Featured Editorial

May: The Overlooked Month For Trophy Speckled Trout

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.May 19th, 2026

‘May’ Your Cup Overfloweth with Gags & Scamps!

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.May 18th, 2026

Honoring the Life of Ben Martin

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.May 18th, 2026

“Islandology” on Florida’s Southern Gulf Coast

Going on vacation and trying to decide where your next excursion should be? Fort Myers and Sanibel, Florida offer something for everyone.May 15th, 2026

What’s Not To Like About Fishing The Bahamas?

Docking at Bahamian spots like Rosie's Place, Old Bahama Bay, or Orchid Bay brings welcoming hospitality, perfect for targeting pelagic fish such as wahoo, dolphin, tuna, or marlin. The experience also includes drifting over reefs with spinning rods for snapper and grouper. May 14th, 2026

The Church On The Lake

Sermon From The Lake Description A reflective fishing essay that weaves early-morning walleye outings on a quiet Canadian lake with tender memories of a father’s unspoken life lessons, turning the simple act of casting a line into a moving metaphor for patience, opportunity, family rituals, and the enduring church of the outdoors.May 13th, 2026

Bucket List: Central Costa Rica and Pacific Sailfish

The Pacific sailfish is one of the most sought-after offshore game fish in Costa Rica. Growing larger than their Atlantic counterpart, sailfish in Costa Rica average 60 to 80 pounds, but big ones can surpass 200 pounds!May 12th, 2026

Recapturing Tagged Bahamas Bonefish

Meredith McCord's recent recapture of a tagged bonefish near South Andros provides critical data on the species' movement, supporting Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s research initiatives. The findings reveal significant migration patterns, essential for protecting a fishery valued at over $141 million to the Bahamian economy.May 11th, 2026

Longest Since 2010: Florida’s Atlantic Red Snapper Season Expanded to 39 Days

After a 2-day season in 2025, the 2026 Atlantic Red Snapper season for Florida recreational anglers will last 39 days, the longest since 2010, following approval by NOAA. The season runs from May 22 through June 20, plus three-day weekends in October (2–4, 9–11, and 16–18), with a one-fish daily bag limit per person. May 7th, 2026

Plane Simple Wins Bragging Rights, Largest Payout in 2026 Shootout Production vs Custom

Plane Simple, a 77 Spencer run by Capt. Jimmy Werling, earned top team honors in the 2026 Shootout Production vs. Custom, which just concluded at the Abaco Beach Resort in the Bahamas.May 7th, 2026

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Early Summer Season at Central Basin of Lake Erie

Like many areas across the country early summer offers some of the hottest fishing action and reliable weather of the year. May 5th, 2026

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Fishing the Second Shift

As we make the transition from spring to out right summer, it's not uncommon to have the temps climb into the middle or upper 90s during the heat of the day. This is the time of year that I really like to get the boat loaded and start the trip late in the afternoon, and fish well into the night. Check out some great tips here!May 4th, 2026