Today we remember and honor Ben Martin, Editor in Chief of Coastal Angler Magazine. His passion, leadership, and love for the outdoor community touched so many. He will be deeply missed. Rest easy, Ben.Editorial StaffMay 21st, 2026
May 1st marks one of the most anticipated days in the Florida Keys as grouper season officially reopens. From hard-fighting black grouper to tasty red and gag grouper, anglers hit the reefs and wrecks ready for battle. Grouper fishing demands heavy tackle, quick reactions, and respect for the resource, as these powerful fish head straight for the rocks the moment they bite. Whether fishing offshore wrecks or local patch reefs, preparation and conservation are key to keeping this iconic fishery thriving for generations to come.Editorial StaffMay 20th, 2026
If you’re a big trout enthusiast like me, you know there’s still time left to chase a personal best—if you haven’t had your fill over the past few months. While most anglers focus on trophy speckled trout from December through early April, May quietly remains one of the most underrated windows of the year.Editorial StaffMay 19th, 2026
Go to all your familiar haunts with structure of one kind or another, whether it’s ledges, rock outcrops, wrecks, etc. The bonus will be finding schools of cigar minnows and sardines on them. You don’t need to look any further when you find this combination of bait because the fish will be right there... A live sardine or a live cigar on a decoy has a life expectancy of under ten seconds around any kind of fish.Editorial StaffMay 18th, 2026
