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fve things you should know about boat insurance

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

1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents

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Accidents can happen to anyone

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3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments

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

4. Most lenders require boat insurance

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‘MAY’ Your Cup Overfoweth with Gags & Scamps!

You probably noticed my attempt at a little humor with that title—just what we need a!er a long closed season. In my personal view, the closure has been unnecessary, much like the situation with Atlantic red snapper. Many of us are simply trying to catch seabass and grunts for dinner, but we keep getting pushed o our favorite spots where red snapper and gags are abundant. Yet, these species are still considered endangered. I think you know where I stand on this topic, so I won’t dwell on it any further.

As warm water moves in closer to the beach, expect to nd king sh and cobia frequenting the same spots where you’re catching gags when the water temperature rises above 68°F. Always have a pitch rod ready as cobia may swim right up to the boat. However, don’t be surprised if you catch cobia while bottom shing with a decor jig and an appealing bait. In fact, more cobia are o!en caught on the bottom than on the surface when anchored up and targeting grouper.

schools of cigar minnows and sardines on them. You don’t need to look any further when you nd this combination of bait because the sh will be right there. It’s always a good idea to keep one person on the Sabiki jigging up. A live sardine or a live cigar on a decoy has a life expectancy of under ten seconds around any kind of sh. We try to never leave the marina without a couple boxes of frozen cigar minnows and live pin sh. at live pin sh can sometimes be the best selection of all because it’s too large for any of the trash bites.

TIM BAREFOOT

of other species like vermilions, mangroves, grunts and seabass.

In addition to all the other stu on the bottom, it’s always good to keep a light line out for kings, black n, wahoo and dolphin. It’s not a bad idea to keep one under a %oat (so you can keep an eye on it) and another one without a %oat, but you have to be mindful of that bait getting back into props or under the boat tangling other lines.

I’ve always said, “Find the bait, nd the sh.” Go to all your familiar haunts with structure of one kind of another, whether it’s ledges, rock out crops, wrecks, etc. e bonus will be nding

Any kind of little snapper about the size of your hand makes for the ultimate bait. I’m no longer shing for barely-legal gag or scamp. Instead, I’m looking for one good bite at a time. I’ll let that bait soak on the bottom and be patient waiting for the old man to show up. Don’t get me wrong, more sh have been caught on frozen cigar minnows and sardines than all the other baits combined, but a live one is simply irresistible to every grouper and/or snapper out there. Period. Nearly everything on the bottom will take a whack at it, but only the sh with the correct sized mouth can eat that small snapper. Because the creel limits are so low, you’ll easily reach your grouper limit. Once you have, it’s wise to take advantage

If you’re anchoring and not just using the trolling motor, it’s a great idea to %y the kite. Keep a couple baits suspended with little to no leader in the water. Live greenies, cigs or sardines under the kite is the ultimate presentation. You can even get away with %uorocarbon using circle hooks depending on the current. Don’t hesitate to put a bait out with a small amount of weight in front of it to get it down 30 to 50 feet behind the boat. is will get you that large wahoo bite. ere are so many options available this time of year in the warmer water, so be ready to take advantage of all of them once you ll your cooler with one species or another. is is the ideal time to broaden your approach and become skilled in targeting not only di erent types of snapper and grouper, but also pelagics.

MAY you nd calm seas, tight lines and delicious dinners this month!

Learn more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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TARPON MIGRATION, THE SPRING SWEEP

By: Caitlyn Gatrell

May is a special time of year in the Ten Thousand Islands of Southwest Florida. The birds are flying around, wildlife is out, fish are active, the weather is beautiful, and most of all, the tarpon are rolling. While our area is known to have tarpon here year-round, May is a big peak in their season. They are migrating heavily during late spring and can be seen all around in schools rolling and thrashing on bait schools. It's without a doubt, one of my favorite times of year!

I can attest that sometimes they will bite any time of day, even if its dead current in the middle of the hot day. But typically, they enjoy the early morning hours and especially the evening feeding around sunset when there's a nice outgoing or incoming flow. As a matter of fact, when we fish for them around sunset we often see many, large ones too, lunging on bait. Sometimes they even fully jump out of the water for them. And not just for bait, we've even seen them do this for bugs and

mosquitoes too! It's quite the sight to see.

We've had tarpon bite on numerous baits like swimbait lures, large pilchards, etc., but the most productive I've seen are lively mullet or topwater lures. Each one gives a different vibe. I like to throw a mullet down if there's a flowing current and I know it's a deep underwater cut. Sitting there quietly with a finger on the line, when all of a sudden it gets yanked down and the drag starts to scream is a pretty intense feeling. On the other hand, working a topwater lure around rolling tarpon at a sunset bite, followed by a huge wake and a massive blowup then crazy line tension is also heart-racing. Both methods produce tons of drag screams, line pulling, and acrobatic jumps. Sometimes I can't really say which I enjoy more!

A reas you can expect to find hungry and feisty tarpon in the Ten Thousand Islands include backwaters, mangrove lines, deep channels, bays, nearshore points, flats, and sometimes even near oyster beds. It's a good thing the Ten Thousand Islands has all to over! The surrounding areas of the Everglades, Marco Island, and Naples waters aren't shy to tarpon either. We've caught them all around in Southwest Florida. The opportunities are truly endless during this time of year.

If you've been waiting for a chance to get out there and hook up to one of your own, now is the perfect time. It's great if you have access to a boat, but you don't need one! They can also be commonly caught off the beach, under bridges, near docks, and more, on land during this time of year. I can say for sure as I've caught a few in these areas myself. I recommend having a medium to heavy setup, lively bait, pliers, and honestly, gear to cover up from the mosquitoes! Good luck to all looking to wrangle their personal best tarpon this spring!

Transition Month

By: Capt. Roanz

May in Southwest Florida is our month of transition from spring to summer. This is also one of the best months to use our Reel Nautical Deceiver Jig. This jig is a true work of art homage to the master and one of my mentors Lefty Kreh. This jig is tied with all natural bucktail three types of flash material grizzly neck hackle and true peacock herl for the top. You will not find a prettier jig anywhere. We hand craft this on a banana jig head with hologram eyes and coat the head in resin for durability. We offer the Deceiver jig in 4 sizes: ¼, 3/8, ½, and 1 oz. The color combos are Black/Purple, Red/White, Chartreuse/White, and Pink/White all great fish catching colors. These jigs will catch all inshore and offshore species, and we have even caught some big Largemouth Bass on them.

You can catch a host of species on this jig, but we have truly made these jigs to catch snook. But I have a friend that used them on stripers in the Northeast and said they truly out fished anything else thrown. In our waters they work well on tarpon, snook, trout, redfish, grouper, snapper, cobia, kingfish, blackfin tuna and probably anything else that eats baitfish. Snook this time of the year will be found from the back creeks to the outside passes, beaches to the nearshore reefs and wrecks. That is why we tie these jigs in so many different sizes and colors. Black and purple for your back-country creeks in ¼ ounce which is also a tarpon killa. 3/8 and ½ ounce in the passes and beaches in any color and ½ ounce and one ounce offshore for your deep-water fish like grouper, snapper, and cobia. These jigs and a great place to fish in May is around any of the Bridges in our area and these structures with there usually fast current will be holding large concentrations of snook. I’m going to give you a great fish recipe for all types of fish this month. Sweet onions, Dry Vermouth, Salted butter, Salt and Pepper. Lay your onions in sauté pan with about ¼ stick of butter sauté until wilted do not overcook. Lay your filets in pan bringing your onions to the outside rim Salt and Pepper. Sauté your filets on both sides when almost done, add an ounce of dry vermouth and cook in the mixture and cover filets with onions. I like this over crunchy bread, but it really doesn’t matter how you eat it. So Yummy!

R ich 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

Heating Up

by Capt. Billy Norris

Offshore action across the Gulf this past month has been nothing short of fantastic! The spring transition brought warmer water and strong currents, setting the stage for a variety of species to move in thick. Snapper and grouper have been the heroes of the deep, with steady catches coming from ledges, wrecks, and natural hardbottom. We have been dropping live pinfish and thread fins on heavy tackle, often pulling up big gag grouper that make for excellent table fare when they’re open. Mangrove snapper have been taking cut bait and jigs in mid-depth water, while permit have kept anglers entertained near the further offshore. Permit especially have been showing up in large schools, cruising the surface and taking live crabs with precision, a sight that never gets old.

The bigger predators are also around in force! Bull sharks have been hitting our baits near the reef edges, while tiger sharks, sandbars, and blacktips have been crashing surface baits behind the chum slick. It’s

been a prime month for guests who love adrenaline-packed fishing, as these sharks have offered unforgettable fights, sometimes stretching out for over an hour before release. With calm days and mild seas, we’ve been able to explore farther offshore, finding dense life around wrecks with big bait schools of threadfin and scaled sardines. There’s been no shortage of rod-bending action, and March’s offshore trips have kept our decks busy from start to finish.

In the backwater, spring fishing has been equally lively. The snook bite heated up quickly, with fish staging along mangrove edges and creek mouths as the water temps rose into the seventies. Live pilchards, pinfish, and even topwater plugs have been getting crushed early in the morning. Redfish continue to provide solid action around oyster bars and grass flats, especially during the incoming tide cycles. We’ve seen a mix of slot-sized fish and some beautiful upper-slot bruisers released this month. The combination of clear water, active bait pods, and longer daylight hours has kept the back bay full of life and anglers have been treated to plenty of sight-fishing chances in calm conditions. Mixed in with snook and reds, we’re also catching jack crevalle, sheepshead, and an occasional large trout that’s still hanging around the deeper edges. It’s been a very balanced month inshore, offering a perfect blend of calmwater fishing and non-stop action.

This month, things are lining up for one of the most exciting stretches of the season. Offshore, water temperatures will continue to climb, and that means grouper and snapper will stack up even heavier on structure. We’ll be seeing more pelagic visitors and expect cobia cruising the wrecks, and kingfish showing up along bait pods as the annual migration swings closer to shore. Shark fishing will stay strong with plenty of big bulls and tigers staying around until early summer, and permit fishing should remain stellar through mid-May before they move toward the flats to spawn. For anglers who love variety, the Gulf will offer everything from steady reef action to high-energy big-game battles.

27 Wed 11:02 2.6 4:57 1.0

Kids and Fishing

By: Jessica Hendrie

Bass fishing holds a special place in my heart. I grew up fishing with my dad and I still do. Now I am passing on bass fishing to my son and it is a wonderful feeling! As much as I love fishing on the ocean, I grew up in an area where lakes and ponds were in your backyard. It was much easier as a kid to cast a line down the road than to get a boat ready! Those are some of my best memories. Today, my son enjoys catching bass and deciding how he wants to eat them. We have a tradition of fried bass, cheese grits, baked beans, and hush puppies. Having traditions like these that tie fishing into the home is something truly special. Bass fishing for us is a year-round activity. We live in a hot climate in South Florida that ensures awesome bites! We use all kinds of lures, but something we never use it live bait. My favorite rig to bass fish with is a simple June bug. If you know, you know. The fun part of bass fishing for me is watching my son test out so many new things and new technologies that I didn’t have as a kid. It comes so natural to him. He cracks me up when he wants to buy a rat lure or even a spider lure… until you guessed it, he proves me wrong and catches a large bass on it! I’ve never seen anything like it. If you haven’t taken your kiddos bass fishing yet, let me be the first to tell you that you will be starting something you cannot stop if you do! And you absolutely won’t regret it! If you get a chance to cook it also, try my traditional recipe of that fried bass dinner. Fry the bass to your liking, (I use a fry daddy) cook up some grits and add cheese, butter, and salt and pepper, make your hush puppies per usual, and spice up some baked beans with bacon, ground beef, onions, sausage, BBQ sauce, seasoning, and a little bit of brown sugar. I promise you will be forever changed! One thing my dad use to always say to me that I hope you can carry with you. “we don’t go fishing, we go catching.” Happy Fishing, everyone!

SWIM YOUR JIG

By: Joe Sheaffer

If I had to pick one lure to fish, with no hesitation it would be a jig. I like to have different options of jigs to choose from. I have different shapes, sizes, colors. If there is a piece of lead with a hook on it, I have one. During my Bassin’ days, I loved to flip a heavy jig into thick grass or around docks, waiting to feel that THUMP. With that being said, there is one jig that I tend to use more often than any other. I prefer a swim jig, because it works really well around vegetation. A swim jig is tapered in the front with a 45 degree hook off the front. This design allows the jig to swim in a more realistic action. A slow steady retrieve allows the jig to come through the water more like a bait fish. It is a very productive presentation to use around grassy areas. I usually pair the jig with a small paddle tail or medium sized swimbait which gives a realistic swimming action. Many times, I will also use a silicone skirt in the front of the hook, creating a larger profile. It comes through grass and other forms of vegetation with little resistance. I prefer a slow steady retrieve most of the time but there are times a faster presentation works better. A swim jig can be manipulated with jerks and popping actions, which can create erratic movements. Using different sizes or shaped plastics lures can add to the versatility of this jig. Paddle tails, swim baits, creature baits and jerk shads are some of the trailers that I use on the back of these jigs. I have a assortment of sizes ⅛ oz up to ⅜. Being able to change sizes depending on conditions like heavy current, lower water and thicker grass can make all the difference. There are times that the jig buries into the grass, a quick change to a lighter weight should fix that problem. The key is to get the jig swimming just above or on the top of the vegetation. I encourage you to give this presentation a chance, good luck and keep casting

Migration Time

By: Capt. Bart Marx

The waters have warmed up and one of the most anticipated events is the migration of the Silver King Tarpon. This month they will start arriving in large schools/pods. Traveling from south to north and eventually out into the Gulf of America to spawn. While they are traveling along the coast of Southwest Florida, they can be targeted several different ways. Artificial fly fishing, this is site fishing for the purist. Many of these anglers build their own flies and use them to fool the fish into eating their creation. This can be accomplished from the beaches all the way into the back waters of the estuaries. Another way to use artificials, like soft plastics to artificial lures, site casting or trolling the bridge shadow line at night. These pods of tarpon are in search of food, crabs, shrimp and small fish. Their mouth is mostly bone and very hard making this species a challenge to hook and keep them hooked up. If you are fortunate enough to hook up the line will rise to the surface and they jump, the rule is bow to the king while they are in the air. This is when you pray that your buddy is getting video! Live bait, specifically crabs about the size of a sliver dollar work or you could go into the Gulf and catch some squirrel and pinfish to use. Finding a pod on the beach or up into the estuaries is less aggressive than being out in the pass and a slower pace. A lot of anglers don't realize that tarpon are also the target species of sharks. Many times, if you are hooked up on a tarpon, the longer you fight that fish the odds of it getting eaten by a shark become greater. Tarpon require a tag to harvest, and I don't know anyone that has dined on tarpon. Some species that can be harvested to eat like snook, red drum, and sea trout will eat the white bait if you are a cast net caster. All of these fish will be along the mangroves and mouths of creeks where there is moving water and ambush points. Snook like points and docks, reds like the shade of the mangroves and the mouths of creeks, and trout like the edges of the grass beds and sand hole edges. If you would like to come along with us, call 941-979-6517 or e-mail me captbart@alphaomegacharters.com

If you are new to our area and you have your own boat and fishing gear, I can provide a training session on you boat. Always remember singing drags and tight lines make me smile.<(((((>{

Brittany had a great day out in Turtle Bay, as shown with this beautiful redfish. Dave

Dominic had fun catching redfish in Turtle Bay!

THE OVERLOOKED MONTH FOR TROPHY SPECKLED TROUT MAY:

If you’re a big trout enthusiast like me, you know there’s still time le to chase a personal best—if you haven’t had your ll over the past few months. While most anglers focus on trophy speckled trout from December through early April, May quietly remains one of the most underrated windows of the year. With the full moon in late May, many of those big females will hold eggs all month, giving anglers one last legitimate shot at a heavy trout before the spawn wraps up.

What makes May even better is how enjoyable it is to be on the water. e cold winter grind is behind us, waders can nally come o , and the warmer conditions allow for a more aggressive approach. Unlike winter, when slow presentations dominate, May lets you sh with more con dence and energy. Topwater explosions become a real possibility again, and there are few things more exciting than watching a big trout crush a lure on the surface.

at said, topwaters aren’t the only tool in play. Slow-sinking and suspending baits still produce, and so plastics—especially paddle tails—shine this time of year. With water temperatures rising, trout are more active and willing to chase.

Adding sound, like a subtle tail rattle, can make a noticeable di erence in getting bites from these larger sh. Sizes from 3” to 5” can all be e so don’t hesitate to mix it up until you nd what they want.

Location plays just as important a role as lure selection. I like to focus on grass knee- to waist-deep water, especially those with nearby drains from small lakes or creeks. areas concentrate bait and naturally pull in predators. Subtle features—like potholes, small depressions, or even a one-foot drop-o —can hold sh and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Approach is everything in shallow water. Whether you’re wading or shing from a kayak, stealth matters. Position yourself far enough o your target area to avoid spooking sh, especially in clear conditions. Cover water methodically with a fan-cast approach, working from short casts to longer ones. Starting close allows you to pick o sh in front of you before potentially spooking them with longer casts.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Shallow water may look too skinny to hold quality sh, but time and time again it proves otherwise. e key is reading the conditions,

they want to be. Some days they’ll be scattered across a at, while other times they’ll stack up along a subtle edge or current break.

May is your last real shot at an egg-heavy trophy trout before summer patterns take over. Take advantage of the warmer weather, sh with con dence, and enjoy the experience. And if you can, take a kid shing—they like big trout too.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

MDROP IT LIKE IT’S

By A. deGruchy

ay 1st marks one of the most anticipated days in the Florida Keys: the reopening of grouper season. e Florida Keys o ers a variety of grouper species, each with its own habits and appeal. Black grouper are the top prize, known for their size and power, typically found on deeper reefs and wrecks. Red grouper

are more common on patch reefs and ledges and are a great target for steady action. Gag grouper show up more in deeper water and are prized for both their ght and table quality.

Grouper shing is all about positioning and strength. ese sh live in holes, ledges, and wrecks, and when they bite, they immediately try

to return to structure. Success depends on getting your bait down quickly and pulling hard the second you feel a strike. ere is no waiting. You either win the rst few seconds or lose the sh. Tackle matters. A heavy-duty setup using PENN conventional reels paired with strong rods gives you the drag and li ing power needed to keep sh out of the rocks. On the terminal side, circle hooks are the standard for reef shing, improving hook placement and supporting conservation. Pair these with heavy leader and enough weight to stay pinned to the bottom. Live bait like pin sh or grunts is ideal. Bigger baits o en mean bigger grouper, especially when targeting black grouper o shore.

It is also important to understand that grouper are a slow-growing species. Many take years to reach legal size, and they are particularly vulnerable during spawning periods. at is why strict regulations, seasons, and gear requirements exist. Responsible anglers follow the rules, handle sh carefully, and use tools like descending devices when releasing sh from deeper water.

Here in the Keys, your approach can vary based on conditions. O shore trips o er a shot at larger sh in deeper water, while patch reef shing can provide more consistent action and shorter runs. Both are productive, and the best option o en depends on weather and current conditions. Show up prepared, sh hard, and respect the resource so it stays strong for years to come.

For more real-world shing action in the Florida Keys, follow Bean Sport shing on YouTube

www.adamsmarine.com To Reserve a Spot Call: 352-447-1950 Email: info@adamsmarine.com

SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing

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Lipless Crankbait vs. the Chatterbait:

HowMatchingtheHatchandtheRightRodDrivesBassFishingSuccess

Lipless vibrating lures have long been staples in bass !shing, but few create more debate—or more bites—than the lipless crankbait (rattle trap) and the chatterbait. While both rely on vibration to trigger reaction strikes, their e ectiveness depends heavily on forage, seasonal timing, and even the rod and reel used to !sh them.

A lipless crankbait is a hard-bodied bait designed for speed and sound. Its tight vibration and internal rattles allow bass to locate it from long distances, making it ideal when !sh are actively feeding on bait!sh like shad. ese baits excel in open water or over submerged grass, where anglers can burn them, yo-yo them, or rip them free to trigger reaction strikes. For rattle traps, rod selection plays a major role in landing !sh. A 7’ to 7’3” mediumheavy rod with a moderate or moderate-fast action is ideal. e slightly so er tip allows bass to fully load the rod before the hooks engage, reducing the chances of pulling treble hooks free during surging !ghts. e longer length also helps make long casts, which is critical when covering water or targeting schooling !sh. You typically want to throw the trap on a faster gear ratio reel like a 7.1 or 7.3. e faster gear ratio helps pick up the line on long cast when you get a bite and need to catch up with the !sh.

A chatterbait, or bladed jig, produces a wider, thumping vibration and a more natural pro!le when paired with a so plastic trailer. is lure shines around shallow grass, docks, and wood, especially in stained water where bass rely more on vibration than sight. Chatterbaits o en mimic bluegill or bream, making them deadly around spawning areas and shallow cover. Because chatterbaits use a single heavy hook, anglers bene!t from a slightly di erent rod setup. A 7’ to 7’4” medium-heavy rod with a fast action provides the backbone needed to drive the hook home while still o ering enough tip to keep !sh pinned. is setup also allows anglers to control !sh quickly when pulling them out of thick cover.

Beyond lure, reel, and rod choice, matching the hatch remains one of the most important elements of success. Bass o en focus on a speci!c

WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU

By NPFL Pro Angler Joey Bloom

forage, and lures that match the size, color, and movement of that prey get bit more consistently. Chrome or white rattle traps imitate %eeing shad in open water, while green pumpkin or bluegillpattern chatterbaits blend perfectly into shallow cover scenarios. To maximize these techniques, anglers must learn to follow the bait throughout the season. In late winter and early spring, bait move toward warming %ats, making rattle traps excellent search tools.

A er the spawn, bluegill become a primary food source, and chatterbaits excel around shallow cover and spawning grounds. In summer, bait o en shi s to deeper grass lines or o shore structure, where slow-rolled chatterbaits can shine. Come fall, shad migrate into the backs of creeks, and rattle traps once again dominate as bass feed aggressively ahead of winter.

By pairing the right vibrating lure with proper reel and rod length and action—and matching it to seasonal forage—anglers can signi!cantly increase e ciency and landing percentage. In bass !shing, success o en comes down to details, and choosing the right reel and rod can be just as important as choosing the right bait.

Follow all of Joey Bloom’s shing and fun on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.

COME JOIN

MPRO FISHING TECHNIQUES TOP 3 PRO TIPS to Catch More Fish

CAPT. MIKE SMITH

any anglers haphazardly run around searching for !sh. ey see a !shy looking point and anchor up and start casting. Hours later they give up and go home empty handed.

at !shy looking point probably does have !sh on it some of the time, but not all the time.

What did they do wrong? ey forgot that !sh move around based on water temperatures, food resources, currents, water quality and the presence of larger predators. In my experience, 80% of the !sh will be in 20% of the area based on those conditions.

Here are the three most important pro tips to help you catch more !sh.

1. Find Feeding Fish. My !shing charters always start by scanning mangrove shorelines, grass %ats, and spoil islands for feeding !sh. Obviously, this is the easiest way to !gure out where the !sh are.

If you can !nd baits being crushed by predatory !sh, then start casting there. Even if you only !nd nervous bait, that’s still a great spot to start casting.

2. Find Food Resources. When the !sh are not actively feeding your next best bet is !nding bait. Sometimes the bait is obvious and you can start casting along the edges of the schools.

If you can’t actually see any bait then let the birds tell you where it is and what size it is. Birds always know where the food is. When you see diving pelicans or a great blue heron perched on a mangrove branch you know there is bait there.

e various bird species will tell you what lures to cast. When you see small wading birds like snowy egrets, little blue herons, green herons and tri-colored herons, then you know to cast something small. is really helps because you can grab your three-inch paddle tail or 2.75 inch shrimp and know that you are !shing with the right size lure. ose smaller herons usually target baits that are three inches or smaller.

When you see great white egrets, great blue herons and brown pelicans it gets a little harder to !gure out the size of the baits to use. You know there is food there but those birds will eat anything from a two-inch minnow up to an eight-inch mullet.

is is when you need an assortment of di erent sizes and pro!les of lures. I usually have a three-inch paddle tail, an arti!cial shrimp and a four to !ve and half inch jerkbait (%uke) rigged on my rods. Start casting until you !gure out what the !sh want on that day.

3. Find Moving Water. e next important factor is moving water. All of the predatory inshore species that you want to catch like a little bit of current.

ey will typically be facing into the current waiting for some unsuspecting food resource to %ow past their ambush point.

Your strongest currents are going to occur during the full moon and the new moon. Coincidentally, the best !shing occurs around these two moon phases.

Go get ‘em!

Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass O Charters, is an inshore shing guide who has been shing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass ats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 3392317, email: contact@ shyourasso .com or visit shyourasso .com.

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Every spring, it feels like the bank bite will last forever. Fish are shallow, visible, and predictable cruising, spawning, and guarding fry. It’s the time of year when con!dence is high and decisions feel easy. But like everything in !shing, that window doesn’t stay open long. Before most anglers realize it, the !sh that were once easy to !nd have simply vanished.

at disappearance marks the beginning of what seasoned anglers know as the o shore shi . As water temperatures climb and the spawn wraps up, bass begin pulling away from the bank and setting up on o shore structure. Ledges, shell beds, brush piles, and subtle depth changes start to hold more !sh than the shoreline ever could. It’s not an overnight move, but it happens quickly enough that many !shermen get le behind, still casting to water that’s no longer alive.

One of the biggest mistakes anglers make during this transition is assuming the !sh have stopped biting. In reality, they’ve just relocated. Instead of being scattered along miles of bank, bass begin grouping up in smaller, more de!ned areas. e challenge

TYLER WOOLCOTT

FROM A PRO THE OFFSHORE SHIFT: WHEN BASS LEAVE THE BANK FOR GOOD

shi s from covering water visually to understanding what lies beneath the surface. It becomes less about instinct and more about intention reading depth, structure, and subtle changes that aren’t visible at a glance.

Making the adjustment isn’t always easy, especially for anglers who are comfortable !shing shallow. It requires slowing down, trusting your electronics, and committing to areas that might not show immediate signs of life. But once you connect with your !rst o shore group, everything changes. What felt like a tough day can turn into a %urry of action in just a few casts, o en with better quality !sh than what the bank was o ering.

e o shore shi is more than just a seasonal pattern—it’s a turning point. It separates those who react to changing conditions from those who anticipate them. As summer approaches, the anglers who embrace the move away from the bank will !nd themselves ahead of the curve, dialing in on schools of bass that are no longer pressured by the crowds. And while the shoreline may feel empty, the real action is just a little deeper.

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.

Capt. Tyler Woolcott

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