MFDs 9"-24"
TZT16X | 22X | 24X 24X
TZT10X | 13X
TZT9E | 13E
space 9"
When helm space is at a premium, the 9" and 13" TZtouchE MFDs give you maximum screen area to view their eye-popping TZ MAPS charts and builtin TruEcho CHIRP™ Fish Finder with Side-Scan.
Plus, TZtouchE is fully networkable with the TZtouchXL family of 10", 13", 16", 22", & 24" MFDs and a wide range of best-in-class sensors – legendary Furuno Radars, Sonars, Fish Finders, Autopilots, and more.
Furuno... The reason to level up your helm!
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.
2. 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 Will Schmidt
Nothing quite gets your heart rate up like the sound of drag screaming as a king rips line from the reel. Maybe it’s so exciting because for many, king!sh !shing can be slow, especially when targeting big !sh. e good news is there are some tournament proven techniques that can really help.
Perhaps the most well know tactic to bring kings to you is chumming. ere are several forms. Cutting up chunks of thread!ns and tossing them into the current is certainly a tried-and-true method. is is a great method especially if you are anchored. e challenge here is getting enough bait to keep the ow going. Another option we use in tournament !shing is a constant drip of menhaden oil. Using a bag like an IV bag you can set have a slow drip continually putting scent in the water as you troll. It’s great for covering ground and still helps to bring !sh to you at the same time. Unfortunately, menhaden oil has become a bit pricey.
ese techniques work great, but on tournament days I believe there is so much scent in the water that they become less e$ective. So, now my new go to is to add an extra sensory stimulation in the form of eye candy. Speci!cally, a Fish Razr mylar dredge. Made of re ective strips that look like a school of bait, they shine like an underwater disco ball. Plus are easy to use and reusable so they are cost e$ective. Simply attach them to a kite rod or cleat and toss them over the side. I’ve literally had !sh in my spread within seconds of deploying the dredge.
For baits I do prefer big blue runners, but sometimes they can be hard to come by. A good trick when big baits are sparse is to double up smaller baits, like sardines or thread!ns. I use two hooks wired about 5 inches apart with a stinger o$ the second to create a larger pro!le o$ering. I believe the added ash of multiple baits helps as well.
For tackle I like 20 to 30 pound trolling gear like a Shimano Terez medium action rod with Talica A 16. For years we went very light on our tackle thinking that kings had so mouths and needed to be babied. While they are somewhat more delicate, a big !sh is tough and you still need gear that can do the trick. is setup has a light enough tip and silky smooth drag to help absorb the initial hit but plenty of backbone to battle a hardier smoker king. A mono top shot also helps with that opening blow.
For me the key to king!sh !shing is to combine looking for them while also having them look for me. Adding the dredge to my spread is a real gamechanger.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about shing for more than two decades. Follow Will on Instagram @saltynstrong.
IN THE KEYS Lobster Season Lobster Season Lobster Season Lobster SeasonMINI
By A. deGruchy
Every July, the Keys go a little wild for two days. !e spiny lobster sport season, or “mini season,” always hits the last Wednesday and !ursday of the month, so in 2026 that’s July 29 and 30. It’s your two-day jump on the regular season before it opens August 6, and trust me, the water gets packed. Know the rules before you launch and you’ll have a blast instead of a ticket.
First, the boring but unskippable part: paperwork. For 2026, non-residents can only
grab a short-term license in person at a Monroe County Tax Collector o ce, and they’re closed weekends. Gear-wise, keep it simple: tickle stick, net, gloves, and a gauge. No spears, hooks, or traps down here. Measure every bug in the water (carapace bigger than three inches), leave the tail on until you’re back on land, and toss back any female carrying eggs.
person, per day, the whole day. !at’s half what the rest of Florida gets, and don’t try to be sneaky about it. You can’t grab your six, run ‘em to the dock, and head back out for round two. !at’s “doubledipping” which is illegal, and the #nes aren’t fun. Six means six.
If traveling to the Keys for mini lobster season, respect the locals. Remember, the Keys are home to a lot of folks and one of the most fragile reefs anywhere, so a lot of the “be cool” stu$ is also straight-up the law. Give people their space, too.
Heads up on the 300-foot rule during mini season: basically the whole Keys is o$-limits nearshore. You can’t dive or snorkel within 300 feet of anyone’s house, dock, canal or marina. And don’t mix it up with the no-night-diving rule, that’s a separate mini season thing, so plan on daylight only. Fly your dive ag, idle down when you’re within 300 feet of one, and grab a buddy because the water’s a zoo. Don’t touch, stand on, or anchor on the coral, steer clear of no-take zones like John Pennekamp and the Dry Tortugas, and never mess with someone’s trap, that one’s a felony.
Bottom line: carry your license, measure in the water, keep it to six and whole, and dive in daylight. Check MyFWC.com for the full rundown before you head out, and have fun out there.
!e biggie is the bag limit: six lobsters per
Follow all of deGruchy’s adventures at @bean_sport!shing on Instagram and YouTube.
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.
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.
Stationed strategically around the East Coast, all Centers the highest level 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.
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
SECURING THE SHORELINE: WHY EXPERTISE MATTERS IN SEAWALL REPAIR
By SlabFix
Seawalls are the unsung heroes of coastal and waterfront properties. Day in and day out, these structures endure the relentless punishing forces of tides, currents, and storms. Yet, because much of their critical infrastructure remains hidden beneath the water or buried under the soil, seawall deterioration o!en goes unnoticed until disaster strikes. When a seawall begins to fail, the integrity of the entire property is compromised. Resolving this high-stakes issue requires more than just a quick cosmetic patch; it demands specialized engineering, proven techniques, and a team with an unblemished track record. at is precisely where Slab Fix has established itself as the gold standard in the seawall repair industry. e mechanics of seawall failure usually begin from behind the wall. Over time, #uctuating water levels and heavy rains wash away the supporting soil through tiny cracks or failing joints. is
process, known as erosion or void formation, leaves the land behind the wall completely hollowed out. Property owners might $rst notice sinkholes, dipping concrete slabs, or a slight tilting of the seawall cap. Attempting a DIY $x or hiring a general contractor without specialized marine construction experience o!en leads to recurring failures and wasted capital. Seawall restoration is a precise science that requires a deep understanding of hydrostatic pressure, soil mechanics, and advanced material science.
Slab Fix has earned its reputation as an industry leader by mastering this complex science. Instead of relying on disruptive, expensive, and environmentally damaging excavation methods, the company utilizes cutting-edge polyurethane foam injection technology. is innovative process involves drilling small, non-invasive holes into the a ected areas and injecting a high-density,
eco-friendly polymer. e material expands to $ll hidden voids, binds with the existing soil, and creates an impermeable barrier that stops future erosion in its tracks. By stabilizing the soil and sealing the wall from within, Slab Fix restores structural integrity without altering the shoreline’s natural aesthetics.
Beyond technical expertise, the true measure of Slab Fix’s success lies in its stellar reputation. e company’s consistently great reviews re#ect a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Waterfront homeowners and commercial property managers alike routinely praise the team for their transparency, punctuality, and minimal disruption to daily life. Clients frequently note that the crew takes the time to explain the engineering behind the repair, providing peace of mind during what can otherwise be a highly stressful situation. is wealth of positive feedback serves as a testament to their reliability and the long-lasting durability of their work.
Protecting your waterfront investment requires proactive maintenance and the right partners. Choosing an inexperienced contractor can result in catastrophic wall failure, costly property damage, and severe environmental $nes. With Slab Fix, property owners gain access to unparalleled expertise, state-of-the-art repair technologies, and a proven history of success. By addressing the root cause of seawall decay with precision and care, Slab Fix ensures that your shoreline remains secure, beautiful, and resilient for decades to come.
Fishing TRENDING
GUARANTEED LOWEST
OKIDS, POPPING CORKS, AND SPECKLED TROUT
Kids don’t always have the patience to wait on a $sh to bite. ey want to cast, reel, and stay involved. A popping cork gives them something to do while keeping a bait or lure in the strike zone. Every pop creates noise and commotion that imitates feeding $sh, helping trout locate the bait. More importantly, it keeps kids engaged and focused.
When $shing live bait, it’s hard to beat a lively shrimp under a popping cork. Whether you’re $shing shorelines, reefs, or grass beds, the cork attracts trout while keeping the bait at the proper depth. e sound gets their attention, and the shrimp does the rest. It’s a simple setup that consistently catches $sh and builds con$dence in young anglers.
ne of my favorite things about $shing isn’t catching $sh myself—it’s watching a kid catch one. ere’s something special about seeing a young angler’s face light up when a cork disappears, and a speckled trout starts pulling back. Over the years, I’ve introduced a lot of kids to $shing, including my own boys, and one of the easiest ways I’ve found to help them succeed is with a popping cork.
Arti$cial lures work just as well. I o!en prefer them when $shing with kids because I spend less time rebaiting hooks and more time helping them catch $sh. A so! plastic under a popping cork allows kids to cast, pop, and retrieve while covering water e&ciently. It also teaches them how to work a lure without making things overly complicated.
One thing I’ve learned is that tackle designed for adults doesn’t always hold up when kids are involved. Rods get dropped, tackle gets stepped
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
on, and gear gets bounced around the boat. at’s one reason I’ve moved away from many traditional wire-style corks.
Most anglers have opened a tackle box and found a wire cork bent a!er a day on the water. Once the wire is bent, the cork rarely casts the same. Many wire designs also have several moving parts that can tangle during a cast, especially in the hands of a young angler. Over time, the wire can even nick $shing line, creating weak spots that o!en show up when a good trout is hooked.
Durability is another advantage of hardplastic corks. Unlike foam designs that can crack, chip, loose its color, hard-plastic corks can handle years of abuse in a boat and continue performing like new.
At the end of the day, taking kids $shing should be fun. A durable popping cork paired with live bait or a so! plastic lure keeps things simple, productive, and exciting. e more bites kids get, the more they stay interested, and that’s how future anglers are made.
Take a kid $shing, I will!
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor and owner of Knockin Tail Lures® — knockintaillures.com.
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT
BY: CAPT. JOSHUA TAYLOR
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to get on the water, this is it. Fishing across Tampa Bay has been nothing short of outstanding recently, with a variety of species providing steady action for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re chasing trophy tarpon, looking to fill the cooler with mangrove snapper, or simply want a fun day catching redfish and trout, Tampa Bay is delivering. Bait is plentiful, water temperatures are ideal, and many of our most popular gamefish are feeding aggressively.
Large tarpon are moving through the Bay, along the beaches, and around the area’s major bridges. We’ve seen fish ranging from 80 to well over 150 pounds, and many are actively feeding. Live threadfin herring continue to be one of the most productive baits, although crabs have also been producing quality fish during certain tide phases. The bridges throughout Tampa Bay remain excellent locations for anglers looking to connect with the Silver King. These massive fish are using the structure, shade, and current breaks created by the bridges to ambush baitfish moving with the tides.
Snapper fishing around Tampa Bay bridges, channel edges, docks, and nearshore reefs has been exceptionally productive. Anglers are finding success using live pilchards, threadfin herring, and shrimp. One tactic that has worked especially well recently is chumming light ly around structure and allowing the snap per to become comfortable feeding in the water column. Using lighter fluorocar bon leaders and natural presentations has been the key to success. The bonus with snapper fishing is that anglers often encounter other species while targeting them. Grouper, cobia, jack crevalle, and even tarpon occasionally make surprise appearances during snapper trips.
The trout bite continues to be one of the most consistent fisheries throughout Tampa Bay. Grass flats throughout the Bay produce quality trout, with many fish measuring well over 20 inches. Live pilchards remain one of the top producers, but artificial lures have also been working extremely well. Soft plastic paddle tails, shrimp imitations, and suspending twitch baits have all accounted for quality catches.
Redfish action has been excellent throughout many of Tampa Bay’s mangrove shorelines and shallow flats. These fish are actively feeding on mullet, pilchards, shrimp, and crabs.
Higher tides have provided some fantastic opportunities to target redfish deep within the mangroves where they are hunting for baitfish. During lower tides, fish have been staging around creek mouths, oyster bars, and shoreline points. Many fish can be spotted cruising along shorelines before a cast is made, creating exciting sight-fishing opportunities.
Snook fishing remains productive throughout Tampa Bay, particularly around mangrove shorelines, residential docks, and current-driven structure. Live bait presentations have been producing the best results, although artificial lures are also generating strikes during low-light periods. Many of the larger snook are holding near structure and waiting for baitfish to move past them with the current. Precision casting and accurate bait placement are often the difference between success and failure.
— Capt. Joshua Taylor is a professional angler, apparel designer, and influencer whose passion for fishing and dedication to storytelling meet. With years of experience on the water and behind the pen, Joshua ensures each issue is packed with expert tips, local reports, and stories that resonate with the angling community. Connect with Capt. Joshua Taylor: joshua@saltyscales.com | www.saltyscales.com | Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/ SaltyScales | YouTube: youtube.com/saltyscales | Instagram: instagram.com/saltyscales | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saltyscales
Long Live the Queen
By Capt. Wes Tallyn
Oftentimes in nature, we see mimicry or parallel evolution, where two species look very much alike in appearance, but a closer look is needed to distinguish them. This is the case with the Queen butterfly and the Monarch butterfly. Both butterflies use milkweed as their host plant, so the two are often confused. The butterflies lay eggs on milkweed, and eventually a caterpillar hatches and begins consuming the plant. The milkweed gives the caterpillars an unpalatable taste that predators do not like. This keeps them safe from birds and other insects.
The easiest way to identify them is to look at the size and color of the two. Queen butterflies are slightly smaller and darker colored, which is noticeable at first glance. The other key difference is that Monarchs have black ‘veins” and borders on their wings along with a more orange appearance. Queen butterflies can be found throughout the Florida peninsula year-round and are typically found afield.
Local parks and preserves with some flowers and low-lying vegetation are great places to look for them this summer. So, get on those trails and bike paths and see if you can spot them for yourself.
— Captain Wes Tallyn was raised in Florida and is a fisherman, birder, avid outdoors-man, photographer, and environmental scientist. Wes has a focus on conservation and education in the community and is the owner of Snook Jam Outdoors. You can find him on Instagram @snookjam or call 727-410-5853.
QUEEN
MONARCH
Learning to Fish Differently CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER
Over the years, the way we fish has changed dramatically with advances in tackle technology, GPS, and sonar systems. While these tools have made anglers more efficient, they have also increased pressure on fish populations. I still remember the early days of my youth, running out of Clearwater Pass and judging our position by the size of the buildings on shore. Once we reached the right area, we would shut everything down, put an ear to the gunwale, and listen. If we heard the familiar “snap, crackle, and pop,” we knew we were over good bottom and could begin our drift for grouper. Those days are largely behind us now, and it often feels like we have to run farther offshore to find decent fish— hoping the spot hasn’t already been marked and heavily fished by others.
That reality is what brings me back to the idea of fishing differently. Over the last 10 years, I have found keeper grouper, mangrove snapper, and some impressive grunts—one of my personal favorites—inside Tampa Bay. Fishing these areas has helped me reduce travel time and fuel costs, which is especially important given today’s high gas prices. Several software products can help anglers identify promising new areas, including C-MAP, Navionics, and Fish Reveal.
BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
Finding productive water takes both time and money. I have spent countless hours on a tablet studying mapping software, marking potential locations, and downloading them to my Simrad GPS/sonar system. I have also spent plenty on fuel, running from spot to spot to see whether it holds fish. In many cases, the location I marked ended up being 5 to 20 yards away from the actual structure, but even then, I still found a new place to fish. The key is not to get discouraged. Sometimes a location that looks excellent on the software turns out to be less impressive in person, and it is best to move on and keep searching.
When fishing in 20 to 45 feet of water, lighter tackle is often the best choice. For mangroves, grunts, and seabass, I prefer a 7-foot medium-action rod paired with a 3000-size spinning reel spooled with 15-pound braided line. It is a well-balanced setup that performs very well, even though you may occasionally lose a larger fish—that is simply part of the game. When the bite turns on, I switch to a 7-foot medium-heavy rod with a 6000-size spinning reel loaded with 40-pound braid.
I also moved away from the traditional circle-hook-and-sinker approach years ago and began using jig heads instead. In my experience, jig heads help keep the bait on the bottom more effectively, and I believe they have improved my catch rate by roughly 40 percent over the last few years. If you have questions, I am always happy to help and share what I have learned. I genuinely enjoy educating anglers of all ages and experience levels.
— Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He also hosts Fishing Adventures Florida TV show airing on YouTube, Waypoint TV, Carbon TV, Outdoor Action, and Angling TV. Owner of Reelfishy.com Charter business covering the west coast of Florida with over 135 captains on staff. For information contact Capt. Sergio at (813) 973-7132 email: atanes@msn.com.
NEW PORT RICHEY REPORT
BY: CAPT. BILL RUTHERFORD
Independence Day won’t be the only fireworks you see this month if you hang out on the water. The only thing hotter than the temperature is the tarpon and snook bite! Our area tends to drag a bit behind the Bay area when it comes to the tarpon migration which makes July a great month to go chasing after them. In our area, we have predominantly two ways to fish for the silver kings: on the flats and on the beaches. Beach fishing for them will be what the majority of anglers will do, but don’t sleep on flats fishing for big ones because you don’t have to change your methods up too much, and there will be less traffic. A pinfish, pass crab, or grunt under a large cork is the best way to target them using 60lb fluorocarbon and a 6/0 or 7/0 circle hook. On the windier days when the water is a bit dirtier, you can beef up
the gear a bit and still get an eat; just re member that tarpon can see really well, so don’t overdo it in that clear water.
Snook are lining the beaches and sandbars from New Port Richey down to Clearwater, and you can make a day out of running from one island to the next and fishing your way down. The schooling fish on the west sides of the islands will slurp up a greenback, but the larger ones sitting on the deeper edges want a bigger meal. Pinfish, ladyfish, grunts, and mullet are a better bet for the big girls, but if it happens to be really hot out there, chunk one up.
Quickly on the offshore bite. Red Snapper is open, and the bite has been incredible in around 100 feet on sardines, pinfish, and threadfins.
Lastly, Pasco County scallop season opens on July 10th, and there will be endless amounts of boats sitting on the flats. Be safe out there and watch for divers!
— Captain Bill is a Florida native who grew up fishing the Gulf Coast. Being a proud Army Vet himself, he founded a charity called VetCatch that takes disabled veterans on cost free fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area. He guides out of New Port Richey fishing a 24-foot Shoalwater tower boat as well as the custom 25-foot VetCatch pontoon if needed for elderly/disabled fisherman. www.rustybucket.fish.
BY: CAPT. FRANK HUTCHKO
also started to chew on ledges and structure in that same depth, so with plenty of grunts/porgies/hogs and mangoes, those 15 to 20-mile trips can be very productive right now.
: Red snapper is the tar get right now, and boy are they thick! et on out to 225 feet, we have pretty much found them everywhere! Usual pinfish on a grouper rig on the bottom, and our mid-water flat line suspended 30 feet off the bottom has been wrecking those bigger mid-water ARS. Don’t forget a top-water flat-line stinger rig heaved out the back and just hanging out back there--we like a small ballyhoo on our flat line.
Nearshore: Hogfish are still around and plentiful! We are seeing good numbers of keeper hogs (14 inches to the fork) in 45 to 70 feet. Hogball jigs or knocker rigs on the bottom with live or dead shrimp will get it done! The mangoes have
The blackfins are showing up in good numbers, and a wahoo is never out of the question! Cover all depths! The red grouper bite is still really good and should only get better! We have also seen a lot of big gag grouper on recent trips and are releasing them till they open on September 1st, but get ting our spots dialed in! We are looking forward to a great extended red snapper season this year, and if you’re looking to get offshore with us! Give us a call; we will get your date booked!
Capt. Frank Hutchko, owner of SkirtChaser Charters, a 21-year veteran-owned business, specializes in offshore fishing charters running out of Johns Pass/Madeira Beach, FL. Trips range from 4-12 hours and go out from 15-150 miles on their beautiful, fast 36’ Yellowfin. They have won the “Best of Florida” 4 years running and help locals and vacationers make memories that last a lifetime! | For more info, text or call Capt. Frank at 941-786-4620 or CaptainFrank@
ROCK PILES, REEFS, AND WRECKS OH MY!
BY: CAPT. GEORGE HASTICK
In the heat of summer in Tampa Bay, sometimes it is good to shift gears and get away from flats fishing, where the water can get extremely hot and make fish slow to bite. The deeper water, 10-45 feet deep, can be stocked with a variety of fish willing to feed. This water will be cooler, and the fish will be more apt to feed and be more aggressive.
Tampa Bay is loaded with natural and manmade structures, some intentional and some not. We have many artificial reefs that hold plenty of fish, but the gold mines are piles and shipwrecks that you can find for yourself. Many areas where they have dredged channels have exposed rock bottoms, and where they have dumped the dredged material can also be a fish haven. There are also many natural hard-bottom areas in Tampa Bay that offer great fishing. There are many shipwrecks, from large to small, that will hold a variety of fish. Different areas and different structures will hold different types of fish that will change with the seasons. A rock pile in the summer might be loaded with mangrove snapper, but the same pile might get loaded with sheepshead in the winter; we are talking about the heat of summer right now. So, what type of fish can you expect to find during these hot months?
Egmont Key reef, and Port Manatee Reef, to name a few. These reefs are made up of concrete bridge rubble, slabs, culvert pipes, and more; some even have sunken boats on them. Since these artificial reefs can hold a variety of fish, it is a good idea to bring a variety of bait, such as shrimp, scaled sardines, pinfish, and cut bait, especially when you are first searching for your new spots. Sometimes one end of the reef will hold one type of fish and the other end will hold different types of fish, hence the need for different baits. Now the same holds true for many of the rock piles and wrecks.
So, what type of fish can you expect to find in the middle of summer at these areas? This is where the fun begins! You can find a wide riety of fish, including mangrove snapper, trout, grouper, tarpon, cobia, black sea bass, flounder, Key West grunt, pompano, permit, snook, mackerel, and more! So beat the heat and go explore.
Let’s talk about the artificial reefs of Tampa Bay like St. Petersburg Bay reef,
— Capt. George Hastick of “Fish Hunter Fishing Charters” in St. Petersburg, Fl. is the co-host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report and co-hosts Fishing Adventures Florida which is on five streaming channels and You Tube. He has been fishing the waters of the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years and guiding over 20 years.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT -
By: Capt. George Hastick
BAIT SCENTS
Pro-Cure bait scents offer some of the best fish-attractant scents on the market, along with a variety of products and accessories, and a world of scents for your targeted species. I like to call them flavors, but they have such a wide range of scents across different product styles to cover every fishing situation. They have the super gels (my favorite), but they also have brines, waxes, dyes, UV flash, sauces, along with other attractants & accessories like their injector systems.
All their bait scents are made from whole fresh bait enhanced with a powerful blend of amino acids and bite stimulants that drive fish crazy. I have taken a soft plastic, put shrimp gel on it, and had fish hit it while dead-sticking it in a rod holder, with no movement. It saved one of the trout trips I was on when they would not hit the jerkbaits we were using. We added the inshore slam gel to our jerk baits and immediately started catching fish after fish. They sell a great inshore saltwater three-pack super gel designed for the Southeast, featuring shrimp, inshore, and mullet scents.
The other thing that works great is their Bad Azz hand-and-lure soap. This eliminates all human and foreign scents, including tobacco, sunblock, grease, oil, gasoline, and fish. Also, great to get bait smell off your hands at the end of the day. Check them out at www.pro-cure.com
Many years ago, a good friend of mine asked what I would be doing for the Fourth of July. I thought about it, unsure, but told him “the usual”: head to some bar or house party and scope out the best fireworks show near me. He was shocked. “You’re not taking one of your boats and rafting up in Clearwater Pass?” he asked. “No, sir,” I replied. Up until that point, I had been avoiding that craziness at all costs, having already made the mistake of being on the water during a Gasparilla Parade years before. You know what they say, fool me once… The Fourth felt like it would be the same: a ton of boats partying all day, chaotically converging in one spot to celebrate, and then (even worse) leaving in the dark to head back to the marina. To me, that all sounded like a recipe for disaster, so I avoided it. But, after a few weeks of pestering from my friend, I gave in and took part in my first Fourth of July flotilla party in the Clearwater Pass. Now I couldn’t imagine doing anything different.
My friend Brian and I had met a few years before. He was a regular on our dive boat and slowly became part of the crew and a good friend. Despite coming from very different backgrounds and beliefs, we connected over our love of
fishing, diving, and being on the water. Through this connection, we were able to hear each other’s opinions and respectfully differ on topics without fracturing a great friendship. No matter how strongly we differed on a belief, we never let it immaturely fracture our friendship or a good day on the water.
Reflecting on my friendship with Brian had me thinking about our country today. For the most part, I stay outside the political arena. I don’t feel the need to constantly explain my beliefs, where they fall on the political aisle, and why. I do, however, feel that this country has lost its ability to see both sides of that aisle. With the 250th anniversary of our independence coming up, it seems like everyone from our representatives in D.C. to the average citizen is at odds with one another, fracturing relationships apart rather than celebrating our shared connection of being American.
Being forever an optimist, I truly hope this 250th celebration of our independence can find a way to resonate with people to bring us closer together as a country. I can’t wait to be a part of the anchored-up boats in Clearwater Pass, grills fired up, beverages in hand, partying it up with all kinds of people in the land of the free. All of us, no matter what side of the political spectrum we are on, putting our differences aside and kicking back to watch the great show in the sky above us, proud and fortunate to live in the country we do.
— Capt. TJ Shea. Owner/Operator 2 Shea Fishing and Diving Charters. TJ has been exploring above and below the Gulf of Mexico since he was 8 years old. Contact us at 813-385-2169 and at info@fishanddivetampa.com
2
1
Memorial Day 2026 –An Offshore Reflection
By Josh Broer
Memorial Day weekend, 2026. As a younger man, Memorial Day weekend usually meant spending time with family and friends at a local barrier island or sandbar to honor those we lost. Flying a flag of remembrance from T-Top rod holders, grilling burgers and fish, playing in the surf, burying your toes in the sand – this is what we did. We followed the same important tradition this year, but with an offshore twist.
I got the invite to fish on a 35 ft. catamaran-style boat like no other I’d fished from before. In
a cat hull design. This offshore beast was a wave-crushing machine with four live wells, two mas sive coffin boxes, the most comfortable and spacious seating you could imag ine, and rod and drink holders at every turn. It defied the old architectural mantra of “form follows function”, as it was equally both.
But this story is not about a boat build; rather, it is about celebrating Memorial Day with friends old and new. In addition to being with the regular gang, I met some new folks who were an absolute joy. On this two-day trip, I was fortunate enough to spend time with families who made the fishing, conversation, and long runs offshore and back, as good as gold.
It was ARS season, opening day, and we did well, including a few fat red grouper to add to the box. But it was the company that made this trip special. Both days included a father-daughter team and a father-son team. These kids had strong sea legs and knew how to fish! More importantly, catch after catch, story after story, I learned as much about life from them as
they did from me. Whether discussing the importance of Memorial Day or how to read the bottom machine, it was as good as it gets. Finding fish on your numbers, digging up grouper and snapper, or putting down your rod for that much-deserved sandwich or snack, that’s always part of the plan. For me, and I know I’m not alone, the long run back to the dock has always been special. This part of the offshore experience embodies the theme of a family trip. Whether chatting it up with the captain at the helm or falling fast asleep in a bean bag at the back of the boat, there is a unique joy, motoring back in from a long day at sea. This is a time to reflect on the fishing, the jokes, e laughs, and the fun, from both the adults and the kids.
Passing my old stomping grounds at An clote Key, anchored boats dotted the shoreline. They waved at us, we waved back. So, it wasn’t so much about the quality of the boat or the amount of fish in the box, but the memories made on this treasured holiday. I couldn’t see the faces of the folks waving at us as we motored on by, but I knew those families were laughing and smiling just like the families I was with. I’m not sure if there’s a US holiday as important as this one, so whether fishing offshore, anchoring on the island, or gathering with iends and family on dry land, the virtue, of course, is just being together.
— Joshua Broer, a Tarpon Springs native, is the Facility Manager for the College of Arts & Sciences at USF. His specialties include flats and bass fishing, fly fishing, and sea kayaking. Reach him at joshua.broer@gmail.com.
Land one of these and Get Fishing Sooner
John Deere equipment brings the power, performance and productivity, so you get more time to land a trophy. We’ll help you land the right machine with special offers making it an even better catch. Stop in and leave tasks in your wake.
IT’S BAY SCALLOP SEASON!
You’d be hard pressed to !nd better Florida family fun than kicking around in the shallows to pick up scallops. Bay scallop seasons open across most of Florida’s west coast this month, so grab your mask, !ns, snorkel and
Daily Bag Limits:
Gulf through NW Taylor County and L evy through Pasco County:
• Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of meat
• Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat (1/2 gallon = 4 pints)
Fenholloway through Suwannee River Zone:
June 15-30:
• Per person: 1 gallon whole bay scallops in shell or one cup shucked
• Per vessel: 5 gallons whole or 2 pints meat
July 1-Labor Day
• Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat
• Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon meat
NOTE: Vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Legal Gear: Harvest permitted only by hand or by using a landing or dip net
Commercial harvest of Florida bay scallops is prohibited. Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater !shing license to harvest bay scallops
unless they are: 1) Exempt from needing a license, or; 2) Have a no-cost shoreline !shing license and are wading from shore to collect scallops (i.e. feet do not leave bottom to swim, snorkel, or SCUBA and harvesters do not use a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location).
Direct transit of legally-harvested bay scallops is allowed through closed areas.
HOW TO SCALLOP:
If you’ve never been scalloping before, don’t worry about learning how. Did you have to learn how to Easter egg hunt? Just get your gear on, jump in the water and look down. You’ll see them. eir light-colored shells stick out against the seagrass. Just grab them with your hand—they don’t bite—and put them in your mesh bag. Keep harvesting until your bag is full (usually a couple of fun hours) then when home, open the shell, take out the scallop, prepare and enjoy the fruits of your fun!
Call: 352-447-1950
CCA Florida STAR Transforms Into Youth-Only Competition
CCA Florida has announced that going forward into the 12th year of competition, the STAR Tournament presented by Yamaha has transformed into a youth competition designed exclusively for anglers ages 6-17. e summer-long event o#ers scholarships, boats, prizes, community service opportunities and a chance to learn valuable conservation practices while enjoying Florida’s saltwater !sheries.
e 2026 competition, open now through Labor Day on September 7, is the largest youth saltwater !shing tournament in Florida. Open to anglers of all skill levels, participants can !sh from shore, docks, seawalls or boats anywhere in the state’s saltwater waters.
Since its launch in 2015, the STAR competition has awarded more than $4 million in prizes, including trucks, boats, motors, trailers, electronics and !shing tackle. More than $1.1 million of that total has been awarded in youth scholarships. For 2026, the youth competition alone will o#er more than $150,000 in prizes and scholarships.
Conservation remains a cornerstone of the STAR program. e competition utilizes a technology-based Catch-Photo-Release (CPR) format that encourages proper !sh handling and conservation-minded angling. Registered CCA members can submit photos of their catches alongside the o$cial STAR identi!er before safely releasing the !sh back into the water. is format allows anglers to compete regardless of !sh size while promoting stewardship of Florida’s marine resources.
e 2026 event will once again award $100,000 in college scholarships through support from the Guy Harvey Foundation, Realtree Fishing, Academy Sports + Outdoors and other partners. Young anglers ages 13-17 can also participate in the Teen Challenge, competing for boat packages from Yamaha, Carolina Ski#, Custom Gheenoe, Minn Kota and Power-Pole. e “Most Fish” division, presented by T-H Marine, will award one youth angler (ages 6-17) a Native Watercra Slayer Max Propel 12.5 kayak.
In addition to !shing categories, STAR o#ers a conservation-focused Trash Division that rewards participants for helping keep Florida’s waterways clean. Anglers can earn both prizes and community service hours through their e#orts.
All saltwater species are eligible for entry, and most winners are selected through random drawings, giving every participant a chance to win regardless of experience or catch size. e competition’s format helps level the playing !eld and encourages more young anglers to get involved.
For a complete list of STAR identi!er distribution locations, competition rules and registration information, visit cca star.com or follow the CCA Florida STAR Facebook page.
PROACTIVE. EASY. LIFE CHANGING.
Discover the range of health and wellness services that 4Ever Young provides to help you combat aging and showcase your best features. Whatever your concerns, 4EverYoung is ready to help you look and feel your best with an array of youth-reviving services using the latest technologies and most sophisticated techniques currently available. Whether in-office or via our telehealth services, our holistic approach ensures your path to aging with vitality is tailored to your unique needs.
BECOME A VIP MEMBER TODAY!
Our VIP membership packages provide year-round product and service discounts and VIP access to 4EverYoung events & specials.
will
a
–– George Thomas, Noted watchmaker & historian
Greenlight to A Deep Dive Without Going in the Red
Every year in Basel, Switzerland, the world’s best-known luxury watchmakers gather to display their new timepieces. It’s a great event for spotting timepieces that standout–– in performance and in personality. We saw one impossible to ignore: a precision dive watch with an arresting green dial. But we also saw the five-figure price tag and knew we could bring our customers that exact same precision and stand out appeal for a whole lot less. The Stauer Evergreen Diver is that timepiece.
Built like a submersible battleship with a stainless steel case, caseback, and band, the Evergreen Diver is water-resistant down to 660 feet or 20 atmospheres, a feat facilitated by a hardened crystal and screw-down crown.
Green On Your Wrist AND In Your Pocket. You could pay an awful lot elsewhere for this verdant virtuoso, but the majority of the cost is in the big designer name upcharge. We think those guys are all wet. This is how you own a top-of-the-line dive watch without helping pay for some marketing guy’s yacht.
Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back. Wear the Evergreen Diver for 30 days. If you’re not completely happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
Limited Reserve. A watch of this caliber, with a price that won’t drag you under, takes 6 months to create and won’t stick around for long. Call today!
WHERE THE COASTAL & OUTDOOR INDUSTRY COMES TOGETHER
This September, Surf Expo brings the industry back together as the go-to marketplace for coastal, outdoor, and lifestyle retail.
Back at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from Wednesday through Friday, September 16–18, 2026, the show keeps its 50th anniversary celebration going with three days of product discovery, networking, and real business opportunities. is year, the September show moves to a Wednesday–Friday schedule, giving retailers a more e$cient buying experience. With the Labor Day rush behind them, buyers can focus on what matters: discovering new products, meeting brands, and building assortments for the seasons ahead.
For Retailers: Your Ultimate Sourcing Destination
e shi smart buyers already understand is that consumers don’t shop by category—they shop by how they live. A !shing trip, a beach day, a weekend camping escape, or everyday coastal living all re&ect the same mindset: products need to work together across moments. Surf Expo brings these connected lifestyle categories together in one place, helping you build assortments the way your customers buy.
ousands of quali!ed retail buyers from across the U.S. and beyond attend Surf Expo to source new products, connect with established and emerging brands, and gain insight into the trends shaping the next season. From major volume buyers to independent shop owners, this is the marketplace where retailers discover what will drive sales in the months ahead. From Shoreline Outdoor, Surf and Swim to Resort & Souvenir, Coastal Gi & Decor, and Boutique, Surf Expo spans the full spectrum of coastal and lifestyle retail. Instead of fragmented buying, you’ll discover complementary products side by side—making it easier to cross-merchandise, identify assortment gaps, and build more cohesive, pro!table o#erings.
For Coastal Angler readers, Shoreline Outdoor is where it all comes together. Sitting at the intersection of coastal and outdoor living, this category covers everything your store needs across boating, !shing, paddling, hiking, and camping—products designed to move seamlessly from land to water.
e natural overlap with surf, swim, and coastal lifestyle categories creates opportunities to expand your assortment without losing focus on your core angling customers.
For Brands: This Is Where Growth Happens
If your brand lives in the !shing, boating, outdoor, or coastal lifestyle space, Surf Expo puts you face-to-face with the buyers who matter most. e show &oor is intentionally designed to spark partnerships, connecting you with a focused, quali!ed audience of retailers actively sourcing for the seasons ahead. is crossover audience is your advantage. Buyers walking the Shoreline Outdoor aisles also stock surf, resort, swim, and gi —meaning retailers discover your products you might never reach through traditional channels. For !ve decades, Surf Expo has helped brands break into new markets, both domestically and internationally. If you’re ready to grow, this is the marketplace where it happens.
More Than a Marketplace
Surf Expo is where the industry builds relationships, does business, and discovers what’s next. For 50 years, it has remained a central hub for coastal, outdoor, and lifestyle retail—evolving alongside the way consumers actually shop.
Quali!ed retail buyers register for free before 9/1 at surfexpo.com.
SHARK GUARD BY FISHTEK MARINE SPORT
You’ve seen it happen. A wahoo stripped clean o# the rigger. A quality red!sh reduced to a head and a hook boatside. It’s one of !shing’s most heartbreaking moments—and for too long, anglers have just shrugged and called it part of the game.
SharkGuard is a game changer!
Born in the commercial longline industry—where captains run razor-thin margins and won’t spend a dollar on anything that doesn’t deliver—SharkGuard uses proven electric pulse technology to deter sharks from targeting hooked !sh. When hardened commercial !shermen adopt a product, recreational anglers should take notice.
What makes SharkGuard di#erent is its versatility. Run it inline or slide it down to the !sh mid-!ght using a traveller rig. at kind of real-time adaptability is rare in any tackle category, and it won’t deter your target species either.
e results back it up. Controlled trials in Australia and Florida show dramatic reductions in shark depredation. Whilst Stateside, Captain Nikolas Kunsis tested SharkGuard in what he calls “the shark bite capital of the world” and landed multiple quality snook and red!sh with zero shark follows or damage.
Wherever you !sh, if you’re paying too much tax, SharkGuard belongs in your kit. Start landing !sh again.
Coastal Angler readers can grab SharkGuard on Amazon at an exclusive discount — now just $199 USD (down from $275)—using code COASTAL199 at checkout.
WEDNESDAY
SUMMER TARPON FISHING WITH ARTIFICIALS
CAPT. MIKE SMITH
Are you having trouble catching tarpon this summer? It ain’t easy but you can get them to eat your arti!cial lures if you present them the correct way. Yes, size and pro!le are important too, but the retrieve is the key to catching more tarpon.
e !rst thing that you have to master is the tarpon retrieve. Tarpon are a no-frills species of game !sh as it relates to your lure presentation. ey typically do not like lures with a lot of action. ere are days when they will hit anything that you put in front of them, but those days are few and far between.
A great summertime lure for tarpon is a 5.5 inch jerk bait with a nice long twist-lock hook nicely centered so it tracks perfectly straight and doesn’t wobble on the retrieve. Cast it out a few feet in front of a gulping tarpon and reel it slowly back.
Another great lure for this situation is your favorite 3-inch arti!cial shrimp—as long as it falls slowly through the water column and stays horizontal as it sinks. Present this lure to gulping tarpon by casting a few feet in front of them and let it fall to the bottom. at’s it. Don’t twitch it or move it at all, just let it fall. If they are hungry, they will eat it as it falls. Natural looking shrimp with gold glitter is a good choice.
is no-action tarpon retrieve idea works for &y !shermen too. Present your purple and black tarpon toads or deceivers in front of the tarpon and work it back as slow and steady as you are able.
One of this captain’s favorite tarpon lures is the D.O.A. shallow running Bait Buster. is lure is a mullet imitation that tracks perfectly straight and has very little tail action. Purple works great in low light scenarios and a more natural look works better when it’s sunny and clear. You know the drill. Just cast it in front of the tarpon and reel it back slowly without twitching.
When it gets super hot and the tarpon move to deep water, another D.O.A. lure that works great is the 3/8-oz. regular TerrorEyz. You typically won’t see the tarpon but they are probably facing into the current so cast upcurrent and slowly reel back, keeping the lure near the bottom. is is very e#ective around bridge pilings and deep docks. You will also pick up a lot of really big snook this way too.
Tarpon are about the best inshore game !sh that you can catch. ey are ranked #2 as the best sport !sh on the planet behind the blue marlin. Hopefully this article will help you catch more.
Go get ‘em.
Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass O Charters, is an inshore !shing guide who has been !shing the 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.
TRAVELING SIX TEAM REELS
$39,800 AT 12TH ANNUAL SKIPPERS DOLPHIN TOURNAMENT
Skippers Dockside Restaurant hosted the 12th Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament May 29-31with 53 teams made up of 195 anglers competing for over $96,000 in cash. Anglers were allowed to weigh two !sh on Day 1 and two on Day 2, but it would be the combined weight of three !sh that would determine the winners.
Team Traveling Six—consisting of I’m Bit Charters Capt. Angel Ramon; Boots Brinn and Carlos Eason of Chesapeake, VA; Shane Darnell of Yorkville, IL; and Carl Perry of Chocowinity, NC—got to the winner’s circle weighing in 78.6 pounds of dolphin. e combined weight of their largest three !sh, a 10.9 pounder plus a 16.1 and 51.6 would win $31,840! e 51.6-pound dolphin caught by Shane Darnell also won the team $7,988 for the Largest Fish Award.
Second Place team, $e Reel Deal captained by Alex Sal Debogory, caught a combined weight of 45.4 pounds to win $17,630. e team of Marina and James Daniel, Luis Jimenez, Richard Williams and Pat Delvechio weighed in !sh at 20.6, 16.5 and 8.3 pounds. Richard caught the 16.5-pound dolphin to win the Largest Fish Senior Angler winning $1,000.
ird Place team was Conetagious 1 run by Captain Brian Cone with anglers Travis Bennett, Reef Bennett, Andy Cone, Eli Lankford and Kelly Matcena, who caught a total of 42.1 pounds winning $8,420.
Lucy Lima of Ringwood, IL won $2,000 for Largest Fish Lady Angler with the 13.5 pounds aboard Team Fibs. Second Largest Fish Lady Angler prize of $1,000 was won by Abby Crouthers of Wildwood, MO with 12.1 pound dolphin !shing aboard Natural II.
Junior anglers competed for top three places, with Reef Bennett of Tavernier, FL taking !rst place with his 14.6 pound !sh winning $500. Second would go to Lucy Lima of Ringwood, IL winning $250 with a 13.5 pounder, and Andy Cone won $100 with a 8.6 pound dolphin. e largest other species !sh winners each took home King Sail!sh Trophies and $750 each including Prime Time angler Je# Schmidinger from Jacksonville, FL with a 19.9 pound king!sh; Mi Cura angler Vito Penza of Naples, FL caught a 16.4 pound wahoo; and Just Cuz’s angler Joseph ompson of Chicago, IL landed a 20.1 pound tuna.
Skippers Dockside Restaurant highlighted their fabulous seafood for the kick-o# party, which was sponsored by Gus Toy Box. e awards party sponsored by Li Mate, was done up right with slow cooked smoked prime rib, wahoo, pulled pork, mac and cheese, rice and beans, and caesar salad, all followed by desserts.
Don’t miss next years tournament !shing on June 5-6, 2027! For information visit SkippersTournaments.com
JOIN
TIPS FROM A PRO
BIGGER BAITS FOR BIG SUMMER BASS
ATYLER WOOLCOTT
s the summer season settles in and water temperatures rise, many anglers automatically downsize their presentations in hopes of getting more bites. While smaller baits can certainly catch !sh, summer can also be one of the best times of year to target trophy bass with larger-pro!le lures. Big bass still need to feed, and they o en prefer a larger meal that provides more energy with less e ort.
One of the biggest reasons larger baits excel during the summer months is the abundance of bigger forage. Bluegill, shad and other bait!sh have had months to grow, giving bass access to larger prey. Matching the size of the available forage can o en help anglers attract the attention of the biggest !sh in the area.
Large worms, oversized swimbaits, big jigs, and magnumsized topwater baits are all excellent options for targeting quality !sh. While these presentations may not generate the same number of bites as smaller o erings, they o en appeal to more mature bass that are willing to commit to a larger meal. Many anglers are surprised by how o en a giant bass will choose the biggest bait in the boat.
Con!dence is key when !shing larger baits. $ere may be longer periods between bites, but anglers should remember that the goal is quality rather than quantity. Staying committed to a bigger presentation can be di cult, especially when other anglers are catching smaller !sh, but patience is o en rewarded with the !sh of a lifetime.
If you’re looking to improve your chances of catching a trophy bass this summer, don’t be afraid to upsize your o erings. Bigger baits won’t guarantee a giant on every trip, but they can help put the odds in your favor. Sometimes one bite is all it takes, and that bite o en comes from the biggest !sh in the lake.
Capt. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler, as well as owner/operator of Florida Big Fish Adventures, providing bass and saltwater guided shing trips: www. oridabig shadventures.com.
RECORD-BREAKING
919.9-LB. BLUE MARLIN WINS OVER $6.5 MILLION IN BIG ROCK TOURNEY
History was made, big checks were paid, and an insane at-the-buzzer leaderboard shakeup took place at the 68th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, held June 5–14, 2026 in Morehead City, North Carolina.
Marlin Fever brought the heat to Big Rock Landing on Day 2, bringing a tournament recordbreaking 919.9 lb. blue marlin to the scales, securing the Level V Fabulous Fisherman’s Prize worth $871,250 as the !rst blue marlin of at least 500 pounds weighed in. Eighteen-year-old Connor Daniel served as the designated angler and fought the !sh for roughly two hours. ($e crew later reported the marlin had recently eaten two sail!sh!)
Captained by Cameron Guthrie, the 63’ Jarrett Bay out of Wilson, NC, held the top spot on the leaderboard through Saturday’s !nal weigh-ins, delivering Marlin Fever the championship—and a staggering $6,513,188 payday.
And while Marlin Fever’s historic catch swept
all the blue marlin categories, it was the nail-biting weigh-in that came just before 10 p.m. on the last day of the tournament that topped o a dramatic week and sent spectators on the dock into a frenzy.
A er a grueling 6.5-hour !ght, Haphazard, a 60’ Spencer out of Manteo, NC captained by Joey Belton, delivered a true buzzer-beater. $e team arrived at Big Rock Landing just in time to weigh in one last blue marlin. It was 635.6 pounds—enough to catapult them into third place for heaviest blue marlin, knocking Free Ranger’s 597.4-pounder o the podium at the last minute. What an ending!
Fender Bender !nished in second with its 644.1-pound blue marlin weighed on Day 3, worth $467,962.50. Haphazard’s catch earned the team a $311,975 payday.
In the release division, Double G captured the title with 1,850 points a er releasing four blue and two white marlin, earning $168,937.50.
Doc Fees claimed the dolphin title and $584,500 with a 66.10-pound mahi; Magic Moment
WHY BUY NEW WHEN YOU CAN RENEW?!?
won the wahoo division with a 53.4-pound catch; and Watertight won the tuna division with a 70.8-pounder.
A total of 278 boats !shed for a piece of the tournament’s record $9,038,225 purse.
For o cial results, payouts, and future dates, visit tournament.thebigrock.com and check them on facebook @bigrocktournament for all the tournament highlights.
July Can Be Hot!
TIM BAREFOOT
The surface water temperature will continue to climb in July, but the water temperature on the bottom will regulate itself to where it needs to be. $is is time of year to catch all the tropicals, starting now until early fall. Of course, the grouper and snapper bite will be o the chain, but this is when you will see all the snapper and grouper show up way north of Florida (as seen in photo). $ey will be available outside of their usual haunts and, of course, an occasional lobster. $is is truly the time of year to catch a giant grouper as well. I cannot emphasize this enough, but this is the time of year to spend an hour or more if necessary to Sabiki live cigar minnows and sardines for the ultimate bites on the bottom, not to mention the light line. Don’t be surprised to catch a giant wahoo on a 5-inch live cigar or sardine…elephants eat peanuts.
I would strongly suggest not playing loud music, not stomping around the deck, nor slamming cooler lids because the sail!sh and dolphin will swim up to the boat and check you out. $is is when you need to have a pitch rod ready. It’s never a bad idea to have a large squid on a pitch rod. Nothing in the ocean can refuse a well presented squid on the light line or pitch bait. It’s also not a bad idea to keep a frozen squid 50 to 75 feet deep using a small amount of weight (depending on the current).
kite for the ultimate presentation. If you have the correct weather pattern, I would strongly suggest spending the night o shore and using lights to attract the bait !sh. When you have a livewell chock full of live cigar and sardines and squid for the daylight bite, your success rate dramatically increases. Live squid or a live sardine on the bottom on a decoy jig has a life expectancy of !ve seconds or less. Don’t ask them to bite, demand the bite. Ask and you shall receive, my brothers and sisters. I’m not into all the “!shing,” per se; I’m into the catching...and there is a huge di erence. If you have the correct bait and make the correct presentation, you will get the bite!
Yes, we always carry a couple boxes of frozen cigar minnows and a box of frozen squid, but we always look for live bait, and we will spend some time on a school of bait using the Sabiki.
When the current is not running hard, a 1/4 or 3/8 oz. will get it down to the perfect depth. If the current is running a little bit, a 1/2 to 3/4 oz. might be needed. I would also suggest a live bait under a oat or under the
NOAA RAISES LIMITS ON ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA
NOAA Fisheries recently adjusted the Atlantic blue!n tuna daily retention limits for recreational !shermen. $e adjusted limits took e ect June 1, 2026, and will extend through December 31, 2026, unless NOAA takes additional action later in the year to further adjust the retention limits or close the !shery.
As of June 1, 2026, the retention limits will be:
Highly Migratory Species
Vessel/Permit Type
Private vessels with Highly Migratory Species
Angling permits
Charter boats with Highly Migratory Species
Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally
Headboats with Highly Migratory Species
Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally
Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip (lengths in curved fork length)
2 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”)
3 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”)
6 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73”, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73”)
Note: $e retention limits are per vessel, per day/trip—not per angler. Regardless of the duration of a !shing trip, no more than a single day’s retention limit may be possessed or retained at the end of the trip upon landing. For example, whether a private vessel (!shing under the Angling category retention limit) takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the day/trip retention limit of 2 blue!n tuna, of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium, applies and may not be exceeded upon landing.
$e !sh are just like us. We prefer to eat breakfast, maybe lunch, and a good dinner. Be there for the daylight bite or the late a ernoon bite. Put some beautiful live bait on the bottom and expect immediate bites on the decoy jig.
One of the most important pieces of advice for !shing in July is to ensure your children are prepared for the weather. A ernoon thunderstorms are common during this month, so it’s essential to dress them appropriately and be ready for sudden squalls. $is preparation is a fundamental part of the !shing experience.
Beyond safety, take the opportunity to teach your children the proper way to care for and release !sh. $ese practices instill a sense of respect for nature and promote responsible !shing. $e lessons learned during these outings will stay with them for a lifetime, making each !shing trip both enjoyable and educational.
Learn more tips and techniques at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
Who is a ected?
$e changes apply to Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when !shing recreationally. $e daily retention limits are e ective for all areas except for the Gulf of America, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted !shing for blue!n tuna.
Catch reporting
Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species
Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the catch of all blue!n tuna retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the end of trip by:
• Accessing the Highly Migratory Species Permit Shop
• Using the Highly Migratory Species Catch Reporting app
• Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Keep up with all federal shing rules and regulations by visiting https://www. sheries.noaa.gov.
From Campfire to Summit
A premium Damascus blade — at a price that cuts deep
For centuries, Damascus steel has been prized for its strength, beauty and legendary performance. Its distinctive flowing patterns have made it one of the world’s most sought-after blade materials. The problem? Genuine Damascus knives often come with premium price tags. That’s why we created the Stauer Damascus Explorer Knife. Built for adventurers, outdoorsmen and collectors alike, this handsome knife combines rugged utility with timeless craftsmanship. Whether you’re preparing kindling, tackling camp chores or simply admiring its artistry, it’s a blade you’ll be proud to own.
EXCLUSIVE
Stauer Pocket Binoculars a $99value with your purchase of the Damascus Explorer Knife
The first thing you’ll notice is the striking Damascus steel blade. Its signature rippled pattern isn’t just beautiful — it’s the mark of a centuries-old forging tradition. At a full 8 inches long, the blade offers impressive cutting power while maintaining excellent balance and control.
The rich rosewood handle provides a comfortable, secure grip, while the included sheath keeps your knife protected and ready for action. Every detail reflects the kind of quality typically found in knives costing far more.
Thanks to Stauer’s direct-to-you model, we’re able to offer this premium Damascus blade at an exceptional value. But supplies are limited, and once this shipment is gone, we can’t promise another opportunity at this price.
If you’ve been looking for a knife that blends performance, craftsmanship and value, now is the time to act. Damascus Explorer Knife PLUS FREE Binoculars $349* Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $250 1-800-333-2045
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Knife Specifications
• Damascus steel blade
• 8" blade. 13" overall length
• Rosewood handle
• Sheath included
What customers are saying about Stauer knives...
“First off, the shipping was fast and the quality is beyond what I paid for the knife.Overall, I am a satisfied customer!” — D., Houston, Texas
California residents, please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. $99 +FREE Binoculars Impossible PriceONLY
43,000 acres of legendary fishing from trophy bass, to world class sauger. A true Bill Dance Signature Lake.
