Florida Sportsman

Florida Sportsman is the complete fishing magazine for Florida and the Tropics. Devoted to fishing, boating, and outdoor activities in the Sunshine State, Florida Sportsman is the authoritative source for Florida's most active fishermen.

Florida Sportsman

Open Windows, Open Seasons

When Trying Your Best Just Isn’t Good Enough

Florida Keys, Unabridged • Lignumvitae and Shell keys are a couple of must-know spots near Islamorada.

Sabiki Smarter • Tips for getting the most out of the popular bait-catching rigs.

Taper Talk • Decipher the names of modern fly lines to get the right taper for your fishing.

Maintaining Your Cool • A “working” water pump isn’t a good excuse to skip a recommended service interval.

Scanning for Bass Comes to Florida • Forward scan sonar is taking the bassing world by storm. But do Florida anglers need it?

The Perfect Perch • Modern climbing saddles deliver unmatched portability, stealth, and shooting opportunities.

Fried Fowl • Crispy wood duck egg rolls with mango-pepper dipping sauce.

How Hunters Can Help Fight CWD • Confirmation of deadly wasting disease in a North Florida whitetail jump starts further initiatives to limit its spread.

THE QUIET REVOLUTION • NEXT-GEN BRUSHLESS TROLLING MOTORS DELIVER TACTICAL THRUST TO SALTWATER ANGLERS.

GATOR MAGIC • COOLING WATER SETS THE STAGE FOR BIG TROUT CATCHES IN THIS PART OF FLORIDA. GET PLUGGED IN!

PLAY IT COOL FOR PASCO REDS • FISHING THIS UNIQUE STRETCH OF GULF COAST ISN’T AS EASY AS IT WAS, BUT WITH PATIENCE AND A LIGHT TOUCH, YOU’LL CONNECT.

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS • THE MYSTERY OF ANTLER GROWTH CATCHES THE ATTENTION OF HUNTERS—AND SCIENTISTS.

4 TIPS FOR BAGGING BIGGER BUCKS • HUNT SMARTER—NOT HARDER—TO PUT MORE FRESH ORGANIC MEAT IN YOUR FREEZER AND TROPHIES ON YOUR WALLS. By Tony Young

Marco Dreaming • BUDDIES REFIT A 50-YEAR-OLD SKIFF TO TACKLE MODERN SIGHT-FISHING IN THE EVERGLADES.

Pilchards to the Rescue!

Goodbye Excessive Heat, Hello Bait & Predators

Redfish Dominate October

Crappie to Wahoo; Fall Brings it All

Early Fall Transition Brings the Buffet

Water Temps Are Finally Dropping

Redfish Far & Wide; Red Snapper on the Weekends

Changes Coming to the Coast

Shrimp Start the Fall Bite; Mullet Keep it Rolling

The Pumpkin Patch is Open

You Don’t Waste October; It’s Time for Redfish!

Three Kings • Crowley clan takes top honors with record-breaking mackerel.

OCTOBER 2023 FLORIDA TIDES POWERED BY

THE SAILFISH DIFFERENCE • CUTTING-EDGE HULLS, TOP-QUALITY FEATURES, BUILT TO DELIVER CONFIDENCE AND VALUE.

Lucky Break • Wrong baits, choppy water, bad light, gear failure…and success!