Coastal Angler Magazine | St. Augustine April 2026 Edition

Find Less Stress

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

Less Stress

fve things you should know about boat insurance

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

1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents

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

Accidents can happen to anyone

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

3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments

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

4. Most lenders require boat insurance

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

5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages

Ever worry about getting stuck on the water?

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

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

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

to learn more.

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

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

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

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

highest level of Suzuki certifcations to meet and

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

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors:

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

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

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

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

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

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

*Get with the Program!

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

ST. AUGUSTINE EDITION

Franchise Owners

Eric & Gina Diesl

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Capt. Tommy Derringer

St. Augustine-Inshore www.inshoreadventures.net

Capt. Robert Johnson

St. Augustine-Offshore www.jodielynncharters.com

Capt. Kirk Waltz Mayport www.enterprisefishingcharters.com

Capt. Tony Bozzella Sisters Creek www.tonybozzella.com

Noel Kuhn Pier & Surf www.thesurfangler.com

Capt. Dominic Anderson Instagram: staugustine_fishing

WEBMASTER

Ryan Clapper

DISTRIBUTION

Bob Bueno

For advertising inquiries, Call Capt. Eric at 904-829-7571 or e-mail eric@coastalanglermagazine.com

Dear

Readers,

April in Northeast Florida is that sweet, restless moment when spring finally takes hold and the whole fishery seems to exhale. The inshore waters warm just enough to wake everything up: redfish slide back onto the flooded grass on the new and full moons, tailing with that deliberate, unhurried confidence that only spring brings. Trout push shallow at first light, especially around oyster points and creek mouths where the bait gathers, and flounder begin their slow but steady return from offshore, settling into sandy pockets along the ICW. Even the sheepshead, fresh off their spawn, stay active around docks and rock piles, though they get a little wiser by the week.

Nearshore and offshore, April is a month of transition and opportunity. The first real waves of cobia shadow rays along the beaches, and every calm morning feels like a lottery ticket—scan long enough and you’ll find a brown-backed cruiser begging for a jig or live bait. Kingfish start showing on the nearshore reefs as water temps climb, and the bottom bite steadies with snapper, sea bass, and triggers becoming more predictable. It’s a month defined by movement and possibility, when every tide shift hints at something new sliding into the region. April rewards anglers who stay flexible, read the conditions, and embrace the feeling that anything might swim into the spread.

We are excited to share our Facebook page that will now feature more articles and links to local events happening throughout the month. www.facebook.com/CAMStAugustine. Please send in pictures, tournament dates and ideas for articles to us at: gina@ coastalanglermagazine.com.

We currently have a choice of advertising options available ranging from print & digital to video & social. If you would like us to add your business to our monthly delivery route or any other assistance you may need, please contact us:

Capt. Eric Diesl - 904-829-7571

Eric@coastalanglermagazine.com

Gina Diesl - 904-540-2311 Gina@coastalanglermagazine.com

You will find our St. Augustine edition in print for free at over 200 fine local retailers every month as well as online at coastalanglermag.com & vidmag.com.

Until next month,  we wish you tight lines and warm breezes.

- Capt. Eric & Gina

Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Inshore

By Capt. Tommy Derringer

What an awesome time of year for fishing and for just being on the water in Northeast Florida. The weather is about as nice as it gets... The inshore fish (redfish, trout, flounder, drum, bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, etc.) will be on the feed with the influx of baitfish (finger mullet and pogies). With warming air and water temps the nearshore fishing should be firing up as well with huge jacks, cobia, and maybe even a tripletail or two.

Inshore the redfish will be crushing the finger mullet and that means a top-water plug, especially at first and last light, will be the go-to lure of choice. My favorite top-water plug is the Berkley J-Walker 120. It mimics a mullet to a tee and the “walk the dog: type action is just right. Look for

large concentrations of mullet and toss your plugs around them. There’s sure to be a redfish lurking around looking for an easy snack. Once the sun gets higher in the sky I like to switch to a search bait this time of year. One of my go-to search lures as of late has been the Berkley Stick Shad. You can cast it a mile and the redfish have been absolutely crushing it over the winter months and now early spring.

April has always been a great “gator” trout month for me. A top-water plug will account for some of the bigger trout catches this month. The outgoing tide along the ICW banks should be loaded with trout, especially if the baitfish are around. Once the day heats up a bit I like to fish a 1/4-ounce jighead paired with a soft plastic like a Gulp shrimp or paddle tail for the trout. Use a twitch, twitch, pause method and most of the time they’ll hit it on the pause. A free-lined live shrimp with a small pinch weight a few inches above it is a great was to catch some trout too.

The inlets will come alive with all kinds of fast hitting fish this month. Look for jacks, blues, ladyfish, and spanish macs to be on the feed around all the area inlets. Crankbaits, spoons, and just about anything that’s moving fast through the water will catch these fish.

Nearshore the cobia will be along the beaches following the manta rays. The magic water temp seems to be somewhere between the high 60’s and low 70’s. Pick a calm sunny day and have your shot at some of the most fun sight-fishing Northeast Florida has to offer. Also be sure to bring a few live shrimp when hitting the beach as there may be a few tripletail hanging around as well. .

Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Offshore

By Capt. Robert Johnson

MAHI MADNESS

Mahi, Dorado or more commonly called Dolphin are a favorite of NE FL anglers. I call them Mahi so customers don’t mistakenly think we are targeting Flipper - lol. The best fishing typically is around the full moon. Fortunately for anglers, Mahi aren’t picky. When you find them, they are more than willing to eat.

Mahi prefer water temps from 74 degrees and above. Temperature changes, current breaks, and weed lines are prime habitat for Mahi. If you find any two or more of the above conditions, it’s game on!

Mahi take a variety of baits, but I’ve found less is best. It’s hard to beat a medium Ballyhoo rigged naked - no skirt. When a fish comes into the spread, allow him to take the bait in free spool, it ensures a solid hookup. If sea conditions are choppy, a sea witch skirt or small headed lure will help keep your baits in the water. There will be other species

available as well. Blackfin Tuna, Sailfish, and Wahoo will be in the mix. For Wahoo, we pull one line down deep on a planner. To limit bite offs, we pull this bait on #9 wire. My favorite rig is a Blue and White Islander rigged with a large ballyhoo.

On the bottom there will be plenty of Triggerfish, Vermillion, and Mutton Snapper. Vermilions and Triggers will take a variety of cut bait. Muttons are a little finickier and require a longer leader. I prefer a Sardine on 80# monofilament leader at least 12 ft in length using just enough lead to get your bait to the bottom.

Whatever you choose to target, April is a great month to go fishing. Temperatures are mild and seas are getting calmer. It’s a great time to go to the Gulfstream.

Call me - Let’s Go Fishing!

Captain Robert Johnson

(904)540-2628

Jodielynncharters.com

Jlfishing@bellsouth.net

Fishing Report & Forecast Ponte Vedra Inshore

By Dominic Anderson

April marks the true beginning of the spring fishing season in St. Augustine, Florida, bringing with it a vibrant transition in both weather and species activity. The warming waters of the Tolamato and the estuaries trigger significant movements, making this month one of the most anticipated by local and visiting anglers alike. This is the time when the inshore bite really heats up and pelagic species begin to show their faces offshore, setting the stage for months of excellent fishing. The weather is typically settled, with sunny days and lighter winds, providing ample opportunities to get out on the water, whether you prefer the calm backwaters or the open ocean.

Inshore fishing this April is primarily focused on the resurgence of Redfish and Spotted Seatrout. The Redfish, or Red Drum, are moving out of their large winter schools and spreading out to ambush prey in the shallow grass flats and oyster bars. Anglers targeting them are having the most success using live or cut bait, such as mullet or shrimp, fished around structure during the incoming and outgoing tides. Spotted seatrout are also becoming increasingly aggressive as they prepare for their spring spawn. They are often found in the deeper channels and cuts leading to the flats, responding well to soft-plastic baits, topwater lures in the early morning, and free-lined live shrimp. In April, inshore fishing for black drum in St. Augustine transitions from the peak winter season to a steady spring bite as waters warm. While the massive “monster” drum (up to 80 lbs) often peak in March, many remain through April in deeper inshore areas. Success during this transition month depends heavily on using high-scent, natural baits, as black drum are primarily crustacean eaters. For the larger “bull” drum, a halved blue crab fished on the bottom is the preferred choice. For smaller slot-sized fish, live or fresh dead shrimp, fiddler crabs, and clams are highly effective. Common rigging includes a Carolina rig or a knocker rig with a circle hook (size 2/0 to 4/0) and enough weight to keep the bait stationary. While natural bait is king, scented artificials like Berkley Gulp! Shrimp on a 1/8-ounce jig head can also trigger strikes when worked slowly

across the bottom. (Definitely more difficult)

Flounder fishing in St. Augustine enters a peak spring phase as rising water temperatures prompt fish to move inshore into shallower feeding grounds. This is an ideal time to target “door mat” flounder as they begin to stack up in deeper creek holes, near inlet mouths, and along the sandy edges of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Key locations for success include Vilano Beach Pier, the Matanzas Inlet Bridge, and the oyster beds near Anastasia State Park, where flounder often set up ambush points. Focusing on the high outgoing tide is particularly effective, as the current flushes baitfish like mullet and shrimp out of backwater marshes directly into the flounder’s strike zone. Tactics in the creeks range from technical sight fishing to classic bait presentations. During flood tides, redfish often move deep into the grass to hunt for crabs, occasionally revealing their presence by “tailing” in the shallows. For these scenarios, weedless spoons or soft plastic shrimp imitations are essential to avoid getting snagged in the thick vegetation. In deeper creek bends or near oyster bars, a live shrimp suspended under a popping cork is a staple technique, as the sound of the cork mimics feeding activity and draws fish from a distance. Whether you are casting lures like Berkley Gulp! or drifting live mullet, the key is to slow down your presentation, particularly in the cooler months, to give the fish ample time to strike.

In summary, April is a month of fantastic variety for fishing in the St. Augustine area, promising exciting opportunities for anglers of all disciplines. From the flourishing inshore bite of Redfish and Trout to the awakening King Mackerel and bottom fishing nearshore, the waters are teeming with life. We anticipate that the action will only intensify as we move into May, but for now, April truly kicks off the prime fishing season here in Northeast Florida. Book a charter, let’s go fishing!

Capt. Dominic (904)-962-6184 Instagram:staugustine_fishing

Fishing Report & Forecast Pier and Surf

By Noel Kuhn

The best Whiting bite in over ten years PERIOD! February and March were off the chart as far as quantity and quality. Days of catching, not fishing, has been the new normal. I like the tough decision - do I want to clean any more than what is in the cooler? This trend should last through this month also.

If you want to fill the cooler with Whiting, down size your tackle. My go to hook is NOT 1/0, but a #1 Eagle Claw Circle Sea. Also, down size your bait to 1” x ½”. You can never go wrong with fresh dead shrimp. However, two of my favorite baits, when the bite is hot, catch multiple fish with the same bait. They are pink Fishbites in shrimp flavor and Whiting strips. Catching Whiting with Whiting is very productive. I learned this 20 years

ago when we ran out of shrimp. Just fillet one and keep the skin on. Next cut in strips ½” x 1”. Finally go through the meat then out through the skin. Then check the tip of your hook for a scale. Time to send it.

This month and next month are prime times for the return of the fastmigrating Pompano. They spent this cold winter down in south Florida. Now they are on the move headed all the way to North Carolina for the hot summer months. When pursuing these Silver Nuggets, use this pro tip. Do not cast too far. My first six-pound Pompano came when the bite was so hot that I could not get three rods baited. I had just finished baiting rod number two when my first rod went off. I made a panicked cast with number two. It went about 30 feet into three feet of water. As I was reeling in number one, I heard drag ripping! That short mistake cast ended up being a six-pound 4-ounce Pomp that was 22” to the fork!

When you set up, if you have more than one rod, throw one short. If you have three or more, cover all ranges. Especially one short. One just inside the bar and one as far as you can cast. If you do not have a quality fish in the cooler within 20 minutes, move. Look up and down the beach and find some different structure. In the words of my friend Larry Finch “You can’t make them be there and you can’t make them bite!”

If you want to take your surf fishing to the next level, I can help! There are two ways to meet up with me on the beach. First, each month I teach a class of ten people for Guy Harvey. You can find these classes by going to guyyharveyoutpost.com Then look for outdoor adventures. Secondly, is a one-on-one charter. Below you will find my website and info. .

MON 05:41 AM 4.53 H 11:47 AM 0.42 L 06:04 PM 4.66 H

TUE 12:15 AM 0.39 L 06:31 AM 4.67 H 12:33 PM 0.02 L 06:52 PM 5.09 H

15 WED 01:05 AM -0.02 L 07:18 AM 4.79 H 01:16 PM -0.36 L 07:38 PM 5.50 H

16 THU 01:54 AM -0.39 L 08:05 AM 4.87 H 02:00 PM -0.68 L 08:24 PM 5.83 H 17 FRI 02:40 AM -0.68 L 08:52 AM 4.91 H 02:44 PM -0.86 L 09:10 PM 6.03 H

18 SAT 03:27 AM -0.82 L 09:40 AM 4.89 H 03:30 PM -0.89 L 09:59 PM 6.09 H

19 SUN 04:15 AM -0.80 L 10:30 AM 4.83 H 04:18 PM -0.77 L 10:49 PM 6.02 H

20 MON 05:07 AM -0.63 L 11:22 AM 4.73 H 05:11 PM -0.53 L 11:42 PM 5.85 H

21 TUE 06:03 AM -0.37 L 12:17 PM 4.61 H 06:10 PM -0.24 L

22 WED 12:39 AM 5.61 H 07:03 AM -0.11 L 01:15 PM 4.50 H 07:15 PM 0.03 L

23 THU 01:39 AM 5.35 H 08:06 AM 0.10 L 02:18 PM 4.44 H 08:22 PM 0.23 L

24 FRI 02:43 AM 5.11 H 09:08 AM 0.22 L 03:25 PM 4.47 H 09:29 PM 0.34 L

25 SAT 03:49 AM 4.92 H 10:07 AM 0.24 L 04:32 PM 4.60 H 10:34 PM 0.36 L

26 SUN 04:53 AM 4.79 H 11:01 AM 0.18 L 05:32 PM 4.81 H 11:35 PM 0.30 L

27 MON 05:51 AM 4.69 H 11:52 AM 0.08 L 06:26 PM 5.03 H

28 TUE 12:31 AM 0.18 L 06:43 AM 4.60 H 12:39 PM -0.04 L 07:13 PM 5.21 H

29 WED 01:23

Advertising Account Executives -- Coastal Angler Magazine is seeking experienced Advertising Account Executives in St. Johns, Flagler or Putnam County. Our ideal candidates will have a minimum of two years’ previous advertising sales experience and be familiar with the creative requirements of the advertising field. We are looking for advertising industry professionals who understand relations selling and who can manage multiple accounts and professional fol low-up as part of a daily routine. In an era when other print publications are shrinking, Coastal Angler Magazine, through its co-publisher business model, has achieved exponential growth and industry leader status. Qualified candidates interested in the position should submit a one-page resume to the contact information provided. Send resumes

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.

SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing

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

COME JOIN

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.

The Best Infatable Fishing Boats

Best For Lightweight Solo Fishing

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

Choose From 6 Packages

Starting At Just $999

Best For Lightweight Tandem Fishing

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

Choose From 7 Packages

Starting At Just $1449

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

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

Choose From 9 Packages

Starting At Just $2999

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

WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?

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.

“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”

— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals

In a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. "e opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.

Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. "e shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony.

"is breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of

only 930 pieces, making it a rare and treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Plus, when you order today, you’ll receive the gold-!nished sterling silver chain—a $69 value—absolutely free!

Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive tribute to timeless elegance and meaningful symbolism.

Necklace Speci!cations:

• 2 ½ ctw. Kyocera lab opals and DiamondAura® accents

• Yellow gold-finished .925 sterling silver setting

• 18" gold-clad .925 sterling silver chain Opal