Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

2020 Big Game Tournament Dates

By Capt. Dave Lear

Here is a list of all the major big-game fishing tournaments this upcoming season in the Gulf of Mexico, Mid-Atlantic, Caribbean and global.

Specific dates, location and web sites are included.

Invasion of the Lionfish… with a Silver Lining

Lionfish are one of the most destructive invasive aquatic species in history. A frilly, cut-throat invader. Native to the Indo-Pacific they have been damaging reef ecosystems off the east coast of the US, Bermuda, the entire Caribbean Region and the Gulf of Mexico for over 30 years, largely unchecked and unchallenged. In the mid 1980s, two nearly identical species of lionfish (Pterois miles and P. volitans) were introduced to the Atlantic off the southeast coast of Florida, most likely released by their owners from aquaria. Starting around 2000, lionfish populations exploded.

JH Performance Boats

High-quality, built to last shallow water boats manufactured by Richmond family

By Kelly Groce

Born and raised in Richmond, TX, John Schubert and his brother Michael built racing boats their entire lives thanks to the knowledge that their father passed down. After starting Sport Marine in 1988 and being a dealer of a variety of boats for years, the family decided to start building their own boats in 2007.

The Best and Worst Times of the Year for Fishing?

Let’s address a topic that is one of the most debatable among anglers and that is when is the best time to go fishing and when is the worst. 

By Capt. Joe Kent

Saltwater Soul Shore Patrol

Billy Wagner of Saltwater Soul Apparel has started a new movement to help keep our shorelines clean, Saltwater Soul Shore Patrol.

Lure Focus: KDEN Lures

KDEN Lures has spent countless hours developing the perfect swim bait, designed to meet the demands of any fisherman

Draggin’ Up

Family, friends and most importantly, fun on Chris Heule’s tournament winning 74’ Viking.

By Brandon Rowan

The Shimano Experience

By Kelly Groce

Since 1921, Shimano has been a reputable company that anglers have relied on for quality fishing products. After a day of fishing in Charleston, SC myself along with Cindy Nguyen, Johnny Lu, Brian Barrera, Mark Nichols, Ed Zyak, Dave Lear, Scott Null and Reese Havens were fortunate enough to take a tour of the new and remarkable Shimano Headquarters in Ladson.

Low Country: Fishing South Carolina with D.O.A. Lures

By Kelly Groce

South Carolina is home to 6-8’ tides, incredible seafood and BBQ, miles of marshes and mature oaks draped with moss. I was lucky enough to be able to fish this area with some great people in the fishing industry and the Low Country did not disappoint.

Flounder Tips and Tactics

The fall flounder run showed some awesome numbers up and down the coast it was a great sight to be seen.

By Capt. Brian Spencer

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Let’s take a look at why winter is often so good for anglers and how to capitalize on cold weather fishing.

By Capt. Steve Soule

Not All Oils are Created Equal

Lucas Oil Marine Products offer lubrication and protection for extreme marine environments.

FlatsWorthy

“Diverse Anglers, Mutual Respect.” Working together to promote respect for anglers and resources alike.

By Capt. Steve Soule

Tie One On: Capt. Brian Barrera

We ask captains, guides and those in the industry what they’re throwing, for what species and what they’re drinking after a long day of fishing.

Destination Fishing: Bull Reds in Port Fourchon, LA

Going somewhere new is always a fun, though it can be frustrating and put your skills and knowledge to the test. My wife and I recently spent a day and a half fishing in Southern Louisiana, Port Fourchon, to be specific.

By Capt. Steve Soule

Hosted Trip to South Padre Island

By Capt. Dave Stewart

I spent October in South Padre Island, Texas hosting 3 groups from the Carolinas to fish Laguna Madre waters. This area is beautiful, full of skinny flats with loads of grass that requires new techniques to tackle the huge prey that can hide in it. I solicited the help of several of our D.O.A. Lures guides to show these anglers are and techniques sticking trout, reds, flounder and tarpon.

Mowdy Boats

Premium shallow water boats being handcrafted one at a time in Port Lavaca.

Photography and interview by Kelly Groce