be had, and once the sun comes up you can switch to live/cut baits or go to your favorite soft plastic worked sub-surface. I personally think a creek bite shuts off by 10:00-11:00am simply due to the heat. I tend to move closer to the ocean if I am still wanting to target reds, trout, and flounder. I also move my baits closer to the bottom as the sun gets higher in the sky. Those fish will hover the bottom looking for cooler water when temps get high. When fishing soft plastics I tend to use darker colors, simply because the water this time of year is typically more stained and muddy. If uneasy using artificial baits go to a live or cut bait. There is so much bait in the creeks it won’t be a bad idea. Live baits like shrimp, mud minnows, finger mullet, and small menhaden would be great baits of choice!
Your deeper water species such as bull redfish, tarpon, sharks, and jack crevalle would be better targets in the heat. While the bigger redfish can be sensitive to the heat, at times most of the previous mentioned species don’t mind it. They are typically targeted in water depths of at least fifteen feet up to depths such as forty and fifty feet. Fish finder or carolina rigs are your ideal setups. Using anywhere from three to eight ounces to hold bottom is common. Leader class should be sixty to eighty pounds for most. Live menhaden and mullet can be a great bait for all of it. At times, a fresh cut bait on the bottom can outdo live bait so don’t be afraid to cut a live one up and send it down, you may see better results! Jetties, inlets, and sandbars are your typical locations. Don’t be afraid to move around to find better clarity water, lots of bait, and a better “feeling”, especially when targeting tarpon.
The offshore bite still continues to do well! We had a great mahi mahi bite for May and June and hope some of it will continue this month too, although history shows it slowing down some. The one thing that does ramp up is the sailfish bite! And don’t worry blue marlin lovers, they can still be caught this time of year too! Most bites will likely occur in slightly deeper water this time of year. While for most of your gamefish I would concentrate on the ledge area in 180’ of water I wouldn’t stay there all day, especially if not getting bit. While the weedlines and edges move all the time, as of late they were out deeper in 550 feet of water. So first and foremost get a sea surface temp report before you go, and then when out there look for some of those areas and don’t hesitate to run a little bit and look around to see what you see! Sometimes it could take something as small as a floating pallet to have lots of mahis on it and change your day completely!
This month also marks the new redfish changes, reducing the catch limits and adjusting the harvest slot size, as well as a new mandated hook type. The new rule will take the bag limit to one fish per person, per day. It will take the boat limit to two fish per boat, per day(regardless of the number of anglers on board.) It will take the slot size to 18-25 inches total length. The new hook rule will require that when using a 4/0 size hook or larger, when using natural bait, it has to be a non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hook. Don’t forget to visit our website for upcoming events as well as some extremely helpful tips and techniques to catching everything that Charleston has to offer!
Happy Fishing and Happy Fourth!
Capt Mike Able, CCA SC State Board Member Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply Since 1983
843-881-3644(Mt Pleasant) 843-573-3474(West Ashley)
Fly Fishing Film Tour Returns to Historic Charleston Music Hall
by Coastal Angler Magazine, Lowcountry
The Fly Fishing Film Tour returns to Charleston on Friday, July 31, bringing an evening of world-class fly fishing films, local art, fellowship, and fundraising to the historic Charleston Music Hall.
Hosted by Charleston Music Hall and Haddrell’s Point Fin to Feather, the event has become a favorite gathering for Lowcountry anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. According to Store Manager Randy Hamilton, the evening is about much more than watching great fishing films.
“The films are fantastic, but one of the best parts is bringing the fly fishing community together,” Hamilton said. “It’s an opportunity to share stories, meet fellow anglers, and support some great local organizations.”
Located in the heart of downtown Charleston adjacent to Hutson Alley, Charleston Music Hall offers attendees the perfect opportunity to turn the event into a memorable date night. Guests can enjoy dinner and cocktails at nearby restaurants before settling in for an evening of adventure, conservation, and fly fishing storytelling from around the globe.
Before the films begin, visitors can browse displays featuring local artists, craftsmen, and small businesses from the Charleston area. The evening will also feature Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit organization that introduces veterans to fly fishing, fly tying, and rod building as a means of recreation and rehabilitation. A fundraiser benefiting Project Healing Waters will take place during the event.
Attendees can also enjoy refreshments and beverages available through Charleston Music Hall, with an intermission providing time to socialize, visit vendors, and participate in the fundraising activities.
Tickets are available at Haddrell’s Point Fin to Feather, through the Charleston Music Hall box office, or online through the Charleston Music Hall website. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged and may offer a savings over day-of-show pricing.
Fly Fishing Film Tour
Friday, July 31
Charleston Music Hall, Downtown Charleston
Tickets available now through Haddrell’s Point Fin to Feather and Charleston Music Hall
Capt. Ravenel's Report
by Capt. Justin Ravenel, Contributing Writer
We have officially made it into summer and it’s time to get out on the water with the family and start exploring. Often times folks want to stoke the fires of interest in nature with their children and to be honest there is no better way to do that than our local Bottlenose Dolphin populations.
These are “resident mammals” to the area; meaning they are here year round. This makes it less of a challenge to find them on any given day.
Growing up with a commercial crabber for a Mother; I spent lots of time on the water observing these animals. In fact I would say that over the years I have fostered a relationship and an understanding of how the Edisto population behave throughout the year.
When I first opened “Ravenel Fishing Charters” and began guiding, I noticed just how much of an interest my clients were taking in these creatures. After loading everyone up and embarking to our fishing destination we would inevitably pass many of my dolphin friends along the way. While doing my best to reach the fishing spot as quickly as possible; nearly every time we passed the dolphins I would be asked to stop and let my passengers observe for a while. This is what prompted me to by an additional boat and open a separate business just for this dolphins and alligators of Edisto Island. So last year I officially launched “Edisto Dolphin Tours”. It’s been an amazing first year and we have had lots of interest in these aquatic mammals since then. With over 100 trips on the books since last March you could say we’ve been busy.
With these animals living up to 40 years at a time, you could say that I grew up with most of them. I can remember stopping for lunch while pulling crab traps with my Mother and watching dolphin beach themselves on the mud flats at low tide. This technique is called “strand feeding” where several dolphin work together to corral baitfish along the water’s edge then strike! It’s quite a sight to see just how large these animals are when they are completely out of the water. Mom showed all the different dolphin families in the area and how to know where they will be at different tide cycles. Now I use that information to locate the dolphins for my clients that want to see something just short of amazing.
These animals have no natural predators in the area and boy does it show when to observe them in the wild. They could care less about us as we approach them by boat. With that being said it’s important to use common sense when boating around them. They don’t have much fear or humans which is a double edged sword. It’s nice that we can get fairly close to watch them but with all the “new boaters” on the water these days it could potentially be a problem.
Another really interesting thing about our dolphin are the babies! Every spring and fall we see new babies on Edisto. There is nothing more adorable than seeing these little guys swimming next to their family. As the dolphin are ever so gracefully swimming around you’ll see the baby come up in a haphazard jump next to them. As a Father of two little babies myself; it strikes a chord for sure.
We offer private tours for up to 12 passengers and we offer discounts to SC locals. This is the perfect low stimulus activity for the entire family. Our dolphin tour usually goes something like this. After picking everyone up we embark on a two hour trip. We take pride in providing a dolphin tour that is about much more than just the dolphins though. We incorporate local history about Edisto along the way by viewing old haunted plantation houses and private beaches that are littered with artifacts from the past. Mid way through the trip we pull up to one of these beaches and let everyone out to stretch legs, have a bathroom break and explore. Then, when everyone is ready we load back up and head back while stopping to see even more dolphin along the way back to the dock.
Every single trip is different but we guarantee dolphins and a unique experience every time!
Captain Justin Ravenel
843-864-5056
RavenelFishingCharters.com EdistoDolphinTours.com
Facebook: "Ravenel Fishing Charters" Instagram: @justin_ravenel
South Carolina’s New Red Drum Laws
that determination was made, South Carolina was legally required to change its fishery management plan, which includes the combination of bag, boat, and size limit designed to ensure a sustainable fishery for each state. To achieve the reduction in harvest needed for the fishery to recover, those changes to bag, boat, and size limits were necessary.
How does the two-fish vessel limit work? What if I fish more than one trip in a single day?
Regardless of the number of anglers onboard or the number of trips made during a single day, a vessel may retain no more than two red drum per day. This applies to both private recreational vessels and charter vessels.
For example, if a charter captain conducts two separate trips in a single day, only two red drum may be retained from that vessel during the entire day.
Why was the slot limit increased from 15–23 inches to 18–25 inches? Does this affect the breeding population?
Red drum in South Carolina generally do not reach sexual maturity until they are approximately 30 inches and likely are not reliable spawners until well over that size. Fish within the new 18–25-inch slot have not yet entered the spawning population. A large portion of the harvest occurs on 15–17-inch fish during the fall when they are approximately one year old. Shifting that slot upward protects those “rat reds” and allows more of them to make it into the next year, which should help provide a better quality fishery. While anglers may now keep fewer fish, the slightly expanded slot provides some additional flexibility by allowing the retention of larger fish that remain below spawning size.
Can you please explain the new circle hook requirement?
This seems to be the focal point of many conversations I've had since the law was signed. The new hook requirement applies when fishing for gamefish species such as red drum, cobia, or tarpon with natural bait and hooks 4/0 or larger. In those situations, anglers must use a nonoffset, non-stainless circle hook. Anglers using artificial lures or hooks smaller than 4/0 are exempt from the requirement. This is where much of the misunderstanding comes from—you are NOT REQUIRED to use large circle hooks when you fish for red drum. For example, if you’re fishing inshore with a float rig and a live shrimp, you can still use a small J-hook or offset circle, even if you’re targeting red drum. It just means that WHEN you’re fishing with big hooks (4/0 or larger), they need to be non-offset circles instead of offset circles or J-hooks.
The regulation was designed to reduce release mortality of large gamefish, particularly adult red drum, when 4/0 or larger hooks and natural bait are commonly used. Numerous studies have shown that non-offset circle hooks reduce deep-hooking and increase the survival of
released fish. The non-stainless requirement also helps ensure that hooks left in a fish will degrade over time. As a bonus, non-offset circles also work really well at hooking fish and keeping them on the line.
How else can I help rebuild the population?
Regulations are only one part of conserving South Carolina's red drum fishery. Anglers can also help by following proper fish handling techniques when they’re planning to release fish. Limiting air exposure, supporting fish horizontally, and using rubber-coated landing nets can all improve survival.
Anglers targeting large adult red drum should take additional care and should avoid them altogether during the critical August-September spawning period. At other times, minimizing fight times, avoiding unnecessary handling, and keeping fish in the water whenever possible can help ensure these important fish remain healthy and able to contribute to future generations of red drum.
Red drum have been the foundation of South Carolina's inshore fishery for generations. These changes are intended to help rebuild the population and ensure that future generations of anglers have the opportunity to enjoy a better fishery than we do today.
Joey Coz
SC Department of Natural Resources
Marine Game Fish Tagging Program Coordinator 217 Ft. Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412 (843) 953-9588
Chef Ty Kotz releasing a red drum (photo: David Fladd, Release Over 20).
Picking the Right Kayak
by Trey Carden, Contributing Writer
Choosing a kayak seems easy enough, but if you’ve shopped around, you know the variety of brands and models is vast, as is the number of opinions about what kayak is “the best.” Don’t even get me started on the pedal, paddle, or motor conversation. The truth is that what’s best for me may not be best for you—it all depends on how you plan to use your new kayak.
While I don’t have time to go over every option available on Facebook Marketplace or at your local dealership, I can tell you a few things to consider before dropping your precious dollars on a little plastic boat.
THE SEAT - I’m starting with the star of the show. You’re going to spend a lot of time sitting down. Fortunately, kayak seats have come a long way over the last 20 years, and you no longer have to ruin your back sitting on a hard piece of plastic with your legs straight out.
Pick a seat with some elevation, give your knees a little bend, and make sure it offers good back support. A little lift off the deck will give you a better ride and lead to longer, more comfortable days on the water. Once you have a comfortable seat, you can always add a Kayak Kushion and work on finding a good nap position.
STORAGE - From experience, I can tell you that the number of things you take with you is going to steadily increase. It starts with a pack of jig heads, some Z-Man plastics, and two rods. Before you know it, you have more tackle than you can carry, six fishing rods, and no room left for yourself.
Picking a kayak with rear rod holders, tackle tray slots next to the seat for easy access, and plenty of gear tracks for accessories makes everything a little easier. One of the most important parts of kayak fishing is securing your gear and having enough storage to avoid donating it all to the ocean.
Most kayaks will have bungee storage in the rear and sometimes on the front as well. Accessories like a YakAttack BlackPak and Omega Rod Holders can help keep your gear organized and secure.
SIZE - My favorite kayak right now is a 10-foot Vibe Makana 100. I like it because it’s light and perfect for throw-and-go operations. It also has a great seat and tons of storage. That doesn’t mean I use it for everything, though.
Consider how you’re going to transport your kayak and what kind of water you’ll be fishing. You may need something much bigger, but if you don’t need a giant kayak, choosing something you can throw on top of your car without breaking your back may bring you more joy in the long run.
My best advice is to demo as many kayaks as you can. The best way to find the right kayak is to get out there and try one for yourself!
FB: Lowcountry Kayak Anglers
I caught this 14" red drum in Stono River, Charleston, SC.
JOIN
TIPS FROM A PRO
BIGGER BAITS FOR BIG SUMMER BASS
ATYLER WOOLCOTT
s the summer season settles in and water temperatures rise, many anglers automatically downsize their presentations in hopes of getting more bites. While smaller baits can certainly catch !sh, summer can also be one of the best times of year to target trophy bass with larger-pro!le lures. Big bass still need to feed, and they o en prefer a larger meal that provides more energy with less e ort.
One of the biggest reasons larger baits excel during the summer months is the abundance of bigger forage. Bluegill, shad and other bait!sh have had months to grow, giving bass access to larger prey. Matching the size of the available forage can o en help anglers attract the attention of the biggest !sh in the area.
Large worms, oversized swimbaits, big jigs, and magnumsized topwater baits are all excellent options for targeting quality !sh. While these presentations may not generate the same number of bites as smaller o erings, they o en appeal to more mature bass that are willing to commit to a larger meal. Many anglers are surprised by how o en a giant bass will choose the biggest bait in the boat.
Con!dence is key when !shing larger baits. $ere may be longer periods between bites, but anglers should remember that the goal is quality rather than quantity. Staying committed to a bigger presentation can be di cult, especially when other anglers are catching smaller !sh, but patience is o en rewarded with the !sh of a lifetime.
If you’re looking to improve your chances of catching a trophy bass this summer, don’t be afraid to upsize your o erings. Bigger baits won’t guarantee a giant on every trip, but they can help put the odds in your favor. Sometimes one bite is all it takes, and that bite o en comes from the biggest !sh in the lake.
Capt. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler, as well as owner/operator of Florida Big Fish Adventures, providing bass and saltwater guided shing trips: www. oridabig shadventures.com.
RECORD-BREAKING
919.9-LB. BLUE MARLIN WINS OVER $6.5 MILLION IN BIG ROCK TOURNEY
History was made, big checks were paid, and an insane at-the-buzzer leaderboard shakeup took place at the 68th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, held June 5–14, 2026 in Morehead City, North Carolina.
Marlin Fever brought the heat to Big Rock Landing on Day 2, bringing a tournament recordbreaking 919.9 lb. blue marlin to the scales, securing the Level V Fabulous Fisherman’s Prize worth $871,250 as the !rst blue marlin of at least 500 pounds weighed in. Eighteen-year-old Connor Daniel served as the designated angler and fought the !sh for roughly two hours. ($e crew later reported the marlin had recently eaten two sail!sh!)
Captained by Cameron Guthrie, the 63’ Jarrett Bay out of Wilson, NC, held the top spot on the leaderboard through Saturday’s !nal weigh-ins, delivering Marlin Fever the championship—and a staggering $6,513,188 payday.
And while Marlin Fever’s historic catch swept
all the blue marlin categories, it was the nail-biting weigh-in that came just before 10 p.m. on the last day of the tournament that topped o a dramatic week and sent spectators on the dock into a frenzy.
A er a grueling 6.5-hour !ght, Haphazard, a 60’ Spencer out of Manteo, NC captained by Joey Belton, delivered a true buzzer-beater. $e team arrived at Big Rock Landing just in time to weigh in one last blue marlin. It was 635.6 pounds—enough to catapult them into third place for heaviest blue marlin, knocking Free Ranger’s 597.4-pounder o the podium at the last minute. What an ending!
Fender Bender !nished in second with its 644.1-pound blue marlin weighed on Day 3, worth $467,962.50. Haphazard’s catch earned the team a $311,975 payday.
In the release division, Double G captured the title with 1,850 points a er releasing four blue and two white marlin, earning $168,937.50.
Doc Fees claimed the dolphin title and $584,500 with a 66.10-pound mahi; Magic Moment
WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?
won the wahoo division with a 53.4-pound catch; and Watertight won the tuna division with a 70.8-pounder.
A total of 278 boats !shed for a piece of the tournament’s record $9,038,225 purse.
For o cial results, payouts, and future dates, visit tournament.thebigrock.com and check them on facebook @bigrocktournament for all the tournament highlights.
July Can Be Hot!
TIM BAREFOOT
The surface water temperature will continue to climb in July, but the water temperature on the bottom will regulate itself to where it needs to be. $is is time of year to catch all the tropicals, starting now until early fall. Of course, the grouper and snapper bite will be o the chain, but this is when you will see all the snapper and grouper show up way north of Florida (as seen in photo). $ey will be available outside of their usual haunts and, of course, an occasional lobster. $is is truly the time of year to catch a giant grouper as well. I cannot emphasize this enough, but this is the time of year to spend an hour or more if necessary to Sabiki live cigar minnows and sardines for the ultimate bites on the bottom, not to mention the light line. Don’t be surprised to catch a giant wahoo on a 5-inch live cigar or sardine…elephants eat peanuts.
I would strongly suggest not playing loud music, not stomping around the deck, nor slamming cooler lids because the sail!sh and dolphin will swim up to the boat and check you out. $is is when you need to have a pitch rod ready. It’s never a bad idea to have a large squid on a pitch rod. Nothing in the ocean can refuse a well presented squid on the light line or pitch bait. It’s also not a bad idea to keep a frozen squid 50 to 75 feet deep using a small amount of weight (depending on the current).
kite for the ultimate presentation. If you have the correct weather pattern, I would strongly suggest spending the night o shore and using lights to attract the bait !sh. When you have a livewell chock full of live cigar and sardines and squid for the daylight bite, your success rate dramatically increases. Live squid or a live sardine on the bottom on a decoy jig has a life expectancy of !ve seconds or less. Don’t ask them to bite, demand the bite. Ask and you shall receive, my brothers and sisters. I’m not into all the “!shing,” per se; I’m into the catching...and there is a huge di erence. If you have the correct bait and make the correct presentation, you will get the bite!
Yes, we always carry a couple boxes of frozen cigar minnows and a box of frozen squid, but we always look for live bait, and we will spend some time on a school of bait using the Sabiki.
When the current is not running hard, a 1/4 or 3/8 oz. will get it down to the perfect depth. If the current is running a little bit, a 1/2 to 3/4 oz. might be needed. I would also suggest a live bait under a oat or under the
NOAA RAISES LIMITS ON ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA
NOAA Fisheries recently adjusted the Atlantic blue!n tuna daily retention limits for recreational !shermen. $e adjusted limits took e ect June 1, 2026, and will extend through December 31, 2026, unless NOAA takes additional action later in the year to further adjust the retention limits or close the !shery.
As of June 1, 2026, the retention limits will be:
Highly Migratory Species
Vessel/Permit Type
Private vessels with Highly Migratory Species
Angling permits
Charter boats with Highly Migratory Species
Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally
Headboats with Highly Migratory Species
Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally
Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip (lengths in curved fork length)
2 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”)
3 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”)
6 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”)
Note: $e retention limits are per vessel, per day/trip—not per angler. Regardless of the duration of a !shing trip, no more than a single day’s retention limit may be possessed or retained at the end of the trip upon landing. For example, whether a private vessel (!shing under the Angling category retention limit) takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the day/trip retention limit of 2 blue!n tuna, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium, applies and may not be exceeded upon landing.
$e !sh are just like us. We prefer to eat breakfast, maybe lunch, and a good dinner. Be there for the daylight bite or the late a ernoon bite. Put some beautiful live bait on the bottom and expect immediate bites on the decoy jig.
One of the most important pieces of advice for !shing in July is to ensure your children are prepared for the weather. A ernoon thunderstorms are common during this month, so it’s essential to dress them appropriately and be ready for sudden squalls. $is preparation is a fundamental part of the !shing experience.
Beyond safety, take the opportunity to teach your children the proper way to care for and release !sh. $ese practices instill a sense of respect for nature and promote responsible !shing. $e lessons learned during these outings will stay with them for a lifetime, making each !shing trip both enjoyable and educational.
Learn more tips and techniques at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
Who is a ected?
$e changes apply to Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when !shing recreationally. $e daily retention limits are e ective for all areas except for the Gulf of America, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted !shing for blue!n tuna.
Catch reporting
Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species
Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all blue!n tuna retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the end of trip by:
• Accessing the Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop
• Using the Highly Migratory Species Catch Reporting app
• Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Keep up with all federal shing rules and regulations by visiting https://www. sheries.noaa.gov.
From Campfire to Summit
A premium Damascus blade — at a price that cuts deep
For centuries, Damascus steel has been prized for its strength, beauty and legendary performance. Its distinctive flowing patterns have made it one of the world’s most sought-after blade materials. The problem? Genuine Damascus knives often come with premium price tags. That’s why we created the Stauer Damascus Explorer Knife. Built for adventurers, outdoorsmen and collectors alike, this handsome knife combines rugged utility with timeless craftsmanship. Whether you’re preparing kindling, tackling camp chores or simply admiring its artistry, it’s a blade you’ll be proud to own.
EXCLUSIVE
Stauer Pocket Binoculars a $99value with your purchase of the Damascus Explorer Knife
The first thing you’ll notice is the striking Damascus steel blade. Its signature rippled pattern isn’t just beautiful — it’s the mark of a centuries-old forging tradition. At a full 8 inches long, the blade offers impressive cutting power while maintaining excellent balance and control.
The rich rosewood handle provides a comfortable, secure grip, while the included sheath keeps your knife protected and ready for action. Every detail reflects the kind of quality typically found in knives costing far more.
Thanks to Stauer’s direct-to-you model, we’re able to offer this premium Damascus blade at an exceptional value. But supplies are limited, and once this shipment is gone, we can’t promise another opportunity at this price.
If you’ve been looking for a knife that blends performance, craftsmanship and value, now is the time to act. Damascus Explorer Knife PLUS FREE Binoculars $349* Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $250 1-800-333-2045
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Knife Specifications
• Damascus steel blade
• 8" blade. 13" overall length
• Rosewood handle
• Sheath included
What customers are saying about Stauer knives...
“First off, the shipping was fast and the quality is beyond what I paid for the knife.Overall, I am a satisfied customer!” — D., Houston, Texas
California residents, please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. $99 +FREE Binoculars Impossible PriceONLY
43,000 acres of legendary fishing from trophy bass, to world class sauger. A true Bill Dance Signature Lake.
