Content
8 Summer Fishing’s Over Now the Fun Begins
13 Old School Redfish Jigging Begins
17 Fall Speckled Trout Fishing, A Different Look
21 Kayak Redfishing In The Marsh, Carolina Style
24 Flat River Fishing, Roanoke Bass
29 Preparing Your Rifle For Deer Season
36 The Evolution of Hunting Camo
39 Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 12 X 50 Binoculars 43 Opening Day Doves Turn To A Giant Full Velvet Deer
Saltwater Fishing
Summer Fishing’s Over, Now
The Fun Begins
Saltwater Fishing
“ When Is The Carolina’s Best time To Offshore Fish?” The honest answer? Just about any day of the year has the potential to be a great one. I’ve watched seasons swing wildly—some summers with barely a strand of grass and hardly a dolphin in sight, others where April trips guaranteed coolers stuffed with yellowfin tuna. Each year writes its own story, but two things have always been pretty reliable: gaffer dolphin in May and wahoo in September. Maybe that’s why fall has
always been my favorite. By the time August winds down, you’ve already logged a hundred-plus days, hauled in more dolphin than you care to count, jockeyed for position on crowded grass lines, and dodged more than a few salty gestures from passing tourists. September feels like August’s cooler, calmer cousin—with wahoo and sailfish in the mix, but only a fraction of the boat traffic.
Saltwater Fishing
Though the wahoo bite usually kicks off in late summer, I’ve always pointed anglers to September as the prime month. The action is typically best between 30 and 50 fathoms, especially near structure and bottom breaks. Most crews rely on planers to get baits down 15–20 feet, and they’re deadly effective. Ask ten captains their favorite color lure and you’ll hear ten different answers—I’ve always leaned toward blue/black or purple/black, though I wouldn’t leave the dock without something pink in the spread.
Saltwater Fishing
Sailfish often show up in September too. While the better marlin bite usually happens around 100 fathoms, it’s not uncommon to hook sails right in the middle of wahoo country. That creates a challenge, since wahoo demand wire leaders while sails are best fished on lighter gear and mono. Years ago, I started rigging small baits for sails with 60- pound, seven-strand cable—the same stuff we use for live-baiting kings. Built just like a mono rig, but tougher. That little trick has put plenty of both wahoo and sails on deck for me.
Saltwater Fishing
Sailfish often show up in September too. While the better marlin bite usually happens around 100 fathoms, it’s not uncommon to hook sails right in the middle of wahoo country. That creates a challenge, since wahoo demand wire leaders while sails are best fished on lighter gear and mono. Years ago, I started rigging small baits for sails with 60- pound, seven-strand cable—the same stuff we use for live-baiting kings. Built just like a mono rig, but tougher. That little trick has put plenty of both wahoo and sails on deck for me. As October rolls in, the dolphin action tapers off, but the wahoo remain steady, with yellowfin and blackfin tuna mixed in.
Meanwhile, inshore lights up. The sounds fill with finger mullet and menhaden, fueling incredible runs of red drum and speckled trout. The whole island seems to come alive in the fall. If you’re planning a fishing trip to Hatteras, September and October are hard to beat.
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Old School Redfish Jigging By Bob Carr
Saltwater Fishing
Sliding a kayak into a Carolina creek at first light is about as close as you’ll get to a guaranteed redfish encounter. These fish live in the same waters we paddle—marsh creeks, oyster beds, grass flats— and a small craft lets you move in quietly where bigger boats can’t go. Why the Kayak Works Here The Carolina coast is a maze of tidal creeks, shallow bays, and grass-choked backwaters. A skiff can’t always squeeze through, but a kayak can. They’re light enough to launch off the side of the road, easy to drag across mud or shell, and silent when you need to slide up on a school of tailers. In fact, many of the best redfish spots here are only reachable by paddle.
Seasonal Windows Fall & Winter: Reds often bunch up in clear, shallow creeks. Cold water concentrates them, and kayak anglers can sometimes sight-fish big schools. Spring: Fish scatter into marshes and bays. Expect smaller groups feeding around oyster edges and creek mouths. Summer: Early morning and evening tides are prime. Tailers show up on flooded grass flats, and a kayak is perfect for slipping in close without spooking them.
For those of you who have never jigged for Redfish, you truly don’t know what you’re missing. Fishing with popping corks and other lures is great when it comes to Redfish, but my favorite approach is jigging. You’re right— it’s often seen as old-fashioned—but it’s not only an effective way to catch fish, it’s also a fun alternative that anglers of nearly any skill level can enjoy. First, let’s talk about the best places to use the jigging strategy for Redfish. I’ve found that areas close to shore with rocky structure or other forms of underwater relief can be very productive. Be cautious, though—watch how close you get to the rocks with your boat and avoid spots where you’re likely to snag your lure and line. It only takes one hang-up to learn that lesson the hard way. I typically use a 7-foot rod rigged with 25–30-pound fluorocarbon, tied to about a 2-ounce bucktail, and baited with a large mullet (6 inches or more). If mullets are scarce, I’ll substitute a 6-inch Gulp bait, which works surprisingly well when fresh bait isn’t available.
I like to set up three rigs at the same time, placing them in different spots around the boat. This lets me test multiple areas to see which one produces best. I drop the lure to the bottom, lift it slightly, then lock the reel and wait. I’ve found jigging works best during slack tide, which allows the lure to drop straight down instead of drifting, reducing the chances of snagging on rocks or other structure beneath you. When the current is lighter, I’ll switch to a smaller bucktail or even a lighter Carolina rig. Sometimes I’ll add a trailer hook, which works well not only for Redfish but also for Flounder, imagine that! Your best days will often be clear, calm weather with good water clarity. Jigging for Redfish isn’t new, it’s a time-honored, affordable, and highly effective tactic. And when all three reels start howling at once, you’ll be glad you tried it. Welcome to the old school, folks, it’s loads of fun.
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Fall Speckled Trout Fishing A Different Look Story By: Captain Ozzy Ozbourne
Fall is right around the corner, and with it comes some of the best fishing of the year along the Southern coast, especially for Speckled Trout. There are countless ways to target “Specs,” but this time we wanted to hear from a younger generation of anglers to gain a fresh perspective. So we reached out to Captain Ozzy Osbourne of Marker 23 Charters out of Topsail Beach, NC, and we came away both impressed and enlightened. Captain Ozzy specializes in inshore light tackle and fly fishing, and his approach goes far beyond trial and error. He’s a student of fish behavior, feeding patterns, and migration, and his Speckled Trout strategy is both thoughtful and precise.
Start with the Bait One of the most critical elements to success is understanding the bait. Not just what you're using, but what’s naturally in the water. What type of baitfish are present, and which direction are they moving? Visible bait activity, especially surface-breaking schools, often signals predators like Specs are nearby. Points and grassy flats around 3 feet deep are prime locations. These shallow areas limit diving depth, making it easier to spot movement and set up an ambush with topwater lures or popping corks. Cast past the point, watch the bait come through, and wait for the trout to strike.
Pay Attention to Conditions Trout has excellent eyesight, so cloudy or overcast conditions are your friend. Reduced visibility helps mask boat movement and increases your odds. Interestingly, a cloudy night, or a full moon, can impact how hungry trout are the next day. Bright nights often mean active night feeding, making the following morning slower. In contrast, new moon phases and darker nights typically lead to more consistent daytime bites.
Cooler Temps Mean More Action As water temperatures drop into the 70s, Speckled Trout activity spikes, similar to Redfish and Flounder. Trout remain active in a wide temperature range (roughly 43–87°F), but the sweet spot for fall action starts when temps dip into that 70-degree zone. Better yet, they continue to bite well into winter, only slowing down once water temps fall into the low 40s, long after other species have gone quiet .This means that paying close attention to the water temp is key. And, while it may be hot now that will change before you know it. And when it does the Speckled Troup fishing will change as well. Be ready!
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Kayak Redfishing In The Marsh Carolina Style
Saltwater Fishing
Tackle and Rigs Keep it simple. Two spinning rods and, if you enjoy it, a fly rod. That’s enough to cover most scenarios: Rod #1: Popping cork with a jig or shrimp imitation. Deadly for covering water. Rod #2: Weedless spoon or soft plastic jerk bait for pitching into grass and oyster gaps. Fly rod: A Clouser or spoon fly will take fish if conditions allow. For natural bait, shrimp, mullet chunks, or half a blue crab will all work. In the Carolinas, reds aren’t usually fussy—presentation and location matter more. Reading the Marsh Finding fish is about understanding the tide. In skinny water, reds push along grass lines and oyster bars looking for bait. Falling tides pull food out of the grass, so creek mouths and drainages become hot spots. Rising water floods the spartina, opening up prime tailing opportunities. Birds can be good scouts too— ibis, herons, and egrets often work the same areas where reds feed.
Freshwater Fishing Flat River Fishing Roanoke Bass
Traversing along one of North Carolina's prettiest small rivers! The Flat in Durham County! We're targeting the Roanoke Bass this week with our good friend Corey Oakley from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission! We targeting Roanoke Bass which are actually part of the sunfish family and are unique to just a few drainages in NC and VA! Let this video inspire you to get out and explore our state's unbelievably cool resources!
Environment
2:28 sec
“SHARKED Act” Targets Growing Problem With Degrading Shark Population
In July, U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the Supporting the SHARKED, Act. This legislation aims to tackle a growing challenge for saltwater anglers: shark depredation, the action where sharks attack and consume hooked fish before the anglers can get their catch into the boat. If the legislation is passed, the SHARKED Act the Secretary of Commerce would be directed to form a task force on reducing these harmful shark-angler incidents. The task force would combine state and federal fisheries managers, marine scientists, and fishing industry stakeholders to develop practical strategies to remedy this increasing problem. Some marine professionals believe that this problem has increased due to the significant increase in global warming. It’s thought by some marine biologists that the increased warming has created movements in fish migrations that have shifted the feeding processes. As a result, “these types of Shark incidents have been on the increase and the SHARKED Act “ According to sources, over 75% of anglers have reported shark depredation during fishing trips. That same year, the ASA released a position paper outlining a four-part solution: public education, better coordination in shark management, sensible policy, and expanded research. The rising occurrence of shark depredation is attributed to growing shark populations, increased angler activity, and sharks learning to associate fishing boats with an easy food source. The SHARKED Act seeks to address this through enhanced collaboration, scientific research, and public outreach. The House of Representatives passed the SHARKED Act in January, just weeks after it was introduced, which served as an indication significant support.
Shooting Preparing Your Rifle For Deer Season
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Shooting
One thing we know for sure is that deer hunters are not all the same. Some use the offseason to prepare months in advance, while others wait until just days before opening day to get ready. Then, there are those in between who place their preparation somewhere in the middle. This is a good reminder that hunters come in many forms. Still, no matter when the preparation begins, every hunter has the same important responsibilities to address before stepping into the woods. Let’s go over those essential steps.
If you’re a seasoned hunter, the first step is likely to take your rifle out of the safe, where it’s been stored, and give it a careful inspection. Make sure all the parts are in working order. For experienced hunters, this is usually a simple task, but those who are newer to deer hunting may need to take more time, just to be on the safe side.
Shooting Once the rifle passes an initial check, the next step is cleaning and lubrication. While this doesn’t take long, it plays a critical role in both accuracy and safety. During this process, inspect the barrel for rust or any other issues that could cause problems later.
Next, check the magazine. Remove it, re-insert it, and make sure there’s no looseness or mechanical issues. Inspect the inside as well for any debris that might have collected since last season.
Shooting Now turn your attention to the scope. If this part of your rifle isn’t right, you’re likely in for a disappointing hunt. Start by making sure it’s properly secured. A torque wrench is a great tool to check the bases and rings to confirm everything is tight. A common question new hunters ask is how long the moving parts of a rifle will last. The answer usually surprises them: most of those parts will likely never wear out and won’t need replacing. Think about it, most deer hunters only fire about 10 rounds per season. Multiply that over many years and you’ll still rarely face issues. The one exception might be the trigger, depending on its design. If you suspect a problem, take your rifle to a qualified gunsmith unless you’re confident in breaking it down and making the repair yourself.
Shooting Finally, check your scope’s zero. Don’t wait until you’re in the woods to do this. Take care of it well ahead of time to avoid frustration on opening day. Thankfully, for those of you who prefer an expert to service your rifle, many firearm retailers, such as Carolina Caliber, offer cleaning, scope mounting and bore sighting to get you ready to roll. Of course, preparation isn’t just about your rifle. Successful deer hunting is often accompanied by other essentials and non-essentials including but not limited to:
Hunting The Evolution Of Hunting Camouflage Hunting’s Hide & Seek
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Story By: the Angler & Sportsman Staff
Hunting Trying to hide in the environment has always been part of a hunter’s survival playbook. If you hope to get close to the animals you pursue, you must learn how to disappear into the landscape. But the idea of concealment stretches far beyond modern hunting, it’s rooted in military innovation. The story of camouflage, as we know it today, began during World War I. The arrival of aerial photographs suddenly exposed troops and their weapons from above, making concealment essential. Victory often went to those who could avoid detection. In 1914, French artist Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola pioneered the first military camouflage, drawing on his artistic skills to create visual deception. The very word “camouflage” comes from the French verb meaning “to make up for the stage,” and those who practiced it, many of them artists, were known as camoufleurs.
Hunting
The British soon adopted similar methods, and eventually the United States followed suit. By 1954, the U.S. Army introduced its Green Uniform, and by the 1960s, the now-famous Tigerstripe pattern gained popularity after being worn by Navy SEALs and Green Berets in Vietnam. Hunters took notice. The Tigerstripe design, with its jagged streaks of green and brown layered with bold black strokes over lighter
olive and khaki, wasn’t just effective in the jungle; it was
effective in the woods back home. As surplus military gear became available, hunters swapped out their traditional red plaid wool Mackinaw coats for this new camouflage. What started as a battlefield necessity had crossed over into the hunting world, reshaping how sportsmen dressed in pursuit of game.
Hunting Vortex Optics
3:04 sec.
Diamondback HD 12x50 Binoculars Review
Hunting The Vortex Diamondback HD 12x50 binoculars have earned a strong reputation for delivering impressive optical performance and rugged durability at a very competitive price. Users consistently highlight their sharp, bright, and true-to-color images, even in challenging low-light settings—thanks to the HD glass and advanced coatings. While their size makes them a bit bulkier than smaller models, most agree they are comfortable to handle and built to withstand tough outdoor use. Overall, they strike an excellent balance of clarity, toughness, and value, making them a go-to choice for hunters, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Hunting
Pros Outstanding Optics
HD glass and dielectric, phase-correcting prisms provide crisp, bright, and color- accurate views that rival higher-priced models. Strong Low-Light Performance Large 50mm objective lenses paired with high-quality coatings deliver excellent light transmission, giving users clear images during dawn, dusk, or overcast conditions. Durable Build The rugged, rubber-armored body is waterproof and fog-proof, with O-ring seals and argon purging to ensure reliability in harsh environments. Comfort & Ergonomics Despite their size, the binoculars are designed for a secure, comfortable grip, with a balanced feel that reduces strain during extended viewing sessions.
Hunting Pros (Continued) Durable Build
The rugged, rubber-armored body is waterproof and fog-proof, with O-ring seals and argon purging to ensure reliability in harsh environments. Comfort & Ergonomics Despite their size, the binoculars are designed for a secure, comfortable grip, with a balanced feel that reduces strain during extended viewing sessions. Excellent Value Many reviewers note that the Diamondback HD series punches well above its price point, offering premium-level performance at a mid-range cost. Vortex Warranty Covered by Vortex’s no-questions-asked lifetime warranty, buyers have added confidence in their investment. Cons Slightly Bulky The 12x50 configuration is larger and heavier than smaller binoculars, which may be noticeable during long treks. Narrower Field of View At 12x magnification, the field of view is reduced, making it trickier to follow fast-moving subjects in dense terrain.
Hunting
Opening Day Doves Turns To A Giant Full Velvet Deer!
Opening Day Doves and Bucks! We can't wait for opening day! We hit the field for some family time and doves! The Lawler Boys are at it again prepping for Opening Day Archery Deer and a big surprise shows up!
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