Coastal Angler Magazine | Virgin Islands March / April 2026 Edition

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

TRUST BR AND MARINERS

Ever see a commercial harbor full of Furuno Marine Electronics and wonder why the pros rely on us?

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fve things you should know about boat insurance

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

1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents

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

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.

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By Will Schmidt

Tere were birds diving, porpoise rolling and he y yellow n tuna skyrocketing like Fourth of July reworks. Both on the water and in the boat, the energy was palatable. With one angler on the bow ready to cast a top water plug into the fray and me in the stern with ready to deploy live bait, the boat throttled back. !e plug went ying, meanwhile I simply dropped my bait behind the boat and started freelining. Almost instantly the plug was blasted in the air but not connecting. Meanwhile, I tossed a handful of baits o the back of the boat. By now the fray had subsided but the sh were clearly still looking for an easy meal. 50 feet behind me one of the chummers was blasted overhead by a 150 pound yellow n who was skyward bound a er it. Just below I could see my bait franticly swimming as another engulfed it, leading to a great battle before releasing the 100 pound class sh.

While top water shing for tuna is all the rave right now, it really makes sense to deploy multiple tactics to take advantage of these opportunities, as the school o en retreats as the boat nears. Our back up plan is very simple and almost always produces sh. As the boat gets into casting range of the school, we drop live bait o the stern and free line them. We always keep a couple ready to go. !is way, if the school disappears there are other baits ready for those who have been plugging.

For bait google eyes or blue runners, rigging them on a 10/0 circle hook is ideal. Bridling the bait and using a non-slip loop knot presents the most natural movement as the baits ee. Also, tossing a handful of chummers in, as the surface activity disperses, usually brings shing looking to pick up stragglers into the strike zone. Chumming really helps keep the sh around, so make sure you have plenty of bait. When you get hit, give it a ve count real tight and hang on!

I like to use a bit heavier tackle with the live bait, as we o en seem to nd bigger sh. My go to is Shimano Terez BW Roller Striper medium heavy with a Talica 25A. I use 80lb braid to 80lb mono. !is is a great set up that’s fun for sh from 40 to 140 and can handle the occasional really big one. the rod with a better ghting angle. It also helps to keep the line away from the gunnel as a spiraling sh ascends. !is is a great asset for many anglers on these tough sh.

Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about shing for more than two decades. Follow Will on Instagram @saltynstrong.

Discover the Richness of the U.S. Virgin Islands Through Local Farmers Markets

The U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality—but there’s another treasure waiting to be explored: our local farmers markets. These community hubs are more than just a place to shop; they are a celebration of agriculture, sustainability, health, and culture. Across St. Croix and St. Thomas, the farmers markets offer an abundance of fresh, local produce, value-added products, hot food, and so much more—all while supporting local farmers and artisans.

The Value of Farmers Markets

Farmers markets play a vital role in strengthening the local economy and preserving the agricultural traditions of the Virgin Islands. By purchasing directly from local farmers and producers, you not only enjoy the freshest foods but also help sustain family farms and small businesses. Farmers markets reduce the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation, promote seasonal eating, and foster community connections.

The markets in the U.S. Virgin Islands are special in that they offer crops and products you won’t find in a typical mainland grocery store. Thanks to our tropical climate, local farmers can grow a variety of specialty crops that are rich in flavor, nutrition, and cultural significance.

What Are Specialty Crops?

According to the USDA, specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, herbs, and other horticultural products. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, these often include tropical fruits, leafy greens, herbs, and spices that thrive in our warm, humid climate. Specialty crops are valued not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their economic potential. They are central to the Virgin Islands’ unique agricultural identity and culinary traditions.

Some examples of tropical specialty crops available at our markets include:

Soursop – known for its immuneboosting properties and delicious, tangy-sweet flavor.

Breadfruit –a versatile and nutrient-dense staple high in complex carbohydrates.

Passionfruit –a tropical delight packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Turmeric and Ginger – powerful anti-inflammatory roots grown locally and used in teas, seasonings, and health products.

Victor Mencho’s

FJSOT Celebrates First Graduate Job Placement in Marine Industry on St. Croix

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands — Future Jobs Skills of Tomorrow, Inc. (FJSOT) proudly announces the first job placement of a graduate from its inaugural Marine Service Technology program pre-apprenticeship cohort, which concluded with a graduation on December 5, 2025.

One graduate from the first cohort has officially been hired by St. Croix Marine Center, marking a significant milestone for FJSOT’s workforce development mission and its commitment to building a skilled local marine workforce on St. Croix.

“This first placement represents exactly what FJSOT was created to do— provide industry-driven training that leads directly to employment,” said Reu-

ben Fenton, President of FJSOT. “We are proud of our graduate, grateful to DOI for funding, and St. Croix Marine Center On-The-Training (OJT) for investing in local talent.”

Quote from Trainee: “This Marine Service Technology, and the OJT program gave me real hands-on skills and the confidence to step into the marine industry. I am grateful for the opportunity and proud to be working at St. Croix Marine Center.” — Zion, FJSOT Graduate

FJSOT is actively collaborating with marine employers on St. Croix to secure employment placements for the remaining graduates of the December 2025 cohort, ensuring continued pathways into the maritime industry for trained Virgin Islands residents.

At the same time, FJSOT is in the process of securing funding to launch its second cohort of students in the “Marine Service Technology” / OJT pre-apprenticeship program on St. Croix. The upcoming cohort will continue to provide hands-on training, industry-recognized curriculum, and direct exposure to marine employers, strengthening the territory’s maritime workforce pipeline.

FJSOT remains committed to expanding access to high-quality, industry-aligned training programs that prepare Virgin Islands residents for sustainable careers and long-term economic opportunities.

grand opening store wide sale

Our activity

We offer a service of collection, transport, storage and recovery of waste, avoiding its unsustainable use and offering generators guarantees that its final destination complies with socially and environmentally responsible values.

Environmental Solutions for a Sustainable Virgin Islands

Environmental Waste Solutions VI LLC was founded in response to a growing concern about the environmental impact of improper waste disposal in the Virgin Islands. Recognizing that both used cooking and motor oil were often neglected yet they are significant pollutants, our founders, a group of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs came together to create a solution.

The company was born out of a shared vision to preserve the natural beauty of the VI and its surrounding waters, while also addressing an urgent environmental need. Together, we can create a legacy of pristine waters and untarnished lands for generations to cherish.

Global agreement

Global agreement

GREENSIDE is a member State of the Global Compact. This Initiative from United Nations promotes the fulfillment of the Ten Principles related with the human rights, the environment and combating bribery in the strategy of the organizations and to encourage the fulfillment of the Objectives of Sustainable Development.

GREENSIDE is a member State of the Global Compact. This Initiative from United Nations promotes the fulfillment of the Ten Principles related with the human rights, the environment and combating bribery in the strategy of the organizations and to encourage the fulfillment of the Objectives of Sustainable Development.

* The objectives in which the management of waste collaborates with the fulfillment of the objectives are highlighted.

Control and analytics

* The objectives in which the management of waste collaborates with the fulfillment of the objectives are highlighted.

Our team will carry out random analyses at the generating points of origin to determine the required parameters and compliance with the protocols.

These analyses will be certified by Greenside and delivered to the quality department.

Our activity

We offer a service of collection, transport, storage and recovery of waste, avoiding its unsustainable use and offering generators guarantees that its final destination complies with socially and environmentally responsible values.

Green communication plan

We have developed different communication tools, both digital and physical, that serve to show society the commitment and environmental management data visualised as environmental indicators that can be easily understood.

FISHING FOR A GREAT GETAWAY?

LOOK NO FURTHER THAN USVI!

What you really need to cure those winter blues is a little sun and sand, beaches and rainforests, music and culture, food and fun. And no place delivers the rhythms of the Caribbean quite like St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ST. THOMAS: St. Thomas’ location near an undersea canyon makes it one of the best places in the world to catch massive fish—we’re talking up to 350 pounds or more!

Inshore, offshore and deep-sea fishing charters like Offshore Adventures and Double Header Sportfishing offer half or full-day excursions into waters teeming with blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and more. Or if you’d rather combine a little work and play, Virgin Islands Sportfishing can customize a trip that includes plenty of fishing, plus a place to stop for cocktails to celebrate your big catch.

For an adventure to remember, book a trip to Coral World Ocean Park, where you can scuba dive or swim with dolphins, sea lions and turtles. (Guides are provided and no certifications are required). The park’s 5 acres also include aquariums, outdoor pools, nature trails and other marine experiences.

The littles on your list will never forget a trip to the hands-on Pirates Treasure Museum, where kids (and kids at heart) can steer a virtual pirate ship through a storm, learn all about submarines and even search for pirate booty — before scoring their own pirate-themed merch in the museum gift shop, of course.

ST. CROIX: The outdoors and history blend beautifully on St. Croix.

Thrill-seekers can fuel their adrenaline rush with a ride on the Carambola Zip Line, which delivers a heart-pounding 200-foot vertical drop before racing 2,500 feet across a lush tropical valley. You can also explore some of the island’s more remote reaches on a two-hour Gecko’s Island Adventures guided ATV tour through trails and forests you simply can’t access by car. These treks require a sense of adventure combined with a little grit, but the stunning views that await are oh, so, worth it.

Those wanting a more relaxing vacation will love exploring St. Croix’s historical towns, where you can wander among buildings that haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. All of the exploring will work up quite an appetite, so be sure to book a tasty food tour while you’re here! Companies like Virgin Islands Food Tours or Taste of Twin City Food Tour will help you eat and drink your way around town, while a Christiansted Sip & Savor Mixology Class teaches guests how to make three signature cocktails mixed with local Cruzan Rum and tropical ingredients.

ST. JOHNS: Don’t be fooled by the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands. St. John absolutely delivers when it comes to uncrowded beaches, relaxation and unspoiled natural beauty. More forested and less developed than its sister islands, it offers the perfect escape for those looking for a true “check out from civilization” getaway.

That seclusion and natural beauty make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations for romantic getaways. Book a luxury stay at The Westin St. John Resort Villas or Lovango Resort & Beach Club. Reserve a table at fine restaurants like ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay or casual joints like Skinny Legs Bar & Grill. Book a Cruz Bay Watersports sunset sail or a Night Kayak glow tour.

Another unique way to explore St. John’s pristine beaches is on horseback. Book a ride with Carolina Corral to take a guided trail ride along coral-strewn shorelines before making your way up a sloping hillside that leads to sweeping views of Coral Bay.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION?

Check out www.VisitUSVI.com.

PREDICTING THE RUN

By Capt. Jim Ross

s a charter captain, as well as a regular contributor to the Brevard County, Florida edition of Coastal Angler Magazine, every year there are certain events that happen that I try to predict in advance so that clients and readers can catch more !sh. However, there are many times that even we so called “professionals” don’t get it exactly right. Obviously, my crystal ball isn’t 100 percent correct all of the time...maybe it needs a tune up. LOL!

ings like the giant black drum schooling up, spring cobia run, June tarpon run, fall mullet run, and winter pompano run aren’t things you can pin down to a certain day of the month, but most of the time we can at least predict the month. Hopefully, I can achieve at least a 90 percent e ciency rating a er doing this report for the past 25 years.

I was just telling my clients one day last week, a er catching a bunch of small trout and a couple of lady!sh, that the big uglies were probably going to show up in a few weeks and if they had a chance to come back out with me then that they may have a shot at catching some much larger !sh than the ones we had landed that morning. Just !ve minutes a er saying this I spotted something unusual about 500 yards up the at. It was exactly what I had just been talking about- a 300 !sh school of 30 to 50-pound black drum.

e !sh in this big school were happy-tailing and waking as they pushed their way down the at. We eased up to them, cast our shrimp in their direction, and as you !gured, the battles were on. All three anglers were hooked up to huge drum that had absolutely no respect for them. Drags screamed, rods doubled over, and dozens of yards of line dumped o their reels. Grunts and groans were heard between laughter and smiles as they worked to tire these beasts. e boat deck looked like a country bar dance oor as anglers shu ed and two-stepped under and over each other in an e ort not to lose their prized catches.

We ended up extending the trip from a 3/4 day to a full day outing because each !sh took 15 to 25-minutes to land.

e moral of the story? Don’t ever count on !sh to be there and don’t ever think that it’s not quite the right time to catch them. e bottom line is just go !shing every chance you get. at is the only way that you can be sure to catch your next memory.

Capt. Jim Ross is owner/operator of Fineline Fishing Charters on Florida’s Space Coast and host of “Catch a Memory Outdoors” live radio show and podcast. www. neline shingcharters.com • www.catchamemoryoutdoors.com

COME JOIN

PRO FISHING TECHNIQUES

Top 3 Mistakes

So many anglers have a “go-to” color lure that they swear by. What they do not understand is that the color of your lure barely makes the top three most important factors for catching tons of !sh.

Mistake #1 - e number one mistake anglers make is ignoring the importance of the size and pro!le of the lures they use. When snook, tarpon, red!sh, speckled trout or ounder are feeding, they o en become laser focused on that particular forage species. In other words, if they are feeding on a 6-inch mullet your 3-inch paddletail or shrimp lure will probably be ignored.

PRO TIP: Have a few of your rods rigged up with various sizes and pro!les of lures on them. I like to have a 3-inch paddletail, an arti!cial shrimp and a 4- to 5.5-inch jerk bait ( uke) rigged up when I can’t determine what bait is around. Try all three sizes and pro!les of lures until you !gure out what the !sh in the area are feeding upon.

Mistake #2 - e number two mistake most anglers make is thinking one retrieve style works best for all of the !sh all of the time. ere are so many di erent factors to consider when retrieving your lures. Here are a few to consider:

• Is the water cold or hot? Fish are cold blooded and move more slowly in cold water. is means that you have to slow down your retrieve when the water is cold. Conversely, you want to move your lure faster when the water is hot.

• What species are you targeting? Di erent !sh species like di erent retrieves. For instance, the best retrieve for a red!sh is slowly bouncing your lure o of the bottom. A tarpon likes a low and steady retrieve. A ounder likes a very slow bounce/dragging retrieve no higher than 12 inches from the bottom. A speckled trout likes a vertical jig and will usually hit the lure as it falls through the water column. Snook like a fast and erratic retrieve most of the time.

• Is the water clear or murky? Low light, cloudy skies and murky water scenarios makes it harder to get a !sh’s attention. Use a retrieve or lure that creates vibrations and ashes in the water. You also want to fan cast the area keeping your lure placement close together because they are less apt to seek out your lure. When it is sunny and the water is clear it is easier to get the !sh’s attention. You can make your casts further apart and make the !sh come to your lure.

Mistake #3 - e third biggest mistake is thinking !sh care about lure colors. A saltwater tackle box with white lures and something dark like root beer or purple is all that you need to catch any !sh. PERIOD. e bottom line is that if you want to catch more !sh, switch up your sizes and pro!les and vary your retrieves for di erent species and conditions. I GUARANTEE that you will catch more !sh.

Capt. Mike Smith is owner of Fish Your Ass O Charters.Reach him at (561) 339-2317, contact@ shyourasso .com or shyourasso .com.

“It’s a beautiful knife with a great blade and a sure grip” — William B. Wilmington, NC

My friend Sergio is a mixed martial arts fighter. His shoulders are broad. His muscles have muscles. He’s not the kind of person you want to be on the wrong side of.

This manly man has a saying about being tough: You should either know how to fight or look like you do.

The message is simple enough. People spoiling for a fight usually don’t pick the biggest guy in the bar. If you look like someone who shouldn’t be messed with, you likely won’t be. With our Blue Bone Bowie Knife on your hip, that’s exactly the message you’ll send.

As beautiful as it is functional, this knife is 10" overall and features a high-quality 420 surgical stainless steel blade with a serrated spine. The handle is constructed of genuine natural bone with redwood spacers. On the handle you’ll find design work that’s carved by hand, a testament to its craftsmanship.

This knife is stick tang, meaning it won’t wimp out when you need it. This knife also features brass hand guards and brass spacers with file work, so you won’t lose your grip. For easy carrying, it comes with a genuine tooled leather sheath. CALL NOW! If you’re one of the rst 700 587 callers for this ad, we’ll throw in a pair of Stauer HD Pocket Binoculars — a $99 value — ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Walk around with the Blue Bone Bowie Knife and you’ll feel a lot safer. I know I do.

Knife Speci!cations:

• 10" overall length

• 420 surgical stainless steel and stick tang construction

• Genuine natural bone and redwood hand-carved handle

• Genuine leather sheath included

Blue Bone Bowie Knife

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$299 $79* + S & P Save $220

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Your Insider Offer Code: BBK164-02

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THE ULTIMATE OUTBOARD MOTOR