ve things you should know about boat insurance
Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are ve things to know about boat insurance.
1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
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2. Accidents can happen to anyone
When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to speci ed 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
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DEAD BAITS CATCH HUGE REDFISH
Capt. Mike Smith
Have you ever tried to use big dead baits to catch huge redfish? If you haven’t, then you should.
Many of the larger predatory fish prefer eating fresh, dead baits over live baits so they can save energy.
The odds of becoming an over slot redfish are at least a million to one. An overslot redfish has figured out not only how to avoid predators and how to conserve energy when finding food. That is why dead baits work so well for catching older, wiser and larger redfish.
The best dead baits for redfish are: a large blue crab cut in half, a butterflied large pinfish with its tail cut off, a chunk of ladyfish, and a chunk of bluefish. The key to catching redfish instead of catfish when dead bait fishing is by using enormous dead baits. You want to use baits at least eight inches long. Catfish always seem to find the bait first and most catfish can’t eat an eight inch dead bait.
Quite often you will catch your monster redfish and notice catfish slime on your line. This tells you that a catfish found your bait first but was unable to swallow it. If you are catching catfish with your dead baits, then you have to go bigger.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use at least a 5/0 circle hook and just enough weight to keep the bait stationary on the bottom. If you let the tide drag the bait across the bottom the redfish will have trouble finding it. But if you use too much weight the fish will often feel it and let go of the bait before getting hooked.
Circle hooks are much less likely to get swallowed and mortally wounding the fish, unlike a J hook. A J hook will often get swallowed if you are not constantly paying attention to your line.
When using dead baits for redfish keep the rod in a rod holder. Rod holders are much better at hooking redfish with circle hooks than we are.
Keith caught this monster redfish with an 8-inch chunk of bluefish along a drop off in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon.
When the redfish picks up the bait and swims off with it, the hook will lodge right in the corner of the fish’s mouth.
The best tackle for catching enormous redfish with dead baits is a medium heavy seven-foot-six-inch rod coupled with at least a 5000 series reel. Spool your reel with 30-pound braided line and make sure to have at least a 30-pound leader attached to the hook.
You can certainly catch a 40-inch redfish with a smaller rod and reel combo but the fish will be half dead by the time you get it landed. In that weakened state the fish will sometimes fall prey to a nearby dolphin or shark. There is no sense killing a big breeder redfish that you cannot harvest anyway.
Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass Off Charters, is an inshore fishing guide who has been fishing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass flats of Florida for more than 40 years. Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@fishyourassoff.com or visit fishyourassoff.com.
FALL TRANSITION BASS FISHING IN THE SOUTHEAST
BY NPFL PROFESSIONAL ANGLER JOEY BLOOM
The first cool mornings of fall always bring a little excitement for me. When I back the boat down the ramp and see mist rising off the water, I know the season is changing and the bass are about to do the same. Down here in the Southeast, the fall transition is one of the most unpredictable—but also one of the most rewarding— times of the year.
The key is bait. As soon as water temps slide from the 90s into the mid-70s, shad begin their migration out of the main lake and into the creeks or shallow shorelines. They’re chasing plankton, and the bass are never far behind. If you can find the bait, you’ll find the fish. I don’t even bother making a cast until I see shad flickering on the surface or lighting up my electronics.
CatchMoreFish
My mornings usually start with topwater or a shad-colored swim jig. A walking bait is one of my favorites to throw across the mouth of a pocket, and it can trigger some of the most violent strikes of the season. I’ll never forget a morning last October when a seven-pounder came out of two feet of water and nearly ripped the rod out of my hand. That’s fall bass fishing— when they decide to eat, they don’t play around.
As the sun gets higher, I shift gears. Shallow wood, laydowns, docks and grass edges become prime ambush points, and that’s when I reach for a squarebill crankbait. I like squarebills because they’ve got just the right wobble and durability to grind through cover. The trick is to make contact—bump that crankbait off a stump, dock, or tick it through grass. Those deflections are what trigger bites. Covering water quickly is important because bass are constantly on the move, shadowing those bait schools.
But not every fish in the lake makes the same move at the same time. Some of the bigger, older bass stay out deeper longer. For those, I keep a Carolina rig handy, and I’ve had great success pairing it with Bait Cave Customs hand-poured soft plastics. That slow drag across a secondary point can tempt those stubborn deep fish that won’t chase a moving bait.
Weather plays a huge role, too. A cold front will slow everything down, and that’s when I switch to finesse—something like a Bait Cave Customs, Cave Club finesse worm on a shaky head, worked methodically. On the flip side, a cloudy, stable day can set off a feeding frenzy, and that’s the time to throw reaction baits and keep covering water. Fall fishing here is a constant adjustment game, and you have to be willing to change with the conditions.
At the end of the day, the fall transition is like putting a puzzle together. The pieces change daily—sometimes hourly—but once you figure out where the bait is, how the bass are relating, and what they’ll react to, the action can be phenomenal. It’s the season where I cover the most water, throw the widest variety of baits, and stay the most flexible.
For me, that’s what makes fall in the Southeast so special. It’s unpredictable, challenging, and full of opportunity. And when everything lines up, it’s some of the best bass fishing of the entire year. With the right mindset—and the right tackle—you can make this season one to remember. Follow all of Joey Bloom’s fishing and fun on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.
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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
OCTOBER TIDES: TRICKS, TRANSITIONS AND A LITTLE RULE-BREAKING
October might just be the perfect month to be on the water. e blazing heat of summer has faded, boat tra c thins, and the marsh comes alive with shrimp, n sh, and the “big three” — trout, red sh, and ounder — all fattening up for the season. For anglers, that means opportunity.
is time of year, I like to keep things simple but intentional. So plastics in the 3.25-inch range are my bread and butter. I lean toward paddle tails because I can cover water quickly and the vibration draws strikes from aggressive fall sh. Durability matters too, because when the action gets fast, the last thing you want is to burn time swapping out torn lures. Rigging depends on cover and depth — sometimes weedless, sometimes a jig head — but either way, adapt to the structure in front of you.
Outgoing tides are my favorite. ey concentrate bait and predators alike into smaller, target-rich areas. Look for drains, bayou mouths, bends, and reef cuts. Even island points can funnel current and stack sh. Once you’ve found the spots, presentation is everything. Reds o en respond to a steady retrieve, trout like a twitch-twitch pause, and ounder react best to a lure darting along the bottom, stirring up a little commotion. Of course, no sh reads the manual — sometimes the “wrong” retrieve produces the right bite. Which brings me to one of the best lessons I’ve learned: sometimes you’ve got to break your own rules. On a recent quarter-moon tide, I worked a shallow grass at with two rods rigged identically except for lure color. One was white with a limetreuse tail, the other pumpkinseed with green glitter. Early on, the reds were all over the pumpkinseed, inhaling it on a fast, steady retrieve just under the surface. But when I noticed trout feeding nearby, I switched things up. Instead of swimming the bait, I bounced it hard o the bottom, fast twitches with short pauses. Suddenly, the trout lit up, and they showed a clear preference for the white limetreuse. at day drove home an important point: don’t get stuck on what’s working. Change the speed, change the color, change the action — sometimes even when the bite is good, it can get better. Covering the same water with di erent retrieves or presentations lets you unlock what di erent species want, even when they’re feeding in the same spot.
So, as October cools the air and the marsh lls with life, keep your tackle simple but your approach exible. Target those pinch points on a falling tide, let the sh tell you what retrieve they want, and don’t be afraid to experiment. e sh are hungry, the weather is kinder, and it’s the perfect time to grab a kid, a paddle tail, and make some memories.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
Capt. Dave Stephens
Boca Granda Pass, Charlotte Harbor, and the Flats REPORT &
FORECAST
We managed to make it to September, with the past months being hot, hot.
Charlotte Harbor has a lot of good things going on. For one, we should start seeing prey that reds like to feed on—things such as small shrimp, crabs, and baitfish.
The fishery in Southwest Florida is known for its red fish, and this year is looking to be one that will not disappoint. Over the past couple of weeks, the red fish fishery has been very good. We have been doing very well on the higher tides, fishing points with good tidal flow. It does not matter as much as the tide direction as the height. If the water is up, the fish are hungry. As the water gets lower, the bars or potholes have been producing really well. Especially bars with oyster humps or deep cuts in them. Also, on the lower water, reds will follow schools of mullet.
While mullet are vegetarians, they stir up the bottom and forage that reds feed on. Live baits such as pilchards and pin fish have been the baits of choice.
If you like to toss around some artificial lures, baits such as gold spoons are hard to beat, and soft plastics are a go-to choice. Another option is cut bait, such as lady fish and mullet.
We have still been having success at putting some really nice tarpon to the boat. Most of these fish have been hanging outside of large schools of herring or ladyfish schools. Getting an early start will help to locate rolling fish in the calm waters. This is a hard time of year to beat, so get out there and see what awaits.
— Capt. Dave Stephens 941-916-5769 | www.backbayxtremes.com
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Capt. Angie Douthit
Okeechobee REPORT & FORECAST
Lake Okeechobee’s water level is rising, and soon the lake will be buzzing and busy with people enjoying the fun outdoor activities of bass and crappie fishing and nature-watching that the big O can offer. Now is a great time to book that thrill of a lifetime, catching that big bass and/or filling the cooler full of wonderfully-tasting crappie. As a Captain/Guide here on Lake Okeechobee since 2004, I always look forward to the start of each season as I welcome familiar faces back year after year, and see how much the kids have grown, and see the smiles on their faces again as they reel in another catch of a lifetime. Solo Anglers and Veterans receive a discount when you book a trip, so please inquire when you call.
It’s the smiles, wonderful lasting memories, great experience, gained insight as to the Lakes' history, and offered tips/pointers that I strive to do with each trip. As a Customer, you don’t have to bring a thing; I provide top-of-the-line rods/reels, tackle, water, ice, sunscreen, and even rain gear if needed. My Caymas bass boat is just a few years old, rigged with the latest tech, and laid out for comfort, accommodating three Adult Anglers or two small Children and two Parents. The Prime fishing time is approaching very soon, so don’t delay in booking you’re fun-filled day(s) on the water.
Areas that bass are being caught now are the Kissimmee River, Kings Bar, Buckhead Ridge area, Tin House, Point of Horse, Parts of Observation Shoal, and on down towards Uncle Joe’s area. Top water lures include both hard/ soft baits, such as Devils Horse, Frogs, senkos/worms, swim jigs/swim baits, and flipping/pitching into thicker grass areas/reed clumps. Plastic colors to use are: Junebug, Red shad, White, Bluegill/Tilapia color pattern, and Green Pumpkin/purple flake. I can accommodate “group trips and “multi-day trips”. I offer a deep discount on the newest hotel in Okeechobee, and offer eating-out suggestions and other sightseeing things to do for those who don’t enjoy water activities. Mid-March is Okeechobee’s Annual Music Festival, so be sure and book your date(s) early for that time frame. As a Note: Please use caution when boating on the lake as you become re-familiarized with the layout of the lake. If you have any questions, please call me at (863) 228-7263. I do answer my phone and return messages in a very timely manner.
— To book you’re next fun day fishing, call 863-7263 or check out my website, where you’ll see up-to-date info, customer catches, hotel info, past reports, and more www.southfloridabassfishing.com. I can accommodate groups of people; I offer Veteran and one-person discounted trips. Inquire when calling to book.
A big thank you to my sponsors: Mercury Marine; Toho Marine (St. Cloud, Fl); Bullet Weights; G-Loomis; Lews; BnM Poles; Bobby Garland; Rapala; Gill; Gene Larew; Lurenet.com
GOLD MEMBER GROUP
The Angler Magazine is pleased to announce the new GOLD MEMBERS GROUP for 2026. We know in order to be successful, we need the advertising support of local merchants and businesses in our magazine. There are plenty of advertising opportunities out there and we are very thankful for the support of our advertisers.
But we're creating this magazine for you, our readers, and we'd like to invite you to become part of the family. By becoming a GOLD MEMBER sponsor, you are helping us financially to become stronger and to grow the magazine.
To show our appreciation for your membership, we'll send you:
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• Along with a 2026 Gold Sponsor certificate in your name.
To become a Sponsor
Beginning with the January 2026 edition of The Angler Magazine, we will list all the GOLD Members, and we'll pick one each month that we highlight.
Call or text 863-273-4998, or email donorton13@gmail.com, or mail a $100 check to:
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By Peggy Choquette
There’s nothing quite like it. That feeling when your boat quietly slips into the still water and gently slices through the night. Suddenly, a whole new world is illuminated before you. It can take your breath away.
The first time we went bully netting for lobster in the Florida Keys, I wondered how I had managed to live my entire life without this experience. It was not so much about the lobsters at first. It was the feeling that we had been given access to a secret world. Sitting with my feet dangling in the warm water, I was absolutely mesmerized. Tiny fish floated suspended in sea grass, and Stingrays gently glided by, all totally unperturbed by our presence. A pair of lemon sharks cruised the mangroves, stealthily stalking their prey.
It’s difficult for a girl to focus on lobsters with an entire ecosystem at her feet! Jesse mistakenly gave me the responsibility of seeking the elusive bugs. We would still be out there if he hadn’t finally put me on the trolling motor. Suddenly, the boat shifted with a flurry of excitement behind me. In one fell swoop, there was a bug in the boat, and it was on! A few bugs later, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on that net. What I lacked in experience, I made up for in enthusiasm. Several misses later, I finally landed my very first lobster. Unfortunately, excitement overcame me,
— Peggy Choquette - Fish Candy Bait and Tackle
ASK SARA
By Sara Menendez
What effect does the barometer have on fish, and how does this impact their catchability?
Barotrauma. What is it and how can it impact fish? Barotrauma is caused by the rapid pressure changes fish can experience as they are reeled up from deep water. The pressure changes as they are being reeled in and causes gases in their swim bladder to rapidly expand. The effects can cause serious internal injuries, like a bloated belly, bulging organs (like the stomach), and even bulging eyes and mouth. Unfortunately, barotrauma can also result in fish mortality. Species like bass, walleye, and perch are more susceptible to barotrauma because these species cannot release the excess gas that gets trapped in their swim bladder through their gills as efficiently as other popular freshwater sportfish. Typically, the effects of barotrauma start to become prominent when freshwater fish are brought up from water depths starting around 25-30 feet deep, and anything deeper only poses a more serious concern.
While the overwhelming majority of Florida lakes are bowl shaped, only averaging about 10-12 feet deep, it is still important to understand what barotrauma is and some ways to mitigate it, should you find yourself fishing in deeper Florida lakes, or in reservoirs and lakes elsewhere throughout the country. Mitigation strategies to combat the effects of barotrauma include descending devices like release weights, fish elevators, and mouth clamps. Other anglers prefer to use venting tools that can carefully allow the angler to puncture the swim bladder to release the excess gas. But with every tool, it is important that it is utilized correctly so that it does not cause more damage than help to our fish. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and numerous other state agencies have initiatives to help release fish appropriately to minimize the impacts of barotrauma. I encourage you to check those out today!
Finally, I wanted to inform everyone that this will be my last AskSara column. I am leaving Florida Fish and Wildlife to pursue a new role with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing for this magazine, and I have enjoyed getting to know some of you that read these posts. Thank you for being such a passionate group of anglers and I hope to see you on the water some day! Tight lines!
Come Outside & Play!
Experience world-class bass fishing in the heart of Okeechobee, FL, where every cast is an opportunity for an unforgettable catch.
The first-ever Lake Wales Ridge Fire Festival is set to take place on November 8, 2025, at Highlands Hammock State Park. This exciting community event will bring together residents, conservation partners, and land management experts for a day focused on the important
— Ridge Rangers and FWC biologists plan to continue this work at Carter Creek through March. For more information about volunteering for these workdays, please contact Jonathan Foligno at Jonathan.Foligno myfwc.com.
role of fire in the Lake Wales Ridge and South-Central Florida ecosystems.
Attendees can look forward to educational talks and presentations, interactive exhibits, and informative booths designed to highlight how fire shapes and supports the region’s unique natural habitats. One of the festival’s main attractions will be a live prescribed burn demonstration, offering a rare opportunity to see this important land management practice in action.
The festival aims to raise community awareness about fire’s vital role in maintaining healthy landscapes and protecting native plants and wildlife. By connecting the public with experts in fire management and conservation, the event hopes to inspire greater appreciation and stewardship of Florida’s ancient sand ridge ecosystems.
Mark your calendars for November 8th, and join the first annual Lake Wales Ridge Fire Festival to learn, explore, and celebrate the power of fire in nature.
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MARISPEAK NAVIGATIONAL APP
Coastal Angler recently had the opportunity to speak with Evan alas, CEO of alas Apps, to discuss Marispeak (short for Maritime Speak) to see what all the chatter and excitement was about regarding the new Marispeak navigational app. Four years into the making, this new app instantly turns your phone into a maritime communication and information center, allowing clear and secure messaging, maps, water depths, weather information and more. It also enables a push to talk “Walkie Talkie” feature, and audio/video calls for quick communication with anyone using the Marispeak App, once they have been added to your private group, or with any user in the help group.
Some key features of the Marispeak App.
• Nautical Maps Overlay - Displays shipping channels, buoys and channel markers
• Realtime AIS Data - Displays vessels on a map in realtime.
• Plotter - Displays your boat’s current position in real time, allowing recording and retrieval.
• Water Depths
• Speed Indicator
• AI-Arti cial Intelligence Module - Allows you to verbally ask boating, shing and marine life related questions, and receive spoken answers from MariSpeak AI.
• Help Feature - Communicate with other Marispeak users and request assistance
• Real Time Tracker Device - Tracks your boat if it has been stolen.
According to Evan, his previous positions as National Business Development Manager for Uniden Australia, and Account Manager for ICOM Australia, enabled him to understand the need for an economical and easy to use navigational and communication device for the marine industry. Evan received assistance for the UI (User Interface) design from Nikolaus Hema, a Graduate of Distinction from Swinburne University in Australia with a master’s degree in design digital research, specialising in research in arti cial intelligence. Evan set out to revolutionize the boating/navigational industry, by utilizing high tech functionality with low tech use applications. is was no easy task. Developing this app for a global audience required years of painstaking e ort from the team.
Now fully tested and available through the APP Stores, this app is a “must have” for all boaters of any size vessel including kayaks and canoes.
Coastal Angler Magazine salutes Marispeak for their monumental accomplishment which we believe is destined to change the boating industry.
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GO RED IN OCTOBER
October has traditionally been one of my favorite months of the year for a number of species, but especially for grouper. I’ve always said that Christmas week is the apex of grouper fishing…and it is. I’ve also said that there is a mental hierarchy in grouper, with gags being at the top and reds being at the bottom. I could catch a red grouper on a wooden dowel rod with menhaden oil on it and a hook attached…and that is not an exaggeration.
I hate to be repetitive, but a live pinfish on a Squid Decoy Jig is a dead ringer for red grouper (and all grouper for that matter). If you have the ability to keep a pinfish trap in the water, I would strongly suggest securing several dozen pinfish to take bottom fishing. Everything out there eats them, not to mention they are very hardy and will live all day in the livewell. Red grouper, gags and scamps all view pinfish the same as sailor’s choice and other small snappers as egg eaters. If for no other reason, they will eat them just to kill them, so they don’t eat their eggs. Frozen cigar minnows and sardines have caught more grouper (historically) than all the other baits combined. That’s what they eat!
Tim Barefoot
ice, fuel or weather.
We always had hundreds of pounds of (frozen) cigs and sardines, so let’s not get too carried away with the bait selection. Frozen cigs get the job done, but now that I’m fishing the super stealth decoy
10 seconds. Nothing down there can resist it. Period.
As I always say, “Find the bait, find the fish.” Yes, I like to fish structure like ledges, wrecks or live bottom, but the main ingredient is food. If you mark big stacks of cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc., it’s always a good idea to fish below that, and keep the light line out on the surface or near the surface for all the pelagics. We have vast areas of sand bottom with no structure whatsoever. We just fished big stacks of bait and caught them GOOD! Red grouper can be caught in most depths of water. From as shallow as 15 feet on the Atlantic side to 400 feet and beyond. The only problem with fishing this style of jig and minnow combination is that you are definitely gonna catch gags, scamps, blacks— and those “endangered” American red snapper.
jig/bait combination, I do love a live pinfish or other live baits.
Please take a descending device and familiarize yourself with how to use it.
I guess that’s why I’m writing this article featuring red grouper this month; because that’s about all we have to fish for this time of year. So get out there with some pinfish and frozen minnows and harvest the red grouper and scamps.
On a commercial fishing trip (many years ago), if you ran out of any one of these four things, it would send you back to the Hill: bait,
With that all being said, don’t ever pass up the opportunity to jig up live cigs and sardines for the ULTIMATE combo! The life expectancy of a live cig or sardine on a Decoy Jig is under
Take your kids fishing, too, and make plenty of videos and photos that’ll last a lifetime.
Learn more from Tim Barefoot on his YouTube channel and at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
Oh, Snap! Chasing Giants in The Keys
By Astrid deGruchy
When it comes to snapper fishing, the Florida Keys are hard to beat. From shallow mangroves to deep wrecks, these waters hold everything from tasty keepers to tackle-busting giants, and the right gear makes all the difference.
shrimp, pilchards, or cut ballyhoo for consistent action. Downsizing leader in clear water is key. On the reef edge, Yellowtail snapper are Keys gold. Target them from spring through fall using a PENN Slammer IV 4500 with 15 lb mono. Set a steady chum slick and free-line white baits like pilchards on a Mustad 1/0 J-hook. Keep your presentation natural since yellowtails spook easily.
For heavier hitters, Mutton snapper shine during the late spring and early summer full moons. Use a PENN Authority 5500 matched with 30 lb mono leaders and Mustad 3/0 to 4/0 circle hooks (Big Guns are the best). Drift live pinfish or pilchards back naturally, and be ready, when a mutton eats, it’s all power. For something more regal, head deep for queen snapper, the true royalty of the snapper world. These stunning red fish haunt 500-1,000 feet down along the continental shelf. A PENN Fathom II paired with 40 lb braid and a Mustad 6/0 circle hook tipped with squid or bonita chunks gets it done. Most anglers opt for electric reels, but handcranking one up is a badge of honor.
Mangrove snappers are the everyday staple, found year-round around bridges, mangroves, and patch reefs. Light tackle with a PENN Spinfisher VI or Battle III 3500 with 20-25 lb mono gets the job done. Use live
WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?
Then there’s the ultimate test: the Cubera snapper. Capt. Kody (@capt_kody) recently put me on a 65-pound Cubera out of Key West. These brutes demand muscle, like PENN International 50VISX, 80-100 lb mono + Mustad 12/0 circle hook type muscle. Summer full moons are prime, and whole lobsters are the bait of choice (yes, not cheap). Once you’re hooked up, it’s a brutal test of endurance, arguably the hardest fight you’ll experience on stand-up gear, especially when you’re handcranking every inch.
Out here, every snapper tells a story… from the quick hits of mangroves to the heartpounding brawls with cubera beasts. We live for those moments, and now you can too. Follow the journey on Bean Sportfishing TV on YouTube. If you are interested in a Cubera Trip, reach out to Capt. Kody Michael on Instagram (@capt_kody) or go to reel-guides.com
SPEND LESS TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing
It’s no fish 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.
THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS: Naturally in Rhythm ~ and
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands embody a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and laid-back serenity. These islands are more than just a picturesque getaway; they are a living testament to nature’s rhythm and resilience, effortlessly in tune with the world around them.
With no passport required for U.S. citizens, from the moment you arrive, the islands’ natural rhythm is palpable. The gentle sway of palm trees, the soothing sound of surf crashing against sandy shores, and the vibrant melodies of local music all echo the heartbeat of this tropical paradise. The islands’ lush landscapes, with their verdant hills and crystal-clear waters, mirror the steady pulse of life that sustains the local ecosystems and communities alike.
The US Virgin Islands’ environment is a symphony of biodiversity with world class fishing and diving. These natural elements are not static; they dance in harmony, influenced by the tides, wind, and seasonal changes—further emphasizing the islands’ intrinsic rhythm. This delicate balance underscores the importance of conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations continue to experience the islands’ natural cadence.
Culturally, the US Virgin Islands are equally in tune. The music, dance and festivals reflect a vibrant heritage rooted in African, European and Caribbean traditions. The spirited calypso beats
and reggae rhythms are expressions of life's ongoing dance—celebrating resilience, community and joy. These cultural expressions are an extension of the islands’ natural rhythm, showcasing how human life here moves seamlessly with nature’s flow.
In a world often dictated by chaos and rapid change, the US Virgin Islands serve as a reminder of the beauty of being in sync with nature’s tempo. Their natural, cultural and ecological rhythms offer
a blueprint for sustainable living and harmony. As travelers and residents alike continue to embrace this rhythm, they uphold a legacy of balance—one that celebrates life’s natural flow and the enduring spirit of these remarkable islands. In the US Virgin Islands, being in rhythm
way of life.
North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest Trout Season Begins October 1
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will implement Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations on 33 trout waters beginning Oct. 1. Under Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations, only catch-and-release of trout is permissible from program waters between Oct. 1 and June 5, 2026. No natural bait may be possessed, and anglers can fish only with artificial lures with one single hook. An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell. NCWRC staff stock Delayed Harvest Trout Waters from fall through spring with high densities of trout to increase anglers’ chances of catching trout. Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, posted with diamond-shaped, black-andwhite signs, are popular fishing destinations for anglers who enjoy catchand-release trout fishing. Anglers should be aware that stocking locations along streams may be different than in the past due to hurricane damage impacting the stocking truck and angler access.
For more information on trout fishing and stocking, visit ncwildlife.gov/trout and to follow the progress of the Setzer renovation, visit ncwildlife.gov/setzer.
