Issuu

Find Less Stress

With this streamlined MFD, Furuno is bringing big-boat conﬁdence to everyone. & More Fish

Less Stress

TZMAP9 - 9"

fve things you should know about boat insurance

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

1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents

With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected fnancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.

Accidents can happen to anyone

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

3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments

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

4. Most lenders require boat insurance

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

5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages

Ever worry about getting stuck on the water? Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.

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

Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes.

to learn more.

‘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.

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales! 60 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

RePower Packages designed to best ft your needs and not stretch your budget.

Financing available.

Rest assured, all Mastry Suzuki RePowers are backed by Suzuki’s industry leading 5-year factory warranty.

all Suzuki RePower Centers have achieved the

Stationed strategically around the East Coast, all Suzuki RePower Centers have achieved the highest level of Suzuki certifcations to meet and exceed your repower needs.

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors:

•Every Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Center has decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing

•With a Mastry Suzuki RePower, owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability

•Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program*

•Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers use authentic Suzuki OEM parts and have factory certifed technicians

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Since 2014, Mastry Engine Center, has been building the premiere Suzuki Outboard repower network in Florida. Today, Authorized Mastry Suzuki Outboard Centers have been exceeding expectaions in the Southeast for over two decades. Recently Suzuki Marine requested Mastry Engine Center to expand the network throughout the Northeast. Now boat owners from Maine to Florida can be assured of the best support for their Suzuki outboard repower project. All Authorized Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers provide the best options, information and package pricing for excellent performance in repower.

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identifcation card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefts during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners *Get with the Program!

COASTAL ANGLER

North Central Florida/Nature Coast

Cary & Lynn Crutchfield

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

MAY

Welcome

May! I love May, the month of my birth, also my grandson Spencer’s, and my maternal grandmother’s. My paternal grandmother’s name was Mae. May is USUALLY the last month of moderate temps, before the South begins to bake in the heat of summer humidity. I love days of no heat/no air, and my open French doors. (This year however, Mother Nature got impatient and sent higher temps a little early.) Due to so little rain in North Florida and South Georgia, my beloved Suwannee is quite low. May is usually a semi-dry month, so it might be a while before we see any change. At least, we don’t have to worry about flooding any time soon.

A couple days ago I sat and looked at my river for about 30 minutes, and I saw eight sturgeon jump, right in my front yard, on their way up river to spawn. I get a little thrill every time I see one.

New advertising partner this month, Barefoot Boat Cleaning Services. See page 15.

See page 2 for this month’s recipe, Shrimp and Asparagus with Bacon over Spaghetti. This dish is fast and easy. Great for nights when time is short. (Shrimp is always great when time is short.)

See page 15 for info about the Daddy/Daughter Dance and the Mother/Son Dance. These events are sponsored by Dixie County Rotary and will rake place in the old Dixie County High School gym in Cross city.

Mother’s Day is May 10th this year. How about a guided fishing trip for Mom with one of our experienced guides? (I am mother of two, grandmother of three, and great grandmother of one!)

Our guides love to hear from you. Please thank them for taking their time to write our forecasts and share their expertise. Also thank our distribution locations and advertisers. It takes a lot of cooperation to bring you the world’s greatest FREE fishing magazine.

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

North Central Florida Nature Coast Staff

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

Photo by: Suwannee River Water Management District

SHRIMP and ASPARAGUS with BACON OVER SPAGHETTI (For

Two)

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

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until browned. Transfer to paper towel lined plate. Remove all but one tablespoon fat from skillet.

COOKING DIRECTIONS

Add asparagus to skillet and cook over low heat until crisp tender. Transfer to plate with bacon.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving pasta water. Keep pasta warm.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 slices Bacon

• 20 Asparagus spears (tender tops only)

• Salt and Pepper

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

• Spaghetti (or pasta of your choice) for two servings

• 2 cloves fresh garlic minced

• ½ cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Add oil to skillet and heat over medium. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and add to skillet. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

Add garlic to skillet. Cook over low for about a minute, stirring constantly. (Garlic burns easily.)

Add pasta, cheese and 1 cup pasta water to skillet. Stir to coat. Add more water as needed for pasta to be very wet. Taste and add salt if needed.

Serve immediately, topped with crumbled bacon, asparagus and more cheese.

If you prefer, you may substitute thinly sliced Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli or Snow Peas for the Asparagus. All delicious! (For more servings, multiply ingredients as needed.)

Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida

Car Ferries in Old Florida FLORIDA WATERWAYS

By Kevin McCarthy

By Dr. Kevin M. McCarthy

Before the building of modern bridges across our rivers, motorists had to depend on ferries to take them across. The pictures here, collected from the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee, give us a good glimpse into what life was like for our ancestors, as they used rickety-looking ferries to take them and their vehicles across our rivers.

By looking closely at the pictures, one can catch a glimpse of just how the car ferries worked. In the third photo, for example (“A group of people with automobile on a ferry near Pensacola”), you can see the two men handling what looks like a cable to pull the car and passengers across the river. Smart operators would no doubt use a motor on each bank to facilitate the movement of the ferry across the river in a straight line. The next photo (“Hand Operated Car Ferry”) shows the operator strenuously pulling a line attached to the approaching bank.

As tourism to Florida dramatically increased in the 19th and 20th centuries, local and state officials realized they had to build bridges over the most commonly used rivers. The most popular ferry in Florida for decades has been the Mayport Ferry, which has been operating since 1874, linking Mayport Village with Fort George Island in the northeastern part of the state.

One particularly popular ferry over the St. Johns River is the Fort Gates Ferry, the oldest operating ferry in the state. Established in 1853, the ferry connects the Ocala National Forest near Salt Springs with the Gateway Fish Camp near Pomona Park. If you were on the west side and needed to summon the ferry, you simply turned on your lights to alert the operator. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma damaged the ferry service in 2017, and it may still be out of commission.

When it did operate, a 1910 tugboat, converted for its use with the ferry, pushed

a barge across the river. Its history is unique in many ways, including the fact that it operated during the American Civil War. When it functioned, it ran six days a week (not on Tuesdays). The mile-long crossing takes about 10 minutes, depending on the weather and boat traffic. It can carry about 1500 vehicles a year, meaning two or three cars or pickups, a dozen motorcycles, and almost 40 bicycles. Putnam County partly funds the ferry operation as part of its public transportation service.

Many locals and tourists depend on the service, After all, the short run across the river can save up to 50 miles of driving up to Palatka and then down one side of the river or the other.

Kevin McCarthy, the author of St. Johns River Guidebook (Pineapple Press, 2008), can be reached at ceyhankevin@ gmail.com.

Automobile transported by ferry on the St. Johns River

The ferry between Apalachicola and Carrabelle

Group of people with automobile on a ferry Pensacola

Hand-operated cable ferry on the Ocklawaha River in 1902

Suwannee River ferry near Old Town

Fort Gates Ferry on the St. Johns River in 1984

Hey guys, another May and we’re talking about most of the same things we always talk about in May. Cobia and triple tail will be the focus!

Inshore, the triple tail have been prevalent around all of the crab buoys and floating grass areas. I like to use a 1:8 oz jighead and a white gulp shrimp 3 inch to be exact and a small float to catch these guys.

Nearshore cobia is the focus. You’re gonna want to start checking all of the markers of the shilling channel and all areas with high relief bottom structure. Any wrecks or artificial reefs are definitely hot spots this time of year. I like to fish a live hand-sized pinfish to grunt near the bottom for best results. Tight lines and good luck!

: @capt_redfishdrew

KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES

May is always a great month to fish on Florida’s Nature Coast! I call it the “Big Fish Month”, as large schools of black drum are found along deep cuts near oyster bars and rocky islands, and they are such a fun fighting fish. My favorite part, is these fish are easy to target and put up a good 10-minute battle!

Flounder are moving to the outside along sandy bottom and often are a bycatch when trout fishing. The trout are found in 5 to 8 feet of water, near rock piles and along the grassy flats. Red drum have moved to the outside points and islands.

The triple tail and cobia migration is in full swing in May, so keep an eye out when fishing, as these fish typically hang near weed lines and buoys, as well as around structure in the water.

The nearshore hogfish bite will remain rather consistent, as these tropical fish thrive when the water temperatures warm up.

Scallop season begins July 1st, and runs through September 24th. Now is a the time to start booking for this amazing underwater experience!

Captain Katie Jo Davis KD OUTDOORS FiSHING CHARTERS

CEDAR KEY

Hey anglers, if y'all aren't spending your days off on the water, you are missing out right now. The water temps and air temperature is perfect for some enjoyable fishing.

The big girl trout are all over the flats, and man, they are hungry. We have had trouble with limits, just due to how many overslot have been on the flats. At least it's a good problem to have.

With the trout bite, I've found low tide to be awesome. Not saying high tide is bad, but man that low tide bite has really stolen the show. I find that 2 to 3 feet of water has really been the golden ticket, and nothing that I've thrown has been outperforming the good ole popping cork with a paddletail.

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

KEATON BEACH

Trout have been scattered, or at least the weather has continued to make for different fishing than we are accustomed to in April. We have had no rain for six weeks and the too clear conditions are hampering the bite as well. We have yet to see schools of pelagic bait despite water temps in the low 70s.

I have found many trout out deep, still mixed in with the black sea bass, as in the shallows. We are catching the bsb on Assassin's Sea Shads in Panhandle Moon, Pink Ghost and Chicken-on-a-chain patterns in 7 to12 feet of water. Shallow trout are taking live pinfish, and some are eating the Assassin Houdini 5 inch Shads, fished unweighted on a 5/0 offset worm hook.

Some Spanish are just now starting to show up, but not in the numbers we would normally see. (Today is April 14.) I suspect our fishing to improve greatly as we get some rain and add some color to the Gulf. The better days have been the windy ones and not to wish

anything on us as we had an entire week of Plus 20 knots last week. A few sharks have shown up as well as ladyfish, but again, not so much white bait schools.

The trout I have cleaned from trips of late have very small diameter egg sacs, and the spawn looks to happen late as a result of our latest lingering cold snaps in late March and early April. I would expect all this to greatly improve in May.

Redfish have been close to the creek mouths and they have eaten live pinfish and Mike Hakala's AQUAdream spoons in copper and gold. Two to three feet seems to be the ticket for reds, and as usual, look for mullet, and fish the murky water they create.

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

Spring has officially settled into the Big Bend, and inshore fishing around Horseshoe Beach is heating up right on schedule. Warming water temps are pushing bait into the shallows, and the fish are following close behind.

Speckled trout have been the main story lately, with solid numbers coming off the grass flats in 2 to 4 feet of water. Live shrimp under a popping cork has been hard to beat, especially early in the morning, while soft plastics are getting it done once the sun gets up. Look for clean water and moving tide for your best shot at bigger fish.

Redfish action has been steady along the shorelines and oyster bars. These fish are cruising in small groups, and they’re feeding aggressively. Cut bait and live shrimp are working well, but anglers throwing gold spoons or paddle tails are finding success covering more water.

On the warmer afternoons, don’t be surprised to see Spanish mackerel and even a few early-season cobia showing up just outside the flats. Overall, fishing conditions are about as good as it gets this time of year—light winds, active fish, and plenty of opportunities!! Give us a call to get out there and until next time keep It Reel Native!!

Capt. Brent Woodward ReelNativeFishing.com 352-284-5514

Don Garner with a nice trout taken on live pinfish.

Joe Stubbs caught this red on a live pinfish.

Don Garner and Joe Stubbs of Valdosta, Ga. with a day's catch, April 13

HOMOSASSA CRYSTAL RIVER

May to me, is kind of that last month of spring before summer. Growing up, I always remember the saying, “April showers bring May Flowers”. Kind of seems like things are a little early this year, and we really haven’t gotten the showers. It will be interesting to see how things play out, with the hard cold we had this winter, mixed with record low rainfalls. June will be here before we know it, and our water table will be back to normal, and this will be past us. I sometimes catch myself going down endless rabbit holes, overthinking why fish do what they do…. Anyway, I know you want a predicted fishing report so i will get on with it!

Look for trout to start moving to the near shore rocks in the 6 to 8 foot ranges. I like jigging with the watermelon red flake or electric chicken MirrOLure Little Johns on a DOA 1/8th ounce jig head around rocky bottoms. Around those rock piles, you will find a plethora of fish, willing to eat a shrimp rigged on that same jig head. Grunts, mackerel, snapper and blue fish will keep the rods bent. While you are offshore, keep a lookout for cobia. They should be in this time of the year. Live pin fish on a heavier rod,

May is here, and you can feel summer on its way. This month is a turning point in so many fish migrations. From the inshore species to offshore species, fish are on the move!

will work well for a cobia swimming at the surface!

Inshore will still be holding some trout. Look for the yellow bottom areas on the incoming tides. Redfish will be on the outside points. I like using free-lined live pin fish this time of the year. Snook will also eat pin fish as well. For the artificial guys, nose hooked DOA CAL will produce solid snook and trout bites.

For the fly anglers, I like to pole the St. Martin Keys this time of the year on the last hour of the outgoing tide. Once the water gets low enough, you will find tailing red fish on the middle of the flat, up to 100 plus yards from any shoreline. These fish are super spooky, so stealth and patience is key. I like to throw really small shrimp pattern flys. Near shore rock piles, will produce great action on the long rods. I like to tie clouser flys on long shanked J hooks for the rocks. The long shanked hooks limit the break-offs on mackerel. Use shrimp or a chum block or get them fired up, and then its game on!

As always Stay Safe,

Capt. Stump, Jonathan Hamilton

352-403-2073

www.homosassafishingcompany.com

Cobia will be the highlighted pelagic species of the month, making their move through Crystal River. If you don’t mind the sharks, chum can be your best friend. I go out to my favorite shallow rock pile and start stinking up the water. Shrimp, chum blocks, chunks of cut frozen baits, any of these will work. I like to put a live bait on the bottom, and then another one on the surface with a bobber. A lot of times with a watchful eye, you can see these fish coming a mile away. Strong leader and a solid 5/0 hook normally gets these fish to the boat.

Snook will be making a move west to start staging offshore for the summer. It is not snook season during May, so we can’t harvest them, but the catch and release bite is incredible! Points, rock bottom bars, and deep troughs will normally hold plenty. A big artificial bait worked fast, or a big live bait, are my go-to presentations. If you notice them being extra spooky, lighten up your leader!

Tarpon will be making their yearly appearance up and down the Nature Coast as well. 6/0 circle hooks with pinfish or small blue crabs do the trick. I pair them with an extra heavy casting rod and at least a 5000 reel. Normally run 50–60-pound leader. I always keep a large swimbait rigged on a tarpon rod, just in case you see them while you’re cruising the flats. Be sure not to run over someone’s stalk! If you see a guy on a polling platform on the flats, chances are they see a school, so give them plenty of space to work, and of course not spook any weary tarpon.

Redfish bite in May is always fun

for me. Tends to be slightly more challenging than other months. I go to cut bait more than live bait for them, as the water temps slowly rise, they will slow down feeding. Mullet or ladyfish tend to work best for me. Oyster bar points, long mangrove walls, and hard bottom areas will be where my focus lies.

God bless and tight lines Captain Dallas King Pirate Flag Charters and Tours 352.601.8460 www.pirateflagcharters.com www.crystalriverfishingpros.com

SURF & PIER

This month is an exciting time to surf fish! The water is finally back above 70 degrees, which means almost every fish we can catch in the surf is here. Last May I caught eleven different species one morning. They were pompano, whiting, redfish, black drum, croakers, spots, Jack Crevalles, spadefish, ladyfish and blacktip sharks. All of them were caught on fresh killed shrimp and sand flea flavored Fishbites. Well, there was one exception. I caught the blacktip using the ladyfish.

There will be plenty of spotted seatrout and weakfish in the surf, especially in the early morning. I use two tactics when chasing these trout. First is a light weight sevento-nine-foot rod with a small reel spooled up with ten-pound braid. With this set-up, I throw top water or suspending lures. These trout come up in knee deep water, feeding on small whiting and pompano. My ideal morning is when the waves are small and the wind is minimal. I like to wade in knee deep water and cast north and south, vs throwing as far east as possible. Next, I throw north and south at a 45 degree angle. After that, I walk 20 yards and repeat.

My second tactic for trout is a live shrimp under a weighted popping

cork. I only use an 18-inch-long leader of 20-pound mono. You will have less tangles on your cast it you add a small split shot, just a few inches above your hook. From Captain Kevin Faver, I learned that just before your shrimp hits the water, to top the line. The split shot will swing the shrimp away from your cork resulting in only a rare tangle.

May is also the best month for catching blacktip sharks. They are closely following the northward migration of the pompano. My favorite bait is a pompano head, however anything you catch in the surf will work. Even a catfish head will work. The most versatile bait is the head half of a medium sized whiting, because a big redfish will also gobble up a whiting. The picture is of my angler Charlie. That big redfish was caught with a 10/0 hook and 18 inches of 480-pound cable leader.

Get out and enjoy this great weather on our beautiful beaches. Tight Lines!

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

ST. AUGUSTINE

TheSpring fishing has been awesome and lots of fish were caught, but summer is coming. Yeah, it’ll be hot out there, but the fishing will be hot as well! We have some big changes in our fishing patterns coming up over the next couple of months. As the water starts to really warm up inshore, the beach fishing action really starts to fire off. Redfish and trout will be blasting top-water plugs at first and last light, and the cobia, tarpon, and sharks will invade the beaches. You have to love summertime fishing in Northeast Florida!

Some of my favorite inshore/ backcountry fishing for redfish and trout will occur right at sunrise, and again at dusk this time of year (you can also beat some of that heat). Top-water plugs are one of my go-to lures during those times of day. The fish will be heavily feeding, and they’ll be more than willing to crash your lure on the surface. Mullet should be invading all the creeks and flats in our area by now, and the adage “match the hatch” couldn’t be truer. I like to use a “walk-the-dog” type plug in a baitfish pattern to perfectly mimic an injured mullet. If you do opt for the “walk-the-dog” type lure mentioned above, be sure to practice making the bait walk side to side. I’ve seen many fish ignore a top-water if it’s just dragged past them, only to have them smash it the next time the lure is properly “walked”. Once the sun is higher in the sky, you may want to switch to a sub-surface lure or bait. My clients have been having great success using the Saltwater Assassin paddle tails rigged on a 1/8oz jighead or a weedless style hook. It looks just like a small mullet or minnow and

can be fished in a bunch of different ways. The tail on the Saltwater Assassin produces quite a thump when worked through the water. With murkier water being the norm heading into summer, this can be a huge advantage, as the fish will be able to home in on the lure much easier. May is also a great month for the bull reds at the inlets, bridges, and nearshore reefs. Half a crab or a piece of cut mullet on the bottom will work great. Just make sure to give those Just as the mullet will be invading the inshore areas, look for the pogy (menhaden) pods to be all over the beach. The pogies bring in all kind of fishing opportunities this time year. The cobia should be hanging around, depending on what the water temps do, and the tarpon should start to show as well. (They have been here since last month, but more should be on the way!) Sharks, huge jacks, kingfish, and more will all be pulling up a chair to feed on the bait pods. A great way to fish the pods, is to slowly idle around looking for the ones who have some pogies getting thrown around. The biggest mistake I see while fishing the beach, is when anglers get too close or charge right up to the bait while the outboard motor is still on. Try using the trolling motor or just drifting within casting range. You’ll see a lot more fish and more importantly, catch more too. While you’re out there along the beaches, don’t forget to check out the shrimp boats and their by-catch… There’s almost always something BIG lurking around those slicks to play with! Capt. Tommy Derringer www.InshoreAdventures.net 904-377-3734

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

It’s no fsh tale when you run with a John Deere. You can get everything done faster and easier, so you get more time on the water. Plus, our special offers make them the catch of the day.

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.

The Best Infatable Fishing Boats

Best For Lightweight Solo Fishing

The versatility of the FishSUP™1210 is unmatched! Use it bare bones with just the board, a paddle & your !shing gear or deck it out with swivel seat, side pontoons, casting bar, motor and more! Incredibly stable, extra wide, swallow-tail !shing SUP holds up to 500 lbs! The FS1210 takes electric and gas motors up to 3 hp. There’s even an option for a bow trolling motor.

Choose From 6 Packages

Starting At Just $999

Best For Lightweight Tandem Fishing

Perfect for !shing rivers, lakes and bays. The STS10 is a lightweight, roomy 1 or 2 person pontoon boat that’s packed with features anglers need & love including 2 built-in !sh rules, 4 built-in rod holders & 2 Scotty® mounts for more rod holders, anchor locks, camera posts or any other Scotty® accessory. Now available with a drop-stitch in atable oor or wooden oorboards.

Choose From 7 Packages

Starting At Just $1449

Best For Lightweight Fish Ski! for 1, 2 or 3 Anglers

This “low-rider” gives you access to the water to reel in and release !sh easily. With a new patented outside, in atable, rigid keel the FSK16 glides through the water at speeds up to 21 mph to get you to the !sh fast! Perfect for 1-3 anglers and room for plenty of gear.

Choose From 9 Packages

Starting At Just $2999

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

Throw Yourself a Bone

The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.

The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.

EXCLUSIVE FREE

The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.

This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.

But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 Stauer power pocket binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

Huntsman Blade $249*