Coastal Angler Magazine | October 2025 | Palm Beach & Ft. Lauderdale Area Edition

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

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

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

If you nanced 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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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.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Opens with the Reimagined

Pier Sixty-Six to Celebrate 66 Years of FLIBS

Tickets are now on sale for the 66th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), taking place October 29 through November 2, 2025. The world’s largest in-water boat show will once again bring an extraordinary display of vessels, marine products, and lifestyle experiences to seven show locations across Fort Lauderdale, the Yachting Capital of the World.

This year’s show carries an extra reason to celebrate as the newly redeveloped Pier SixtySix Hotel & Marina makes its highly anticipated debut, reopening just in time to mark FLIBS’ 66th anniversary. The Pier Sixty-Six Marina will be fully occupied by the show, and Pier South will continue to serve as the home of Superyacht Village. This expansive area, accessible with a general admission ticket, will showcase the show’s largest vessels alongside luxury hospitality, industry seminars, and high-end exhibitor displays.

“FLIBS has always been about delivering an unforgettable experience for everyone, from lifelong yachting enthusiasts to families discovering the marine lifestyle for the first time,” said Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets. “With the reopening of

Pier Sixty-Six, exciting new experiences like the Windward VIP Cabana Club, and the continued expansion of our show footprint, 2025 will be a year to remember.”

Across all seven show sites, FLIBS offers something for every boating interest and lifestyle. From sportfishers and center consoles to the latest marine technology, the show spans the entire marketplace, showcasing accessories, fishing gear, diving equipment, and personal watercraft. Guests can also enjoy lively hospitality activities open to all attendees, including the Goslings Island Bar and a waterfront barge and bar experience by Stella Artois.

The reimagined Windward VIP Experience debuts with new enhancements for 2025. VIP guests will enjoy complimentary self-parking at Superyacht Village on a first-come, first-served basis before entering the exclusive Windward VIP Lounge, featuring gourmet cuisine, a premium open bar, private restrooms, and unique sponsor activations. From there, guests can travel by water to Bahia Mar and on to the new Windward VIP Cabana Club at Hall of Fame Marina, a chic waterfront retreat offering shaded lounge seating, light bites, and uninterrupted marina views.

For hotel accommodations, FLIBS has partnered with onPeak to offer special rates at select Fort Lauderdale hotels. Details are available at www.flibs.com.

The Windward VIP Experience is presented in partnership with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, the official Windward VIP Real Estate Sponsor.

The Broward County Convention Center will serve as the transportation hub, offering $20 daily parking, indoor exhibits, and convenient transportation to all show locations via shuttle bus, water taxi, and ICON golf carts. The Convention Center will also host special programming, including women-focused seminars, The Blue Wild Kid’s Corner, Don Dingman’s Kids Fishing Clinics, and Boating to the Bahamas sessions.

“FLIBS is more than the world’s largest inwater boat show. It is an economic powerhouse for our region, generating more than $1.78 billion in economic impact each year and supporting over 100,000 jobs,” said Phil Purcell, President and CEO of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF). “The growth and enhancements we are seeing this year, from the redevelopment of Pier Sixty-Six to the expanded luxury experiences and marine industry programming, reinforce Fort Lauderdale’s position as a global leader in both boating and business.”

Chevy also returns as the Proud Truck and

Forecast SPORTFISHING

Sportfishing will be red hot this month fueled by cooler air moving in and pushing large schools of bait into our area. This influx of bait brings in a wide range of predators making for some incredible action on the water.

Offshore, we’re seeing an excellent sailfish bite as these high-flying gamefish move in with the bait. Mahi mahi are still around in good numbers, especially near floating debris and weed lines. Blackfin tuna are showing

some solid mutton snapper. Cobia have also made a showing, adding an exciting twist to the drift. Kingfish continue to strike baits mid-water column, and grunts are keeping lines tight and coolers full. The action has been steady and rewarding for both seasoned anglers and first timers alike.

Whether you’re trolling offshore or drifting the reefs and wrecks, the fishing right now is as good as it gets. Give us a call or book online for your next deep sea fishing adventure— you won’t want to miss this bite!

up early in the mornings and late afternoons, offering exciting action on lighter tackle. Big game sharks have been active as well, and kingfish are being caught consistently around wrecks and reefs. The variety has been impressive, with even more species showing up daily.

For those who prefer drift fishing, the bottom bite will be just as hot. We’ve seen a steady stream of grouper and a great mix of snapper species, including yellowtail, mangrove, and

NOT YOUR TYPICAL GUN STORE ATTITUDE

Beginner

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Chasing Ghosts in the Surf Snook Fishing Florida’s Beaches

By Mark Ambert

There’s a moment—just before first light— when the beach still belongs to the night. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the black-silver flash of a snook ghosting the trough. That’s when you know you’re in the right place. East coast Florida in late summer and early fall is snook country. The mullet are moving, the surf is alive, and the fish are in tight.

Snook fishing from the beach is a game of subtlety and obsession. It’s not about fanfare or fancy boats. This is wet-sand warfare, and the rules are written in foam and current. You walk miles some mornings, barefoot and quiet, eyes locked on the waterline, scanning for shadows sliding just behind the break. These fish aren’t dumb. They’re veterans of pressure, and they’ve earned their reputation. I’ve often said, “snook are born smart.” Hooking one is a mix of patience, precision, and raw instinct.

Gear up light and lean. A 7’6” medium-fast rod, 4000 size reel, and 15–20 lb. braid will do the job. Leader is non-negotiable—fluoro, 30-40 lb. These fish hit hard and run harder. If you’re fishing structure, like inlets or piers, bump that leader up and gear up. It’s heartbreak city if they wrap you and break off.

For lures I keep it simple and in three categories. A tried-and-true top water, like the venerable Zara Spook using a “walk-thedog” motion at dawn. A soft plastic on ¼ to ½ oz. jig heads in the midmorning glare, or an intermediate swimmer like a Rapala X-Rap size 10 in ghost any time day or night. Use live croakers or mullet if you’re posted up and patient.

At times a D.O.A. C.A.L. 3” Paddle Tail in pearl swung through the trough can produce

when nothing else will. Sometimes, it’s not about the bait—it’s about being there when they are. Timing tides and moon phases matter. Fish the last two hours of the incoming and the first two hours of the outgoing. Snook ride the push.

There’s a rhythm to it. Cast, retrieve, watch. Shuffle down ten yards. Repeat. You start to tune in to the beach—every dip in the bar, every nervous pod of baitfish, every tern diving just out of reach. And then, when it happens, it’s explosive. That sudden thump and the line peeling sideways in a blistering run. You lean back, rod high, feet braced in the sand against the pull. It’s primal, a connection that strips everything else away.

And when you finally beach her, fat and gleaming in the slanted morning sun, there’s a sense of reverence. You gently remove the hook, cradle her in the wash, and let her slip back into the sea. It’s never about numbers. It’s about that one fish, that one perfect moment where everything lines up—the tide, the bait, the cast, the strike.

That’s why we keep coming back. Before work, after storms, in the dead heat of summer. Because snook from the beach aren’t just fish, they’re legend. And for those of us who chase them, knee-deep in sand and salt, they’re the closest thing to magic we’ve got.

Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefishing_™ Equipment Used - Coastal Fishing https://www.coastalfishing.com/

KAYAK Fishing Forecast

Inshore

There should still be the tail end of the mullet run going on during October. Look for most of the bait to be pushed into the Intracoastal. Snook will have mostly started to move back into the rivers and Intracoastal as well. Best baits will be live mullet and artificial lures that imitate a mullet. Try D.O.A. Lures Bait Busters and Yo-Zuri TopKnock Lures to entice a bite.

Offshore

Bottom fishing for mutton and yellowtail snapper should remain good. Try using a leader in the 20-foot range tied to a Carolina or knocker rig depending on your drift. Finger mullet will work well along with dead sardines or any other frozen bait you can get your hands on. Sailfish, mahi, and kingfish will be around and looking to eat mullet, goggle eyes, and blue runners. If you are looking to hit these pelagic fish, look to slow troll the normal 90-200’ of water.

Freshwater

Peacock bass and clown knifefish will be chewing this month. Prop baits will work well for peacocks along shallow edges. Try 20-pound leader and a 2/0 circle hook casting in and around structure and weed lines to get onto a few clowns with finger mullet and shiners. Look to fish the mid-water column and below by adding a pinch weight to your leader and get that bait in their face.

Check out Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for all the latest adventures my clients and I get into.

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TheGaleForce TwinsEmily&AmandaGale

The Big Debate Planer Fishing for Wahoo

When it comes to targeting wahoo, one of the ocean’s fastest and most aggressive predators, there are plenty of techniques that work. High speed trolling gets a lot of attention, but one of our personal favorites is pulling planers. Wahoo are part of the mackerel and tuna family which explains its torpedo shaped body and incredible speed. They also dwell deeper down in the water column making a planer the key to success. It gets your bait down where these fish are actively feeding instead of leaving it running on the surface, out of their strike zone.

We fish with a Penn International 50W spooled with 80 lb. braid. From the braid, we attach the planer bridle rigged with SPRO #4 swivels.

From there, we run 100 feet of 60 lb. mono windon leader followed by 15 feet of 60 lb. fluorocarbon leader. At the terminal end, we rig a bonito strip on an 11/0 long shank J hook, stacking a mylar skirt, a squid, and a Sea Witch above the hook. This combination adds flash, vibration, and scent, which is everything a wahoo can’t resist.

We always recommend putting out 2 planers when targeting wahoo. We run a number 4 planer as our long bait, setting it about 30 seconds back, and a number 8 planer as our short bait, setting it around 15 to 20 seconds back and troll at around 8 to 10 knots. This setup allows us to cover multiple depths and doubles our chances of getting a bite.

We troll our planer rigs at around 10 knots and zig zag along the coastline between 100 and 300 feet of water. Wahoo may be pelagic, but they love hanging near structure, so we make extra passes over wrecks, ridges, and any areas holding bait. If you hook into one, there is a good chance there are more. Always mark your GPS where the bite happened and circle back to try and catch more!

Timing plays a huge role when it comes to catching wahoo. Sunrise and sunset are peak bite windows. We are usually leaving the dock in the dark so we can have baits in the water right at first light. We also like to fish within 4 days before and after the full moon. Late fall and winter are prime times to target wahoo, so now’s the time to start fishing for them.

If you want to see exactly how we rig our lures and planers, we have a full step-by-step tutorial available. Watch our detailed video on YouTube by searching “How to Planer Fish with Wind-On Leader | How to Catch Wahoo & Kingfish.” We walk you through every part of the process to help you set up your gear for success.

Fishing Forecast with Freshwater

CAPT. JOHNNY STABILE

South Florida Fishing Charters • (954) 440-5200 • sflfishingcharters.com

Fall is in the air. Fall fishing is all the rage across the country and South Florida offers an exceptional experience. Peacock bass are gearing up for the spawn and aggressively foraging in preparation. Bass fishing can also be fantastic as the water temperatures cool in the Everglades canals.

Fishing the Lake Ida Chain this time of year can be incredibly rewarding. The lake is known for its high live bait pressure. To ensure a successful trip, I recommend purchasing live shiners before your arrival. If you prefer to catch your own bait, research how to keep them alive to avoid waste. Threadfin shad are particularly delicate and challenging to maintain, so thorough preparation is essential.

As the water temperature drops the fish become more active. To maximize your chances of catching fish, consider mixing up your strategy throughout the day. Peacock bass can be finicky, especially during cold fronts. They may be hiding under docks and bridges one moment and then moving deeper into the canals the next. A sonar system can be a valuable tool for finding fish, but not a substitute for careful observation and adaptability.

Snakehead fishing in the fall is traditionally excellent. I prefer fishing early mornings and evenings. Until daylight savings time begins in November, fishing from 5:30 to dark can be a productive few hours. I’m known for my fish stories, and my best three-hour session from 5:30 to dark resulted in 31 snakeheads on the boat and likely 15 more bites that we missed. As I age and my fishing skills improve, I become more efficient. If you’re limited to fishing during the day with full sunlight, switch from throwing the traditional frog to a chatter bait or a swim bait. Topwater fishing for any fish is exhilarating, but snakeheads add an extra level of excitement. My preferred frog is an American Snakehead Customs “Snek Frog”. I like to throw it onto the bank and work it into the water like a natural frog. If you’re dealing with heavy overhead cover, practice skipping the bait on the water to get as far back under the cover as possible. Casting your frog right next to the overhead cover will likely spook the fish. As Flip Pallot once said, “Your credit card can buy you the best gear, but the last 40 feet to the fish is something you have to practice for, and your credit card won’t buy you the bite”. If you’re new to using a baitcaster, practice makes perfect. It has taken me years of practice to be good enough to get some bites. My snakehead setup is quite specific, whether I’m fishing on land or by boat. From the bank, I prefer a longer 7’2” heavy rod with a 150-sized reel that can hold about 100 yards of 50lb braid. From the boat, I like a shorter 6’10” heavy rod and the same 150-sized reel. I exclusively use Shimano gear; a Bantam 150 on an Expride rod with 50lb Power Pro.

SOUTH COUNTY

INSHORE & FRESHWATER

Fishing Forecast with

CAPT. PATRICK SMITH

www.swamptosea.com • 561-503-0848

Here’s the inshore/ nearshore forecast for October. It’s finally fall! We might not have all the signs that you see up north like leaves changing color and falling or actual cold temperatures but there’s definitely a difference in the air and a difference in the species that are starting to roll through. The mullet run should be going full blast with all the migratory fish mixed in. Big jacks, sharks, tarpon, and more will be all over the beaches and inlets feasting on whatever large bait fish come across their path. Ladyfish, mackerel, permit, and pompano will be running on the beaches. I missed quite a few opportunities on

Butch came down from Homosassa

Boca Raton, Lake Boca Raton, FL - Oct 2025

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9 Thu 11:34 2.8 11:35 2.4 5:19 -0.3 5:59 0.2 7:15 6:59

10 Fri 12:26 2.7 6:08 -0.2 6:52 0.3 7:16 6:58

Sat 12:26 2.3 1:21 2.5 7:01 -0.1 7:48 0.4 7:16 6:57 12 Sun 1:21 2.1 2:20 2.4 8:00 0.0 8:49 0.5 7:17 6:56 13 Mon 2:23 2.0 3:26 2.3 9:03 0.1 9:54 0.5 7:17 6:55

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Bill took a break from golf for a day to take advantage of the beginning of the mullet run and catch some giant snook.

schools of permit last year by not being prepared. This year I will have a crab hooked up and ready to go at all times when I’m on the beach and I suggest you do the same. If the wind is blowing, the inside should have plenty of action when fishing the standard seawalls, docks, and bridges with live bait. If we get any actual cold fronts blowing through, I suggest jigging any deep holes or channels that you can find including the inlet, you never know what you might pull up. Lots of offshore fish can wind up in the Intracoastal after cold fronts including grouper, cobia, and kingfish. The next few months will be the perfect time to get kids and new anglers out there fishing. The action comes quick, and they can gain a ton of experience in just one day of fishing. You never know, you might get a kid hooked for life. The freshwater fishing is going to be amazing over the next three months. Everything will be eating, there is no spawning going on, and the fish are just going to have food on their mind. Peacocks, bass, clown knifefish, sunshine bass, and everything else will be feeding and very cooperative. Obviously live bait will work as it always does but it’s a great time to experiment with different artificials and get confident using them. Everglades fishing will be water level dependent but this year the exotics have really moved in, as I’ve seen snakeheads, clowns, and peacocks out there. I expect the fishing will remain good throughout the rest of the year.

Good luck out there!

Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, FL - Oct 2025

www.USHarbors.com

Boynton Harbor Marina

Boynton Harbor Marina

Boynton Harbor Marina

Discover your ultimate waterfront destination for fun and adventure! Dive into exciting recreational charters, fishing trips, and boat rentals, then unwind with delicious waterfront dining just steps from your boat. Whether you’re here for thrilling water activities or a relaxing meal with stunning views, Boynton Harbor Marina is where great times happen.

Discover your ultimate waterfront destination for fun and adventure! Dive into exciting recreational charters, fishing trips, and boat rentals, then unwind with delicious waterfront dining just steps from your boat. Whether you’re here for thrilling water activities or a relaxing meal with stunning views, Boynton Harbor Marina is where great times happen.

Discover your ultimate waterfront destination for fun and adventure! Dive into exciting recreational charters, fishing trips, and boat rentals, then unwind with delicious waterfront dining just steps from your boat. Whether you’re here for thrilling water activities or a relaxing meal with stunning views, Boynton Harbor Marina is where great times happen.

We offer:

Waterfront Dining

Waterfront Dining

Waterfront Dining

Fishing Charters

Fishing Charters

Fishing Charters

Transient DockageScuba Diving Charters

Transient DockageScuba Diving Charters

Transient DockageScuba Diving Charters

ValvTect Fuel

Jet-Ski Rentals

Jet-Ski Rentals

Jet-Ski Rentals

Pleasure Cruises Boat Rentals

Pleasure Cruises Boat Rentals

Pleasure Cruises Boat Rentals

ECO TOURISM

with Chris Thalmann

Although leaves and snow are already falling in parts of the northern US, here in South Florida our clues that fall is arriving are much more subtle.

For me, fall arrives when northerly breezes blow against the Gulf Stream, creating that signature jagged horizon when looking out to sea. And when water temps drop into the 70s, mullet pile up inshore, and we can FINALLY turn off the a/c and sleep with open windows!

If you feel like you’ve been stuck inside too much this summer, October offers lots of opportunities to start getting outdoors again.

Interested in volunteering on your own or with a group of like-minded people? Palm Beach County offers a variety of volunteering opportunities for all ages and abilities, all designed to help improve our outdoor environments. Each one is a great chance to get outdoors and give a little back to your community. Check out https://discover.pbc.gov/erm/pages/ get-involved.aspx, or follow PBC Environmental Resources Management on Facebook to learn more.

Looking instead for some outdoor fun without all the work? Palm Beach County also offers an adventure awaits series at https://discover.pbc. gov/erm/pages/adventure-awaits.aspx. From wildflower walks to biking and hiking adventures, sunset paddling, photography workshops, and birding surveys, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Outings are led by knowledgeable guides and professionals and are great opportunities to learn about outdoor environments.

If you’re particularly interested in marine and estuarine habitats, be sure to check out LagoonFest in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday, November 1st. LagoonFest is a free, family-friendly festival that celebrates the history, ecology, and recreational fun that Lake Worth Lagoon brings to Palm Beach County. Aqua Adventure Tours will once again be hosting free boat tours for the public as part of the festival. Tours will be narrated by Palm Beach County’s Environmental Resource Management staff. They’re a fantastic way to get an up-close look at habitat restoration efforts on the Lagoon and to understand why this waterway is so very special!

This will be our 7th year with LagoonFest, and it’s one of our favorite community events! The festival draws thousands every year and our free tours fill up fast. If you’d like to join us, be sure to get to the festival early to sign up!

You can find more info on LagoonFest at www.lagoonfest.com. And be sure to visit Aqua Adventure Tours’ Facebook page at www.facebook. com/aquaadventuretours for updates on exact tour times and departure locations.

If you can’t ride along with us this year, be sure to check out the rest of the festival. There’s always plenty to see and do, with free kayaking, the Kid’s Zone, lawn games, local food and drink, live bird releases, and a variety of eco-minded exhibitor booths and arts and crafts.

Hope to see you on the water!

JUPITER INLET INSHORE Fishing Forecast

October has arrived, Happy Halloween! October cool fronts start approaching South Florida. Cooler water temperatures and bait penetrate our zones. The change in weather triggers fish to move into channels, canals, and along mangrove lined areas.

The snook fishing is excellent this month as mullet schools roam our local waters. Seawalls, docks, and bridges are great areas to target snook. A Rapala Skitter Walk in pearl or a D.O.A.

Bait Buster in black back/pearl are great choices. As water temperatures decrease snook migrate into back canals and bays creating great sight fishing opportunities for anglers.

Tarpon, aka “Silver King”, will be abundant in our local waters this time of year. Schools of tarpon flood into back bays and deeper cuts in search of bait schools. In the early morning and late afternoon, tarpon can be seen rolling on the surface offering a great window for sight casting opportunities. D.O.A. Bait Buster Shallow Runner in glow gold/rush belly is an awesome artificial bait for tarpon. If an artificial lure is not your choice, live mullet, or even greenies, free lined with the tide are excellent choices for anglers to get hooked up.

The Intracoastal waters from Jupiter to Palm Beach offer a plethora of species to target. Jacks, sheepshead, sharks, tripletail, mackerel, ladyfish, and even the pesky bluefish are prevalent all through our local area. Find structure or bait schools and the predator fish will be there ready to eat. Well, that is the fishing report for October, hope you all enjoyed. Remember, you can’t catch them from the couch, so get out there and get hooked up. Tight lines!

PALM BEACH IN & OFFSHORE

Welcome to the October Coastal Angler Magazine fishing forecast for the waters off Palm Beach, Juno Beach, and Singer Island. The month of October is the start of the mullet run and behind the schools there will be hungry predators. Expect great beach fishing from the Palm Beach Inlet to the Jupiter Inlet. Monster jacks and majestic tarpon will be some of the fish that may take your bait. Fishing a live mullet with a few split shots 3 feet from the bait will get the bait down and help it look injured to entice the bite. Don’t be surprised if you see sharks attacking the schools. Everything and anything will eat a mullet, and during this time of year, predators gorge themselves not knowing when the next meal will come. Light tackle is the way to go when beach fishing, but it can suck when you hook a 100 lb. tarpon and you’re on for an hour, good luck with that!

Offshore fishing will still be hot. Dolphin and wahoo will be caught out 6-12 miles. Our captains at Reel Intense Fishing will not stop on a spot until they see life under the weedlines. Dolphin feed on bait and if there’s no bait under the weed mats then there’s a good chance there’s no dolphin in the area, so move to the next spot that looks good. You can troll or chum fish to the boat, it’s your choice. These fish will be in the 8-15 lb. range. Remember to leave one in the water to keep the school around the boat. For the reef anglers, the bottom bite will be on at the Juno rocks. Expect mutton and yellowtail to be feeding in the 60-90 ft. depth. The skidding nicker rig works wonders for this type of fishing; scale down the rig for more bites. A whole sardine or live mullet will do the trick.

There’s your fishing report, tight lines everyone!

•

LIVING ON ISLAND TIME

Join Us & Catch:

King Mackerel • Wahoo

Dolphin • Snapper (all kinds)

Sailfish • Grouper

Bonito • Cobia

Discount Rates (cannot be combined with any other discounts)

$55 - Seniors

(Over 65, Weekdays Only)

$55 - Active Teachers, Military, Law Enforcement

$45 - Children 12 & under

10 trips-$500

6

2

3.5 4:00 -0.1 4:30 0.4 7:15 7:00

9 Thu 11:16 3.8 11:23 3.5 4:48 -0.1 5:19 0.5 7:15 6:59

10 Fri 12:08 3.6 5:38 0.0 6:11 0.6 7:16 6:57

Sat 12:15 3.3 1:04 3.5 6:34 0.1 7:08 0.8 7:16 6:56 12 Sun 1:12 3.2 2:04 3.3 7:35 0.3 8:13 0.9 7:17 6:55

•

— $70 per person.

• ADULT 2-DAY PREVIEW

+ General Admission Ticket

— $100 per person, valid for two days Wednesday through Sunday.

• ADULT 2-DAY

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET

— $77 per person, valid for two days Thursday through Sunday.

• ADULT 1-DAY

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET

— $46 per person, valid for one day Thursday through Sunday.

• CHILD 1-DAY

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET

— $18 per child ages 6–12, valid for one day Wednesday through Sunday. Children under 6 are free with an adult.

• WINDWARD VIP EXPERIENCE

— $439 per person, valid for one day Wednesday through Sunday, with access to all show locations, the Windward VIP Lounge at Superyacht Village, Windward VIP Cabana Club at Hall of Fame Marina, premium food and beverage, luxury activations, one-hour early access through the SYV entrance, and complimentary self-parking at Superyacht Village (first come, first served).

Water taxi tickets are sold separately for $15 at www.WaterTaxi.com/FLIBS.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Grand Marshals

Montell Jordan and Romero Britto

Britto Also Tapped as Official Poster Artist for the 2025 Celebration

Winterfest®, Inc. announces Montell Jordan, R&B icon and inspirational performer, and Romero Britto, internationally acclaimed artist, will serve as Co-Grand Marshals for the 54th annual 2025 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade

In addition to his role as Grand Marshal, Romero Britto has also been commissioned as Winterfest® 2025 poster artist, further adding to the color, creativity, and cultural impact of this year’s festivities. His artwork will be featured on brochures, newsletter, online materials, shirts and reflected on the decor of the Grand Marshal Showboat sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.

Meet the Co-Grand Marshals

Montell Jordan is best known for his 1995 chart-topping anthem “This Is How We Do It,” a track that became a defining sound. With multiple hit albums and a career spanning more than two decades, Jordan continues to captivate audiences with his voice, message, and presence. Beyond the stage, he is also a passionate speaker and community advocate, making a meaningful impact through his outreach, music, and ministry.

Romero Britto is a globally celebrated artist recognized for his bold use of color, playful themes, and signature pop-cubist style. His

artwork has adorned galleries, public spaces, and brand collaborations around the world. As poster artist for Winterfest® 2025, Britto’s vibrant visual interpretation of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is a celebration of joy and holiday magic—capturing the spirit of the season in his iconic style.

Together, Jordan and Britto represent the perfect blend of sound and color, creativity and celebration—an inspiring duo leading a parade that unites the community through art, music, and tradition.

Parade Highlights

On December 13th, the Parade will illuminate the Intracoastal Waterway with lights, floating displays, and live entertainment. Jordan and Britto will lead the procession aboard the Grand

Fishing the Palm Beaches

After enjoying months of flat calm seas and windless days during our summer months, it’s finally time to say goodbye! The water temperatures will gradually be decreasing and slowly adjusting to the norms for the fall/winter months ahead. The falling sea temperatures trigger the natural instincts of the remarkable and renowned mullet run. The migrating mullet travel south along the Atlantic coast to the southern point of Florida, where they head offshore to breed and feed on grasses and algae. So, what does this mean? Every type of predator fish will be munching on mullet! As mullet migrate, they stay in large schools, making them irresistible to all predators including most pelagic fish. Immense amounts of mullet can be found throughout the ICW and in the surf, just look for big black masses in the water along the beach. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to sneak up on a school of mullet and cast net your share of live bait.

TIP: Anglers following the schools on the beach should cast out a live mullet towards the outside of the school and have your reel in the free line position. You should hook the mullet in the mouth or behind

Marshal Showboat, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, setting the tone for a spectacular night of celebration. Special thanks to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for their support as title sponsor of the Parade. Where to Watch?

Catch the best views at the Parade Viewing Area presented by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, which includes a festive pre-show and postshow with live music, food vendors, and more.

New for 2025, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will begin 30 minutes earlier, with a new official start time of 6:00 PM. For more information and event details, please visit winterfestparade.com.

Want to participate in the parade, become a sponsor, or volunteer? Contact Winterfest® at 954.767.0686 or email info@winterfestparade.com.

Website: winterfestparade.com

FB: winterfest.parade Twitter/Instagram: @WinterfestInc #WinterfestFL

Fishing Forecast

DARCIZZLE

Please be sure to check out my YouTube Channel “Darcizzle Offshore” for fishing videos every week! www.youtube.com/DarcizzleOffshore with

the dorsal fin to create tension and force the mullet to swim away from your boat and towards the school. If you cast the bait in the middle of the school, you have a much lower chance of catching the fish following the schools. Using this method, you will catch snook, tarpon, bluefish, jacks, redfish, barracudas, blacktip, and spinner sharks, even kingfish, within a couple hundred yards off the surf.

The wind will be blowing this month, so it’s time for you to dig through your stowed fishing gear and pull out the trident kite rod to do some kite fishing! Dolphin, kingfish, tuna, and wahoo can all be landed on the kite this time of the year. Plus, kite fishing brings an element of surprise, and you never know which species is going to eat your kite bait next. Keep in mind, mullet is an excellent bait to use while kite fishing. Also, an abundant number of wahoo will still be here throughout the month and you still have a good opportunity to catch one whether you are high-speeding, kite fishing, slow trolling, or regular trolling.

Good luck and get out there while the mullet run is still happening, so much action & things to see!

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.