COVER PACKAGE
Sailfish Central
Kites. Dredges. Dusters. If you want to release 100 sailfish this season, you need all of the above. But first you have to find the fish. Our guide to the Florida sailfish migration will tell you exactly when and where they’ll show up-and how to score.
By Bob McNally
Gator Wade
When it comes to catching one monster seatrout after another, Texas anglers rely on secret inshore hot spots. Their secret is out.
By Larry Bozka
Fake vs. Bait
What catches more cow stripers during the fall run: live bait or plugs? We went to the pros to end this debate once and for all.
By Tom Migdalski
Snapper of a Different Color
The red snapper seasno may be closed, but don’t stow the deep-dropped rods yet. Switch from red to gray and fight all winter.
By John E. Phillips
Blue Notes
Don’t use four-letter words to describe bluefish. Take a lesson from the author, who says they’re one of the best gamefish on Earth.
By C.J. Chivers
Departments
NEWSLINES
Catches of Note
The king of all croakers falls in Virginia, and a junior nabs a jack that could earn him a record.
Marine Dispatches
Catching salmon sharks-from kayaks; scientists’ latest concern for bluefin; Fish Police and more.
What’s Biting Where
From a white marlin invasion to yellowfin Down Under, we know where all the big fish are hiding.
COLUMNS
Tactics + Tackle
Tie your own top shot and get the benefits of braided line on the offshore fishing grounds.
By George Poveromo
Boat Talk
Learn how to beat these five on-the-water mishaps, so you can keep fishing and, better yet, get home safe.
By Dave Lear
Surf + Jetty
Forget snook, redfish and tarpon this month-it’s pompano time on Florida’s East Coast. Get ready to storm the beaches.
Top Shot
Safety tip: Never grab a shark by the tail. Blacktip: The species of shark the nervy angler in this photo is grabbing by the tail.
SHORT CASTS
How To
Three tips to fight fish and win every time; pick the perfect bait for pelagics and more.
Ask SWS
The art of wire-line trolling; find out if false albacore is best on the grill or on a hook; and more expert advice from our pros.
Sportsman’s Tips
Give your crew an “instant captain”; rubber bands make braid users’ lives easier and other tips.
FISHABILITY
Boat Tests
Cabo 38 Express
Grady-White Canyon
First Look
Albury 27
Pro-Line 23 Bay XS
New Electronics
A low-priced handheld that takes a beating on the high seas; navigation software that finds fish the world over and more.
New Gear
A rod holder that’s double deadly on the troll; a bucket of lures that catches buckets of fish and other must-have gear.
Regulars
EDITOR’S LETTER
CONTRIBUTORS
CASTS & BLASTS
HOW I FISH
