Coastal Angler Magazine | North Central Florida / Nature Coast | July 2026 Edition

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fve things you should know about boat insurance

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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.

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

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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.

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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

GUARANTEED LOWEST

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.

COASTAL ANGLER

North Central Florida/Nature Coast

Cary & Lynn Crutchfield

ALACHUA, CITRUS, COLUMBIA, DIXIE, GILCHRIST, LEVY, MARION, SUWANNEE

JULY

Happy Birthday America. WOW, 250 years. You are still the greatest country in the world! God Bless America. I am so glad that Florida, in the United States is where I landed! My heart breaks for the people of Ukraine, and the Middle East.

See page 2 for this month’s recipe, Creamy Shrimp and Spinach Pasta. It is fast, easy and so very good. This recipe received a double “You can make this again.” from Cary, my inhouse critic.

New advertising partner this month, located in Steinhatchee, Fiddler’s Restaurant and Resort and Steinhatchee Landing Club and Chapel, wedding venue. See page 13 for their beautiful ad.

New advertising partner, Shade Tree Boat Rejuvenation in Inverness. Their beautiful ad is on page 14.

See page 7 for another beautiful ad, Barefoot Boat Cleaning Services, LLC.

If you have fishing questions, the greatest fishing experts in the world write for our magazine. Call, text or email them and thank them for taking their time to write for us and generously sharing their knowledge and expertise. Also, please thank our advertisers. Their support pays our print bill.

I want to remind you of the fabulous fireworks show on July 4th, on CR 349 in Dixie County, sponsored by Stevenson Septic Tanks.

I also want to remind you that there is NO place for alcohol on the water. My opinion might be unpopular, but alcohol contributes to deadly boating accidents, just as it does to deadly car accidents. There are children on those scalloping boats. The 4th of July holiday will bring many boats to my beloved Suwannee and to every waterway in Florida. Every year, we hear about a deadly boating accident that involved alcohol. It doesn’t have to happen again this year. Safely enjoy summer on our magnificent Florida waterways. Have fun, stay smart, stay safe and stay alive!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

Lynn Crutchfield Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida/Nature Coast

North Central Florida

Nature Coast Staff

SALES

Cary Crutchfield

EDITING & PRODUCTION

Lynn Crutchfield

GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN

Kathleen Stemley

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dr. Kevin McCarthy Noel Kuhn

Capt. Jason Clark

Capt. Katie Jo Davis

Capt. Tommy Derringer

Capt. Andrew Fagan

Capt. Jonathan Hamilton

Capt. Dallas King

Capt. Pat McGriff

Capt. Brent Woodward

CONTACT INFORMATION crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com 352-542-0356

43 acres (+or-) 1100 feet (+or-) on Suwannee River in Lafayette County at US 27, across river from Branford. Heavily wooded, perfect for residence, camp ground or hunting lodge. Elec. and well.

Cary A. Crutchfield

Registered Real Estate Broker GRI and CRS Designations

CREAMY SHRIMP AND SPINACH PASTA

Thank you to The Crab Plant for the shrimp. Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. You are welcome to sit at their table and

view beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, FriSat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.

DIRECTIONS

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup water before draining. Set aside.

COOKING DIRECTIONS

In large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side util pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

INGREDIENTS

• Pasta for two (spaghetti, linguini or fettuccine)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb. largest shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 9 ounce bag of fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

In same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• Fresh Parsley for garnish (optional)

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved water, 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved. Return shrimp to pasta and gently toss to combine.

Divide into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Lynn Crutchfield,

Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida

The Hillman Bridge over the Suwannee River FLORIDA WATERWAYS

By Kevin McCarthy

By Dr. Kevin M. McCarthy

Ireally like bridges. They’re so useful in joining two sides of a river or of saving motorists a lot of time (think of Florida’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge near St. Petersburg). I once wrote a whole book about a bridge, the Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Türkiye.

When I boated the Suwannee River with Cary Crutchfield, I noticed some unusual bridges, for example the trestle bridge near Old Town that is now only used by pedestrians and bikers. The Hal W. Adams Bridge between Lafayette and Suwannee counties was the state’s first and only suspension bridge. And then there is the rather unique Hillman Bridge near the abandoned ghost town of Ellaville in Madison County.

Two hundred yards below the place where the Withlacoochee River joins the Suwannee is Ellaville, once the site of a successful sawmill owned by George Drew, Florida’s governor from 1877 to 1881. One can see three bridges over the Suwannee there: one for a railroad, one for U.S. 90, and a third, the Hillman, built in 1926. The first picture here shows that bridge a year after it was built.

The bridge was constructed during one of Florida's biggest highway construction booms. By the 1920s, Florida was building many highways in all parts of the state. The Old Spanish Trail, which today corresponds with U.S. Highway 90 through North Florida, became a major east-west thoroughfare. Engineers often needed bridges to connect two sides of rivers. That led to a new bridge at the point where the Old Spanish Trail/U.S. 90 crossed the Suwanee between Madison and Suwanee counties.

During construction, people referred to the bridge as the "Hillman Bridge," after Captain W.J. Hillman of Live Oak, a member of the State Road Department who had helped acquire the money to build the structure.

A few months before the bridge was opened to the public, however, the State Chamber of Commerce took issue with the idea of permanently naming it after Hillman. Chamber officials wanted to name it after the Suwannee River or even after Stephen Foster, author of the song entitled "Old Folks at Home."

When the bridge was officially dedicated in 1927, the Hillman name took hold, but the State Road Department prominently displayed a sign alerting motorists they were crossing the Suwannee River, spelled with one “n.” The bridge was over 900 feet long and cost $150,000. The bridge

was abandoned in 1983 when a heavily loaded truck crossed the bridge, but caught one of the steel crossbeams, tearing it loose from the structure. Officials replaced the aging structure in 1986. The old bridge still stands, but is restricted to foot and bike traffic only.

Kevin McCarthy, the author of “The Galata Bridge in Istanbul: An Illustrated History” (Amazon, 2016), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.

July is here and the heat is too!

Inshore, the redfish, trout, and tripletail have remained strong, with great catches, thus far halfway through the year. The redfish have begun to stack up in good numbers on the outer points. A good lively bait, whether it be a mudminnow or a select shrimp, will help you out and make your chances that much stronger. The trout have moved to deeper water to beat the heat as well. A ¼ oz. Jim’s jig in chartreuse, either rigged with a live shrimp or a Q8 baits bullet in the natural penaus color, has been among the crowd favorites!

Nearshore, the cobia bite is winding down and the big snook have headed offshore to spawn on the shallow rocky areas that normally inhabit loads of gag grouper. Bring a live-well full of big select pinfish and chum heavy, and

free-line one back to the structure from time to time to get the bite. Tight lines everyone!

KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES

Summer is here, and it is the perfect time to jump in the refreshing Gulf while hunting scallops in 3 to 8 feet of water. Scalloping season is always such a fun time on the Nature Coast. as it creates long lasting memories for families, while experiencing all the ocean life that lives below the surface of the water. While snorkeling atop, hunting mollusks creates a sense of relaxation and adventure enjoyed by everyone. As for the fishing, early mornings before the heat of the day is the best time to go. Expect to find trout in the deeper water from 6 to 20 feet. Being caught early on the outgoing tide before the rise of the water’s surface temperature. Flounder will be found along the rocky ledges where it meets the sand. I typically catch them when the tide slacks off a bit.

The nearshore bite remains steady with mangrove snapper, grunts and hogfish. As we begin to enter shrimp scrapping season, frozen on the bottom work great as bait for these fish. Tight lines!

Captain Katie Jo Davis

CEDAR KEY

Hey anglers, it's such a great time to be out here on the water! Reds are showing up great, and big trout and black drums are still going strong; even a few snook are lurking around.

The trout have been plentiful on the flats, and it doesn't matter what tide-swing you fish them on. I’ve caught them great in all depths from two feet to eight feet, and boy, have they been fun! Just been using my go-to popping cork with a c&m custom baits paddle tail. (Check them out on Etsy).

Reds, drum, and snook have been solid on the eastern shore. Just be careful, if you don't know the area;

don't risk your boat to run around there. Get a guide. Its rocky and shallow all around there and not worth losing your lower unit or worse. Now if you know the area, I've just been using shrimp under a popping cork and it’s been working wonders.

Well y'all, until next month stay safe out there.

Capt. Jason Clark In The Slot Fishing Charters 352-639-3209 www.intheslotfishing.com

KEATON BEACH

Trout have really picked up in the last couple of weeks, due I suppose, from the rain around that has stirred up the water to the north here. This full moon we have, saw limits of trout and reds for several captains and local recreational boats. On board One More Cast, we have been using live pinfish under Back Bay floats. The fish have been around 500 yards off the hill of late, with the darker water from there to the grass. The last hour of rising tide and the first two hours of the fall, have been the best. Water temps running from 84 to 88 degrees the last few days (today is June 14) have the floating grass everywhere. It would be impossible to throw a plug with trebles on it.

Redfish have been around 200 yards off the hill with smaller pinfish (on my boat) producing the best. The same tide times, last of incoming and first hour of the fall, working for the reds.

I saw four tarpon cruising along together while I was out catching bait yesterday. I guess it is about that time when the migrations from

the south start to see more and more tarpon coming through. Try a large pinfish on a balloon, around 75 yards off the back of the boat during your drift, and you might ambush a tarpon or a cobia.

Meanwhile, Let's Go Fishing!

Pat McGriff dba One More Cast guide service for 33 years! www.onemorecast.net onemorecast@gtcom.net cell: 850.838.7541

HORSESHOE BEACH

Helloguys and gals. I hope everybody is having a good start to their summer. Fishing has been good for the most part.

Just like anything else, trout have their off days and usually a lot of wind is involved on those days. Most of ours are in 4 to 6 feet.

Redfish and black drum have been plentiful. We are fishing creek

mouths and outside bars throwing corks with shrimp, or bottoms fishing.

Give us a call if y’all want to get out.

Until next time, keep it Reel Native!

Capt. Brent Woodward ReelNativeFishing.com

352-284-5514

CRYSTAL RIVER

Happyscallop season from Crystal River! That’s what July is known for around these parts. Last year we had a highly successful season compared to years past, and that seems to be the trend again this year. I like to find the thinnest eel grass possible in about 4 to 5 feet and cover a lot of ground. If you can get there during a slack tide, you will greatly improve your harvest. The best scalloping so far, has been found just south of Crystal River, with good reports as far south as Chaz. Please remember dove flag laws! Idle speed when within 100 yards (300 feet) of a vessel with a dive flag displayed!

The redfish bite has started to really pick up with cut bait being my go-to. Cut pinfish and mullet help a ton when the fish get hot and sluggish and don’t feel like moving much. Don’t be afraid to fish some shaded areas with the water temps increasing! You’d be shocked at how many redfish can hide under that one little bush. For the artificial guys, a gold spoon thrown into a ball of mullet on lower water can really produce a great fish. I keep one tied on at all times. This can help find fish at a quicker pace.

Snook bite is slowing down, as they head offshore to spawn, but we’re still seeing a few good schools from Homosassa as far north as Yankeetown. Big live baits are key and I’ve recently been having success on big swim baits worked fast. If you do catch a big one, remember to practice good reviving techniques, as the hot water temps tend to take a lot out of them.

The nearshore rock piles are heating up with grunts, mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, seabass and all sorts of other critters. If you

want to bend a rod, grab a chum bag and 100 shrimp and go hit your favorite number. 1/8-to-1/4-ounce jig head with a 2/0 hook is my favorite. Get it to the bottom and hold on! Great way to fill a cooler as well.

God bless and tight lines

Captain Dallas King

Pirate Flag Charters and Tours

352.601.8460

www.pirateflagcharters.com

www.crystalriverfishingpros.com

HOMOSASSA

July

on the Nature Coast is without a doubt the place to be. The firework festival to me is the grand opening of the summertime season! And let’s not ever forget the true importance of the 4th of July. Growing up, we spent a lot of time on the water here in Homosassa and I have a lot of fun memories here with my family. The town comes alive with scallopers, anglers and people who just want to embrace the warm waters that we have known to love.

Red fishing is pretty strong in July. Fish the outside points on the incoming tides around St Martin Keys with cut bait or live bait. Look for jumping mullet. Gold spoons are a great way to locate fish this time of the year if you’re looking to throw articficals.

For trout, look at your offshore rocky areas on moving tide. One eighth oz. DOA jig heads in chartreuse or red, rigged with Mirror Lure Lil John’s in watermelon red flake is my go-to. While you’re out there, make sure to bring shrimp. The mangrove snapper and

grunts can be nonstop action for the kids and great table fare for the fish fry that evening! Shrimp on a 1/4 oz jig head will keep the kids happy around rocky areas.

I still like fishing for tarpon in the early mornings in July. Creek mouths are always a good place to be as the sun is rising. My favorite is on fly, but a pinfish under a cork will work as well.

If you want to get out and do some scalloping, plan your day around the last two hours of the outgoing tide. The rock island tripod would be a good starting area. Remember to keep a look out for other boaters and bad thunderstorms. This time of the year we get some bad afternoon storms that produce a lot of electricity. Make sure to keep a spotter on the boat at all times. Someone responsible needs to be keeping an eye out on your crew. It’s very easy for a great day to turn into a bad day.

Be safe and tight lines!

Capt. Stump, Jonathan Hamilton 352-403-2073

www.homosassafishingcompany.com

SURF & PIER

Summer is here and the fishing is hot! One of my favorite ways to bring home dinner, is to throw lures in the surf at daybreak. If you give it a try, you will be amazed at the variety of fish who swim in knee to waist deep water. These predators are after the MILLIONS of small pompano and whiting that are in our now warm surf. These lure slammers include spotted seatrout, weakfish, Spanish Mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish, flounder and more.

Since you will be just casting and cranking, a lightweight rod and reel will cause less fatigue, resulting in more casts for you. A seven-to-tenfoot rod, paired with a 4000-size reel is adequate, fully spooled with ten-pound braid, finished off with six feet of 20-to-30-pound fluorocarbon leader. The heavier the leader, will give you a fighting chance of landing a TARPON! Not the giant 100 pounders, but the five-to-twenty-pound highfliers! There are so many great lures on the market, that do not require any fancy retrieves. My two favorite hard body lures are the Yo-Zuri Twitchbait slow sink and Mag Minnow[F]. In metal lures, my new go-to is ES Lures 3-inch OG. If targeting flounder, I slow things down with a jig head and the

Fishbites Dirty Boxer curly tail. On calm mornings, I love to stand in knee deep water and cast parallel, straight down the beach. Then my next cast, will be slightly eastward. Then one more cast, even more eastward. After that, I will move down the beach 20 yards and repeat those three casts again. Be sure to cast with the wind for more distance.

Now let us switch gears. The picture below is of an Atlantic Spadefish. In 50 years of surf fishing, I have never seen so many being caught in the surf. These fish are very good eating. They clean similar to a Pompano. So, if you like to catch, clean and cook, do not miss out on spadefish.

If you want to hit the beach at daybreak and take your fishing to the next level, just email or give me a call. Also, if you would like to attend my monthly Guy Harvey seminar on the beach, please visit www.outpostacademy.com See you on the beach!

Noel Kuhn

43 years of surf fishing experience, surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. Founding member of Florida Surf Casters club. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com

Summer is prime time at the beach. Just beyond the surf, massive schools of pogies (menhaden) are being chased and devoured by the predators, who patrol our waters this time of year. Tarpon, kingfish, large jacks, and sharks are all feeding aggressively and offer anglers an exciting fight. One of the best all-around setups for these species, is a live pogy rigged on a medium to large circle hook and cast along the edges of the bait pods. Depending on the wind and current, you may need to add a little weight to keep the bait in position. An early start will improve your chances, since the bite usually slows as the sun climbs higher. By now, tarpon should be thick along the beach, gorging themselves on the pogys, but another fun way to catch the silver king in our region, is to hunt them behind the shrimp boats. Summer months bring the shrimp boats within a mile or so of the beach. Look for the boats that have birds hanging around, as those are the ones getting ready to, or just recently dumped their by-catch overboard. Approach the shrimp boats from behind and be very aware of any rigging they may have in the water. It’s as simple as going slow and looking at what’s feeding on the by-catch. Net a few of the floating fish and use them for bait. When you see a tarpon gulping down by-catch, just toss your bait in the chum line and hold on. If you don’t see any tarpon, you’re sure to see a ton of big sharks and they will definitely put a bend in the rod.

Inshore, the best bite will be early (from about 6 a.m. to10 a.m.). Things tend to get a little too hot during the day and the fish will sit lower in the water column. At first light, a top-water really can’t be beat this time of year, as redfish and trout will be willing to give serious chase and devour a Berkley J-Wallker 120. Once the sun gets up a bit, you’ll want to change to something subsurface like the Saltwater Assassin Lil Boss paddle tail. I like to rig them on a Saltwater Assassin 1/8 oz. or ¼ oz. jighead, to help keep the bait down where the fish will be. A live mud minnow or shrimp on a jighead will also work well when fishing deeper.

The water will be at its murkiest over the next couple of months, and there are a few ways to get a fish’s attention even on the “dirtiest” of days. A couple old faithful rigs are the popping cork and the gold spoon. I like to rig a popping cork with about 1foot of leader under it with a soft plastic or live bait. This technique is many NE Florida anglers’ go-to rig for high tide summer fishing for redfish, trout, and flounder. The popping noise will attract fish from a good distance. If going with a lure, the gulp turbo shrimp has been all time so far this summer. The scent along with the pop cannot be resisted!

Tight Lines,

Capt. Tommy Derringer www.InshoreAdventures.net

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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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will

a

–– 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

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won the wahoo division with a 53.4-pound catch; and Watertight won the tuna division with a 70.8-pounder.

A total of 278 boats !shed for a piece of the tournament’s record $9,038,225 purse.

For o cial results, payouts, and future dates, visit tournament.thebigrock.com and check them on facebook @bigrocktournament for all the tournament highlights.

July Can Be Hot!

TIM BAREFOOT

The surface water temperature will continue to climb in July, but the water temperature on the bottom will regulate itself to where it needs to be. $is is time of year to catch all the tropicals, starting now until early fall. Of course, the grouper and snapper bite will be o the chain, but this is when you will see all the snapper and grouper show up way north of Florida (as seen in photo). $ey will be available outside of their usual haunts and, of course, an occasional lobster. $is is truly the time of year to catch a giant grouper as well. I cannot emphasize this enough, but this is the time of year to spend an hour or more if necessary to Sabiki live cigar minnows and sardines for the ultimate bites on the bottom, not to mention the light line. Don’t be surprised to catch a giant wahoo on a 5-inch live cigar or sardine…elephants eat peanuts.

I would strongly suggest not playing loud music, not stomping around the deck, nor slamming cooler lids because the sail!sh and dolphin will swim up to the boat and check you out. $is is when you need to have a pitch rod ready. It’s never a bad idea to have a large squid on a pitch rod. Nothing in the ocean can refuse a well presented squid on the light line or pitch bait. It’s also not a bad idea to keep a frozen squid 50 to 75 feet deep using a small amount of weight (depending on the current).

kite for the ultimate presentation. If you have the correct weather pattern, I would strongly suggest spending the night o shore and using lights to attract the bait !sh. When you have a livewell chock full of live cigar and sardines and squid for the daylight bite, your success rate dramatically increases. Live squid or a live sardine on the bottom on a decoy jig has a life expectancy of !ve seconds or less. Don’t ask them to bite, demand the bite. Ask and you shall receive, my brothers and sisters. I’m not into all the “!shing,” per se; I’m into the catching...and there is a huge di erence. If you have the correct bait and make the correct presentation, you will get the bite!

Yes, we always carry a couple boxes of frozen cigar minnows and a box of frozen squid, but we always look for live bait, and we will spend some time on a school of bait using the Sabiki.

When the current is not running hard, a 1/4 or 3/8 oz. will get it down to the perfect depth. If the current is running a little bit, a 1/2 to 3/4 oz. might be needed. I would also suggest a live bait under a oat or under the

NOAA RAISES LIMITS ON ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA

NOAA Fisheries recently adjusted the Atlantic blue!n tuna daily retention limits for recreational !shermen. $e adjusted limits took e ect June 1, 2026, and will extend through December 31, 2026, unless NOAA takes additional action later in the year to further adjust the retention limits or close the !shery.

As of June 1, 2026, the retention limits will be:

Highly Migratory Species

Vessel/Permit Type

Private vessels with Highly Migratory Species

Angling permits

Charter boats with Highly Migratory Species

Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally

Headboats with Highly Migratory Species

Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally

Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip (lengths in curved fork length)

2 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”)

3 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”)

6 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”)

Note: $e retention limits are per vessel, per day/trip—not per angler. Regardless of the duration of a !shing trip, no more than a single day’s retention limit may be possessed or retained at the end of the trip upon landing. For example, whether a private vessel (!shing under the Angling category retention limit) takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the day/trip retention limit of 2 blue!n tuna, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium, applies and may not be exceeded upon landing.

$e !sh are just like us. We prefer to eat breakfast, maybe lunch, and a good dinner. Be there for the daylight bite or the late a ernoon bite. Put some beautiful live bait on the bottom and expect immediate bites on the decoy jig.

One of the most important pieces of advice for !shing in July is to ensure your children are prepared for the weather. A ernoon thunderstorms are common during this month, so it’s essential to dress them appropriately and be ready for sudden squalls. $is preparation is a fundamental part of the !shing experience.

Beyond safety, take the opportunity to teach your children the proper way to care for and release !sh. $ese practices instill a sense of respect for nature and promote responsible !shing. $e lessons learned during these outings will stay with them for a lifetime, making each !shing trip both enjoyable and educational.

Learn more tips and techniques at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

Who is a ected?

$e changes apply to Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when !shing recreationally. $e daily retention limits are e ective for all areas except for the Gulf of America, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted !shing for blue!n tuna.

Catch reporting

Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species

Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all blue!n tuna retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the end of trip by:

• Accessing the Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop

• Using the Highly Migratory Species Catch Reporting app

• Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

Keep up with all federal shing rules and regulations by visiting https://www. sheries.noaa.gov.

From Campfire to Summit

A premium Damascus blade — at a price that cuts deep

For centuries, Damascus steel has been prized for its strength, beauty and legendary performance. Its distinctive flowing patterns have made it one of the world’s most sought-after blade materials. The problem? Genuine Damascus knives often come with premium price tags. That’s why we created the Stauer Damascus Explorer Knife. Built for adventurers, outdoorsmen and collectors alike, this handsome knife combines rugged utility with timeless craftsmanship. Whether you’re preparing kindling, tackling camp chores or simply admiring its artistry, it’s a blade you’ll be proud to own.

EXCLUSIVE

Stauer Pocket Binoculars a $99value with your purchase of the Damascus Explorer Knife

The first thing you’ll notice is the striking Damascus steel blade. Its signature rippled pattern isn’t just beautiful — it’s the mark of a centuries-old forging tradition. At a full 8 inches long, the blade offers impressive cutting power while maintaining excellent balance and control.

The rich rosewood handle provides a comfortable, secure grip, while the included sheath keeps your knife protected and ready for action. Every detail reflects the kind of quality typically found in knives costing far more.

Thanks to Stauer’s direct-to-you model, we’re able to offer this premium Damascus blade at an exceptional value. But supplies are limited, and once this shipment is gone, we can’t promise another opportunity at this price.

If you’ve been looking for a knife that blends performance, craftsmanship and value, now is the time to act. Damascus Explorer Knife PLUS FREE Binoculars $349* Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $250 1-800-333-2045

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

Knife Specifications

• Damascus steel blade

• 8" blade. 13" overall length

• Rosewood handle

• Sheath included

What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

“First off, the shipping was fast and the quality is beyond what I paid for the knife.Overall, I am a satisfied customer!” — D., Houston, Texas

California residents, please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. $99 +FREE Binoculars Impossible PriceONLY

43,000 acres of legendary fishing from trophy bass, to world class sauger. A true Bill Dance Signature Lake.