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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.
IN THE KEYS Lobster Season Lobster Season Lobster Season Lobster SeasonMINI
By A. deGruchy
Every July, the Keys go a little wild for two days. !e spiny lobster sport season, or “mini season,” always hits the last Wednesday and !ursday of the month, so in 2026 that’s July 29 and 30. It’s your two-day jump on the regular season before it opens August 6, and trust me, the water gets packed. Know the rules before you launch and you’ll have a blast instead of a ticket.
First, the boring but unskippable part: paperwork. For 2026, non-residents can only
grab a short-term license in person at a Monroe County Tax Collector o ce, and they’re closed weekends. Gear-wise, keep it simple: tickle stick, net, gloves, and a gauge. No spears, hooks, or traps down here. Measure every bug in the water (carapace bigger than three inches), leave the tail on until you’re back on land, and toss back any female carrying eggs.
person, per day, the whole day. !at’s half what the rest of Florida gets, and don’t try to be sneaky about it. You can’t grab your six, run ‘em to the dock, and head back out for round two. !at’s “doubledipping” which is illegal, and the #nes aren’t fun. Six means six.
If traveling to the Keys for mini lobster season, respect the locals. Remember, the Keys are home to a lot of folks and one of the most fragile reefs anywhere, so a lot of the “be cool” stu$ is also straight-up the law. Give people their space, too.
Heads up on the 300-foot rule during mini season: basically the whole Keys is o$-limits nearshore. You can’t dive or snorkel within 300 feet of anyone’s house, dock, canal or marina. And don’t mix it up with the no-night-diving rule, that’s a separate mini season thing, so plan on daylight only. Fly your dive ag, idle down when you’re within 300 feet of one, and grab a buddy because the water’s a zoo. Don’t touch, stand on, or anchor on the coral, steer clear of no-take zones like John Pennekamp and the Dry Tortugas, and never mess with someone’s trap, that one’s a felony.
Bottom line: carry your license, measure in the water, keep it to six and whole, and dive in daylight. Check MyFWC.com for the full rundown before you head out, and have fun out there.
!e biggie is the bag limit: six lobsters per
Follow all of deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sport!shing on Instagram and YouTube.
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SECURING THE SHORELINE: WHY EXPERTISE MATTERS IN SEAWALL REPAIR
By SlabFix
Seawalls are the unsung heroes of coastal and waterfront properties. Day in and day out, these structures endure the relentless punishing forces of tides, currents, and storms. Yet, because much of their critical infrastructure remains hidden beneath the water or buried under the soil, seawall deterioration o!en goes unnoticed until disaster strikes. When a seawall begins to fail, the integrity of the entire property is compromised. Resolving this high-stakes issue requires more than just a quick cosmetic patch; it demands specialized engineering, proven techniques, and a team with an unblemished track record. at is precisely where Slab Fix has established itself as the gold standard in the seawall repair industry. e mechanics of seawall failure usually begin from behind the wall. Over time, #uctuating water levels and heavy rains wash away the supporting soil through tiny cracks or failing joints. is
process, known as erosion or void formation, leaves the land behind the wall completely hollowed out. Property owners might $rst notice sinkholes, dipping concrete slabs, or a slight tilting of the seawall cap. Attempting a DIY $x or hiring a general contractor without specialized marine construction experience o!en leads to recurring failures and wasted capital. Seawall restoration is a precise science that requires a deep understanding of hydrostatic pressure, soil mechanics, and advanced material science.
Slab Fix has earned its reputation as an industry leader by mastering this complex science. Instead of relying on disruptive, expensive, and environmentally damaging excavation methods, the company utilizes cutting-edge polyurethane foam injection technology. is innovative process involves drilling small, non-invasive holes into the a ected areas and injecting a high-density,
eco-friendly polymer. e material expands to $ll hidden voids, binds with the existing soil, and creates an impermeable barrier that stops future erosion in its tracks. By stabilizing the soil and sealing the wall from within, Slab Fix restores structural integrity without altering the shoreline’s natural aesthetics.
Beyond technical expertise, the true measure of Slab Fix’s success lies in its stellar reputation. e company’s consistently great reviews re#ect a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Waterfront homeowners and commercial property managers alike routinely praise the team for their transparency, punctuality, and minimal disruption to daily life. Clients frequently note that the crew takes the time to explain the engineering behind the repair, providing peace of mind during what can otherwise be a highly stressful situation. is wealth of positive feedback serves as a testament to their reliability and the long-lasting durability of their work.
Protecting your waterfront investment requires proactive maintenance and the right partners. Choosing an inexperienced contractor can result in catastrophic wall failure, costly property damage, and severe environmental $nes. With Slab Fix, property owners gain access to unparalleled expertise, state-of-the-art repair technologies, and a proven history of success. By addressing the root cause of seawall decay with precision and care, Slab Fix ensures that your shoreline remains secure, beautiful, and resilient for decades to come.
Fishing TRENDING
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OKIDS, POPPING CORKS, AND SPECKLED TROUT
Kids don’t always have the patience to wait on a $sh to bite. ey want to cast, reel, and stay involved. A popping cork gives them something to do while keeping a bait or lure in the strike zone. Every pop creates noise and commotion that imitates feeding $sh, helping trout locate the bait. More importantly, it keeps kids engaged and focused.
When $shing live bait, it’s hard to beat a lively shrimp under a popping cork. Whether you’re $shing shorelines, reefs, or grass beds, the cork attracts trout while keeping the bait at the proper depth. e sound gets their attention, and the shrimp does the rest. It’s a simple setup that consistently catches $sh and builds con$dence in young anglers.
ne of my favorite things about $shing isn’t catching $sh myself—it’s watching a kid catch one. ere’s something special about seeing a young angler’s face light up when a cork disappears, and a speckled trout starts pulling back. Over the years, I’ve introduced a lot of kids to $shing, including my own boys, and one of the easiest ways I’ve found to help them succeed is with a popping cork.
Arti$cial lures work just as well. I o!en prefer them when $shing with kids because I spend less time rebaiting hooks and more time helping them catch $sh. A so! plastic under a popping cork allows kids to cast, pop, and retrieve while covering water e&ciently. It also teaches them how to work a lure without making things overly complicated.
One thing I’ve learned is that tackle designed for adults doesn’t always hold up when kids are involved. Rods get dropped, tackle gets stepped
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
on, and gear gets bounced around the boat. at’s one reason I’ve moved away from many traditional wire-style corks.
Most anglers have opened a tackle box and found a wire cork bent a!er a day on the water. Once the wire is bent, the cork rarely casts the same. Many wire designs also have several moving parts that can tangle during a cast, especially in the hands of a young angler. Over time, the wire can even nick $shing line, creating weak spots that o!en show up when a good trout is hooked.
Durability is another advantage of hardplastic corks. Unlike foam designs that can crack, chip, loose its color, hard-plastic corks can handle years of abuse in a boat and continue performing like new.
At the end of the day, taking kids $shing should be fun. A durable popping cork paired with live bait or a so! plastic lure keeps things simple, productive, and exciting. e more bites kids get, the more they stay interested, and that’s how future anglers are made.
Take a kid $shing, I will!
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor and owner of Knockin Tail Lures® — knockintaillures.com.
THE HEART OF SUMMER FISHING
By: Caitlyn Gatrell
July is one of my absolute favorite months of the year to fish in Southwest Florida. Sure, the heat can be relentless, and the afternoon thunderstorms can pop up like clockwork. But, it's truly some of our most exciting fishing opportunities during the heart of summer.
Our waters really become alive during this mid-year season. Wildlife like dolphins and birds are seen playing around nature's playground. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets paint the sky with gorgeous hues, making some of the prettiest sceneries.
Tarpon season remains in full swing, where I’ve spent early mornings and later evenings watching these fish roll across the surfaces. While the major migration may have already pushed through, there are still plenty of tarpon around our beaches, passes, mangroves and deeper channels and cuts. If you've ever witnessed a silver king launch itself completely out of the water chasing bait, you know exactly why so many anglers look forward to this season.
July also marks the peak of snook spawning season in our area, and we have lots of opportunities to hook up to some big ones. Sometimes they're stacked at
our honey holes, can be sight casted, or they can pop out of nowhere even. Even when I'm targeting other species, it's hard not to appreciate the sight of a large snook and want to try and catch them. I have still yet to enter the 40in club for snook and it's one of my biggest fishing bucket list items!
Other smaller species are out and about during the summer, including the popular mangrove snapper that inhabit many habitats here in SWFL. July is a fun time to catch a few and harvest them, making a yummy summer dinner, especially as these fish have a continuous open harvest. Trout and redfish are also caught commonly during the summer here, providing more gamefish that can make a fishing trip even better.
Summer fishing in Southwest Florida comes with one major factor that every angler learns to respect–the weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are simply part of life this time of year, sometimes occurring daily. Matter of fact, as I write this, we've been in a period where it rained every afternoon the whole last week.
If you don't mind the rain, it's rewarding to fish directly after the storm, or even during one if it's safe enough. A good rain can cool down the water, create moving currents, provide pressure changes that fire up fish, and concentrate bait around certain areas. But, if that's not your cup of tea, early morning trips and being off the water before the afternoon are usually drier.
W hile July may test our tolerance for heat and humidity, it also offers some of the best fishing of the year. Between the rolling tarpon, spawning snook, active inshore life, and ever-changing weather patterns, there's never a dull day on the water. I’m gearing up for my next trip now as we finish this article! Tight lines to all!
Hello everyone, hope you are staying cool in July. This Month we are talking about deep Jigging for Grouper and Snapper. No better Jig to keep in your arsenal than our Big Ass Bucktail. Love this time of the year if we have no early Tropical weather coming through. It is usually flat as a pancake out in the Gulf of America and no better time than to go offshore and deep jig for Grouper and Snapper with these bucktails. They are designed to go deep and glow when they get there. We offer them in 1oz., 2oz., 4oz., 6oz., and on special order 8oz... Three colors White Red, White Blue, White Pink. These Bucktail Jigs have great movement in the water we tie 8 Neck hackles per jig 3 layers of bucktail and some of the most innovative flash material on the market. Ooh Yea and of course huge Opal Eyes and Resin encapsulated heads for durability. For added flavor add a piece of squid but you don’t really need it.
Whether running 10 miles or 100 miles these jigs will produce on all the grouper and snapper you can catch. Love them for Red, Black, Gag, Yellow Edge, and my all-time favorite Scamp. When targeting grouper look for hard bottom areas in the gulf. You can usually find some GPS
Jigging Time
By: Capt. Roanz
numbers in an area and then start searching and looking at your screen for any fuzzy marks. The great thing about jigs is you can usually drift a little with them and fish faster than with bait or live bait. Hit a couple of good pockets, ledges or structures and you will find them fast. The jigs also work good on the offshore wrecks for Amberjack, and Cobia and various larger snapper species. All of which are phenomenal to eat. I love Scamp Grouper fingers. Use Progresso Italian Breadcrumbs as your coating. Dip your grouper fingers in an egg and milk wash then in your breadcrumbs. Sauté in butter or a mix of butter and olive oil. If you want them crispier mix some panko in the bread crumb mix. One other thing you must do when you’re running off in July check out any shrimp boats great time of the year for Blackfin Tuna.
Rich and Roan would like to invite you to check them out at one of the local Bait and Tackle stores like Mikes Bait House, Marco Island Bait and Tackle, Estero River Outfitters, Kraken Tackle of Ft Myers and The Bait Shop of Lake Placid. or check them out online at www.reelnautical.net or drop us an email: reelnautical239@gmail.com
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Launch from our ON-SITE MARINA into the Ten Thousand Islands and EVERGLADES backcountry. Chase snook, tarpon, and redfish on your own or with a local charter. Back on shore, swap stories at Liar’s Bench Pavilion and the Tiki Hut. Stay your way with RV SITES and COTTAGE RENTALS, plus an on-site store, boat ramp, and kayak or boat rentals.
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THE ST. PETE TIME MACHINE
Hi everybody. I hope your spring was a good one. Things have been weird for me recently. “In flux” would be the best way to describe life right now. Good, but a bit weird. A summary of the strange life I lead would sound something like “practically a Panamanian with the Skeeter stuck in New Jersey, an unquenchable thirst for Florida snook fishing, and a minor celebrity at the downtown St. Petersburg cigar bar. Novels and fishing story books doing okay-ish (the Diana Diaz series under Yolanda Maria De Icaza doing very well. timramseybooks.com ) with no advertising, working on my long irons in NJ and Florida while managing the welfare of my mother in a retirement home in Naples. Rediscovering Florida wade fishing with 28 rods in a storage unit I can’t access and needing to go back to the “First Lady of Fishing” back in Panama. I know what you’re saying. What? I know. What? That second “what” comes with a oneeyed squint and head tilt.
“But Tim, what does this have to do with fishing” I hear you say? That’s easy. Back in May, I sold the house in New Jersey, left the boat in South Jersey and showed up boatless in St. Petersburg to see my son and check on Mom before heading back to Panama. It was time to fish. Just because 28 rods sat in a NJ storage unit didn’t mean I didn’t have three with me or five more in storage in Naples. In fact, thinking ahead, I was completely prepared to transport myself back to where it all started in Pinellas County back in 1987 when I came down for college. Boca Ciega Bay.
The odd thing about Florida in 1987 and Florida in 2026 is if you were a fisherman, chances are besides having some weird pair of sunglasses or high-top sneakers on back in the day, you could look exactly the same. I had tan fishing shorts, grey fishing shirt, baseball cap, and sandals on. I parked my truck on a side street close to the Maximo marina (which years ago was definitely not as auspicious as it is today) in south St. Pete just off the Bayway and made my way over to the (name withheld) apartment complex I lived in back while in college. I snuck around the entry gate, acted normally as I walked down the parking lot, passed a maintenance guy in a golf cart, crossed the pool deck laden with sleeve tattooed (the new sign of social conformity) college kids and hopped down to the little beach beside Boca Ciega Bay. I had all the items I used to fish this very spot nearly forty (yes, forty) years ago. Rod, red one-man inflatable boat I bought at Walmart, beach rod spike, yellow and white Flow -Troll bait bucket, with my tackle backpack on with two bottles of water in the side pockets. When I said, “snuck around,” I meant “walked in carrying so much crap I looked legit.”
I adjusted my Skeeter hat (back in 87 it would have said “shut up and fish”), set the boat in the water, tossed my tackle bag, rod spike, and rod in it, held the bait bucket in the other hand and eased out into the
By: Capt. Tim Ramsey
water. It was warmer than I expected but the bottom felt like the same couple inches of silt over hard sand with grass in the distance. I padded carefully out to the turtle grass, pushed the rod spike into the ground, set my rod in it, tied the bait bucket and boat lines to it, and looked around. Bayway with its tall condos to the left. City of Gulfport to the right. Bay straight ahead with St. Pete Beach in the distance. Same view as in 1987. Lot has happened since then; marriage, kid, Army, divorce, military moves, Saudi, Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, the UAE, surf trips to Bali, more deaths than I care to remember, and during all of it, tons of fishing. Ironically, this was the place I introduced the brother I don’t speak to anymore to fishing.
I looked up at my rod and admired the brand-new Cajun Thunder rattle float I had on the line. Below it was a #2 circle hook. I took a shrimp out of the bait bucket, put it on the hook, cast it out, and watched the float settle on the water. It was only a few seconds before it disappeared underwater. I reeled in and the line went tight. Moments later I lifted a decent trout from the water, removed the hook, lowered the fish back in and waited until it swam off. I realized I was in thighdeep water but somehow my shirt was wet, wicking water to my ribcage.
I cast back out and pulled in a small snapper, followed by another trout I was back in 1987. Back before all the stuff I mentioned happened. Back when I first discovered what “you peel’ems” was.
Back before a thousand snook, bluefish, reds, trout, and my fair share of everything else. Back before I discovered the mangrove backcountry. Back before the electronic dog leashes called smart phones people actually think “connect” them. What a joke. Fishing connects people. Back when I ran two miles in eleven minutes and my left knee was intact. Back when I had a full head of dark hair. Yes, I still wonder why all my friends still have all their hair and I don’t, but I digress. Back in about 2006, my son and I were at an ice cream stand on Madeira Beach. I said to him “welcome to the time machine.” He asked what I meant. I told him it was Pinellas County; therefore, it was only a matter of time until we saw someone with acid washed jeans, multicolor sweater, high-top white sneakers and a mullet haircut. He said, “No way, you won’t see that.” Well, the words were barely out of his mouth, still floating off in the breeze when a guy appeared coming from the beach access dressed exactly like that. My son looked at me with a look of incredulity I still remember. My fishing trip was kind of like that. When I lifted that trout from the water, I probably had the same look my son had back in 2006. I shared the story with him later that night at the cigar bar while wearing my Phillies shirt, the one that makes almost everybody in there divulge their South Jersey roots. It was the St. Pete Time Machine. It was fun to ride. See you out there.
Summer Opportunities
by Capt. Billy Norris
The past months brought a major shift in operations as we relocated down to Bahia Honda in the Florida Keys, just south of Marathon, to intercept one of the most exciting fisheries of the year - tarpon migration! April and May are prime time in this zone, with massive schools of fish funneling through the bridges, and this season did not disappoint!
Fishing the Bahia Honda Bridge, we focused primarily on live crab presentations, drifting baits naturally
through dense schools of migrating tarpon. On many days, we were surrounded by thousands of fish rolling and pushing through the current. The action was consistent, with multiple hookups per trip and several quality tarpon brought boat side. We landed a solid number of fish, including some true heavyweights, though as expected in tarpon fishing, we lost our fair share.
One of the biggest challenges during the migration was dealing with large predatory sharks. Hammerheads and bull sharks were a constant presence, often shadowing hooked tarpon and attempting to take advantage of an easy meal. Successfully landing fish required quick pressure, smart boat positioning, and a bit of luck to beat the tax man!
Back in Southwest Florida, the transition into summer is well underway, and the local bite is heating up across the board. Snook are a primary focus right now, cruising the beaches and staging heavily around structure. Anglers are finding good numbers of fish, with some larger snook holding tight to nearshore wrecks and passes.
The snapper bite has been particularly productive in recent weeks, providing steady action and quality table fare. In addition, cobia have been showing up consistently, offering exciting opportunities for sight fishing and live bait presentations. Tarpon are also present in the area, giving anglers a second shot at these powerful fish closer to home.
Inshore and backwater fishing remains strong, with the usual summertime lineup in full effect. Snook, trout, and redfish are all active, along with juvenile tarpon and aggressive jack crevasse providing plenty of action. The warmer water temperatures have the fish feeding actively, especially during early mornings and late afternoons.
Offshore, both snapper and grouper bites continue to produce, with anglers finding solid numbers and good size. As we move deeper into summer, we anticipate the arrival of the larger jewfish, which will open up opportunities for anglers looking to battle truly massive fish.
Weather-wise, the typical summer pattern has settled in, with hot mornings followed by regular afternoon thunderstorms. While the daily rain can be a factor for planning trips, it also helps to cool things off and keeps water temperatures in a productive range. Looking ahead, there is some discussion of an El Nino weather pattern deleting, which could influence storm activity later in the season. For now, conditions remain favorable, and fishing opportunities are abundant.
A ll signs point to a strong summer ahead across Southwest Florida. With a wide variety of species active both inshore and offshore, anglers can expect consistent action and diverse opportunities in the months to come!
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A Trip to Tuna Town
By: Jessica Hendrie
Venice, Louisiana. A place where men and women and even the kiddos from all over the world come to experience a true Cajun experience. From all you can eat crawfish, gumbo, boats, to world class fishing for red fish, Marlin, and the beautiful yet strong Yellowfin Tuna, Louisiana is the place to be. The people are kind, the weather is great. But the fishing? Even better! My family and I decided to head north on a mission to cross Yellowfin tuna off our list and man did we make it happen. We had to dodge the rain, yet it somehow worked out perfectly. 3 days. That’s how long we fished. We started out on the Mississippi River throwing shrimp in hopes to catch dinner. One by one, we started reeling in red fish after red fish! Talk about hitting a limit quickly. From there, we also hit our Louisiana inshore slam of red fish, flounder, speckled trout, and black drum! Our son even landed a four-foot-long alligator gar and caught two bull reds. He was ecstatic! Needless to say, day 1 was a success. Day 2 was a little more muscular. Right off the bat, we landed two large blackfin tuna. Not what we’re used to seeing in Florida size wise. Our son landed one of them all by himself! We hooked onto an 80-pound yellowfin and the fight was on. We ended up getting him in the boat and everyone said what’s one more? So, I let out another bait because why not? And boom! Hooked another stud yellowfin tuna! We were eating good that night. On to day 3, what a true experience. We decided to deep drop and tackle mangrove snapper. Total on day 3 we caught cobia, mangrove snapper, snowy grouper, yellow edge grouper, Long tail sea bass, snapper of all sorts, and even an eel. Louisiana was a true treat and a once in a lifetime experience. Get ready for good food and even better fishing!
South Seas’ Tarpon Tournament and Golf Scramble raises more than $250,000 for Folds of Honor over Memorial Day Weekend
CAPTIVA
ISLAND, Fla. (May 29, 2026) – South Seas Resort raised more than $250,000 for Folds of Honor during its expanded Memorial Day weekend Tarpon Tournament and Golf Scramble, bringing together anglers, golfers, sponsors and community supporters to benefit scholarships for families of fallen and disabled military members and first responders.
The third annual South Seas Tarpon Tournament, held May 22, welcomed 47 boats and 188 anglers, reeling in 32 tarpon throughout the daylong competition off the coast of Captiva Island. The weekend also marked the debut of the South Seas Golf Scramble at The Clutch, South Seas’ Beau Welling-designed golf course, as well as the inaugural Helicopter Golf Ball Drop presented in partnership with the Str8 Up Aviation and Certified Heating and Cooling. Funds raised throughout the weekend will directly support Folds of Honor scholarships benefiting local families in Lee County and surrounding Southwest Florida communities.
“Every angler, every golfer and every sponsor contributed to something bigger than fishing and golfing throughout the Memorial Day festivities at South Seas,” said Greg Spencer, president of South Seas. “Thanks to their participation and generosity, we are able to help Folds of Honor provide more than 50 educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members and first responders — changing lives and creating lasting impact for families who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
The Memorial Day weekend festivities began May 21 with a Captain’s Meeting at the Tarpon Bar before anglers headed onto the water early Friday morning for the fishing tournament. The competition concluded with a waterfront reception featuring live music, drinks, silent auction items, raffles and light bites, followed by an awards ceremony honoring fallen service members with a presentation of the national anthem, paratrooper demonstrations and a keynote address from Ginger Gilbert Ravella. After losing her husband, Major Troy Gilbert, while he served in Iraq, she was left to navigate the unimaginable grief while raising her five children. Folds of Honor came alongside her as a lifeline providing hope and financial support to her family.
On Saturday, golfers gathered at The Clutch for the inaugural South Seas Golf Scramble, which concluded with awards, raffles and the Helicopter Golf Ball Drop which yielded four holes in one. During the finale event, 150 golf balls were dropped from the helicopter over the course, with cash prizes split between Folds of Honor and the winning participants whose balls landed in the hole. One participant donated his winnings back to the charity.
The 2026 Tarpon Tournament title sponsor was Timbers Company, with supporting sponsorships from DeAngelis Diamond, Wheelock Street Capital, Curran Young, Pyramid Global Hospitality, The Ronto Group, MHK Architecture, Regions Energy, Brittania Electric, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Barraco & Associates, Lowndes Law and Haley Ward Surveying.
For the Golf Scramble, Batia Construction Company served as title sponsor, with additional support from Kazdan Family Medicine, AmeriGas, DeAngelis Diamond, Benchmark General Contractors, The Ronto Group, Pyramid Global Hospitality, Wheelock Street Capital, Timbers Company, Newkumet Companies, Sabal Signs and Priority Marketing.
L ast year’s tournament raised more than $250,000 for Folds of Honor scholarships. Organizers expanded the 2026 event to include the Golf Scramble and Helicopter Golf Ball Drop in an effort to grow the fundraiser’s impact and community reach even further. For more information or to book a stay at the resort, visit SouthSeas. com.
About South Seas
Presenting classic island charm, the 330-acre South Seas is nestled among mangroves with more than half of the resort a dedicated wildlife preserve and estuary. Outstanding golf, famed fishing, boating, yachting and discovering storied barrier islands, flavorful dining and memorable island adventures are among the unforgettable experiences of a South Seas guest. The resort has been a cherished destination for more than 75 years. As a new chapter begins, one that has been inspired by the many past generations of guests and thoughtfully recast for the future, South Seas is dedicated to delivering a resilient, worldclass resort. SouthSeas.com
About Folds of Honor
Folds of Honor is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States armed forces. Beginning in 2022, Folds of Honor expanded its mission to include first responders. Its educational scholarships support private-school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12 as well as post-secondary tuition. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on GuideStar. It was founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot, who is currently stationed at Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service Detachment 1, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, TX. For more information visit FoldsOfHonor.org.
BACK TO STUMP PASS BEACH
By: Joe Sheaffer
One of my passions is fishing along the Southwest Florida beaches. I live in Charlotte County and have access to a few beaches. I have always enjoyed fishing the beaches along Manasota Key. Walking and fishing along Stump Pass Beach Park has always been a favorite. Stump Pass is the largest pass along the Key that opens Lemon Bay out to the Gulf. Over the last couple of years, I haven't spent much time on that stretch of the Key. Hurricanes Milton and Helene split the beach in two, which really limited the access to that part of the island. In recent weeks Mother Nature has closed the Split (Milton’s Pass) and now visitors have full walking access from the park down to Stump Pass. I recently spent a nice morning walking and fishing the Park down to the pass. The area has a primitive feel and the end of the island is very unique. I enjoyed seeing many different animals, including many different birds, porpoise, manatees, and flying rays to name a few. I also spent some time fishing along the pass, catching snook, jacks and ladyfish along the north side of Stump Pass. If you happen to be near Englewood and you want a different beach experience, Stump Pass may be the place to visit. FYI, the park opens at 8:00 am, closes at 8:30 pm. There is limited parking and at this time they only have portable bathrooms. This is a State Park and the cost per person is $3.00. As always, good luck and keep casting.
JULY’S OPPORTUNITIES
By: Capt. Terry Fisher
Inshore fishing in Southwest Florida should offer good numbers of snook, redfish, seatrout and mangrove snappers and summer-time catfish (unfortunately). Snook are in the passes and swimming along the beaches of all the outer islands. My bait of choice for snook is a pilchard. Large redfish have begun to move into the back waters other secluded areas. These areas will require anglers to wait until the higher tide days arrive as they are very shallow and will restrict boat access. Move and fish until you find them.
Seatrout will be small, but with enough work and light tackle they are fun to catch. Tenacity will provide the better opportunity to get a few slotsize “keepers”. Shrimp under a popping cork in 4-5 foot of water over the grass flats should provide plenty of action. Otherwise use artificial presentations such as scented plastics, spoons and swim baits.
Offshore fishing in July will require long range runs for the larger fish. Water depth will require 120-160 for these desired large reef species, as the water temperatures were 87 degrees in early June and will rise throughout the summer, driving the bait and game fish deeper into the water column. The target species offshore will be your choice by design or accident and will include gag, red and black grouper, american red snapper, triggerfish, african pompano, mangrove snapper, lane and yellowtail and other Pelagic species. Pelagic species will be higher in the water column and more than likely swimming and holding around and over some sort of structure.
Inshore fishing requires only light tackle consisting of 2500-4000 series spinning reels on a matching rod with light rated line (10-15lb) and light leader material (20-30lb.) with hook or gig to match.
Long offshore in deeper water require Medium Heavy gear; such as 50006000 series reels with 30-40lb line and a 50-80lb leader and 5/0-7/0 circle hook. Feel free to call me directly at 239-357-6829 with any questions.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Check out my website at www.fishfacechartes.com. Call me at 239-357-6829 directly or email fishfacecharters@yahoo.com with any questions or to book a charter on your vessel or mine. I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel by the hour offering you navigation, safety instructions or mark you special fishing locations and how to catch the species of your choice both inshore and offshore.
Jim Partyka w/ a nice redfish from Pine Island Sound.
Jenna Kio w/ a beautiful black drum, caught in North Fort Myers.
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IT’S BAY SCALLOP SEASON!
You’d be hard pressed to !nd better Florida family fun than kicking around in the shallows to pick up scallops. Bay scallop seasons open across most of Florida’s west coast this month, so grab your mask, !ns, snorkel and
Daily Bag Limits:
Gulf through NW Taylor County and L evy through Pasco County:
• Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of meat
• Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat (1/2 gallon = 4 pints)
Fenholloway through Suwannee River Zone:
June 15-30:
• Per person: 1 gallon whole bay scallops in shell or one cup shucked
• Per vessel: 5 gallons whole or 2 pints meat
July 1-Labor Day
• Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat
• Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon meat
NOTE: Vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Legal Gear: Harvest permitted only by hand or by using a landing or dip net
Commercial harvest of Florida bay scallops is prohibited. Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater !shing license to harvest bay scallops
unless they are: 1) Exempt from needing a license, or; 2) Have a no-cost shoreline !shing license and are wading from shore to collect scallops (i.e. feet do not leave bottom to swim, snorkel, or SCUBA and harvesters do not use a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location).
Direct transit of legally-harvested bay scallops is allowed through closed areas.
HOW TO SCALLOP:
If you’ve never been scalloping before, don’t worry about learning how. Did you have to learn how to Easter egg hunt? Just get your gear on, jump in the water and look down. You’ll see them. eir light-colored shells stick out against the seagrass. Just grab them with your hand—they don’t bite—and put them in your mesh bag. Keep harvesting until your bag is full (usually a couple of fun hours) then when home, open the shell, take out the scallop, prepare and enjoy the fruits of your fun!
Call: 352-447-1950
CCA Florida STAR Transforms Into Youth-Only Competition
CCA Florida has announced that going forward into the 12th year of competition, the STAR Tournament presented by Yamaha has transformed into a youth competition designed exclusively for anglers ages 6-17. e summer-long event o#ers scholarships, boats, prizes, community service opportunities and a chance to learn valuable conservation practices while enjoying Florida’s saltwater !sheries.
e 2026 competition, open now through Labor Day on September 7, is the largest youth saltwater !shing tournament in Florida. Open to anglers of all skill levels, participants can !sh from shore, docks, seawalls or boats anywhere in the state’s saltwater waters.
Since its launch in 2015, the STAR competition has awarded more than $4 million in prizes, including trucks, boats, motors, trailers, electronics and !shing tackle. More than $1.1 million of that total has been awarded in youth scholarships. For 2026, the youth competition alone will o#er more than $150,000 in prizes and scholarships.
Conservation remains a cornerstone of the STAR program. e competition utilizes a technology-based Catch-Photo-Release (CPR) format that encourages proper !sh handling and conservation-minded angling. Registered CCA members can submit photos of their catches alongside the o$cial STAR identi!er before safely releasing the !sh back into the water. is format allows anglers to compete regardless of !sh size while promoting stewardship of Florida’s marine resources.
e 2026 event will once again award $100,000 in college scholarships through support from the Guy Harvey Foundation, Realtree Fishing, Academy Sports + Outdoors and other partners. Young anglers ages 13-17 can also participate in the Teen Challenge, competing for boat packages from Yamaha, Carolina Ski#, Custom Gheenoe, Minn Kota and Power-Pole. e “Most Fish” division, presented by T-H Marine, will award one youth angler (ages 6-17) a Native Watercra Slayer Max Propel 12.5 kayak.
In addition to !shing categories, STAR o#ers a conservation-focused Trash Division that rewards participants for helping keep Florida’s waterways clean. Anglers can earn both prizes and community service hours through their e#orts.
All saltwater species are eligible for entry, and most winners are selected through random drawings, giving every participant a chance to win regardless of experience or catch size. e competition’s format helps level the playing !eld and encourages more young anglers to get involved.
For a complete list of STAR identi!er distribution locations, competition rules and registration information, visit cca star.com or follow the CCA Florida STAR Facebook page.
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–– George Thomas, Noted watchmaker & historian
Greenlight to A Deep Dive Without Going in the Red
Every year in Basel, Switzerland, the world’s best-known luxury watchmakers gather to display their new timepieces. It’s a great event for spotting timepieces that standout–– in performance and in personality. We saw one impossible to ignore: a precision dive watch with an arresting green dial. But we also saw the five-figure price tag and knew we could bring our customers that exact same precision and stand out appeal for a whole lot less. The Stauer Evergreen Diver is that timepiece.
Built like a submersible battleship with a stainless steel case, caseback, and band, the Evergreen Diver is water-resistant down to 660 feet or 20 atmospheres, a feat facilitated by a hardened crystal and screw-down crown.
Green On Your Wrist AND In Your Pocket. You could pay an awful lot elsewhere for this verdant virtuoso, but the majority of the cost is in the big designer name upcharge. We think those guys are all wet. This is how you own a top-of-the-line dive watch without helping pay for some marketing guy’s yacht.
Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back. Wear the Evergreen Diver for 30 days. If you’re not completely happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
Limited Reserve. A watch of this caliber, with a price that won’t drag you under, takes 6 months to create and won’t stick around for long. Call today!
WHERE THE COASTAL & OUTDOOR INDUSTRY COMES TOGETHER
This September, Surf Expo brings the industry back together as the go-to marketplace for coastal, outdoor, and lifestyle retail.
Back at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from Wednesday through Friday, September 16–18, 2026, the show keeps its 50th anniversary celebration going with three days of product discovery, networking, and real business opportunities. is year, the September show moves to a Wednesday–Friday schedule, giving retailers a more e$cient buying experience. With the Labor Day rush behind them, buyers can focus on what matters: discovering new products, meeting brands, and building assortments for the seasons ahead.
For Retailers: Your Ultimate Sourcing Destination
e shi smart buyers already understand is that consumers don’t shop by category—they shop by how they live. A !shing trip, a beach day, a weekend camping escape, or everyday coastal living all re&ect the same mindset: products need to work together across moments. Surf Expo brings these connected lifestyle categories together in one place, helping you build assortments the way your customers buy.
ousands of quali!ed retail buyers from across the U.S. and beyond attend Surf Expo to source new products, connect with established and emerging brands, and gain insight into the trends shaping the next season. From major volume buyers to independent shop owners, this is the marketplace where retailers discover what will drive sales in the months ahead. From Shoreline Outdoor, Surf and Swim to Resort & Souvenir, Coastal Gi & Decor, and Boutique, Surf Expo spans the full spectrum of coastal and lifestyle retail. Instead of fragmented buying, you’ll discover complementary products side by side—making it easier to cross-merchandise, identify assortment gaps, and build more cohesive, pro!table o#erings.
For Coastal Angler readers, Shoreline Outdoor is where it all comes together. Sitting at the intersection of coastal and outdoor living, this category covers everything your store needs across boating, !shing, paddling, hiking, and camping—products designed to move seamlessly from land to water.
e natural overlap with surf, swim, and coastal lifestyle categories creates opportunities to expand your assortment without losing focus on your core angling customers.
For Brands: This Is Where Growth Happens
If your brand lives in the !shing, boating, outdoor, or coastal lifestyle space, Surf Expo puts you face-to-face with the buyers who matter most. e show &oor is intentionally designed to spark partnerships, connecting you with a focused, quali!ed audience of retailers actively sourcing for the seasons ahead. is crossover audience is your advantage. Buyers walking the Shoreline Outdoor aisles also stock surf, resort, swim, and gi —meaning retailers discover your products you might never reach through traditional channels. For !ve decades, Surf Expo has helped brands break into new markets, both domestically and internationally. If you’re ready to grow, this is the marketplace where it happens.
More Than a Marketplace
Surf Expo is where the industry builds relationships, does business, and discovers what’s next. For 50 years, it has remained a central hub for coastal, outdoor, and lifestyle retail—evolving alongside the way consumers actually shop.
Quali!ed retail buyers register for free before 9/1 at surfexpo.com.
SHARK GUARD BY FISHTEK MARINE SPORT
You’ve seen it happen. A wahoo stripped clean o# the rigger. A quality red!sh reduced to a head and a hook boatside. It’s one of !shing’s most heartbreaking moments—and for too long, anglers have just shrugged and called it part of the game.
SharkGuard is a game changer!
Born in the commercial longline industry—where captains run razor-thin margins and won’t spend a dollar on anything that doesn’t deliver—SharkGuard uses proven electric pulse technology to deter sharks from targeting hooked !sh. When hardened commercial !shermen adopt a product, recreational anglers should take notice.
What makes SharkGuard di#erent is its versatility. Run it inline or slide it down to the !sh mid-!ght using a traveller rig. at kind of real-time adaptability is rare in any tackle category, and it won’t deter your target species either.
e results back it up. Controlled trials in Australia and Florida show dramatic reductions in shark depredation. Whilst Stateside, Captain Nikolas Kunsis tested SharkGuard in what he calls “the shark bite capital of the world” and landed multiple quality snook and red!sh with zero shark follows or damage.
Wherever you !sh, if you’re paying too much tax, SharkGuard belongs in your kit. Start landing !sh again.
Coastal Angler readers can grab SharkGuard on Amazon at an exclusive discount — now just $199 USD (down from $275)—using code COASTAL199 at checkout.
WEDNESDAY
SUMMER TARPON FISHING WITH ARTIFICIALS
CAPT. MIKE SMITH
Are you having trouble catching tarpon this summer? It ain’t easy but you can get them to eat your arti!cial lures if you present them the correct way. Yes, size and pro!le are important too, but the retrieve is the key to catching more tarpon.
e !rst thing that you have to master is the tarpon retrieve. Tarpon are a no-frills species of game !sh as it relates to your lure presentation. ey typically do not like lures with a lot of action. ere are days when they will hit anything that you put in front of them, but those days are few and far between.
A great summertime lure for tarpon is a 5.5 inch jerk bait with a nice long twist-lock hook nicely centered so it tracks perfectly straight and doesn’t wobble on the retrieve. Cast it out a few feet in front of a gulping tarpon and reel it slowly back.
Another great lure for this situation is your favorite 3-inch arti!cial shrimp—as long as it falls slowly through the water column and stays horizontal as it sinks. Present this lure to gulping tarpon by casting a few feet in front of them and let it fall to the bottom. at’s it. Don’t twitch it or move it at all, just let it fall. If they are hungry, they will eat it as it falls. Natural looking shrimp with gold glitter is a good choice.
is no-action tarpon retrieve idea works for &y !shermen too. Present your purple and black tarpon toads or deceivers in front of the tarpon and work it back as slow and steady as you are able.
One of this captain’s favorite tarpon lures is the D.O.A. shallow running Bait Buster. is lure is a mullet imitation that tracks perfectly straight and has very little tail action. Purple works great in low light scenarios and a more natural look works better when it’s sunny and clear. You know the drill. Just cast it in front of the tarpon and reel it back slowly without twitching.
When it gets super hot and the tarpon move to deep water, another D.O.A. lure that works great is the 3/8-oz. regular TerrorEyz. You typically won’t see the tarpon but they are probably facing into the current so cast upcurrent and slowly reel back, keeping the lure near the bottom. is is very e#ective around bridge pilings and deep docks. You will also pick up a lot of really big snook this way too.
Tarpon are about the best inshore game !sh that you can catch. ey are ranked #2 as the best sport !sh on the planet behind the blue marlin. Hopefully this article will help you catch more.
Go get ‘em.
Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass O Charters, is an inshore !shing guide who has been !shing the 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.
TRAVELING SIX TEAM REELS
$39,800 AT 12TH ANNUAL SKIPPERS DOLPHIN TOURNAMENT
Skippers Dockside Restaurant hosted the 12th Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament May 29-31with 53 teams made up of 195 anglers competing for over $96,000 in cash. Anglers were allowed to weigh two !sh on Day 1 and two on Day 2, but it would be the combined weight of three !sh that would determine the winners.
Team Traveling Six—consisting of I’m Bit Charters Capt. Angel Ramon; Boots Brinn and Carlos Eason of Chesapeake, VA; Shane Darnell of Yorkville, IL; and Carl Perry of Chocowinity, NC—got to the winner’s circle weighing in 78.6 pounds of dolphin. e combined weight of their largest three !sh, a 10.9 pounder plus a 16.1 and 51.6 would win $31,840! e 51.6-pound dolphin caught by Shane Darnell also won the team $7,988 for the Largest Fish Award.
Second Place team, $e Reel Deal captained by Alex Sal Debogory, caught a combined weight of 45.4 pounds to win $17,630. e team of Marina and James Daniel, Luis Jimenez, Richard Williams and Pat Delvechio weighed in !sh at 20.6, 16.5 and 8.3 pounds. Richard caught the 16.5-pound dolphin to win the Largest Fish Senior Angler winning $1,000.
ird Place team was Conetagious 1 run by Captain Brian Cone with anglers Travis Bennett, Reef Bennett, Andy Cone, Eli Lankford and Kelly Matcena, who caught a total of 42.1 pounds winning $8,420.
Lucy Lima of Ringwood, IL won $2,000 for Largest Fish Lady Angler with the 13.5 pounds aboard Team Fibs. Second Largest Fish Lady Angler prize of $1,000 was won by Abby Crouthers of Wildwood, MO with 12.1 pound dolphin !shing aboard Natural II.
Junior anglers competed for top three places, with Reef Bennett of Tavernier, FL taking !rst place with his 14.6 pound !sh winning $500. Second would go to Lucy Lima of Ringwood, IL winning $250 with a 13.5 pounder, and Andy Cone won $100 with a 8.6 pound dolphin. e largest other species !sh winners each took home King Sail!sh Trophies and $750 each including Prime Time angler Je# Schmidinger from Jacksonville, FL with a 19.9 pound king!sh; Mi Cura angler Vito Penza of Naples, FL caught a 16.4 pound wahoo; and Just Cuz’s angler Joseph ompson of Chicago, IL landed a 20.1 pound tuna.
Skippers Dockside Restaurant highlighted their fabulous seafood for the kick-o# party, which was sponsored by Gus Toy Box. e awards party sponsored by Li Mate, was done up right with slow cooked smoked prime rib, wahoo, pulled pork, mac and cheese, rice and beans, and caesar salad, all followed by desserts.
Don’t miss next years tournament !shing on June 5-6, 2027! For information visit SkippersTournaments.com
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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
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• Damascus steel blade
• 8" blade. 13" overall length
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43,000 acres of legendary fishing from trophy bass, to world class sauger. A true Bill Dance Signature Lake.
