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fve things you should know about boat insurance

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

1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents

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.

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By A. deGruchy

Mahi season is one of those drop everything and go times of year, and when we begin to slide from spring into summer, you can usually count on schools showing up o!shore. e warmer the water, the better it gets, especially when you nd clean blue water, good current edges, weed lines, oating debris, or any kind of structure holding bait in that 75- to 82-degree range. Fishing with Bean Sport shing in the Florida Keys and other parts of the state, over the past few years we’ve de nitely seen more smaller sh and fewer big cows and bulls, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone. When conditions line up, there’s always a chance a quality mahi-mahi is mixed in with the schoolies.

Mahi love anything moving, so live bait is tough to beat, and when they’re really red up, you can even catch them on y. Tackle-wise, we like running a 6500 size setup because you never know when a better sh shows up. e Penn Slammer IV 6500 paired with a Carnage III rod is a go-to for us, and the Penn Spin sher VII 6500 spinning combo is another solid option. We’ve had great success using the Mustad 7766D 6/0 hook, and for bait we’ll typically sh whitebait or troll Islamorada Flyers depending on the day.

When it comes to the table, blackened or fried mahi is hard to beat, and we only keep what we’re going to eat that day. Even though mahi are one of the fastest-growing sh in the ocean, conservation still matters, and being mindful about what you harvest goes a long way.

Bean Sport shing can run this type of trip, but it’s highly weather dependent o!shore. If you’re looking to book a dedicated o!shore charter in e Keys, I highly recommend LegaSea Charters. Capt. Joey can be reached at legaseacharters.com.

If you’re planning on visiting Islamorada, book at the fabulous ree Waters Resort and reach out to us about a special captain’s discount.

Follow deGruchy’s adventures on Instagram @bean_sport shing and on YouTube @BeanSport shing. To book a charter, visit beansport shing.com.

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

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FEATHERWEIGHT MARVEL

Piscifun Carbon X III

By Mark Ambert

Every so often a reel comes along that punches well above its weight class. The new Piscifun Carbon X III is exactly that kind of release—an ultralight spinning reel that blends finesse, strength, and saltwater durability into a package that feels almost impossibly light in the hand.

Building on the reputation of the original Carbon X platform, the Carbon X III pushes performance forward with a refined design focused on three key improvements: weight reduction, increased line capacity, and a dramatically upgraded drag system.

At first pick-up, the most noticeable feature is the weight—or rather, the lack of it. The Carbon X III maintains Piscifun’s reputation for producing some of the lightest spinning reels on the market. The carbon fiber construction keeps the reel featherlight without sacrificing rigidity. For anglers who spend long days casting artificials or working light tackle, that reduction in fatigue adds up fast.

But lightweight doesn’t mean delicate.

Under the hood, Piscifun has engineered the Carbon X III 3000 size reel with a powerful 30-pound max drag system that delivers smooth,

consistent pressure across the range. That kind of stopping power is impressive in any spinning reel, but in a reel this light -- it’s remarkable. Whether you’re leaning on a big snook around structure, turning a stubborn jack, or putting the brakes on a surprise offshore speedster, the Carbon X III has the muscle to keep you in control.

The drag system is matched with increased line capacity, another welcome upgrade for anglers who need a little extra insurance when the fish decides to run. More line on the spool means longer casts, deeper runs, and greater versatility whether you’re fishing inshore flats, bridges, or nearshore reefs.

What truly sets the Carbon X III apart for coastal anglers, however, is its IPX6 waterproof rating. The reel is fully sealed and engineered to handle the harsh realities of saltwater fishing. Spray, rain, and the occasional dunking won’t compromise performance. For anglers who fish jetties, inlets, or open decks on a kayak where saltwater is simply part of the environment, that protection makes a real difference in long-term reliability.

This is a reel designed to fish hard in the salt without demanding constant maintenance.

Matched with the Piscifun Carbon R1 rod, the Carbon X III really comes into its own. The

R1’s responsive carbon blank and crisp action pair perfectly with the reel’s lightweight design, creating a balanced setup that feels lively and precise. The combination is ideal for working jigs, soft plastics, topwaters, and live bait presentations where sensitivity and control matter most.

Together, the Carbon X III and Carbon R1 form a system that feels purpose-built for modern inshore anglers—light enough for finesse tactics, yet powerful enough to handle serious fish.

Piscifun continues to prove that high-end performance doesn’t have to come with a highend price tag. With the Carbon X III, anglers get a reel that checks all the boxes: ultralight construction, serious drag power, increased line capacity, and full saltwater protection.

For anglers looking to upgrade their inshore arsenal, the Carbon X III may very well be the reel that defines the next generation of lightweight performance.

Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefishing_™ Equipment Used - Piscifun

The new Carbon X III series reels are an engineering marvel!

Battle tested against the hardest inshore adversaries.

Features that matter most to an angler.

Max 30 lbs Drag System for Larger Fish!

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

Fishing the Palm Beaches Fishing Forecast

Daylight savings time is in full effect this month so be sure to take advantage of the extra sunlight we have in the late afternoons! We should have delightful springtime weather; winds will be blowing out of the E/SE majority of the time. Offshore, when we have an easterly wind blowing for a few days, the pelagics will be pushed closer to shore. Trolling artificial and dead bait between 175-300’ will produce dolphin, bonito, blackfin tuna, and the occasional wahoo. Bonitos and blackfin tuna show up again in our waters this month. When targeting blackfins, you can troll small feathers and squid pups. TIP: Be sure to set your spread as far away from your boat as possible. Let the line out until you think it’s far enough and then let the line out some more! Blackfins are spooked easily by your boat, so don’t run towards the school while on plane. You should slowly troll into the zone where the fish are seen. Blackfin are known for feeding in lowlight conditions and love small live bait. Try chumming with cut sardines to bring these fish to your boat.

A lot of cobia should be caught this month as well, primarily in 90-150’ of water. Cobia

are hanging around the wrecks and following the bull sharks. Throw a chum bag out to bring hungry fish to your boat. Drift back dead sardines on a triple hook rig or a cobia jig. Remember, they need to be 36” minimum (fork length) in order to keep the fish. If you do get tight on a cobia using this method, reel as fast as possible to keep your catch away from the sharks. When fishing the deepwater wrecks, jigging will produce big amberjacks, African pompano, bonito, and mutton snapper. The bottom fish also love to eat live bait such as blue runners and goggle eyes.

Inshore, this is the month to catch yourself a big snook! This time of year, snook will invade the bridges and inlets and will eat just about anything thrown at them. At night, fish the bridges with flair hawk jigs, large swimbaits, or topwater lures. The live bait of choice this month will be mullet. Fish the bridges, inlets, and seawalls at first light or at night during the beginning of the outgoing

or the last

shrimp, lip divers, and jerk baits.

tide

of the incoming tide. Tarpon will be showing up around the Palm Beach Inlet and mangrove areas feeding on crabs and shrimp. The best bait for targeting the silver king will be live

SOUTH COUNTY INSHORE & FRESHWATER

Fishing Forecast with

CAPT. PATRICK SMITH

Hello and welcome to your fishing forecast for April 2026. This month can go a few different ways but on the positive, it’s warming up which is something we need after the winter that we had. We definitely lost some fish to the cold, and it seems to have affected the migration of a few species. On days the wind lays down, I like to get out on the beach and look for spawning fish. Whether it’s permit, jacks, or big lady fish they will be in the area and all you need is some decent weather to get plenty of action. This is a great time of the year on the inside for throwing topwater lures as snook are getting into their comfort zones in 1 to 4 feet of water. This makes them perfect targets for topwater action. Remember to move around quietly and maybe tone down your lure (make the movements - the walking, the popping, etc. a little more subtle). While you’re fishing, expect big jacks to be in the mix also. It’s usually a good idea to up your tackle a bit just in

Three generations of the Attardo family from Canada with a big springtime jack.

7:40

9 Thu 3:14 2.1 3:16 2.0 10:05 0.7 10:28 0.4 7:02 7:41 10 Fri 4:11 2.0 4:19 1.9 11:09 0.7 11:34 0.5 7:01 7:41

21 Tue 1:22 2.9 1:30 2.6 8:05 0.1 8:29 -0.3 6:50 7:47

22 Wed 2:19 2.7 2:29 2.5 9:05 0.2 9:32 -0.2 6:49 7:47

case. There should be mullet back in the area that are migrating through to the north and a well full of them can provide a plethora of different species. I like to take them early in the morning and bump troll outside the inlet looking for sailfish.

The freshwater is a little different than normal as hundreds and hundreds of peacocks didn’t survive the cold in our local chain of lakes. There are still some around, but they should be handled with care. If they are nesting with fry, please leave them be. Resist the urge to pull them away as they are guarding the new stock. There should be plenty of largemouths, clown knifefish, along with sunshine bass early in the morning. It really seems like just the peacocks and the Mayan cichlids took a hit from the cold which leaves plenty of other things to chase.

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EEmily & Amanda Gale

very spring in South Florida, the permit leave the inshore flats and move offshore to the reefs and wrecks to spawn. This seasonal migration creates one of the best opportunities of the year to target these notoriously picky fish, with April usually being the most productive month.

On flat, calm days during the spawn, you can sometimes see massive schools of permit swimming just beneath the surface around wrecks in 70 to 100 feet of water. From above, they look like giant yellow blobs, and when you see fish grouped up like this you know you are set up on a productive wreck. While we like to focus on wrecks in that 70 to 100 foot range, permit can be found shallower or deeper, we have even caught them while tarpon fishing bridges or while yellowtailing on the reef.

When we arrive at a wreck, the first thing we do is slow everything down and take a short drift to determine the direction and speed of the current. While you can often mark schools of permit on your transducer, you do not have to

HOW to CATCH PERMIT on OFFSHORE WRECKS SOUTH FLORIDA

see them on the machine to know they are there. If the conditions are right during the spawn, they are usually around the wreck.

Once we understand the drift, we idle a few hundred feet up current before dropping our bait, a live crab on a 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 ounce jig with a 30 pound fluorocarbon leader. When hooking the crab, gently push the hook through the corner of the shell and take your time. If you force the hook too quickly, you can crack the shell and the crab

KAYAK

Inshore

will die much faster. Slowly wiggle the hook from underneath the shell and out through the top so it stays alive and swims naturally. Then drop your bait over the side of the boat and let the crab drift naturally toward the structure with the flow of the current. We like to lightly pinch the line between our fingers so we can feel every movement as the crab drifts back toward the wreck.

A permit bite is quick and subtle. They crush crabs instantly. The moment you feel that bite, close the bail and reel fast to come tight. Permit are powerful and built for speed. We try to get them to the boat efficiently to reduce the chances of sharks claiming the fish.

Once landed, handle them carefully. Never put your fingers in the gills. Support the body, take a quick photo, and send them back down strong. In South Florida, the spawning season is typically closed for harvest, so most fish are released.

Spring is near! April will still be good for pompano and tripletail will be in full swing. Pompano as usual will be along channel edges near your favorite inlets. I like to fish for pompano in the morning and then head to look for tripletail. Using the sun to your advantage you can see tripletail hanging around crab buoys and channel markers. Both pompano and tripletail can be caught using a D.O.A. Lures 2.75” Shrimp. Switch to the 3” D.O.A. Shrimp if you need the bait to stay in the strike zone a little longer. Snook will also be back on the list of targets as April usually brings a small spring mullet run along with more white bait. A Yo-Zuri Lures Topknock or a D.O.A. Bait Buster are both great options for artificial lures.

April will really start to push in more bait and along with that comes more species and numbers of pelagic fish. Mahi, tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and

kingfish will all be in the normal trolling waters of 60-250 feet of water. April will always bring a good push of sargassum grass as well. Look to focus your spread on weed lines and current edges. The grass will hold baitfish and the fish won’t be far behind. Goggle eyes, pilchards, threadfins, blue runners, and mullet will all work for your live bait presentations. Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows are a great option as well this time of year.

Freshwater

Peacock bass and clown knifefish will be chewing this month. Prop baits will work well for peacocks along shallow edges. Try 15-pound YoZuri fluorocarbon leader and a 2/0 circle hook casting in and around structure and weed lines to get onto a few clowns. Look to fish mid-water column and below by adding a pinch weight to your leader and get that bait in their faces.

wahoo.

ROADTRIPFISHING

Buddy Banana Kibosh

Jupiter Inlet, South Jetty, FL - Apr 2026

By Keith Lozott Contributing Writer

Typically, I don’t believe in superstitions, but a er a recent shing trip with my buddy Neil, I may be a believer!!! e morning started slow; I caught a small snapper and small snook. Neil was in skunk mode, so we decided to try a spoil island where I’ve caught some trout, snook, and a gag grouper on a prior trip. To our dismay it was dead as well. Just as we were about to exit stage le , Neil was working a topwater lure back to the boat when what appeared to be a large bull shark came up from the bottom and tried to hammer the lure. Unbelievably it totally missed the lure and disappeared. It was impressive to witness such a big specimen of a sh take a swipe at the lure.

A er the “Shark Week” experience, we continued to struggle so I decided to implement Plan C and move from the east side of the Indian River to the west side. I’ve had some nice shing on the west side with trout, reds, and snook. We made our way across the river stopping at another spoil island only to be greeted with a jack attack. I landed several jacks and Neil hooked one that got o . His skunk was still intact but with jacks around I gured that would change. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

We used the trolling motor to quietly make our way towards the mangroves hoping to get a glimpse of a red, snook, trout, ounder, or any inshore species willing to bite. As we approached the shore, we noticed another bull shark working the shore and of course I had to make a cast or two at him, but he had no interest in my o ering. We kept working the shore and nally it happened for Neil!!! He made a long cast and almost as soon as the lure hit the water, he was on with a nice sh, but we couldn’t see what it was. He started gaining ground getting it closer; enjoying the ght and then it happened! e sh came unbuttoned and at this point I was like dude, what did you do in a previous life to deserve this??? We made our way toward a dock that I know holds snook. I made a long cast and right then I was hooked up with a huge sh. It was a big snook; I got her to the boat, revived her, and released her to ght another day.

Success! I said, “let’s go to lunch and call it a day”. I asked Neil if he was hungry and then he disclosed to me that he ate a banana for breakfast! Neil knows not to bring bananas on the boat (it’s bad luck), but it didn’t occur to him that the curse would remain in e ect with it digesting in his stomach. Myth con rmed or was it bad luck? He should’ve brought his lucky rabbit foot!!!

30 Thu 8:45 2.6 9:19 2.8 2:46 0.2 2:59 -0.2 6:42 7:52

Keith Lozott The Fishing Realtor

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ECO TOURISM

with Chris Thalmann

With the arrival of our normal spring weather, boats and boaters, beachgoers, paddle boarders, snorkelers, surfers, divers, and people fishing are everywhere along our coastal waters. Maybe it’s cabin fever from chillier days this winter, but even our inland natural areas seem more crowded than I’ve noticed in a long time.

It’s great to see people getting out and enjoying our natural environments. I’ve long believed spending time outdoors is good for you. I think that comes from how I grew up, with my parents constantly encouraging me and my siblings to get outside and explore. And apart from the occasional blizzard or summer thunderstorm storm, we were usually happy to oblige!

Granted I grew up in a different time - the 1900’s as my youngest nephews love to remind

me! Without electronic distractions, superdemanding work schedules, and all the education and extracurricular commitments that are part of life in 2026, it was just more natural for people to spend time outside “back then”.

I think that made it easier for us to form connections with the outdoor world. But at some point, indoor time became the default. Safer. More controlled. I am often surprised by how many people see being outdoors as risky, as something to be tolerated in between getting from one safe indoor place to another. The sun. The rain. The heat. The bugs. The gators. The snakes. The jellyfish. The list is endless. But it doesn’t have to be.

If you have a person in your life...a friend, family member, co-worker, or someone at

church or school...someone you know looks at the outdoors as all risk and no reward, this is a great time of year to try to help them see things differently!

Invite them fishing to enjoy the tranquility of a morning on the ocean. Or take them snorkeling to see the wonder of underwater life up close. Bring them along on a beach walk to look for nesting turtles around sunrise. Or try some bird watching, light biking, or hiking. There are endless opportunities to get outdoors here in South Florida. And just as many opportunities to learn about the outdoors while experiencing it firsthand.

Someone once said that you have to first know about something before you can truly care about it. That applies to lots of things in life, including our outdoor environments. Helping someone connect with the natural world around them may well be our best bet to keep that world around for the future.

Hope to see you outside and exploring!

The excitement is building as the Florida Outdoor Expo, the largest sportsman show in Florida, prepares to return for its highly anticipated 6th annual event. Scheduled to take place from May 1st to May 3rd, 2026, at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, this year’s expo promises to be an unparalleled celebration of outdoor adventure and conservation. The Florida Outdoor Expo, brought to you by Allsports Productions is an event that brings the entire community together to experience and explore outdoor sports and activities. Manufacturers, dealers, and retailers will experience an interactive environment with consumers.

Exhibitors will display an extensive selection of products and services. Attendees can expect representation from a wide array of outdoor activities including Archery, Backyard Living, Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Guns & Ammo, Hunting, Motorsports, Watersports, also including Live Music, Archery Competitions, Dock Diving Dogs, Live Animals, and a BBQ contest!

With its diverse array of activities, attractions, and educational programs, the Florida Outdoor Expo presents an exceptional opportunity for attendees of all ages to enjoy. From thrilling outdoor competitions to conservation workshops, there will be no shortage of engaging activities.

Conservation Initiatives and Youth Workshops:

At the heart of the Florida Outdoor Expo lies a commitment to conservation. Through interactive workshops and hands-on activities, we aim to instill a love for nature and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Children will have the opportunity to learn about wildlife, habitat preservation, and sustainable outdoor practices in a fun and engaging environment.

Our expo will provide a platform for experts to share their knowledge and passion for conservation with attendees. We believe that by empowering today’s youth with the skills and knowledge to protect our natural resources, we can ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33411

Friday May 1st, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Saturday May 2nd, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday May 3rd, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Visit www.floridaoutdoorexpo.com to purchase general admission tickets or for more information.

General Admission is $15.00 and can be purchased online or at the ticket gate. Veteran Admission is $13.00 (only available for purchase at the ticket gate). Children 12 and under are free.

JUPITER INLET INSHORE

Fishing Forecast

CAPT. CRAIG KORCZYNSKI

Happy Easter! April weather can be a whirlwind of hot, rainy, and windy. April fishing is great, no matter what the weather brings. The spring mullet run can create an eating frenzy along beaches and inshore waters.

Snook fishing along docks, seawalls, and mangrove shorelines are great areas for anglers to target the linesiders. Sunrise provides great action, and a topwater Rapala Skitter Walk will entice explosive strikes. Mid-day, switch to a D.O.A. C.A.L. 3-inch Shad in glow/gold rush

belly. Seawalls and grass flats are great areas to find snook laid up ambushing bait schools. Be sure to stay quiet and look for bait schools or snook crashing baits as signs of life.

Tarpon fanatics - April tarpon action gets the drag screaming.

Nighttime tarpon fishing on fly.

PALM BEACH IN & OFFSHORE Fishing Forecast with

CAPT. WESTON RUSSELL

Capt. Weston Russell • www.reelintensefishing.com •561-310-2690

Welcome to the Coastal Angler Magazine fishing report for West Palm Beach, Singer Island, Palm Beach Shores, and North Palm Beach area. The bite the last couple of months has been a little off from the last few years. Warmer temperatures to our north doesn’t help the fishing but expect things to pick up for the month of April.

Offshore, the snapper bite will be on, where muttons will be hanging under the bonito schools waiting for a free meal to sink to the bottom. If you’re catching undersized fish, try fishing deeper water. Deeper means water from 150’ to 250’. Believe me, monster muttons live in the deep as you will need heavy lead and a long leader. My crew at Reel Intense Fishing will use 30’ of 40lb. leader to fool the big boys. The bait of choice is a strip of bonito. Remember, they’re big because they’re cautious. Also, if you’re looking for a trophy wahoo, try catching a live bonito and slow troll it with a stinger hook. Wahoo love to eat bonito, at least something likes to eat them. Keep your eyes peeled for that blue marlin because they don’t like them either!

If you’re looking to land a West Palm Beach Gladiator (aka swordfish), you will need to head east 15 miles. The mighty swordfish will be lurking deep below. Daytime swording is an option that not a lot of anglers are taking advantage of. Swordfishing is not as hard as you may believe. Think of it as bottom fishing on a bigger scale, but it’s always a great idea to hire a pro to show you the ropes.

For those inshore anglers, the Palm Beach Inlet will still be holding plenty of tarpon, snook, and jacks. Light tackle is the way to go. Inlet fishing is all about tides, so plan your trips accordingly. Lastly, the weather plays a major role in sportfishing. Storms can pop-up fast and ruin your day, so please take care and beware. If you are looking for some pro tips, visit www.reelintensefishing.com, for your next fishing charter.

Tarpon can be seen rolling on the surface, both sides of the tides produce great results. D.O.A. Bait Busters in pearl/black back will get the silver kings excited. Live bait for tarpon will get the drag screaming as well, as freeline or slow troll baits along mangrove shorelines and drop-offs will also get consistent action.

Anglers looking for great action on light tackle, target jacks along seawalls and grass flats. The jacks school together ambushing schools of live bait in their vicinity. Rapala Skitter Walks and D.O.A. PT-7 Weedless Topwater lures work great for the jacks. If artificial lures are not your choice, live mullet and greenies will also produce fish. Freeline baits with tide or near any structure for best results.

Well, that is the fishing report for April, I hope you all enjoyed. Get out there and get hooked up. Tight lines!

Donne with a snook boat side.

Ed with a tarpon ready for release.

Big baits equal big wahoo!

Fishing Forecast with Freshwater

CAPT. JOHNNY STABILE

We are back on track! After the fish kill we experienced, we are finally starting to see some peacock bass resurface on the Lake Ida Chain and in some of the Broward County canals and Everglades systems. It’s been encouraging to see fish showing back up in areas that looked empty just a few weeks ago.

Let’s start with the hot topic this month, the Everglades. Florida is currently experiencing a drought, which means the water levels in the Everglades are low. When this happens, fish that normally spend time spread out across the flats during high water end up concentrated in the canals. In short, this is when the fishing can be at its best.

With the recent die-off of peacock bass and some other exotics, the largemouth bass population is doing very well, and the fishing has been excellent. Anglers have been catching good numbers of bass along canal edges, around deep structure, and near any moving water. Aside from bass fishing, there is also good cichlid fishing right now. This is a great option if you want to get your family out for a day of catching fish. It doesn’t take

much to get them to bite. A small lure on light line will usually do the trick. I personally like the micro finesse lineup from Z-Man Fishing, especially since the baits last a long time.

We are going to skip the Lake Ida Chain this month since it is still recovering from the fish kill. Although there is still some fishing to be had; you can catch clown knife fish, snakeheads, largemouth bass, hybrid sunshine bass, and a few peacock bass, but overall, I would recommend fishing elsewhere for the time being.

Miami is a place I rarely talk about, but it can be the ticket if you are looking to target peacock bass right now. Between the canals along US-41 on the Tamiami Trail and the airport lakes, you can usually find fish. Focus on areas with moving water, bridges, and canal intersections where fish tend to stack up.

One last thing to mention is that the surviving fish are about to start bedding. I highly recommend leaving bedding fish alone so they can replenish the population in the area. If you find fish that are just cruising or free swimming, small presentations work well. A Pig Jigs 247 Underspin with a minnow-style soft plastic or a small jerkbait will get bites.

2.4 12:12 2.3 6:19 0.6 6:35 0.2 7:04 7:40

8 Wed 12:56 2.3 12:56 2.2 7:03 0.7 7:23 0.4 7:03 7:40

9 Thu 1:46 2.2 1:48 2.1 7:58 0.8 8:21 0.5 7:02 7:41

10 Fri 2:43 2.1 2:51 2.0 9:02 0.8 9:27 0.5 7:01 7:41 11 Sat 3:45 2.2 4:00 2.1 10:08 0.8 10:30 0.5 7:00 7:42 12 Sun 4:44 2.2 5:06 2.2 11:05 0.6 11:28 0.4 6:59 7:42

Mon 5:39 2.4 6:05 2.5 11:56 0.3 6:58 7:43

Tue 6:28 2.5 6:58 2.7 12:19 0.2 12:42 0.0 6:57 7:43

Wed 7:15 2.7 7:47 2.9 1:08 0.1 1:26 -0.2 6:56 7:44 16 Thu 8:00 2.8 8:35 3.1 1:54 0.0 2:10 -0.5 6:55 7:44

20 Mon 11:08 2.9 11:54 3.0 5:04 0.0 5:25 -0.6 6:51 7:46

21 Tue 12:02 2.8 5:58 0.1 6:22 -0.4 6:50 7:47

22 Wed 12:51 2.9 1:01 2.7 6:58 0.3 7:25 -0.2 6:50 7:47

24 Fri 2:55 2.6 3:17 2.5 9:14 0.4

Conditions are changing quickly, and the next few weeks should continue to improve as water temperatures rise, and fish settle back into their normal patterns. The Everglades will likely remain the most consistent option for numbers right now, while Miami continues to be a good place to search for peacock bass. Spring fishing is my 2nd favorite time of the year to get out on the water, the fishing is good! Get out there and catch ‘em!

As the weather begins to warm up, we’re seeing the start of what should be an excellent fishing season ahead. Spring fishing is right around the corner, and that means more active fish, calmer days on the water, and plenty of opportunities to fill the cooler.

Our drift boat is beginning to see an abundance of reef species moving in. Anglers can expect steady action with a variety of snapper species, including yellowtail, mangrove, mutton, and lane snapper. These fish are a springtime staple and provide both exciting bites and great table fare. Along with the snapper, the reefs are producing plenty of other species such as porgies, grunts, groupers, and many more that keep rods bending throughout the trip.

Meanwhile, the sport boat action is starting to heat up offshore. As we move deeper into the season, we’re seeing more pelagic species show up in the area. Anglers heading offshore have great opportunities to hook into mahi mahi, blackfin tuna, kingfish, and wahoo. For those looking for a real fight, big game sharks and powerful amberjacks are also beginning to make appearances and can provide some unforgettable battles on the water.

With warmer temperatures and more fish moving through our local waters, this is the perfect time to get out and experience some of the best fishing of the year. Whether you prefer drifting the reefs for snapper and bottom species or heading offshore in search of fast-moving pelagics, there’s plenty of action waiting.

Give us a call or visit our website to book your trip and

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Ezra with a nice peacock bass in Lake Worth.

Stiles Arnold reeled in this beautiful mutton snapper while bottom fishing.

Anthony Lodato and his grandfather were checking the traps and ended up with some JUMBOS!

Jackson landed a nighttime tarpon during the March Miami shrimp run with MB Snookin.

Topwater Lures for Big Spring Snook and Trout

CAPT. MIKE SMITH

Are you tired of catching tons of 13 inch speckled trout and 16 inch snook?

It’s time for you to switch to a big top water lure to catch big springtime sh. A walk-the-dog type of lure is an excellent choice. I like Zara Super Spooks, Mirrolure Top Dogs and Rapala Skitterwalks the best. Make sure to choose a lure that is at least four inches long. Hungry springtime sh are ready to eat a big meal as the water temperatures rise.

A larger lure has many advantages over smaller baits. e larger pro le and length creates more vibrations to attract monster sh from long distances. A larger lure allows you to cover more water because you can make longer casts. A larger lure also discourages most of the smaller sh from biting. You will catch fewer sh but they will be of much better quality.

e best topwater lure colors for speckled trout and snook are silver and white. Choose lures with silver or white sides

Pro Tip #1: Do yourself and the sh a favor and smush down the barbs on your treble hooks. You won’t lose any sh as long as you keep the line tight. e hooks will also come out of the sh and your hand much more easily.

and bellies. e back color doesn’t really matter because the sh will hit from under and behind the lures. e best retrieves for a walk-the-dog lure includes a pause every ten feet or so. Quite o en you will get a vicious reaction bite right a er the pause.

Pro Tip #2: e best leader material for walk-the-dog lures is mono lament. Mono lament line oats versus uorocarbon line that will sink and negatively a ect your topwater lure’s action. A short heavy leader, 12 to 15 inches is a great choice. Long leaders will o en negatively a ect your lure presentation. Many shermen believe that you can’t use topwater lures in the middle of the day. But they are wrong. You can use a topwater lure all day and catch huge speckled trout and snook. Topwater lures do work the best in low light scenarios. It can be sunrise or sunset but cloudy or stormy days are also great times to use big topwater lures. If you nd a school of mullet, cast your topwater lure just outside of the school. You want to make it easy for the snook and trout to distinguish your lure from the rest of the school.

Spring is a great time to catch huge snook and speckled trout with big topwater lures. ese sh need to fatten up again a er fasting through much of the winter. ey would rather eat one large calorie meal than have to chase a bunch of small sh around for the same caloric input.

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) 339-2317, email: contact@ shyourasso .com or visit shyourasso .com.

= approximately 8”

(10) year

L O S CLUB

First

APRIL ON THE FLATS: WHEN SPRING HITS ITS STRIDE

If March is the warmup, April is go time.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Longer days, greener water, and steady warming trends ip the inshore switch from “transition” to “feed.” e bait is thicker, the tides feel stronger, and the sh are no longer just staging — they’re hunting. April is when things start getting fun in a hurry. e key word this month is movement. By April, speckled trout are pushing onto reefs, sandbars, and grass edges with more consistency. Red sh are cruising shorelines, ooded grass, and marsh drains with purpose. Flounder settle into ambush points along drop-o s and current seams. Water temperature swings aren’t as drastic as early spring, but bait movement tied to tides becomes critical. Instead of asking where the warmest water is, start asking: Where is the cleanest moving water? Where is bait being pushed? Where is current creating ambush points? Points, drains, and wind-blown shorelines shine in April. If water is moving and bait is present, predators won’t be far away.

Unlike the slower mid-a ernoon bites of late winter, April o en rewards early risers. at rst light window can be electric — especially on calm mornings with bait dimpling the surface. is is when topwaters re-enter the rotation in a serious way. ere’s nothing subtle about an April blowup. But don’t force it. If sh are swiping and missing, switch to a so plastic or suspending bait and clean up the followers.

April sh are more aggressive, but they’re still opportunistic. Paddle tails, shrimp imitations, and swimbaits all shine, especially when worked with a con dent, steady retrieve. Water clarity should dictate your approach. In cleaner water natural colors and subtle action are key. In stained water, vibration and contrast matter more. If sh are chasing, cover water. If they’re following but not committing, slow down and add pauses. Let the sh tell you what they want.

April breezes can stack bait against shorelines and points. Wind creates feeding lanes. Instead of hiding from it, position yourself to use it. Dri with it. Fish into it. Work the edges it creates. Wind plus tide plus bait equals opportunity.

Next trip, challenge yourself by starting on a wind-blown shoreline and working it thoroughly. en move to a protected drain and compare activity. Pay attention. Which has more bait? Which has more strikes? Fishing in April is less about luck and more about reading conditions in real time.

April feels alive. e marsh hums. Birds dive. Mullet scatter. e sun carries warmth instead of warning. It’s the month where con dence returns, patterns stabilize, and sh feed longer and harder. Somewhere between the rst cast and the last dri , you’ll remember why spring inshore shing is hard to beat. e water’s warming and the sh are moving. Are you taking a kid shing?

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

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Hello Spring!

TIM BAREFOOT

It’s o!cial…say hello to spring. Anglers can now look forward to targeting a wide variety of species, including black n tuna, wahoo, African pompano, and many other sought-a er sh. With these species actively feeding during their migration north, the opportunities for successful catches are abundant. Whether you prefer trolling, dri ing, or bottom shing, the spring months bring a wealth of options to ll your cooler with quality sh.

e troll bite will probably die as soon as the sun gets up around the nine or ten o’clock timeframe. is is when you need to change tactics. Stop trolling. Put the trolling motor over and start making strategic dri s with the light line out while bottom shing. I would also suggest putting a couple baits out under the kite, as this is the most e ective presentation with very little to no leader in the water. Have at least one person dedicated to the kite baits, if you’re shing a kite. is is one of the best times of the year to spend the night, especially here in North Carolina, as the night bite could be crazy good. Put the bright lights out and you will draw the squid, cigar minnows, sardines, and all the predators to you like moths to a porch light. If you have the ability to spend the night, April could be the month you see the ultimate results. Everything including ying sh are very susceptible to a Sibiki rig. Fill the live well with live baits and start shing on the daylight bite. Fish are like us; they like to eat breakfast and dinner, so be there early and late.

Be sure to keep an eye on the recorder while on the dri for the mid water marks. In addition to shing for the snappers, have rods at the ready for sh that show on the recorder way o the bottom. ese may very well be the African pompano, so have a rod ready with a jig that you can re down and erratically jig upwards 25 to 50 feet o the bottom and then let ascend back to the bottom. Repeat over and over as this will get bites! It’s not just African pompano that frequent these deeper waters. During the middle of the day, wahoo can be found surprisingly deep, and tuna also inhabit these depths. It only takes a few wahoo, black n or pompano to make a great box of sh to take home. is is also a good time to target the smaller snapper with smaller baits on “chicken rigs” with small circle hooks. When you’re on a good bite (using small circle hooks) I would strongly recommend feeling the bite, winding tight to it and stopping. is is when another snapper will jump on the second bait. You will load up quickly with delicious groceries when you’re catching two at a time.

Bring the heat… It’s on!

Learn more tips and techniques at barefootcatsandtackle.com and on Barefoot’s YouTube channel: @timbarefoot5698.

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CRAPPIEFISHINGONKENTUCKYLAKE

By Julie Graham- ExploreTRV

Spring

As the last bite of winter gives way to the gentle stirrings of spring, Kentucky Lake comes alive. Located along the western edge of the Bluegrass State, this sprawling body of water—technically a reservoir—has long been a mecca for anglers, especially those in search of springtime crappie.

Kentucky Lake stretches a remarkable 184 miles from the Tennessee state line to the northernmost point at the Kentucky Dam making it the largest reservoir in the state and one of the largest in the U.S. e lake was formed in 1944 with the completion of the Kentucky Dam, a key project by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Today, the lake covers over 160,000 acres, with an average depth of 8-10 feet, though some areas reach even deeper. Its shoreline stretches over 2,000 miles, o ering countless coves, islands, and inlets that make it a paradise for anglers. Fishing enthusiasts quickly discovered the lake’s potential as a world-class destination for crappie, bass, and cat sh, earning it a reputation that has only grown over the decades. Feeding Kentucky Lake are several major tributaries (Blood River, Jonathan Creek, Big Sandy River) that become shing hotspots in early spring, especially where submerged timber

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and man-made structures provide cover. Every seasoned angler in this region knows spring is crappie season. As water temperatures creep into the low 60s, crappie begin their migration from deep winter haunts to shallow spawning grounds— brush piles, stumps, and submerged structures along the shoreline. Preferred bait and techniques vary by angler, but some classics stand the test of time. Live minnows, o en rigged under a slip oat, are a go-to for many, especially during the pre-spawn. Jig shing is equally e ective, with popular choices like 1/16 or 1/32 oz. so plastics in chartreuse, white, and monkey milk colors. When the bite gets tough, tipping jigs with a small minnow or switching to hand-tied hair jigs can coax hesitant sh. Long-line trolling and spider rigging also dominate certain sections of the lake, especially in the deeper channels near creek mouths.

Mornings on the lake feel almost sacred this time of year. Fishermen, some in sleek bass boats, others in aluminum ski s passed down through generations, fan out across coves and creek arms, quietly working the banks. e goal is the same: feel the tap of a crappie on the line, set the hook, and haul in what many call the “gold of the lake.” For many, the draw of spring crappie shing isn’t just the thrill of the bite. It’s also the chance to connect with the natural rhythm of the season while sitting in a quiet cove as the dogwoods bloom, passing along stories, rods, and values to the next generation. At its core, Kentucky Lake is more than a reservoir. It’s a living, breathing legacy—a place where history, sport, and stewardship come together on every cast.

For more information on shing licenses and regulations, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website - fw.ky.gov - or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website - www.tn.gov/twra.html.

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Coastal Angler Magazine | Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Area April 2026 Edition

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Topwater Lures for Big Spring Snook and Trout

L O S CLUB

APRIL ON THE FLATS: WHEN SPRING HITS ITS STRIDE

SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing

COME JOIN

Hello Spring!

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