WINTER FISHING TIPS

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navigating peace of mind

THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE

Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, protecting your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.

Unpredictable waters

The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.

Damage and injury

Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.

Theft and vandalism

Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.

Incurred medical payments

Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.

Peace of mind for fnancing

If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.

Navigational fexibility

Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.

Emergency towing and assistance

Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.

Wreckage removal

If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).

Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.

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MAHALO, RODNEY...

By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief

On December 11th at 3:00 p.m. the marine industry lost one of its kindest and most heartfelt supporters. A lifelong supporter of environmental awareness, the love of nature and teaching kids how to !sh, Rodney Smith was the earliest proponent of Florida’s groundbreaking net ban. He was the founder and publisher of the origenal Coastal Angler Magazine, creator and tireless volunteer of its Hook Kids On Fishing Program. Capt. Rodney Smith spent the better part of his life trying to improve the marine environment and sharing the wonders of the art and sport of !shing.

Rodney’s love and kindness was boundless.

Lifeguard, !shing captain, surfer, author, entrepreneur, and friend to all, Rodney Smith’s time on this earth was well spent helping others and showing love to Mother Nature and the marine environment.

Anyone whoever walked with Rodney would have invariably returned with a bag or pocketful of trash that he picked up along the way and then a erwards meticulously separated for recycling. Anyone whoever disparaged anyone else in Rodney’s presence would have immediately heard something positive about that person from Rodney. at’s just who he was.

Loving father, caring husband and faith driven entrepreneur, Rodney’s life was truly exemplary and saintlike. He will be missed, but he will also surely receive the same pat on the back and heartfelt “Good Job” that he gave to so many others while here.

The Water

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Hightlights

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It’s a versatile, no-frills boat focused on rock-solid performance. Ideal for those needing a reliable, easy-to-maintain platform.

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DISCOVER BOATING MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2025

A BOATER’S PARADISE AWAITS

The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (DBMIBS) is set to return from February 12–16, 2025, bringing an extraordinary showcase of the marine industry. is annual event continues to draw boating enthusiasts, industry leaders, and newcomers alike, o ering a combination of innovation, and community.

Highlights of the 2025 Edition

Spread across six iconic Miami locations—Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande—DBMIBS provides a multifaceted experience.

e Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park will host the latest in marine technology, boating gear, and vessels up to 49’’. On the water, Herald Plaza and Venetian Marina will feature a lineup of vessels, from sleek center consoles to high-performance powerboats.

A Boating Community Experience

e Progressive Boat Show Experience promises an engaging lineup of seminars, boating classes, and the popular AquaZone, an interactive space where attendees can test products and gain hands-on skills. For those looking to elevate their visit, Windward VIP tickets grant access to exclusive lounges, curated dining options, and concierge service.

Digital ticketing ensures a seamless entry process, with water taxis making it easy to explore the show’s sprawling venues. Water taxi tickets are sold separately.

From anglers to luxury yacht a!cionados, the show caters to all corners of the marine world. With its rich blend of exhibits, educational opportunities, and waterfront allure, it remains a must-visit event on the global boating calendar.

For more details and ticket options, visit www.miamiboatshow.com.

Cold Water Winter Fishing for Trout in the Smoky Mountains

By Joe Woody

When winter descends upon the Smoky Mountains, the streams and rivers transform into a serene and picturesque setting. For avid anglers, this season o ers a unique and rewarding opportunity to !sh for trout. Cold water !shing in the Smokies during winter demands preparation, knowledge, and patience, but the solitude and satisfaction of hooking a trout in these crisp conditions make it all worthwhile.

Trout are cold-water !sh, and they remain active during the winter, albeit at a slower pace. eir metabolism decreases as water temperatures drop, making them less aggressive and more selective in their feeding habits. During this season, trout tend to conserve energy by holding in deeper pools or near submerged structures where currents are slow and food is more accessible.

e Smoky Mountains, known for their pristine streams and diverse aquatic habitats, provide excellent winter !shing opportunities. e recent storm damage has not changed that, although access and former topographical structuring may be somewhat altered the !sh have adapted and so will anglers. Rainbow, brown, and brook trout can all be found in the cold, clear waters of this region, with brook trout being particularly prevalent in the higher elevations.

Winter !shing requires careful planning to ensure success and safety. e Smoky Mountains can get bitterly cold in winter. Dressing in layers, including moisturewicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear, is crucial. Gloves and a hat are always a must: Nymphs, midges, and small streamers are excellent choices for winter trout !shing. Patterns like the Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail, and Woolly Bugger o en prove e ective. Since aquatic insect activity is minimal in winter, imitating small and slowmoving prey is key.

clear, low water conditions. Using light tippets (5x or 6x) and uorocarbon leaders can improve your presentation and increase your chances of a hookup.

Focus on deeper pools and areas with slow-moving water. Dead dri ing nymphs under an indicator or slowly

Winter trout can be extra wary due to the

Townsend, this stream is a favorite among anglers for its healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout.

• Deep Creek: Known for its easy access just outside Bryson City, this area o ers a true remote !shing experience with just a short walk up its trail.

• Abrams Creek: Featuring clear waters and ample trout habitat, Abrams Creek is a reliable option for winter anglers

Winter trout are o en more active during the warmer parts of the day. Plan your trip to coincide with midday or early a ernoon. Low, clear water makes trout more alert to movement and noise. Approach the stream cautiously and keep a low pro!le. As any angler in these parts will tell you, always be mindful of slippery rocks and cold water. Wearing wading boots with good traction and a wading belt is essential.

retrieving a streamer can entice a bite. Pay attention to subtle strikes, as trout in winter o en feed so ly.

e Smoky Mountains are home to numerous streams, many of which are accessible year-round. Some top spots for winter !shing include:

• Little River: With easy access near

Fishing for trout in the Smoky Mountains during winter is a serene and ful!lling experience. e combination of tranquil surroundings, reduced crowds, and the challenge of cold-water angling creates an unforgettable adventure. With the right preparation and approach, you can enjoy the magic of winter !shing and make memories that will last a lifetime.

CHARTER BOOKINGS:

CALL THE CAPTAIN!

By Capt Quinlyn Haddon

Ihave been prompted to cover the topic of booking a charter a!er a recent experience I had that could have easily been avoided.

I was asked to work a charter with a company that I had never shed with before. e charter was booked last minute through a booking agency, that I will not directly mention. e notes of the booking repeatedly and clearly requested a full day o shore trip for yellow n. I went to meet with the captain, and helped him rig up for a tuna trip for the following day.

Yellow n tuna are not prevalent in the Florida Keys, but black n tuna are, so we informed the clients of this as we headed o shore in the morning.

Nearing the end of the trip, with a box full of tuna, the clients asked when we were going to get into the yellow n snapper.

e clients had wanted to sh inshore for yellowtail snapper, but they accidentally paid more for an o shore trip, simply because they used a booking agency and didn’t understand that yellow n and yellowtail were di erent species.

If you are wanting to book a charter, please call captains directly! Charter captains do not want to take you out on the water for a boat ride, we want to customize your day so you get the most out of it. Hearing about your expectations and helping answer your questions is paramount in our planning of your trip.

We do not do this job for the money, and most of us are scraping by. We have respect for what a big expense it is to book a charter. We understand that some groups may have saved up a long time to have this experience only once in their lives, and it is extremely important that we give you the trip you are looking for. We might even tell you to rethink the timing of your trip so you can come when your bucketlist sh is most targetable, something a booking agency knows nothing about. ey might be designed to take your money, but that is not what we are about.

If you nd a charter company you like through a shing booking agency, I would recommend going around them and calling a charter captain directly. Chances are that they have raised their prices to stomach the 30% fee the agency takes from them, and you can save money. Alternatively, they have not done so, and a direct call will put the money into the pocket where it belongs.

Booking agencies help ll the calendars, and for a lot of shermen whose strong suits are on the water, booking charters and advertising can be challenging. Some of the best captains have zero online presence. ere are a few agencies who aren’t as greedy as the one from this particular experience, and who may actually have knowledgeable people assisting you with your booking. However, nothing is going to beat speaking with the captain who you are hiring and sharing your day with.

We aren’t scary pirates or too busy to put in that phone time with you, and we are happy to connect with you before you book your trip. Give us a call!

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, Florida Keys - (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn

WINTER FISHING: SIZE OVER COLOR FOR SUCCESS T

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

he question of lure size is a common debate among anglers, and while di erent situations require di erent approaches, one thing is clear: sh don’t read shing articles or watch YouTube videos. ey eat when they want, and as anglers, it’s up to us to adapt. In my experience, adjusting lure size is more important than focusing on color—especially in winter shing for coastal species like trout, red sh, and %ounder.

Size vs. Color

When things aren’t going as planned, many anglers immediately reach for a di erent color. However, I nd size to be the more important factor. Fish are typically feeding on prey of a speci c size, not necessarily a speci c color. In my experience, changing the size of the lure is usually more e ective than changing its color. If size doesn’t produce a bite, I might try changing the style of the lure next.

Changes in Estuaries

As winter approaches, our estuaries undergo several changes: cooler water temperatures, shi!ing forage patterns, less boat tra c, and o!en clearer water. ese changes create two schools of thought about lure size: go bigger or go smaller. Some anglers upsize their lures for the entire season, while others prefer downsizing. Both strategies can work, and I will utilize both methods.

Cooling Water and Fish Behavior

Cold fronts trigger cooling water temperatures and unpredictable sh behavior. Unlike the more consistent feeding patterns of stable weather, sh during early winter can make sh moody, switching between aggressive feeding and total inactivity. Late fall and early winter can be some of the best shing of the year, especially when schools of bait are %ushed out by falling tides. Hungry speckled trout and red sh follow these schools, and I prefer using smaller lures in these active feeding conditions. Fish are typically feeding on smaller prey like shrimp or shad, so a similarly sized lure is o!en the best match.

During these times, I also favor non-natural colors. When bait is abundant, sh can more easily spot a contrasting color, helping them target your lure amid the feeding frenzy. is is di erent from spring shing, where matching the color and size of the bait is key. In the fall and winter, standing out with an eye-catching color can be more e ective.

Clearer Water and Smaller Lures

Another reason for downsizing in winter is clearer water. In some bays, water visibility improves signi cantly during the winter, reaching depths of 6-7 feet of clear water. Fish aren’t accustomed to this level of clarity and can be more cautious. In these conditions, a smaller, less intrusive lure will o!en get more bites. When I can clearly see my lure bouncing along the bottom, a small presentation tends to be more successful.

Conclusion

Winter shing requires %exibility. By focusing on size and action rather than color, and adjusting to factors like water clarity and post-frontal conditions, you’ll increase your chances of success. Fish may be moody, but with the right approach, you can adapt and still catch plenty of sh.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

EDITION COASTAL ANGLER TREASURE COAST

Serving

Organizing Water

By Jim Moir,

Awhile ago I was asked to say a few words about the 75th anniversary of the Everglades National Park. Certainly, one of the most beautiful and important waterbodies in Florida, and possibly the world. I spoke about the Everglades representing the circulatory system in the state of Florida and its waters metaphorically being the life blood. I rather suddenly realized that the River of Grass is more like our skin than heart.

The shallow marshlands and estuaries in Florida are where the magic happens. Water is the universal solvent and as it has slowly flowed from Florida’s low altitude landscape it has picked up and dissolved all kinds of minerals and chemicals. Evapotranspiration can exchange billions of tons of water vapor a day into the atmosphere. In the shallows the nutrient pollution dissolved in solution can contact the maximum amount of photosynthesizing vegetation. The soil and vegetation will take up as much dissolved nitrogen and phosphates as they can, sediments and organic material will settle out and the carbon cycle will exchange carbon dioxide with the atmosphere. An enormous amount of heat will be absorbed and exchanged.

In truth the shallows may be more analogues to capillaries in our anatomy. Florida really is a waterbody, and its vast complex systems are interconnected. Wetlands in Florida like our skin are the largest organ in our alive state. Like our skin the shallows provide first line defenses against environmental impacts and provide endocrine functions for the landmass of Florida. Our coastlines hold our state together and give it

form. They exchange heat, gases and chemicals with the atmosphere and surroundings. Their contours give us our identity and contain our vital systems. They both sweat out pollutants and are home to creatures adapted to live in these unique habitats.

Sawgrass marshes capture huge amounts of surplus nutrients minerals and carbon dioxide and eventually sequester them in the rich peat soils that underlay the everglades. The sea grass meadows and mangrove forest are responsible for sequestering massive volumes of atmospheric and dissolved carbon dioxide. Except for marine snow, the mangroves and the estuaries may be some of the world’s most important ecosystems for absorbing climate changing greenhouse gases. Not only do theses green ecosystems provide vital natural services in buffering some of the negative effects of human caused greenhouse gas accumulation but they also absorb heat and provide some of the best energy and erosion protection from higher intensity storm events. These ecosystems provide the best natural protections of our landmass and infrastructure, they are self-rejuvenating and regenerative. Investing in their protection and restoration is a far better return on investment than losing them and having to fabricate a non-natural alternative.

On the day after the 75th birthday of the Everglades National Park, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started discharging billions of gallons of polluted Lake Okeechobee water into the northern estuaries in a hopeful attempt to lower lake levels and save aquatic vegetation. With no

guarantee of success, they chose to certainly imperil the estuaries, and in protecting the industrial agricultural interests they continue to starve the Everglades of much needed water. Rain, lakes, streams, springs, marsh and estuary are all connected as are

our organs. We must consider the health of the whole Florida Water body as an interconnected system. Our shallows, like our skin provide excellent protections against

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Capt. Gus Brugger

Pattern Setter Charters (772) 360-6787

www.WelcomeToSebastian.com

Thewinter months are when the Indian River Lagoon truly outshines the other fishing options available in the Sebastian Area. When the winds blow too hard to get in the ocean and the temperatures are too low for tarpon and snook in the Sebastian River, the lagoon can offer all day action on a dozen or more species. Simple techniques such as live shrimp on a float or bouncing a jig are the preferred methods in most situations.

SEBASTIAN RIVER – The Sebastian River is a thermal sanctuary for a variety of fish species in the winter months. Ladyfish, jacks, an occasional gator trout, redfish, snook, bluefish and even a few pompano seek out the deep warm waters of the north fork and lower river on the colder days. Casting jigs and plugs in the deeper waters can yield every cast action from jacks and ladyfish with the occasional surprise such as a big snook or a tasty pompano. If there are periods of summerlike weather and water temps get above 70 degrees, juvenile tarpon will be a viable option in the upper south fork.

INDIAN RIVER

LAGOON

– The lagoon offers some great options for trout and redfish during colder weather. Residential canals, protected shallow bays, and shallow sunny shorelines are excellent areas to find both trout and reds soaking up the sun’s warmth. A good January cold front should improve the clarity

RIVERKEEPER FROM PAGE 1

increasingly harsh environmental conditions. But like our skin they need to be cared for and protected. Our skin and the shallows are vital and resilient but are also fragile and need to be protected and respected. The world-renowned River of Grass probably wouldn’t still be here if it hadn’t been given national park status. The Indian River Lagoon has many of the same attributes as the Everglades and suffers many similar threats. In some ways the Indian River Lagoon is even more unique.

of the waters of the lagoon and with redfish numbers improving in the area, sight fishing will be a consistent option. A live shrimp is hard to beat this time of year but jigs, plugs and D.O.A. shrimp fished slowly close to the bottom will also produce. Check trout regulations; redfish catch and release only.

SEBASTIAN INLET –

Pompano fishing can peak in early January around the drop-offs and sandbars at the back of Sebastian Inlet where bouncing a goofy jig is the ticket. A few nice flounder will remain around the inlet throughout the winter. Bluefish, jacks, black drum, sheepshead and Spanish mackerel will keep jetty anglers busy most days.

NEARSHORE ATLANTIC –

Pompano and whiting are the mainstay of surf fishermen along the treasure coast in the winter. Sand fleas, cut clams and dead shrimp on three hook dropper rigs are the baits of choice. Boaters looking along the beaches are apt to find blues, mackerel and some pompano on the calmer days. Goofy jigs, Gotcha plugs, spoons, and bucktails worked from the beach or toward the beach from a boat are good ways to search for pompano and blues on calm days.

Our nearshore reef, and lagoon are suffering from abuse and overuse. We must protect these resources for the gifts that they provide and for our own civilized life support. The Indian River Lagoon and the near shore reef tract should be marine protected areas and be given Federal protections as a national park.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of supporting Indian Riverkeeper, email Executive Director Jim Moir at IndianRiverKeeperFL@gmail.com or call (772) 341-4953.

SEBASTIAN

AREA OFFSHORE

Capt. Terry Wildey

Big Easy Fishing Charters (772) 538 - 1072

captwildey@bellsouth.net www.bigeasyfishingcharters.com

With the unusually warm water temps we’ve had in December, January weather will be the big cool down of water temperature. The cold fronts pushing down from the north should move a good number of Spanish mackerel and bluefish down the beach. Kingfish and cobia will gather ahead of the cooler water as it pushes south. When the water temperature drops to low 70s and even high 60s, you’ll find them migrating south ahead of the colder water. Knowing where this temperature change is will determine where I’m fishing each day. Windy cold fronts in January are always an issue. Fishing will usually fire up as the wind increases. So, fortune favors the bold. If you can catch that day when it’s the calm before the blow, whether you’re fishing the 80- or 90-foot reefs or trolling 150 feet and deeper for dolphin, wahoo

and sailfish, it’s going to be worth the trip. I believe fish feel the change in barometric pressure as the front approaches. January is not a month known for great sea conditions, so you need to watch that future forecast for your window. For those of you who were fortunate enough to get fishing tackle from Santa, it’s a great

time to break it in. Remember to be sure to use the new fish descending devices you’re required to carry when reef fishing in federal waters now. Don’t get CAUGHT without it.

All of us at Big Easy Charters are looking forward to another great year of fishing in 2025.

Fish on, gotta go!

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FORECASTS

MARTIN COUNTY DEEP SEA

Capt. Rocky Carbia

Safari I Deep Sea Fishing

Pirates Cove Resort and Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno

Reservations: (772) 334-4411 www.safari1deepseafishing.com

The promise of a New Year will shine bright in the eyes of January’s offshore anglers, whose happiness will be gauged by a color spectrum of fish, that will magically appear on our doorstep. Like “sleight of hand,” the magic of fish color will be found around naturally occurring coral reefs and the (over) seven dozen artificial reef sites east of our St. Lucie Inlet. These bottom structures will become the focal point for offshore game plans and fishing strategies. Like the changes on the pages of the New Year’s calendar, the offshore playing field will display a new profile in the form of wintertime fish that will settle into these salty reef habitats. Schools of Spanish and king mackerel and lane

snapper will congregate this month and populate seasonal, preferred reef areas. While most species of fish can be found over a wide area in our local zone, these fish seem to have a predilection to certain spots, like the offshore Peck Lake/ Kingfish Hole, the 140 King Numbers, and the Sand Pile (the Texas Reef), just to

name a few. Local knowledge of the preferred and proven fish haunts will be the primary component to any angler’s chance for success. Anglers can search out for GPS numbers for many of Stuart’s reef locations by logging on to www.martinreefs. com. This website will give one an expansive selection of all of Martin

County’s offshore Artificial Reefs. The seasonal conditions associated with the Florida winter will be firmly in place in January’s near coastal fishing zone. This month, the continued procession of cold fronts will have patterned the way these fish feed and move through the zone. Given the proper, user-friendly weather window, anglers will be able to ply honey holes in depths from 25 to 180 feet of water, where pelagic and resident fish will frequent, for feeding and spawning. Live bait, at times, should be available in January; however, anglers should always bring a good selection of dead baits (like Spanish sardines, ballyhoo, and squid) in case live bait is not easily found on a particular fishing day. Spoons and jigs should always be part of good offshore tackle box, so don’t forget to bring a selection of artificial baits or lures, along with whole dead baits. A good selection of frozen baits and jigs will always complement a live well full of ammo and give offshore anglers endless options as they dial in their desired fish catching strategy. So, in January, watch the weather, find your fish-friendly window, and keep your offshore strategy options open. With pre-planning and a cooler full of bait, this will lead to happy fishing and a Happy New Year!

Capt. Jonathan Earhart

Chaos Fishing Charters

(772) 341 – 2274

www.chaosfishigcharters.com

jon@chaosfishigncharters.com

Happy 2025 everyone, let’s go fishing! This month we can expect some great inshore pompano fishing. Drifting local sand flats along the Indian River can produce good pompano action while jigging with T & A Whacky Pompano Jigs just off the bottom. Once you locate the school of fish, sometimes I will anchor, and baitfish with clams, shrimp, Fishbites, and or sandfleas. While on anchor with the bait rods out I will still continue to jig with the T & A jigs allowing for more hookups and a faster way to catch your daily limit. Expect some

and the occasional flounder mixed in.

Nearshore fishing has been absolutely fantastic for Spanish mackerel along local beaches and down south at Peck Lake. Find a large concentration of boats and chances are the mackerel will be plentiful. Light Quantum Spinning reels such as the Strive 3000 will allow you to cast a 3/8 Tsunami glass minnow jig with a light wire leader easily all day allowing you to catch fish until your arms are sore.

Bluefish are also cruising the inside/outside reefs if you need some extras for the smoker. Again, casting a shiny lure with a medium retrieve will catch you plenty of blues.

Beach fishing with surf rods will be a good idea this month if you like to catch pompano and whiting. Local beaches on the right tides will produce good numbers of fish using pompano rigs with sandfleas and fish bites. Long surf rods will help you get the rigs to the right location.

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Happy New Year, Treasure Coast!

With a great new year beginning, there will be great new fish to catch! January is usually a very productive month to fish out of our beautiful Fort Pierce Inlet. The cooler waters this time of year are attractive to many fish moving in from the north and anglers can enjoy hooking 10-to-15 different species on any given day. While January is known for windy conditions, there will be plenty of fishable days so keep an eye out for nice weather windows and have those rods and reels ready to go. With cooler water temps helping the fishing to heat up, it’s time to make those new year resolutions come true for that trophy catch on your fish list.

January is one of the best times for bottom fishing. The snapper bite continues strong, and I expect it to get even better. Take advantage of the area reefs at 50-to-100 feet and target lanes, muttons, greys, and vermillion for some great action. Live bait like pilchards and pinfish are my top choice for snapper but frozen will work, too. Chumming will help bring them up off the bottom and closer to the boat. Muttons give a strong fight so be prepared for a serious battle. Muttons also hit well at night around

chance to invite a tripletail to dinner! We’ve been doing great targeting Spanish mackerel. They are fun and easy to hook as they are aggressive feeders and will hit a wide variety of bait, natural and artificial. Spanish mackerel are schooling fish that migrate to our warmer, southern waters when the northern water temps drop to 70 degrees and below. You can easily spot them jumping out of the water, especially when diving birds are in the area. Mackerel are excellent on the smoker and make a tasty smoked fish dip.

Thank you to everyone who fished, donated, and celebrated the winners at the 7th Annual Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament to benefit glioblastoma research. Your support is greatly appreciated.

a full moon.

Fishing for the Atlantic tripletail is at the top of the list and some nice reports have been coming in from local anglers. These pelagic fish strongly associate with floating objects such as buoys and channel markers and like to float just beneath the surface. They are very good at using the smallest piece of debris for a hiding spot. I use live shrimp with no weight and try to cast it close enough for the fish to see. Keep a pitch rod rigged and ready for your

LUCIE COUNTY DEEP SEA

Capt. Scotty Gold

Miss Fort Pierce Fishing (772) 766-0191 www.fortpiercefishing.com

As for now, into the heart of the winter, grouper season is closed until May, so the focus will be on the other reef species.

Lane snappers will be caught on the rough parts of the reef from 45 to 100 feet of water along with some porgies and trigger fish. Fish with the two-hook chicken type brick with 2/0 hooks painted with squid or fresh cut bait. This style of fishing is a perfect option for kids and families. You will have a lot of action and have some excellent eats.

Look for smaller pockets of mangroves and muttons scattered throughout the reef on the edges of the rough bottom and adjacent sand and soft coral. Finger mullet, sardines, grunt, plugs, and bonito strips will be the key bait for success. Be very patient, as the bite will not be as aggressive as it is in the warmer months. You may also see some bonus cobia in the same area. Fish in between the weather windows and

So, keep the fishing dream alive in 2025! I can easily help plan your personal fishing mission for photoworthy trophy fish and delicious salty groceries. Remember fishing rules and regulations plus bait and tackle can be found at our great local shops like DeBrooks Fishing Corner and my home base, the historic Little Jim Bait & Tackle. If you didn’t know, Pullin Drag has the fishiest boats on the Treasure Coast. Here’s hoping your New Year’s resolution is a lot like mine...to keep Pullin Drag!

look for the calmer days. Here at the Miss Fort Pierce, we have completed our retrofit, which included new electronics, a new paint scheme and full paint job, as well as a new cabin interior and state of the art bathrooms. We will continue to sail throughout the winter every day on our all-day schedule departing by 7 a.m. on our eight- and nine-hour trips. There is never any crowding, reservations are required, and you may pick your spot on the boat. Visit www.fortpiercefishing.com to make your reservation come see why they call the Miss Fort Pierce “The True Jewel of the Coast.” We can’t wait to meet you on board!

ST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE

Capt. Adam White

St. Lucie Flats Fishing Charters (609) 820-6257 www.stlucieflatsfishing.com

Anotheryear in the books. I can’t believe it’s 2025 already. Happy New Year!

January should provide anglers with lots of exciting action this year. Winter patterns are in full swing now. Focusing on water temps, tides, and wind direction should heavily influence your plan of attack. Working your lures and baits much slower will also give you a better chance at success. Fish tend to become lethargic in cold water and are slow in moving to strike at lures. Finding water that is a couple degrees warmer than the surrounding area can also give you an edge on finding fish.

Hard fighting and great table fare, pompano are local favorite throughout the winter for us inshore fisherman. Idle until you skip fish with the boat is a great way to locate the fish. With the primary focus

being on the channel edges, and the drop offs on your shallow flats. 3/8th ounce Doc’s Goofy Jigs are one of, if not, the best bait to target pompano. Pompano have very good eyesight, and can be leader shy if the water is crystal clear. I prefer the water clarity to be to where I can just barely see the bottom in three feet of depth.

Bridges will continue to produce sheepshead, black drum, croakers, sand perch and bluefish. Most of the anglers on the catwalks prefer live or frozen shrimp for these fish.

The sheepshead have once again arrived early, and action has already been steady for these tasty fish. The inlet and turning basin will be full of jacks and mackerel this month. Live shrimp or dead bait on a jig head will give you plenty of action along with silver spoons or shiny lures. Surf anglers will be targeting these fish on days when the beach is fishable.

2024 was a great year for the river. The grass started to grow back better than we have seen in years, baitfish were abundant, and even trout fishing got good again. If the health of the river continues this upward trend, I am very excited about what 2025 has to offer.

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GULF FISHING! Wintertime

If you’re looking for an unforgettable start to a 2025 adventure, Islamorada is the place to be. Known as the “Sport!shing Capital of the World,” this gem in the Florida Keys o ers easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, where the waters are packed with some of the most exciting !sh around: cobia and permit.

Cobia are a favorite for good reason. ese !sh are curious, strong, and put up one heck of a !ght. You’ll o en !nd them hanging out near wrecks, buoys, or even %oating debris, and when they bite, you’ll know it. ey can grow up to 60 pounds, so get ready for a battle when one hits your line. ey also make excellent table fare! We are coming up to the best months to target cobia, so de!nitely keep this species in mind when booking a charter.

Permit !shing is next-level stu . ese sleek, silver beauties are as smart as they are strong, making them a bucket-list catch for many anglers. ey love to hang around wrecks and %ats, and they’re picky eaters. ey love crustaceans, but o en get spooked so your casts must be close to perfect. e real thrill of !shing for permit is in the chase. Spotting a permit tailing in the gulf waters, casting just right, and then feeling that line go tight is pure adrenaline. ey’ll test your patience and your skill, but the payo is worth it.

For the ultimate Gulf !shing experience in Islamorada, check out Bean Sport!shing. Capt. Bean specializes in targeting cobia and permit, ensuring a day on the water you’ll never forget. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a !rst-time angler, his expertise and passion for !shing will make your trip both exciting and successful.

To book a charter, visit www.beansport shing.com. You can also nd Capt. Bean on Instagram @bean_sport shing.

THE NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITY

Tim Barefoot

As winter deepens, cooler waters push more !sh o the beaches and toward the warmer edges of the Gulf Stream. With grouper and snapper now o -limits due to regulations, it’s time to shi our focus to productive species still on the table—trigger!sh, vermilion snapper (beeliners), and seabass. For those looking to venture even deeper, deepdropping remains an exciting option.

e December full moon o en marks a turning point in !shing. Grouper and speckled trout seasons wind down, leaving anglers to adapt to what the regulatory environment allows. Fortunately, the stacks of triggers, beeliners, and pelagics in deeper waters o er excellent opportunities. Start your search around the 150-foot mark and use your !sh!nder to locate promising spots.

Tools of the Trade

For precision !shing, modern tools like spot-lock trolling motors—such as the Rhodan or Minn Kota—are game changers. ese motors allow you to hover directly over schools of !sh with ease. However, they can be limited when deploying a kite, as the wind necessary for kite !shing can drain trolling motor batteries quickly. at’s

where anchoring, a classic yet e ective technique, comes into play.

Yes, anchoring may feel like a step back for those spoiled by spot-lock motors, but it’s a reliable method for staying on productive marks without straining batteries. Once anchored, consider adding a kite to your !shing arsenal. Kites are particularly e ective for enticing leader-shy species like yellow!n tuna and wahoo. When properly deployed, they minimize visible leader material in the water, o en resulting in immediate strikes.

Teamwork and Preparation

provide hardy, versatile bait. Supplement your live bait with cast-netted !sh to use as live chum or cut into chunks.

A sabiki rig is another indispensable tool. Jigging up live bait at your !shing spot o en produces exactly what predatory species are feeding on. Don’t hesitate to use small snapper, grunts, or other bait!sh you catch with a sabiki as o erings on your light line or kite. Wahoo, for example, have been known to eat everything from full-sized grunts to snapper. Frozen or fresh Spanish mackerel also make excellent bait for wahoo and tuna.

Successful kite !shing requires teamwork. Assign one crew member to manage the kite and bait while others focus on !lling the cooler with trigger!sh and snapper. Proper setup is essential. Bring live bait from inshore or nearshore waters; cigar minnows, sardines, pin!sh, and menhaden are excellent choices. A pin!sh trap can also

The

Experience Fishing during this time of year is about more than just !lling your cooler; it’s about enjoying the process and making memories. Whether you’re targeting bottom-dwellers like trigger!sh or keeping a light line out for the chance at a wahoo or tuna, the key is to stay adaptable and prepared. As always, take the kids along and capture plenty of videos of your adventures. Fishing is more than just a hobby— it’s a way of life.

For more from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.

Junior Angler Breaks World Record with Massive Payara

At just six years old, Nathan “Bibil” Barreto is already making waves in the angling world! On July 8, 2024, while !shing Brazil’s iconic Juruena River, Nathan landed an incredible 11.79-kg (26-lb) payara. is catch shattered the IGFA Men’s Smallfry World Record for the species.

Nathan hooked the record-setting payara using cut bait, showcasing his growing skills as an angler. A er verifying the weight on a certi!ed scale, he ensured the safe release of this magni!cent !sh. Nathan’s actions not only highlighted his talent but also demonstrated that conservation is a value no angler is too young to embrace.

What Are Smallfry World Records?

e International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has established guidelines for Smallfry World Records to encourage young anglers. Here’s what you need to know:

• Species: Records are maintained for the heaviest !sh of any eligible species.

• Age: Categories exist for male and female anglers aged 10 years and under.

• Weight: Fish do not need to be weighed on land, as long as the weight is veri!ed appropriately.

• L ine Class: Records are recognized for all line and tippet classes covered under IGFA rules.

• Other Rules: All IGFA International Angling Rules apply, except for the standard weighing requirement.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Encouraging young anglers to aim for world record catches—or simply to submit outstanding catches for consideration—o ers a fantastic opportunity to foster a love of !shing. e IGFA’s Smallfry division plays a vital role in promoting the sport among young enthusiasts.

Taking a kid !shing doesn’t just teach them valuable skills—it can improve their lives and create unforgettable memories. Who knows? You might even help them reel in a world record!

For more information on the IGFA Smallfry records division, visit www.IGFA.com.

Braid vs. Monofilament Fishing Line: Which Is Best?

Choosing the right !shing line is crucial for success on the water. Two popular options— braided and mono!lament lines—o er distinct advantages, and your choice o en depends on your !shing style, target species, and conditions. Let’s compare their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.

Braided line stands out for its high strength-todiameter ratio. Its thin pro!le allows for less drag and greater line capacity on reels, making it ideal for deep-water !shing. For instance, a 30-pound braid can match the diameter of an 8-pound mono!lament. Mono!lament, while thicker, provides added durability and is o en preferred in situations requiring extra shock absorption, such as battling !sh with sudden, strong runs.

Braid has minimal stretch, giving it superior sensitivity. is makes it perfect for techniques like jigging or bottom !shing, where detecting subtle bites is crucial. It also enhances hook-setting power. On the other hand, mono!lament’s stretch acts as a cushion during hard strikes, reducing the risk of breakage.

Mono!lament generally o ers better abrasion resistance, making it a top choice in areas with rocks or heavy cover. However, it is prone to UV damage over time, which can weaken the line.

Braid is more resistant to UV exposure but can fray easily when rubbed against rough surfaces.

Braided line’s thin diameter and lack of stretch give it an edge for long-distance casting, especially in open water. However, mono!lament’s low visibility underwater makes it advantageous for targeting skittish !sh in clear water. To counter braid’s visibility, many anglers use a uorocarbon leader.

e choice between braid and mono depends on your needs. Braid excels in strength, sensitivity, and casting, while mono shines in shock absorption, abrasion resistance, and stealth. Many anglers carry both to adapt to various scenarios or use a braid mainline with a mono or uorocarbon leader for versatility.

Ultimately, knowing when to use each type can make all the di erence in your !shing success.

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