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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 379 OCT 2026 F R A N C H I S E

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

PUBLISH YOUR OWN FISHING MAG OCTOBER 2026

Find Out How Inside!

W O R L D W I D E

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

1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected financially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.

4. Most lenders require boat insurance If you financed 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.

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

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.

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.

Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your voyage. Cruise with confidence thanks to Progressive Boat insurance. Because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and affiliates. Product features are subject to policy terms and conditions and may not be available in all states or for all vehicles and coverage selections. No. 1 rating based on boat market share data from Ratefilings.com. *

** Sign & Glide® is an optional coverage you can add to any Progressive Boat policy and costs $30/annually ($50/annually in Florida). Prices are subject to change.

Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes. Go to progressive.com to learn more.

One look at that bow and he was hooked for good. With up to $10,000 of optional fishing equipment coverage, Progressive made sure the rods and reels were protected—so they could keep the spark alive, tide after tide. 1-80 0 -PROGR E S SI V E

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Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. No. 1 rating based on 2023 filings with state departments of insurance. Fishing Equipment coverage is subject to policy terms. Prices vary based on how you buy.

The Magic Starts in October

his is the time of year I live for, especially for o!shore bottom fishing of numerous species. This year is going to be di!erent, however, thanks to regulations that have completely shut down our gag grouper fishing. October, November, December, and the first three weeks of January are the absolute apex of gag grouper fishing. In my opinion, flawed science and highly extrapolated data are the reasons we are now facing a zero creel limit for gag grouper for the rest of the year. The situation with the Atlantic’s American red snapper is just as bad. Divers report having to wait for the Americans to get out of the way before they can shoot other target fish, and hook-andline fishing is o! the chart. It’s common to catch and release 20 red snapper per trip, yet we are legally forbidden from keeping a single one, at least for the moment. Where did they get the data to justify shutting down and keeping the American red snapper fishery closed? I would love to take these decision makers out on the water, or show them the underwater video footage captured by my diving friends, because it completely contradicts

2 NATIONAL

OCTOBER 2026

TIM BAREFOOT

the flawed data they are using to make decisions. Despite the regulatory headaches, the beauty of October through January is the gags and snapper will be literally right up on the beach. Last year, some of our best trips were within eyesight of the beach and we caught a serious number of fish. The larger male gags are starting to congregate on the inshore edges now in anticipation of the females coming soon. They will gather enlarged numbers on traditional spawning grounds that typically have good bottom and schools of bait, like cigars and sardines, and the little known fact of it is the same places will hold squid. I always say, “Find the bait … find the fish!” Yes, it’s important to find pretty bottom with some type of structure. If nothing else, look for live bottom and vegetation, but the ultimate scenario is finding big stacks of bait right on top of it. Let’s face it. That’s where your fish are going to be. You wouldn’t hang around in a place with nothing to eat, and neither will they.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

It’s a simple recipe this time of year to catch everything on the bottom. I always make sure to grab two boxes of frozen cigar minnows and whatever live bait we happen to have in the traps at the marina. But one of the best things you could possibly do is put one person on the Sabiki when you get to where you’re going. In addition to the frozen cigars, catch some live snappers or live cigar minnows and/or sardines. A live sardine on the bottom has a life expectancy under five seconds. It’s easily one of the most e!ective baits, especially when attached to a Crab Decoy Jig. The beauty of the shallow water gag and American red snapper fishing in the fall is that almost none of the fish are injured with bladder inflation. You can release them at the side of the boat and they will take o! immediately back to the bottom healthy and unharmed. The biggest problem we have now is the sharks are on to us. Wherever we stop, they hear the trolling motor and the fish struggling, so they come to it. Chances are pretty good you’re going to get a gag bit in half. When that happens, you need to move right away, otherwise you’re just feeding the sharks. They start gathering in numbers - we’ve seen as many as six or eight full grown sharks under the boat at one time. Here’s your sign…it’s time to move. Above all, take your kids out on the water, let them experience these amazing resources, and teach them to be good stewards for the future. To learn more tips and techniques from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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AUTUMN IN APPALACHIAN BROOK TROUT COUNTRY

By Devin Davenport

hen people think of autumn in the Smoky Mountains, they think of crisp,cool mornings, bluebird skies, and the leaves changing into striking yellow, orange and red hues as they begin to fall. What many don’t realize, is that a spectacle just as remarkable is taking place under the surface as well. Southern Appalachian brook trout in autumn put on a show as they prepare for their coming spawn, which usually occurs in mid to late October. As the season approaches, larger brook trout begin to boast the most vibrant colors that they will have all year. Their fins and bellies turn bright orange. Fish also produce more pronounced red dots, blue halos—and aggressive attitudes. This is all in an attempt to attract a suitable mate. It is the best time of the year to catch one of the prettiest fish in North America. Brook trout are the only salmonid species native to the Southern Appalachian region, and a fish that has lost 70% or more of its historical native range. This is primarily due to logging in the 18th and early 19th centuries, as well as the introduction of non-native fish such as rainbow and brown trout. While they are not typically picky eaters, they can be di%cult to find, as they inhabit only the coldest, cleanest, and highest-elevation creeks in Appalachia. Over 99% of native Appalachian brook trout never reach 8 inches in length, so finding a truly large Appalachian brook trout is a real feat for most fly anglers in the Southeast. There are also some areas with stocked brook trout in the southeast, and even these fish in the fall can boast some very impressive colors, and o&en are greater in size. Appalachian brook trout are most o&en found in tributaries that exceed 3,000 feet in elevation. They inhabit creeks so thick with rhododendron that casting room is o&en very limited. They exist below this, but the best place to find them is above 3K as high water temperatures in the late summer months can play a huge role in their existence. In most areas brook trout are found, food sources can be scarce. Bug life is limited the higher

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OCTOBER 2026

up you go, and the fish are opportunistic when a fly or lure is presented in a natural manner. The purest way to target a brook trout is with a dry fly, such as an Elk Hair Caddis or Parachute Adams. These flies have withstood the test of time and are a staple when it comes to rising brook trout. It’s a beautiful sight seeing a large, orange brook trout rise from the depths to crush a fly on the surface. Flies such as pheasant tails and prince nymphs are also very productive. One of the best ways to target larger brook trout is with a small streamer or spinner, as they will attack smaller fish that come within range. They are a remarkable fish and we are lucky they still have some strongholds in the Appalachians. Devin Davenport, (@appalachian.trout on Instagram) grew up fly fishing in the Southern Appalachian mountains. He primarily fishes for wild trout, smallmouth bass, musky, and other fish found in western North Carolina and East Tennessee. While he lived in South Florida for several years and loves saltwater fishing, he now resides back in the mountains of East Tennessee.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PRO FISHING TECHNIQUES

Specks of the Smokies

Brooks Finneseth, Publisher

LOWCOUNTRYEDITION PUBLISHER

BROOKS FINNESETH

(843) 628-9796 brooks@coastalanglermagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CHRIS POUNDER RACHAEL DAVIS CAPT. MIKE ABLE JAY CROSSMAN CAPT. JUSTIN RAVENEL

FOR ADVERTISING OR OTHER INQUIRIES, CALL (843) 628-9796 OR EMAIL: BROOKS@COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM

www.coastalanglermag.com/lowcountry CoastalAnglerMagazineLowcountry

FISHING FORECAST

Black drum 5lb 3oz.

Folly Beach Pier by Rachael Davis, Contributing Writer

s the heat of summer begins to fade and cooler temperatures arrive along the South Carolina coast, October becomes one of the most exciting months for anglers at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. With comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and an abundance of active !sh species, the fall season offers some of the best !shing opportunities of the year. One of the most sought-after catches during October is the red drum. $ese powerful !ghters become especially active during the fall months as they feed heavily before winter. Anglers may also encounter black drum, flounder, speckled trout, and sheepshead around the pier. When water conditions are favorable, Spanish mackerel and even king mackerel can make appearances offshore, providing thrilling action for those !shing from the end of the pier. Live shrimp remains one of the most productive baits during October, while cut bait and !ddler crabs often attract larger drum and sheepshead. Arti!cial lures such as Got-Cha plugs can be effective when mackerel are feeding near the surface. Many anglers !nd success !shing during changing tides, particularly around sunrise and sunset when !sh are actively feeding. Whether you're hoping to reel in a trophy red!sh, !ll your camera roll with stunning coastal views, or simply enjoy a relaxing day by the ocean, October at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier offers something for everyone. Grab your rod, pack your tackle, and experience why fall is considered one of the premier !shing seasons on South Carolina's coast.

Don’t forgot our last !shing tournament is October 3rd. Come on out and catch the biggest !sh and win some prizes!

Spanish mackerel 2 lb 3 oz

Rachael Davis Operations Manager Folly Beach Fishing Pier 101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC 843-762-9516 ccprc.com

OFFSHORE REPORT

Shrimp Baiting… Guaranteed Local Caught by Captain Mike Able, Contributing Writer

hrimp baiting started out in the early nineteen eighties and became a very productive method of catching larger quantities of shrimp in a shorter period of time. Since then, the method continued to grow for the next forty plus years. As a child growing up, it was honestly not something we did as a family. We went !shing and did other things as kids but never really shrimp baited. My !rst tastes of shrimp baiting really came later in life working in the tackle shop. Toting !fty-pound bags of !sh meal and clay to a shrimper’s car with the smell of !sh meal and the white clay all over my clothing was more appealing at a younger age! $at was what most used. $ey would buy either a couple bags of each or maybe two bags of !sh meal and one bag of clay. Going “heavier” on the bait to strengthen the smell of bait for around the poles. Shrimpers would typically get setup closer to the harbor in shallower areas right before dark. Setting their poles in a straight line, separating them just far enough apart where you could throw on one pole, and the driver time it right to where you could dump your catch and load the net again for the next pole. Some poles produced more and some would scratch. Just like !shing, it could produce later in the tide or maybe right at the beginning but once you were setup it was usually home for the night. Mixing the !sh meal and clay together, adding water, and forming them into hamburger patties so they wouldn’t roll away in the tide was the idea. Setting them just around the poles so you knew where to throw the net. As the years went by some things evolved in the shrimp baiting world. It went from PVC pipe with metal tips to !berglass poles with reflective tape already on them. It went from !sh meal and clay, to a premixed concoction called Bait Binder with the idea of having more bait to “binder” mix. Nets became more supple and easier to open; some having more weight to sink faster and catch more shrimp! This sixty-day season starts mid-September and ends early November. An individual on the boat must purchase the shrimp baiting license from the SC Department of Natural Resources and each individual on the boat is to carry a SC saltwater fishing license. Cast nets have to be a minimum of a half inch mesh size to throw over bait. With so many different cast net options we suggest doing one of two things; a larger yet lighter weight net like a Betts 8’ Sea Green that is a pound per foot with a 5/8” mesh, OR a Cracker 6’ with a ½” mesh that weights 1.5lbs per foot. Throwing what is comfortable for you is important, especially with the chance you might have to throw it often. Getting a net to cover more surface area and sink faster is the idea! $e popular method of catching shrimp over bait is the way to do it. Catching lots of shrimp in hopefully just a few passes on the poles and you had dinner! Good luck shrimpin’!

Check out all of our video tips at haddrellspoint.com or scan this QR

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)

Everything you need for shrimp baiting: Big nets, bait binder, smaller nets. 2 LOWCOUNTRY

OCT. 2026

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

OCT. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 3

EDISTO FISHING FORECAST

COA

Fin Capt. Ravenel's Report by Capt. Justin Ravenel, Contributing Writer

reetings from Edisto Island! Catching triplettail in Charleston, feel more secure and more willing to feed. South Carolina is one of those pursuits that feels equal parts Gear selection plays its own role. A medium-light to medium patient !shing and calm coastal exploration. Triplettail—so setup works well for triplettail because the !sh are often fought in ways named for its distinctive !n structure—are notoriously connected to that demand sensitivity and control. You want enough backbone to structure and current, and that connection makes every trip feel a little manage surges and keep the !sh from wedging into tight spaces, but you different. In Charleston’s inshore waters, where the tides slide through also need a rod that won’t tear hooks free during the !rst head shake. marsh creeks, channels, and flats, the !sh seem to appear in the gaps Braided line helps with feel and casting accuracy, while a fluorocarbon between effort and luck. But while triplettail can be unpredictable, leader can add abrasion resistance when you’re !shing around docks or anglers who pay attention to wind, tide, and subtle water movement other obstacles. $e rig matters too, but often the simplicity of a wellquickly learn that the !sh aren’t random. $ey’re just selective. presented hook and bait beats a complicated system. To begin, it helps to When it comes to bait understand what makes and lures, triplettail can be triplettail comfortable in the curious, aggressive, or stubborn !rst place. $ese !sh favor depending on the day’s floating or submerged objects conditions. Some anglers choose that break up the water and live bait because it looks natural create shade and ambush and can hold in the current points. In Charleston, that can like the real food triplettail mean drifting along lines of are targeting. Others prefer floating debris, !shing near arti!cial lures because they boat docks, probing edges allow controlled movement and where sea grass and hard e'cient coverage. In Charleston’s bottom meet, or working inshore environment, anglers areas with rip currents near commonly work lures with a deeper channels. Triplettail slow retrieve, letting them hover often position themselves to along the edges of structure.$e take advantage of prey being moment you hook a triplettail drawn through structure. $e is a reminder of why the species result is that a “blind” cast can has a dedicated following. Even sometimes succeed, but it’s when they don’t look oversized far more effective to !sh with in the water, triplettail !ght with intention—covering likely purpose. A careless jerk can cost water and adjusting when you the !sh; a relaxed, deliberate Captain Justin Ravenel conditions change. approach often convinces the 843-864-5056 Charleston is also a place !sh that resistance won’t be met where tides matter more with panic. Landing triplettail RavenelFishingCharters.com than most people expect. safely matters too. If the !sh is EdistoDolphinTours.com When the tide shifts, the near obstacles, having a plan for facebook: "Ravenel Fishing Charters" water’s character changes: the net and keeping the line clear instagram: @justin_ravenel current speed increases or can prevent damage to both the slackens, bait moves, and the !sh and the gear. !sh decide whether to hold or reposition. Many local anglers !nd that Also remember, when you !sh responsibly, you not only protect the most productive windows are tied to moving water—often during the resources that make triplettail possible, but you also preserve the the transition periods when water starts to push in a new direction. quality of the !shing for the next tide and the next season. Whether Planning a trip around that rhythm can transform a slow morning you’re a newcomer to inshore !shing or an experienced angler into a productive one, even if the !shing spot remains the same. Just as looking for a more technical challenge, triplettail offers a satisfying important is the angle you approach structure from. Triplettail can be combination of strategy, patience, and the quiet reward of feeling spooky when water is clear and calm, but when current is pushing, they connected to Charleston’s coastal rhythm.

4 LOWCOUNTRY

OCT. 2026

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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COASTAL LOWCOUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

Get that Second Opinion First:

Financing Your Coastal Lifestyle in SC by Coastal Angler Magazine, Lowcountry

or many of us in South Carolina, owning a boat isn’t simply about making a purchase. It’s about pursuing a lifestyle. From an early morning run across Charleston Harbor to !shing the Lowcountry creeks, heading offshore or spending an afternoon with family and friends, getting on the water is part of the South Carolina coastal lifestyle. But before you start shopping for that new or used boat, Charlie Hamlin of Sterling Associates has a piece of advice that might save you money—and help take some of the pressure and emotion out of one of your larger !nancial decisions. Get a second opinion first. “It’s important that people come to us before they start shopping,” Charlie said. “$en they’ve got an idea of the rates and terms they’re looking at and what they can get quali!ed for.” Born and raised in Charleston, Charlie attended Clemson University before returning home to the Lowcountry. He originally studied biology and considered a career in medicine before moving toward sales and ultimately marine !nancing. Four years later, he says one of the most rewarding parts of the job is helping people turn the dream of boat ownership into reality. If you’re out there enough, you’ll run into Charlie in his Key Largo, life on the water is key here. “I get to help people live out their dreams !nding boats,” Charlie said. “And I get to talk to them about these incredible boats every day.” Know Your Boat Financing Options Before You Shop Buying a boat can be emotional. You’ve found the right center console, bay boat, skiff or offshore !shing boat, you’re picturing the !rst trip, and suddenly the conversation turns to !nancing. $at’s exactly why Charlie recommends understanding your boat !nancing options before walking into the dealership. Charlie says “Sterling Associates has 35 years of superior customer service and works with more than 20 lending institutions”, giving him the ability to explore boat loan options for buyers throughout South Carolina with a wide variety of !nancial circumstances. Loan amounts can start around $10,000, while he also handles substantially larger transactions. Depending on the loan amount and lender, terms can extend as long as 20 years, potentially making a larger boat purchase more manageable on a monthly basis. Financing isn’t limited to new boats, either. Charlie says some lenders will consider boats as much as 30 years old, although marine surveys and individual lender requirements can become important parts of the process. In fact, a survey can provide another layer of protection for the buyer. “It is very rare that we see a survey come back and the bank decline the survey before a customer gets a survey back and says, ‘I don’t want to buy this one anymore,’” Charlie said. Take the Emotion Out of the Financial Decision Perhaps the biggest advantage of talking with a marine !nancing specialist !rst is simply knowing your options before you shop. Understanding your potential buying power, rates and terms—or even having an approval in hand—can provide valuable perspective when negotiating with a private seller or boat dealership. It allows you to concentrate on !nding the right boat for your coastal lifestyle, rather than making an important !nancial decision in the excitement of the moment.

Charlie Hamlin

Charlie also makes the process personal. Rather than requiring customers to visit a traditional bank branch, he can discuss !nancing by phone or meet locally at a customer’s home, o'ce or even over a cup of coffee. “We can just discuss things as needed and adjust variables for what works best for you,” he said. Whether you’re considering your !rst !shing boat, moving into a larger offshore platform, buying a used boat or !nally purchasing the boat you’ve dreamed about for years, Charlie’s message is simple: Get that second opinion !rst. Know your !nancing options. Understand your buying power. $en go !nd the boat that gets you where you really want to be— out on the water, living the South Carolina coastal lifestyle. To get your purchase started contact Charlie Hamlin (843) 709-6364 • charles.hamlin@unibank.com

CHARLIE CAN HELP YOU WITH:

- New boat purchase - Used boat purchase - Refinance at prime rates - Private sale boats (even working with the seller's finance company to ease the transaction) - Surveys to assess value before your investment

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

OCT. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 5

FISHING FORECAST

Mount Pleasant Pier

Josh Ashworth with 10 lb 12 oz black drum. 26.5 inches long

by Chris Pounder, Contributing Writer

ctober is one of my favorite months to !sh, and one of the best months of the year for !shing at the Mount Pleasant Pier. It’s time for big reds, hungry flounders, and schools of trout. While !shing is typically good all month, keep an eye on the weather and look for that !rst brisk evening where the temperatures dip into the 50’s. You’ll want to have your gear ready to go to hit the pier the following day. $ose cool temps signal that winter is coming and the !sh look to hit the bait buffet. $e best baits are live mullet, shrimp, or minnows; however, you can get away with throwing arti!cials resembling these baits as well Historically, some of the best flounder caught from the pier have come in October and into November. It’s not out of the question to see 4-5 pounders when conditions are right. Using a Carolina rig, anglers have a lot of success “walking the dog” along the pier railing. To do so, drop your rig over the side till the weight rests on the bottom and tighten up the slack in your line. Let the bait rest for a few seconds before raising the rod so the bait is off the bottom and moving along the rail a step or two and drop down again. Flounder are ambush feeders and this will allow you to cover more ground and may just get the attention of the doormat you’ve been looking for. You can also just drop the rig over the side, pull up a chair, and enjoy the harbor breeze while the bait gets a workout down below. Saturday, October 19 will be the last Cast-Off Fishing Tournament till 2027. Tournament runs from 7am – 2pm and entry is just $5 plus the daily !shing fee. Registration is available on site and will begin just before the 7am start time. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd biggest !sh, best youth catch, and best aggregate weight of 5 !sh. We hope to see you on the pier in October.

For any additional information about the pier or what’s biting this week feel free to call the River Watch Cafe & Gift Shop on the pier at 843-762-9946 Chris Pounder, CPRP Manager, Mount Pleasant Pier

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OCT. 2026

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OCT. 2026

LOWCOUNTRY 7

BOATING SAFETY

Float Plans by Jay Crossman, Contributing Writer

ishing and boats go together like peanut butter and jelly, like America and apple pie, like…. You get the idea. We all want to be safe on the water, have a great time and come home with some good memories, some !sh, or just !sh stories. But what happens when things don’t go to plan? You have caught your limit, ready to pull the anchor and head in and … the engine won’t start? ..and your phone is dead from taking picture of all those !sh you caught… and you didn’t bring the radio because you weren’t going offshore… what happens.

Scan the QR code for a sample float plan.

One of the best ways to have some one look for you is to !le a float plan. Nothing too fancy. Where you are going, how many people are on the boat (adults and children), what the boat looks like (A purple 23’ Boston Whaler with “Fish Master” on the side in big letters), and most importantly, when you plan to be back. $en leave that with a trustworthy person staying ashore. Dock masters at a number of marinas will take them for you. If you insured by TowBoatUS, they also have a service that lets you !le one. If nothing happens while out on the water, Great!, just remember to call the responsible person and let them know you are back at the dock. If something should happen, your trusted friend can alert authorities who will have a good starting point to get you home safe and sound, sooner.

TowBoatUS-Charleston | (843) 745-5977 | towboatuscharleston.com Jay Crossman is a professional mariner with over 30 years experience. He has carried corn, cars, crude, and containers… and a crane. USCG Chief Mate unlimited with a 1600 tonne master-oceans license with towing endorsement. USCG Quali"ed assessor and Designated Examiner certi"ed. Past SCUBA instructor and past Safe Boating instructor. Look forward to everyone having fun on the water, safely. 8 LOWCOUNTRY

OCT. 2026

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PRO FISHING TECHNIQUES

3 BEST LURES FOR REDFISH

CAPT. MIKE SMITH

ou can !nd red!sh around oyster bars, grass %ats, mangroves, dock pilings, mud %ats and any other place where they can !nd crabs, shrimp, snails and !sh to eat. PRO TIP - Red!sh spend most of their lives looking down with their heads “literally” in the mud. &e best way to get their attention is with a lure that stinks and/or makes a lot of noise to maximize your catch. GULP SHRIMP - &at is why my number one lure choice for catching red!sh in every inshore scenario is the Berkeley Gulp 3” shrimp. I usually couple that lure with a 1/8 ounce jig head and a 20 pound leader. Cast it to your target and let it sink to the bottom. &en bounce it on the bottom back to you slowly and repeat. I think that many anglers !sh their jigs too quickly. You have to give the red!sh a chance to notice your lure and then come over and attack it. Another great technique is using a popping cork with 18 to 24 inches of line beneath the cork. You are using the same Gulp shrimp and jig head but you are dangling it just off of the bottom and popping the cork to get the red!sh’s attention. &is is a great combination because it lets the red!sh use its nose and its lateral line to !nd the bait. GOLD SPOONS- Gold spoons have been the gold standard of red!sh anglers for decades. &is simple lure catches the heck out of red!sh anywhere red!sh live. &ere are long time red!sh anglers who only use gold spoons to target reds. You will want to get a weed less gold spoon because you need to !sh them in the bottom part of the water column. &ey work the best when they are bounced on the bottom or when they are presented just off of the bottom. Cast your gold spoon and bounce it slowly on the bottom as you reel it back to you. &e spoons do not have any scent to attract the red!sh but they can see the %ash and feel the low frequency vibrations as the lure moves through the water. PADDLETAIL - A 3-inch paddletail catches just about every !sh that swims and it is very easy to !sh with. Red!sh prefer a slow and steady retrieve that bounces off of the bottom. Your best paddletail colors for red!sh are white with gold glitter for clean water scenarios or brown with gold glitter for dirty water scenarios. Choose a paddletail with lots of wiggle so the red!sh can feel your lure even if they can’t smell it. Bring the three lures mentioned in this article for your next red!sh trip and you will be very happy with your results. Go get ‘em. Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass Off Charters, has been fishing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass flats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact fishyourassoff.com or visit fishyourassoff.com.

Redfish Regs

all is prime time for targeting red!sh, but rules and regulations vary by state and often change, so always check with your state’s official Fish & Wildlife agency for the most current rules before !shing. • Texas: 3 !sh, 20-28 inches; special regulations apply to oversized !sh. • Louisiana: 4 !sh, 18–27 inches. • Mississippi: 3 !sh, 18–30 inches, plus 1 over 30 inches. • Alabama: 3 !sh, 16–26 inches, plus 1 oversized !sh. • Florida: Generally 1 !sh, 18–27 inches. Indian River Lagoon is catch-and-release only, with regional differences elsewhere. • Georgia: 3 !sh, 15–24 inches. • South Carolina: 2 !sh, 15–23 inches. • North Carolina: 1 !sh, 18–27 inches.

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ometic recently premiered “The Voyage,” a new documentarystyle film chronicling the development of its award-winning DG3 Gyrostabilizer. Featuring engineers, designers, and innovators at Dometic Marine, the film provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Dometic challenged conventional gyro technology to deliver significantly faster spin-up times, 40% lower power consumption, and broader accessibility for recreational boaters. With their ability to counteract wave motion and reduce side-toside boat roll by as much as 95%, gyrostabilizers have the power to make recreational boating more comfortable and enjoyable whether fishing, cruising, or relaxing on the anchor. With its new DG3, Dometic set out to overcome common obstacles to gyro ownership, delivering industry-leading spin-up and spin-down times, greatly reduced energy consumption, electric actuators with active precession for faster response and better performance, and maintenancefree design. The technology behind Dometic’s DG3 is so groundbreaking, it won both an NMMA Innovation Award at the 2025 Miami International Boat Show and the Dame Design Award at METS Trade 2025 in Amsterdam. This new film shares how the Dometic Marine team overcame engineering and design challenges throughout DG3’s development. It also explains the “why” — how Dometic designers and engineers set out to make the benefits of gyro stabilizing technology accessible to more boats and boaters around the world. The Voyage was filmed and produced in and around Dometic Marine’s design and manufacturing center in Vancouver, Canada — where many of the company’s award-winning boating products were designed, manufactured, and tested in one of the industry’s most advanced facilities. “We recognized early on that we needed outside-the-box thinking and bold adaptations of our core technologies to truly take gyro performance

to a “Whole New Level,” said Dometic Marine Segment President Eric Fetchko. “For DG3 to be truly revolutionary in terms of spin-up time, power consumption, ride-smoothing performance, and durability, we had to achieve things that had never been done. This film takes the audience into our design room, factory floor and testing facilities as we create what will be the first of many gyro systems in the future,” added Fetchko. To learn more about Dometic’s award-winnning DG3 technology, visit your nearest Dometic Marine retailer or go to www.dometic.com.

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he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record !sh catches around the globe. Here are a few highlights from their newly approved world records. To see all newly approved IGFA world records go to igfa.org.

Lytle’s Weakfish Rowan Lytle was !shing Long Island Sound in Connecticut on May 14, 2026, when he landed this 25.19-inch weak!sh. With this !sh, Rowan has set the IGFA AllTackle Length Fly World Record for the species. &e record weak!sh struck his Clouser and was landed after a short !ght. He then recorded the length on his official IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the !sh safely.

Wroth’s Skipjack Tuna

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On April 3, 2026, &omas Wroth was !shing Rottnest Island out of Perth, Australia, when he landed this 10.4-pound skipjack tuna. With this !sh, &omas has set the IGFA Junior Men’s 4-kg (8 lb) Line Class World Record for the species. He was trolling aboard the “Natraliste” when the record skipjack struck his lure. He was able to boat the !sh after a 30-minute !ght and returned to the Fremantle Sailing Club for an official weight on a certi!ed scale.

Taylor’s Bonefish Laura Ann Taylor was !shing the %ats of Molokai, Hawaii, on April 30, 2026, when she landed this 8.9-pound Paci!c bone!sh. With this !sh, Laura has set the IGFA Women’s 6-kg (12 lb) Tippet Class Record for the species. After an exciting !ght, she was able to land the bone!sh that had struck her shrimp %y, record the weight on her certi!ed scale, and release it safely.

Nechuta’s Walleye

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On May 10, 2026, Carter Nechuta, age 16, was !shing Big Eau Pleine Reservoir when he landed this impressive 27.17inch walleye. With this !sh, Carter has set the IGFA AllTackle Length Junior World Record for the species. Carter landed the record walleye on a jerkbait. He was able to record the length on his official IGFA Measuring Device before releasing the !sh safely.

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Coastal Angler Magazine | Lowcountry | October 2026 Edition