KFC Tournament Trail Magazine Fall Issue 2011 by Kayak Fishing ClassicS

Fall 2011

The Holidays are just around the corner Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x;s some great gift ideas for the special angler in your life

What does it take to win a championship Series Champion Bob Bramblet National Champion Mark Knowles

What is it like

Fishing the RiverBum

The Right Place to Fish

Fishing a Classic

Mangrove Critter

Location, Location, www.KayakFishingClassicS.com

Use the rods of Champions After many years of research and development, TFO is proud to bring you some of the best fly and spinning rods in the world. With a name like Temple Fork Outfitters you canâ&#x20AC;&#x;t go wrong. Visit TFO today at www.TempleForkFlyRods.com and fish like a pro.

Ocean Waves The Best Sunglasses in the World You will see more fish and structure then you ever have before when you use Ocean Waves. The Top Anglers in the Kayak Fishing ClassicS national tournament series use them and no others. Think about it….what makes them so good? Find out for yourself and visit Ocean Waves on the net at www.OceanWaves.com

Top anglers all over the world know that they see more fish with Ocean Waves and protect their eyes better than any other sunglasses in the world. You should do the same. Protect your eyes… See more fish… Ocean Waves Baby Ocean Waves : RX

What’s Inside

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

7 Gear Guide 2011

6 Editors Letter

See the best gear in the world. The Holidays are just around the corner.

What I want for Christmas

19 How Champs Win

Casting Tips for Fly Anglers

What it really takes

27 Techniques

30 Red Affliction

How Sneaky Are You

There‟s Something about Reds

29 Paddle On

31 Mangrove Critter

Paddling Techniques & Tips

Fishing the Mangrove Critter

35 Anglers Corner

79 Host Sponsors

48 Action Photo

39 Anglers Health

82 Sponsors

A New Award for Anglers

49 Anglers Diet

23 Throwing Feathers

46 New Gear 57 In the Dark 62 Top Flies 66 Series Champ 69 Nat‟l Champ 74 Tactics 77 Resources

When you get out of your kayak it‟s time for waders… Redington makes a great deal of the fishing gear that you need for any condition. When you are wade fishing you owe it to yourself to use the best protection that is available. Add another dimension to your fishing with the worlds best waders.

In 2011 the ClassicS introduced many anglers to the new DELTA fly reel by Redington. It has proven to be one very tough fly reel for saltwater or fresh. Our anglers punish gear and that is why we chose the DELTA for them. Our testing proved just how indestructible it really is and recommend it for any fishing. If a 200 pound tarpon can‟t blow it up, nothing will...

For that special gift visit

www.Redington.com

Editors Letter

What I Really Want for Christmas And a Few Other Things There is nothing quite like waking up early on Christmas morning. Gathering family and friends around the tree to give your loved ones something really special to celebrate the greatest gift the world has ever known. This year will be different for me because I have received a great gift early on and hope that it just keeps coming each year. It will never get old or overly familiar and I will always be excited to receive it each time with great anticipation, much like you may feel while you unwrap that new fly rod. I am very blessed to have received the friendship and kindness of our many anglers who compete in our events throughout the year. I can think of no other gift so meaningful to receive from so many and I am truly, very thankful. As for the „few other things‟ I wish the same for all of you. To make such fine new friends is surely one of life‟s greatest experiences. Although all of you compete on the water against each other I see the friendship at our sponsor award ceremonies and that is a nice thing to see in a world so confused. Many of you are from very different walks of life and contribute to our society in many ways. It‟s what makes this great country go round. It is a great pleasure to be around so many positive people, all vying for a common goal in our tournaments… sportsmanship. Our Sponsors and all of us here at the ClassicS wish all of you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah. Thank you for a great 2011 Series Year,

Captain Pat Horrigan 6

Gear Guide 2011 Proven Gear that we know will stand up to the punishment that you can dish out… And the fish. The Right Stuff is really what we are going to be talking about here. As many of our contestants know, we thoroughly and vigorously test a manufacturers gear before we ever extend an invitation to become a sponsor of the ClassicS, but have you ever wondered why? It costs us plenty of money and takes a lot of time on the water. And you know what? We‟re glad to do it because it assures us that you and others are being offered the very best fishing gear and affordable prices. Hey, it‟s cool too! So onward to the gear that many of you have won and purchased from our sponsors. What we are going to show you here should help your friends and family to decide what to get their favorite angler for the Holidays too! You have been good, haven‟t you? To help you select an Under the Tree gift or a great Stocking Stuffer look for It all starts with the kayak and Diablo Paddlesports offers some of the finest kayaks ever made. The Adios is our favorite and perhaps it is yours. Made for inshore fishing and sneaking up on spooky fish while affording Stand Up Sight Fishing are features that separate Diablo form all of the rest. Diablo also features a unique and rugged thermal construction method so your new Diablo will be in service for many years. Team Diablo fishes in the ClassicS so if you‟ve seen them you know how cool they are. It won‟t fit into a stocking so this one goes under the tree. Visit Diablo Paddlesports at

www.DiabloPaddleSports.com

Next on your anglers wish list may be a new fishing rod or two. Hey no problem, Deep South offers great multi situational rods at great prices that leave plenty of money for other gifts. Their unique situation specific technology is found in their rod tips offering anglers the right action for the conditions. If you haven‟t tried out a Deep South Fishing Rod, just ask one of our anglers and you‟ll get an ear full about how great they are. You can visit Deep South Fishing Rods at: www.DeepSouthFishingRods.net While we can‟t put a fish like this under your tree someone can give you the lure that caught this beauty.

D.O.A. Lures are very popular and for very good reasons. Anglers world wide consistently catch fish like this using them and I bet your angler does too. Put a selection of D.O.A. Lures under the tree and have your camera ready for a great Christmas morning smile. D.O.A. offers a huge selection of baits and you won‟t have any trouble getting your angler to tell which ones he would like to have. Just ask him and you‟ll see what we mean. Visit D.O.A. Lures at www.DOALURES.com

Gary Loomis designed a smoking hot saltwater series that TFO added to their Signature Series. “Good rods can be made from anything from bamboo to modern carbon fiber. But a good rod must have the right length, power and action to do a specific job. To make a good rod better is to make it lighter and more sensitive without sacrificing durability” Gary Loomis. That pretty much says it all and every angler would agree. Several of our anglers use the G Loomis TFO Signature Series rods and have tamed some very large fish with them. Your anger will love the sensitivity and fast action of these rods. What is equally impressive is the price of the Signature Series Rods. When we first tested these rods we were very impressed with them and how well they cast and not only control, but enhance the action on today‟s sophisticated lures. Guaranteed for life and to put a big smile on any anglers face. Visit TFO at www.TFORODS.com

Talk about bake and shake! These lures have the action all anglers crave. High Roller Custom Wooden Lures really turn on the strikes. Even when fish just are not on the chew, the High Rollers trigger the reaction strikes that are as good as money in the bank. Several of our tournaments have been won by anglers using High Roller Lures while other anglers just couldn‟t get the job done. Anglers never seem to have enough lures because conditions vary, bait availability changes or the fish just won‟t strike. High Roller is a great solution for your angler and at their prices you can afford to stuff a big‟ol stocking full of them. High Roller Lures are carved from a special light weight wood, hand sanded and tuned to perfection. The super tough finish is hand painted on every single lure. The saltwater hooks hold up to the conditions that our anglers face time and time again and man do they stay sharp. That‟s a must have and so are High Roller Lures. You can order directly from them but hurry and avoid the Christmas rush. Visit Them at www.HighRollerLures.com

Three huge names that you can trust in the world of saltwater fly fishing. Hardy of North America, Greys and 5 time Tarpon Gold Cup champion Andy Mill. If you are on the hunt for a new fly rod for that special someone then take a good look at the new ProAxis fly rods from Hardy & Greys. Andy had a big hand in the performance demands of these rods and for good reason. When someone like him lends a hand in developing a very special new saltwater fly rod, you listen. The design engineers and Andy Mill teamed up and came up with a super fly rod that you‟re just not going to break. The casting strength punches holes in strong winds and launches those big flies that big tournament winning fish love to munch. Both Hardy & Greys offer a complete line of fly rods to fit any situation and budget. Visit them at www.HardyFishing.com

& www.GreysFlyFishing.com

Your angler is going to need plenty of flies to around for that new fly rod and we can tell you who has some great flies at fantastic prices. Take a look at RiverBum Flies and you will see what we mean. We searched the world over for a company that offered top quality flies at prices the average angler would smile about. Well we found them right here in the USA. The elf‟s at RiverBum stay up late at night to fill all the orders. No worry, they get help from world class tiers from around the world. What you may spend for a couple of flies elsewhere will get you more then a dozen RiverBum Flies. And here‟s another great piece of money saving info, their flies hold up to the punishment that saltwater fish dish out. We‟re super glad to have them involved with us and so are our anglers. Visit them and order a mess of RiverBum Saltwater Flies today. www.RiverBum.com

Eye protection and seeing through the water are both imperatives for our anglers. We did a lot of studying and research before we determined that Ocean Waves inventive technology really are the world‟s best sunglasses. When you put on a pair on OW‟s be ready for a shock. You are going to see things that you just don‟t see with any other brand of sunglasses. That‟s a bold statement and that‟s how impressed we are with them. Take the time to read about their 30 layer light filtering technology and then compare them to your shades. Keeping up with the „Cool‟ is no place when it comes to protecting your eyes, although OW‟s are pretty cool anyway. Ocean Waves also takes care of your vision prescriptions with no hassles. Hey stop in and take a look at their new store in the beach front district of Atlantic Beach, Florida the next time you‟re on the East Coast or visit their online store at: www.OceanWaves.com Speaking of vision. When the sun isn‟t shinning anglers still need to be able to see well and we have the answer for you. Princeton Tec has several lighting solutions for your kayak angler. They specialize in very high tech, low energy lights that will brighten the night so you can see where you are going and be seen by others. The Princeton Tec company offers multi light head gear with multiple lights in one neat little and light weight system. Fully adjustable lighting technology to adapt to any need from a broad beam, low brightness to up close intensity and far reaching super bright spot light. All from one little waterproof box that only uses 3 AAA batteries. Hey don‟t worry, you won‟t be buying batteries all the time like you do with other lights. The amazing little lights yield over 200 hours of lighting form those little batteries. That‟s impressive and that‟s why we chose them as our lighting solution and so should you. Visit Princeton Tec today at: www.PrincetonTec.com

Dr. Slick makes the finest fly tying and angler tools in the world. He really is a surgeon and wanted to have surgical quality fly tying and fishing instruments that just weren‟t available, so he started Dr. Slick Company and all of us benefit from that desire. Thanks! I have been using them for over a decade and Dr. Slick was an automatic choice for us. I just had to share the news. Dr. Slick provides our anglers with a very high quality bullet nose pliers that won‟t let you down… ever. They come with a cool pair of braided line scissors and a rugged holster to keep it all together. If your angler is into tying flies then look no further then Dr. Slick for what he needs. Buy him the best tying tools in the world and they will last a lifetime. Hey the prices are great too!

Take a look at the Dr. Slick collection of tools at www.DrSlick.com

Plano Tackle Systems has a great solution for keeping your valuables dry and secure while fishing. The Guide Series Waterproof Box will protect camera‟s, cell phones, car keys, meds and more. If it fits, it stays dry! We know you have a big investment in your daily electronics and we want you to protect them from the harsh conditions of saltwater tournament fishing. Plano makes a great selection of the Guide Series Boxes and there is one that‟s just right for you. Take a look at all of the Plano Gear and if you bump into Hank Parker, tell him we say Hey!

www.PlanoMolding.com

When it comes to fly fishing there is no better line for salt or freshwater then a line form Jim Teeny. Over the years we have tried all kinds of fly lines for our anglers, Jim simply makes the best. The professional series lines hold up to tough environments that we fish in and that means they can take the heat and throw big flies through the wind. Jim Teeny has been making lines designed around fly anglers needs from all over the world for decades now. He is a very accomplished fly angler and travels the world over throwing feathers tied onto his lines. Jim and his pro staff of world class guides know what you expect from your line and they deliver. Take it from us, you can‟t go wrong and an angler just can‟t have enough of the right lines. Take a look at the powerful selection of lines available an order a couple today. www.JimTeeny.com Purchasing a new high quality fly reel can be a huge expense for anyone. You know, we know and so do the good people at Redington. We searched for over a year to find a high quality, large arbor reel that our anglers would be proud to have. There are plenty on the market but not at the prices average anglers would want to spend. We heard about the new DELTA reel being developed by Redington and they sent us a couple to test. Wow! Fully Machined from best aluminum stock, anodized finished, sealed drag, light weight, large arbor, counter weight, solid foot and much more. We tried to blow it up on some very large fish and couldn‟t. Now for the big best news off all, the price is fantastic at under $260 in the US. It would be a good bargain at twice that. The lucky anglers that have won them in our series can tell you the same. They are now available for the public and the new DELTA fly reel would make a great gift this year for your fly angler. Check out the DELTA Large Arbor reels and all of the great gear at Redington.

www.Redington.com

When ultra light weight, precision paddling is important turn to Aqua-Bound Paddles. We did and we‟re more then glad that we did. The technology that goes into each Manta Ray carbon paddle delivers stiff horsepower and low swing weight, virtually eliminating arm fatigue. That‟s critical to our tournament anglers who cast around 1,000 times each time they are on the water. At only 25.5 oz the two piece adjustable Manta Ray helps keep arm energy in reserve for a busy day on the water. When it comes to critical centric equipment chose Aqua-Bound Paddles. The First Choice in carbon technology. www.AquaBound.com

Scotty Rod Holders will keep your rods at the ready. Be it a fly rod or conventional, Scotty has you covered with a wide variety of solutions to your action rod storage. The systems are simple to mount and they rotate as well as adjust vertically for that perfect position. Scotty quality is very well known and for good reasons. Their gear will never let you down and they will never rust in saltwater. There is no better solution when you need both hands free or for landing that monster tournament buster fish. Scotty holders will never let you down and you‟ll like their prices too. www.ScottyPaddleSports.com & www.Scotty.com

Here‟s a company that will keep your angler dry, organized and safe. PrecisionPak makes some of the finest gear in the word and it certainly is very will engineered with the kayak angler in mind. Our anglers are crazy about PrecisionPak gear and so are we. Once you take a look at them you will see that they go way beyond making a jacket for kayaking or a tackle storage box or a fish pack and on and on. Quality is the game here and it resides in their name. We are very proud to offer you such outstanding products by PrecisionPak at such fantastic prices. Want to put a smile on your kayakers face? Put a couple of pieces of PrecisionPak gear under the tree this year and have your camera ready. We look at a lot of gear throughout the year and nothing compares to it. No other company pays so much attention to the details that make for great products like PrecisionPak does. Take a good look at all of great products that they make. You‟ll be glad you did.

www.Precision-Pak.com

Talic has the Storage System to keep you kayak from warping on the ground. It surprised us to learn how few kayak anglers knew that keeping their kayak on the garage floor will cause it to warp and set. That will ruin your kayak investment so here‟s a great way to properly care for your yak and your paddles too. Talic hand makes a generous variety of kayak storage systems and are sure to have the right one for you. Talic quality is unsurpassed and their designs are spot on. Hey they look cool too! There precision machining is very impressive and their hand fit-up just shows how much they care. Take a look at Talic for your kayak storage needs and put some under the tree and be good to your toys. www.Talic.com

Bending Branches Paddles are world famous and used by many, many tournament kayak anglers. Their aluminum shafted Slice paddle is one of our all time light weight favorites. The Slice Angler kayak paddle is designed with you in mind. The handy hook retrieval system is built into the blade for removing snagged lures. This is one super tough, rugged piece of gear that no angler should be without. Bending Branches is most widely known name in paddles and fulfills any paddling need for any condition. Now that‟s tough! When you‟re in heavy seas or have a long way to go you will be glad that you have a Slice Angler paddle. We know you can‟t go wrong here so take a look at the Bending Branches selection on their site. By the way, the Slice Angler is adjustable and available with a tape measure right on the shaft. Good Fishing…

www.BendingBranches.com

In 2010 we introduced many anglers to one of the most unique fishing talk shows on radio anywhere. The hosts of SlotLimit Radio offer an informative blend of kayak fishing and powerboat fishing information. The station is centered in Tampa, Florida and can be heard world wide on the internet. Derick Burgos of PhatFish Charters handles all of the kayak information duties and is a member of Team Diablo Slot Limit fishing team. Derick follows the Kayak Fishing ClassicS tournament series and guides in the Tampa area. We invite you to listen to SlotLimit Radio on Thursday nights from 6:30 Pm to 8 PM and enjoy the humorous mix of Tampa Bay‟s only weekday fishing radio show. Tune in at 1040 AM radio or www.TeamSlotLimit.com

Ever angler likes marine art so we are pleased to bring you one of the very best such artists around. Steve Whitlock Game Fish Art is nothing short of amazing and is one of our anglers favorites at every Awards Ceremony. Steve has spent a lifetime perfecting his unique technique and balance of game fish art upon nautical charts. Not only is Steve Whitlock highly skilled with a brush, he also brings fish to life with pencil in a photo like quality. Highly skilled to say the least. We wanted to round out our sponsor gear with a selection of fine art that everyone is sure to enjoy. We know you and everyone that sees Steve Whitlock Game Fish Art will agree. You may purchase directly at:

www.SteveWhitlock.com

Gyotaku is an ancient Japanese form of record keeping that village angles used to track when, where and what they caught throughout the year. Gyotaku has evolved into a major art form largely to the artistry of world famous artist Jim Roberts. Visit his site to learn all about Gyotaku Art and enjoy his many famous works. Jims artwork will make for some great Christmas gifts for home or office. You can purchase directly at:

www.ReelDreamsFishPrints.com

Looking for another unusual gift idea? Look no father then. Artist Jeanie Beline creates the unusual in marine art and is becoming very well known for her imagination. She looks at a piece of distressed shipwreck wood and sees a canvas for paintings and wood carvings. Jeanie creates wall clocks to sea turtles, gator paddles to fish art boxes and all form distressed wood that she finds. View her work and visit with the personable artist on her website at:

www.WildlifeFromScratch.com

We hope that our product guide will help you and give you some great gift giving choices and ideas for your holidays this year. We thank you in advance for supporting our many generous sponsors who make this wonderful sport and the Kayak Fishing ClassicS possible. We know that you and your friends enjoy the beautiful outdoors along the Coastal Gulf States and ask the you continue to teach out respect and conservation for the beauty that surrounds us all. To all of you from all of us,

We Wish You a Very Merry Christmas

How Champs Win No doubt, one of the most popular questions that all anglers ask. How many times have we all ask another angler how they caught their fish? What bait did you use? Where were you fishing? How Deep? What was the water temperature? How clear was the water? Who was with you? Where did you put in? How long did it take you get there? What time of day did you catch her? Did she fight much? And some of my favorite answers that I‟ve heard are, On a hook, over there a ways, Oh I don‟t know, not too deep and not too shallow, Don‟t know, Clear enough, nobody, Over there someplace, not long… but it wasn‟t close, it was daytime… not too bright and not too dark, Oh Hell Yah! She fought like a tiger! She came up and swoopslammed my O'l‟ bait and took off a million miles an hour. Spooled me.. must been six or seven times… Pulled me and O'l‟ Blue all over the darn place. Well some of you may have heard similar answers or given them, so one thing in common with all anglers is that very few of us will ever tell you the truth, except for the fight part, when it comes to the particulars of the above ancient questions. It starts when we are kids and a buddy shows you a picture or tells you a convincing story about the big fish he caught. You just naturally want to be able to do the same thing and why not? It‟s fun and exciting. It makes you one of the „guys‟ and will put you well on your way to super angler status in your neighborhood. Remember how simple it all used to be? Well over the years, I have had the good fortune to be around and to even talk to some very fine anglers, both freshwater and saltwater. I learned a long time ago that I will learn more if I don‟t ask a bunch of „questions‟ and just listen instead. Once you learn the language you can pick up on a lot of very good information, after all every angler wants to tell you about his catch. It‟s like the cat who ate the mouse,… just can‟t keep it to himself especially if you just listen and don‟t say much other than an occasional „uh huh, yep, nice. If you can master that technique, you are well on your way to becoming a champ. Some things that I have noticed that are common to all great anglers is that they all spend a lot of time on the water. That makes since because the more time you spend at doing something the more you will naturally learn about it and better you will become. By the way, this is full of little ditty's that you can use for spending time on the water when the misses complains about you being gone all the time. Continued on Page 21

www.SteveWhitlock.com 20

continued form page 19

Getting up at the same time each day may sound like an unusual bit of information but it makes since. You are always the same angler and you are not tired because you got up early on tournament day. Finding fish is always a big issue. This is where more time on the water really pays off. If you are fishing a tournament and you can pre-fish it for a couple of days, your chances of locating fish are greatly enhanced. Stacking the odds in your favor can pay off big. Watching tidal flows and water movement in an area that you are going to fish will show you where the natural bait will be forced to move by the flows. Be it an incoming or outgoing tide, it‟s like a detour sign pointing to where the fish will be hanging out. Slack water or little movement can slow the fishing down. Great anglers manage to hammer some big fish at these „less productive‟ periods. How? If you watch fish long enough you will notice that this condition of little flow is really a rest period for the fish. Bait is not being forced in or out by the tides and many large predator fish are laying low. Many will cozy up along the edge of the mangrove roots. If a bait fish happens to swim by, they are not about to turn down an easy meal.

Deep holes on hot days are also a favorite place to hang out and big fish can stack up in them. Know your target species. That is to say know what the top three to five natural food sources that they like and in which order. Learn which of the top five baits are in the area and adjust, match your artificial baits to them. It‟s pretty hard for a fish to turn down its favorite food even when there isn‟t much of it around.

“You gotta hold your mouth right”

Yak-Gear.com

They may be eating an abundant bait right now but when some candy swims by they will usually jump on it. When they just are not on the chew, it‟s also hard to pass on their OceanWaves.com favorite. Don‟t leave fish to find fish. When you are catching small fish, chances are that the monster you are looking for is nearby. Adjusting to a larger bait can help. Become a student of fish and fishing. One thing they won‟t tell you is how to hold your mouth right.

Scotty.com

Artist Jim Roberts

www.ReelDreamsFishPrints.com 22

Throwing Feathers By Capt. Pat Horrigan

Many anglers are new to throwing feathers or at least in saltwater, so we thought we would talk about that a little in hopes of helping you make since of all of this. To begin with, fly fishing is not difficult once you understand the basic motions of casting. With that said we all face the same number one challenge in saltwater fishing… throwing into the wind. Or fighting a quartering wind or any wind direction. It doesn‟t matter, wind is wind no mater where it is coming form. Wind can be your friend if you learn how to use it but sometimes you just have to be able to punch your flies through it with some reasonable control and distance. Not only is this possible, it is much easier today with the phenomenal fly rods and fly lines that are available today. You don‟t have to spend your entire paycheck to get

The right gear either. Lets look at the basic equipment and then discuss a few simple techniques that should really help you out. The fly rod sponsors that the ClassicS have, TFO, Hardy and Greys all offer very good, world class rods at very affordable prices. The key element you need is a „Fast Action‟ fly rod. There are many other elements that make up a good rod of course, but we are talking about getting a handle on the wind. Just remember when you order your new rod to tell them what you are doing and they will help you make a great selection. An 8 weight, 9 foot fast action, saltwater rod with a fighting butt will do the trick for you. This is the most common rod that you will find on the flats and should be an indicator for you. Next would be the fly line and there are plenty on the market to chose from.

I have been fly fishing since I was 12 years old. I have used just about every

fly line imaginable beginning with a waxed nylon line from my younger years. I currently use a special line from Jim Teeny Fly Lines and have been for many years now. In my opinion Teeny makes the best lines in the world and that is why I use them. I am always looking at new innovations in line technology and am currently working on a new line in colaberation with Jim Teeny. I‟ll let you know what we cook up. (continued on page 25)

Throwing Feathers Continued from page 23

You may ask why the line is so important and that would be a good question. A fly angler does not cast the fly, he casts the line as that is where the weight is. In conventional fishing you cast the weight of the lure. A fly line has several sections to it. The weight is distributed with in certain sections which will dictate how it performs.

A saltwater fly line must hold up to the tropical heat without turning into a wet noodle that you can not cast. We will discuss line selection in upcoming articles but let it suffice in saying that if you purchase a Jim Teeny line you will be all set. Now onto punching holes into the wind. Now that you have the right rod and line and you can cast 40 feet on a wind free day, lets

Talk about what we are more commonly faced with on tournament day. Of course the pre-fishing days always seem to be perfect and T-Day is almost always windy. To begin with rid your mind of the notion that the rod is doing all of the work. The rod helps in many ways but it is not the only factor in punching holes and neither is the fly line. What else is there? You! To be more specific, you line hand. We‟re talking about using the „haul‟ method which is used to greatly accelerate the line speed and line speed is what punching holes is all about. It is very simple; when you feel your line load up on the rod upon completing your back cast, begin the forward cast and pull the line downward in a sharp motion.

This will greatly speed up

Your line. If you are making a few back casts keep the haul motion short and repeat it with each forward cast. When you are ready to deliver the fly make a much longer haul stroke with your line hand and let the line shoot when you feel it begin to pull in your line hand. Practice this over and over so that it becomes second nature to you. Don‟t worry about distance and don‟t make the fatal mistake of increasing your forward rod hand speed or length of stroke with you make the cast. This always results in a mess and is a very common error. Once you are comfortable with this, begin the double haul technique which is just doing the same on the forward cast as you are doing on the back cast. You can shoot line out on the back cast if the wind is in your face to gain line. Practice this sidearm to get the line lower to the water and out of the wind.

Worlds Best Fly Lines SINCE 1971 26

Sneak up on Em As Elmer Fudd would say “Be very quiet” and that is a good place to start. Boat noise transfers into the water an then travels at a much greater speed, volume and distance than through the air. Fish feel the noise vibrations in the water and know it is not a natural sound which alerts them that you are after them. But you know that already don‟t you. Having said that, have you ever considered the noise your paddle makes while moving through the water? If not you should. We have all heard a big fish make noise just before you hear him eat another fish, particularly in very shallow water. The „swoosh‟ of the water is a tell tail sign that a predator is near by and eating. There are a number of paddle strokes and you should be aware of them and practice the ones that fit your situations. Also available are short „hand‟ paddles

That some anglers use but you may find them to be just more clutter in you yak and who needs that? The point is to be quiet. If you see a nice school of reds 200 hundred yards away and you try to hurry over there, all you will be doing is chasing them around. To be very quiet while moving simply take your time. Don‟t dig in hard and deep. Go slow, they will wait for you. Try to position yourself so that the fish have to look into the sun to see you. A great advantage of a kayak is that you are very low to the water decreasing the fishes field of view. If it is not possible to use the sun then use the background like mangroves or tall grass. This technique requires that you be aware of what clothing you have on.

Spot you more easily. If you are wearing a camo shirt and hat or at least green clothing you will blend better. Moving very slowly is key. You may be surprised if you watch yak anglers fish. Some just get so excited and blow their cover and others seem to have the patience of a snail. A little bit of practice can pay huge dividends. Practice moving up on fish and see how close you can get. If you take your time and are quiet you can get right up with them.

For example, if you are using mangroves to blend into and you are wearing a bright white shirt you just may be helping the fish

Be very quiet! 28

Paddle On As a kayak angler you do a lot of paddling getting to your fishing location and then back to your launch site. Many kayak anglers remark on how tired their arms are and others do not seem to be affected by their outbound and inbound sojourns. With today‟s high tech and ultra light paddles it is unlikely that they are the cause of such a difference between the anglers. So that leads us to believe there must be a more relevant common denominator. We have observed many anglers in our events over the past two years and have noticed some big differences in paddling techniques among them. We then grouped them by the two major styles; torso rotation and arms only style. We found that the majority of the anglers experiencing heavy arm fatigue were in the arms only style group. Interesting to say the least.

We did a little research and found that anglers that use torso rotation when distance paddling swear by the technique. It adds up because a paddler delivers between 60% to 70% of the power to the paddle from the torso. This moves more water with less arm fatigue and is perfect for extended distance paddling. If you use your core muscles in your stroke your endurance level will at least double compared to paddling with your arms alone. We came across a drill that is sure to help you learn and train your muscle memory for this style. 

Sit in your kayak with paddle in hand.



Fully extend your arms while holding your paddle straight out in front of you with your elbows locked.



Without bending your elbows, begin paddling



Paddle for 10 minutes.

Photo provided by Rich Jones, 10,000 Islands, Fl

This drill keeps you from using your arms to pull water and forces you to rotate your torso. Your arms may only raise and lower the paddle. You are looking to pull the water with the twisting rotation of your torso. Don‟t pull with your shoulder or bend your elbows. This will force you to develop the torso muscle memory. After you do this a few times incorporate torso rotation into your style. You will see and feel the results in short order. Practice this often until it becomes the normal way that you paddle. At the end of a long day of fishing you will still have the arm energy to hoist your favorite beverage as you share your fishing experience with your friends.

Red Affliction For many inshore kayak anglers, a big redfish just does something to you. It almost makes us crazy or even possessed. An itch that nothing else can scratch quite like doing battle with a nice red and in particular, on a fly, mmmm. There‟s nothing quite like coming up on a school of tailing reds. The beauty of mangrove lined flat. The clear water, bait fish swimming around, tropical birds singing to you as you admire this sight to behold. The privilege to witness such an event is truly a blessing to those who crave the ensuing conflict that oft follows such sightings. The excitement meter pegs out and you can feel your hart beat in your ears. Your hands sweat and your feet twitch. Yep you got it,… Redfish Fever. Don‟t worry as it is not fatal. At least as long as you can scratch that itch. So what is it about a nice redfish that trips your trigger?

James Foy,...afflicted

Is it the bronze beauty or the swagger of her tail? Or is it gazing into her deep blue false eye? Those almost kissable rubber lips? Or is it the tremendous strength and powerful fight that resembles a Saturday Night Smack Down? Perhaps it‟s the whole package that renders you unable to resist the beckoning of such a luscious temptress let alone a school of them on tournament day. My, my we all have it so badly. Thankfully right? Of course there are other beauties of the deep that get the pulse going such as

A 45 inch snook or a gator trout, of course. But for many there‟s just something about a redfish that just makes some of us go crazy. You can easily spot someone with Redfish Fever. The wild-eyed expression on the face of the afflicted is a dead give away. This is nothing to fear as it passes but be on the aware as the itch can return suddenly and with no explanation. We hope that your loved ones understand your need to spend hours and hours on the water in pursuit as it is the only known cure, be it temporary at best.

Mangrove Critter Now here‟s a weird looking fly or is it? Well not to a fish. In fact this is one of the most productive flies that I have ever used on the flats and backcountry bayous. Dance one of these critters in front of a redfish and get ready for a fight. The Mangrove Critter by RiverBum Flies rings the dinner bell for them. I have also caught snook, trout permit and I am sure they would drive bonefish crazy too. Swim the MC mid column and let it drop when a trout approaches and the big gators can‟t resist. Drift it using an intermediate fly line, in front of a mangrove line and a big snook will absolutely pound it. When it‟s tails up show this off to a redfish and her buddies will fight over it. No, really! It‟s that yummy. Bring a few fly rods with you on your next hunt, rigged with an eight weight Teeny redfish line. A nine weight rod rigged with an intermediate line and a back up 8 wt rigged with a level float line. Use the 8 wt redfish setup with a 20 pound tippet, put a 30 pound tippet on the snook rig and put a 30 pound on the back up rig. Tie on the Critters with your favorite knot with a loop

In it for greater action. For the snook I use a Bimini Twist shock set up. You will have to put the power on them to keep them out of the groves. Throw a loop cast up stream and let the critter drift past the snook. Be mindful of the feeding column depth here. The loop keeps the fly line and leader out of sight so all the snook sees is the critter coming. Easy pickings for a big lip smacker. Be ready to strip set the hook and take up all the slack created by the up current loop cast. The big advantage of fly fishing over casting lures or soft plastic is simple. When reds are tailing they

Are in shallow water and can be very, very spooky as you know. Landing a Mangrove Critter in front of them is quiet and does not disturb the water. Throw a big‟ol plug or a led head under those conditions and watch them scatter. At least that‟s what happens to me. Lift the Critter up an inch or two off of the bottom, drop, settle, twitch and watch the reds hammer it. Man that‟s cool. If you are after trout, swim the Critter like a shrimp. When you see the trout after it, just let it fall and be ready to set the hook. Get a handful of Critters and have some fun. By Capt. Pat

Solid... 34

Tournament Fishing Demystified Anglers Corner I meet a lot of kayak anglers on the water. I also meet many on my fishing club‟s forum. Most of the people I meet are relatively new to the sport and are eager for any advice I can give them. The majority of them are fisherman who recently decided to use a kayak. They like fishing areas new to them and enjoy meeting new fishing buddies. When they find out that I fish in tournaments, the questions fly at me and usually the conversation ends with “I‟d like to try that one day”. Well, there is no reason to wait, the world of competitive kayak fishing is open to everyone! everyone! Most kayak fishing tournaments start with a registration process. This can usually be done online. The entry fees vary and there are tournaments to fit every budget. The formats of each competition vary as well. There are single, stand-alone tournaments, annuals, and series

Sent in by Bob Bramblet

. There are kayak only events and tournaments with both boat and kayak divisions. I have found that most local or regional boat tournaments will allow you to compete in a kayak alone or as a team. Most tournaments have websites with information on their format, and don‟t be afraid to use the contact information if you have questions. Rules often differ greatly for each event so it is very important to familiarize yourself with them. Some events allow live bait, while others are artificial baits only. Some only allow specific lures. There are tournaments that only allow you to fish in a specific location while others let you fish anywhere as long as you return to the weigh in on time. Once you have registered, paid the fees and read over the rules, its pre-fishing time. If the event you have entered is local and you are very familiar with the area, you can probably get away with skipping this part.

Most of the time, however, tournaments are not always where you are. It is important to have a general knowledge of the area you are going to fish. There is usually a mandatory captain‟s meeting as well, so you will be in the area anyway. In the days leading up to an event, I usually look at the area on Bing or Google Earth to get a general idea of where the fish may be. I try to pre-fish every tournament the day before the actual event. This is really an exploratory trip and you don‟t want to catch all the fish. For example, a school of redfish will most likely be in the same area the next day, unless you keep throwing lures at them to drive them away. If I see the fish I am targeting the next day, I just move on and note the location for later. When you pre-fish the area, it‟s a good idea to mirror what you plan to do on tournament day. Launch at the site you plan on launching from at the same Continued on page 36

Anglers Corner Continued

Continued form page 35

time as you plan on tournament day. Fish for the same

amount of time as you plan to the next day. This will give you the best idea of what to expect in regards to tides, water movement and fish locations. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x;t pre-fish an area, donâ&#x20AC;&#x;t worry too much about it. You can get a lot of local information from fishing forums or other online resources. Usually the day or evening before the tournament is the captains meeting. This is usually mandatory and they are a good place to meet other kayak anglers. This is competitive angling, but most kayak anglers I know are very friendly. This is also the place to ask questions and clarify

Tournament day is here. A wise man once told me that he never shows up to a launch not ready to fish. I have caught the majority of my tournament fish within a mile of the launch. Have your plan ready and all of your tackle tied the night before! Most tournaments will have you launch at safe light. Depending on how many people are registered, you may

have to move quickly to get to your spot. If you are lucky, you will begin to catch fish right away. If

not, it may be a long day. Almost all kayak tournaments have gone to a photo catch and release format. Taking a picture of your catch is not always easy. Take your time! Once you have a fish in your kayak, he is yours; no one will take it from you. Most mistakes are made during the measuring and photo. You have to make sure the fish is lying as flat as possible on the measuring device. This could be your own ruler or a specific ruler the tournament director wants used The entire fish should be in the picture with the measurement clearly visible. You may have to get out of the kayak to do this. It is a good idea to have a tournament board for this. I have bungee cords around mine to help safely hold the fish on the board. Sometimes I have to take several photos to get it right. When you get a good picture, take the time to revive the fish. Measure every legal sized fish you catch because you never know if you Continued on page 37

Anglers Corner Continued are the only person catching fish. I have won a tournament with a 12” mangrove snapper because I had the only fish caught that day. Also, fish until the last minute. Don‟t give up because many times the winning fish is caught at the last minute on the way in. The weigh in time and area is usually advised during the captains meeting. If you are late you are usually docked points, so try to be there a little early. The weigh in usually consists of someone downloading your pictures from your camera into their computer for verification. It‟s a good idea to bring your camera‟s USB cable as well. Your catch will be scored and points assigned. Have a seat, relax and talk to the other anglers. Eventually, everyone will be weighed in and the awards will begin. Whether you win or not, you were out on the water, you met new

people and you fished in an area that you probably wouldn‟t have. Every tournament is a unique experience and soon you will be placing and winning prizes! Whatever your level of experience is, competitive fishing is fun. You will meet new people and fish in areas that you normally would not have. You will learn new tactics and techniques that will bring your fishing to a new level. Most of these tournaments are reasonably priced and if you look into your resources online, I am sure you will find a kayak angling tournament in your area. Don‟t be shy to enter, and don‟t be surprised if you start placing right away.

Thanks Bob, we invite your ideas. Please submit your kayak fishing related stories with photo‟s for consideration and thank you.

Hydration

Information provided by Allina clinics

Why are liquids important? Water is a very important part of your body. The water in your body comes from the foods you eat and the liquids you drink. Your body uses water to digest (break down) food, absorb nutrients from food and get rid of wastes in your urine. Your body also uses water to stay at the right body temperature. In warm or hot weather, your body sweats, naturally cooling you down. Without the right hydration (amount of water), you can become dehydrated (deeHEYE-dray-ted). Dehydration is a condition that results from not drinking enough water, or losing too much body water. Dehydration can increase your risk for heat illness during hot weather. Heat illness could lead to death. During exercise, your body temperature goes up and your body sweats. Your body loses water and electrolytes (ee-LEK-troh-leyets) in your sweat. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium and potassium. It is important to replace water and electrolytes lost in sweat during long exercise sessions. Dehydration can hurt your performance during exercise and sports competitions. To prevent dehydration, you must drink the right amount of liquid before, during and after exercise. Some athletes may drink too much water during exercise. Drinking too much water can also hurt your performance. How much liquid should I drink? Do not use thirst as a way of knowing whether you need to drink liquids. Thirst is not always a good sign that your body needs more liquids. The following are suggestions for how much liquid you may need to drink to prevent dehydration: Before exercise: Drink about 13-20 ounces of liquid, two to three hours before exercise.

During exercise: Drink six to 12 ounces of liquid every 15 to 20 minutes. After exercise: Drink 16-24 ounces of liquid for every pound lost during exercise. Eighty percent of water lost during exercise must be replaced before another exercise event done in the same day.

It is a good idea to weigh yourself before and after exercise, especially during hot weather. This will tell you how much water you lost in sweat during exercise. You will need to replace this water after exercise. What kinds of liquids should I drink? Water works well for exercise that lasts less than one hour. For exercise that lasts longer than one hour, liquids should have four to eight percent carbohydrates (kahr-boh-HEYE-drayts) to give you energy. This is about 10-19 grams of carbohydrate in a serving of eight ounces. The liquid should also have sodium. Sodium can make drinks taste better, and replace some of the sodium lost in your sweat. Sports drinks work well because they have carbohydrate, sodium, potassium and other ingredients that help you stay well hydrated. Liquids should also be cool or cold. Cool or cold liquids empty faster from your stomach than warm drinks do. They also help to cool your body temperature. Do not drink juice or soda before exercise, because it may cause stomach discomfort. After exercise that lasts longer than three to four hours, you should replace sodium lost in your sweat. You can do this by adding salt to your diet and drinking liquids with sodium. How can I tell if I am drinking the right amount of liquids?

Anglers Health color of your urine. Urine should be clear or strawcolored (very light yellow), with little or no smell. If your urine is dark-colored or smells strong, you may not be drinking enough. Taking vitamins or other medicines may change the color of your urine. In this case, the color of your urine may not tell you if you are drinking enough liquids. Dehydration usually causes your tongue and mouth to feel dry. You will be very thirsty. You may pass little or no urine. Your eyes may look sunken and your skin wrinkled. You may feel dizzy or confused. You may have a fast heartbeat and breathing. Dehydration increases your risk for heat illness during hot weather. Stop exercising if you have signs or symptoms of heat illness. Some of these include muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, or lightheadedness. Rest in a cool place and drink liquids. Some athletes may drink too much water. An athlete may feel tired, have nausea and a headache if he has drank too much water. Many times athletes who drink too much water also have low levels of sodium in their blood. If an athlete's blood levels of sodium are low, he may also be confused, have trouble balancing and rarely may have seizures. Eat salty foods the week before competition, and drink liquids that have sodium to prevent low blood sodium. Drinking too much liquid may also harm your performance. Many times, athletes who drink too much liquid also have low levels of sodium in their blood.

You can check if you are drinking enough liquids by looking at the

Nutrition

Provided by Colorado State University

Anglers Diet

by J. Anderson, L. Young and S. Prior

Becoming an elite athlete requires good genes, good training and conditioning and a sensible diet. Optimal nutrition is essential for peak performance. Nutritional misinformation can do as much harm to the ambitious athlete as good nutrition can help.

Carbohydrates Athletes benefit the most from the amount of carbohydrates stored in the body. In the early stages of moderate exercise, carbohydrates provide 40 to 50 percent of the energy requirement. Carbohydrates yield more energy per unit of oxygen consumed than fats. Because oxygen often is the limiting factor in long duration events, it is beneficial for the athlete to use the energy source requiring the least amount of oxygen per kilocalorie produced. As work intensity increases, carbohydrate utilization increases. Complex carbohydrates come from foods such as spaghetti, potatoes, lasagna, cereals and other grain products. Simple carbohydrates are found in fruits, milk, honey and sugar. During digestion, the body breaks down carbohydrates to glucose and stores it in the muscles as glycogen. During exercise, the glycogen is converted back to glucose and is used for energy. The ability to sustain prolonged vigorous exercise is directly related to initial levels of muscle glycogen. The body stores a limited amount of carbohydrate in the muscles and liver. If the event lasts for less than 90 minutes, the glycogen stored in the muscle is enough to supply the needed energy. Extra carbohydrates will not help, any more than

adding gas to a half-full tank will make the car go faster. For events that require heavy work for more than 90 minutes, a highcarbohydrate diet eaten for two to three days before the event allows glycogen storage spaces to be filled. Long distance runners, cyclists, cross-country skiers, canoe racers, swimmers and soccer players report benefits from a precompetition diet where 70 percent of the calories comes from carbohydrates.

According to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, endurance athletes on a highcarbohydrate diet can exercise longer than athletes eating a lowcarbohydrate, high-fat diet. Eating a high-carbohydrate diet constantly is not advised. This conditions the body to use only carbohydrates for fuel and not the fatty acids derived from fats. For continuous activities of three to four hours, make sure that glycogen stores in the muscles and liver are at a maximum. Consider taking carbohydrates during the event in the form of carbohydrate solutions. The current recommendation is a 6 to 8 percent glucose solution. You can make an excellent homebrewed 7.6 percent sports drink

with reasonable sodium amounts. Add 6 tablespoons sugar and 1/3 teaspoon salt to each quart of water. Dissolve sugar and cool. The salt translates into a sodium concentration of 650 mg/liter. This small amount is good for marathon runners. Electrolyte beverages can be used if the athlete tolerates them, but other electrolytes are not essential until after the event. Experiment during training to find the best beverage for you. Eating sugar or honey just before an event does not provide any extra energy for the event. It takes about 30 minutes for the sugar to enter the blood stream. This practice may also lead to dehydration. Water is needed to absorb the sugar into the cells. Furthermore, sugar eaten before an event may hinder performance because it triggers a surge of insulin. The insulin causes a sharp drop in blood sugar level in about 30 minutes. Competing when the blood sugar level is low leads to fatigue, nausea and dehydration. A diet where 70 percent of calories comes from carbohydrates for three days prior to the event is sometimes helpful for endurance athletes. (See Table 1 for a sample menu.) Water retention often is associated with carbohydrate loading. This may cause stiffness in the muscles and sluggishness early in the event. A three-day regimen minimizes this effect. The previously suggested seven days of deprivation/ repletion is not recommended due to increased risks of coro-

nary heart disease. In addition, electrocardiograph abnormalities may occur and training during the deprivation phase may be difficult.

Water Water is an important nutrient for the athlete. Athletes should start any event hydrated and replace as much lost fluid as possible by drinking chilled liquids at frequent intervals during the event. Chilled fluids are absorbed faster and help lower body temperature. (See Table 2.)

Fats Fat also provides body fuel. For moderate exercise, about half of the total energy expenditure is derived from free fatty acid metabolism. If the event lasts more than an hour, the body may use mostly fats for energy. Using fat as fuel depends on the event's duration and the athlete's condition. Trained athletes use fat for energy more quickly than untrained athletes. Consumption of fat should not fall below 15 percent of total energy intake because it may limit performance. Athletes who are under pressures to achieve or maintain a low body weight are susceptible to using fat restriction and should be told that this will hinder their performance. Fat may contribute as much as 75 percent of the energy demand during prolonged aerobic work in the endurance-trained athlete. There is evidence that the rate of fat metabolism may be accelerated by ingesting caffeine prior to and during endurance performance. However, insomnia, restlessness and ringing of the ears can occur with caffeine consumption. Furthermore, caffeine acts as a diuretic and athletes want to avoid the need to urinate during competition.

Protein

After carbohydrates and fats, protein provides energy for the body. Exercise may increase an athlete's need for protein, depending on the type and frequency of exercise. Extra protein consumed is stored as fat. In the fully grown athlete, it is training that builds muscle, not protein per se. The ADA reports that a protein intake of 10 to 12 percent of total calories is sufficient. Most authorities recommend that endurance athletes eat between 1.2 -1.4 grams protein per kg of body weight per day; resistance and strength-trained athletes may need as much as 1.6-1.7 grams protein per kg of body weight. (A kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.) Japanese researchers demonstrated that "sports anemia" may appear in the early stages of training with intakes of less than 1 gram/kg of body weight per day of high quality protein. To calculate your protein needs, divide your ideal weight by 2.2 pounds to obtain your weight in kilograms. Then multiply kilograms by the grams of protein recommended. A varied diet will provide more than enough protein as caloric intake increases. Furthermore, Americans tend to eat more than the recommended amounts of protein. Excess protein can deprive

Anglers Diet

the athlete of more efficient fuel and can lead to dehydration. Highprotein diets increase the water requirement necessary to eliminate the nitrogen through the urine. Also, an increase in metabolic rate can occur and, therefore, increased oxygen consumption. Protein supplements are unnecessary and not recommended.

Vitamins and Minerals Increased caloric intake through a varied diet ensures a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals for the athlete. There is no evidence that taking more vitamins than is obtained by eating a variety of foods will improve performance. Thiamin, riboflavin and niacin (B vitamins) are needed to produce energy from the fuel sources in the diet. However, plenty of these vitamins will be obtained from eating a variety of foods. Carbohydrate and protein foods are excellent sources of these vitamins. Furthermore, the B vitamins are water soluble and are not stored in the body, so toxicity if not an issue. Some female athletes may lack riboflavin, so ensuring adequate consumption of riboflavin-rich food is important, like milk. Milk products not only increase the riboflavin level but also provide protein and calcium. The body stores excess fatsoluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins may have toxic effects. Minerals play an important role in performance. Heavy exercise affects the body's supply of sodium, potassium, iron and calcium. Sweating during exercise increases the concentration of salt in the body. Consuming salt

tablets after competition and workouts is not advised as this will remove water from your cells, causing weak muscles. Good sodium guidelines are to: 1) avoid excessive amounts of sodium in the diet and 2) beverages containing sodium after endurance events may be helpful. Eating potassium-rich foods such as oranges, bananas and potatoes throughout training and after competition supplies necessary potassium. Iron carries oxygen via blood to all cells in the body and is another important mineral for athletes. Female athletes and athletes between 13 and 19 years old may have inadequate supplies of iron due to menstruation and strenuous exercise. Female athletes who train heavily have a high incidence of amenorrhea, the absence of regular, monthly periods, and thus conserve iron stores. Iron supplements may be prescribed by a physician if laboratory tests indicate an iron deficiency. Excess iron can cause constipation. To avoid this problem, eat fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals.. Calcium is an important nutrient for everyone as it is important in bone health and muscle function. Female athletes should have an adequate supply of calcium to avoid calcium loss from bones. Calcium loss may lead to osteoporosis later in life. Choosing low-fat dairy products, provide the best source of calcium.

The Pre-Game Meal

which breaks down more easily than protein and fats. The starch should be in the form of complex carbohydrates (breads, cold cereal, pasta, fruits and vegetables). They are digested at a rate that provides consistent energy to the body and are emptied from the stomach in two to three hours. High-sugar foods lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar, followed by a decline in blood sugar and less energy. In addition, concentrated sweets can draw fluid into the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to dehydration, cramping, nausea and diarrhea. Don't consume any carbohydrates one and a half to two hours before an event. This may lead to premature exhaustion of glycogen stores in endurance events. Avoid a meal high in fats. Fat takes longer to digest as does fiber - and lactose-containing meals. Take in adequate fluids during this pre-game time. Avoid caffeine (cola, coffee, tea) as it may lead to dehydration by increasing urine production. Don't ignore the psychological aspect of eating foods you enjoy and tolerate well before an event. However, choose wisely -- bake meat instead of frying it, for example. Some athletes may prefer a liquid pre-game meal, especially if the event begins within two or three hours. A liquid meal will move out of the stomach by the time a meet or match begins. Remember to include water with this meal.

A pre-game meal three to four hours before the event allows for optimal digestion and energy supply. Most authorities recommend small pre-game meals that provide 500 to 1,000 calories. The meal should be high in starch,

Regardless of age, gender or sport, the post-game.competition meal recommendations are the same. (See Table 3.) Following a training session or competition, a small meal eaten within thirty minutes is

The Post-Game Meal

Anglers Diet

very beneficial. The meal should be mixed, meaning it contains carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Protein synthesis is greatest during the window of time immediately following a workout and carbohydrates will help replete diminished glycogen stores. However, consume food within the 30 minute window may be difficult for athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they often experience nausea or lack of hunger. Options to address this difficulty include: ď&#x201A;ˇ Carbs you can drink that contain protein. There are several liquid smoothies and beverages on the market that provide high protein and carbohydrates for replenishment. One classic is chocolate milk. If that is difficult, fruit, popsicles, oranges, bananas, bagels, melon, or apple slices all would be better than not consuming any food. Many athletes turn to protein/ amino-acid supplementation in the form of powders or pills post -workout. These are unnecessary and have been linked to dehydration, hypercalciuria, weight gain, and stress on the kidney and liver. Furthermore, any athletes consuming supplements in replacement of meals should consult with their doctor or a registered dietitian before continuing. Maintain nutritional conditioning not only for athletic events, but all the time (See fact sheet 9.353, Dietary Guidelines for Americans). A pre-game meal or special diet for several days prior to competition cannot make up for an inadequate daily food intake in previous months or years.

Table 1: Sample menu of a high carbohydrate diet.

Food item Breakfast 8 ounces orange juice 1 cup oatmeal 1 medium banana 8 ounces low-fat milk 1 slice whole wheat toast 1 tablespoon jelly Lunch 2-ounce slice ham 1 ounce Swiss cheese 2 slices whole wheat bread 1 leaf lettuce 1 slice tomato 8 ounces apple juice 8 ounces skim milk 2 cookies Dinner 3 cups spaghetti 1 cup tomato sauce with mushrooms 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese 4 slices French bread 1 slice angel food cake 1/4 cup sliced strawberries 1/2 cup ice cream Snack 16 ounces grape juice 6 fig cookies TOTAL

Anglers Diet

Calories

Grams carbohydrate

120 132 101 102 60 57

28 23 26 12 12 15

104 105 120 1 3 116 85 96

0 1 25 0 1 30 12 14

466 89 5 45 406 161 13 133

97 19 1 0 78 36 3 16

330 386 3236

83 81 613 (75% of total calories)

Table 2: Recommendations for hydration. Day before Pre-event meal 2 hours before 1/2 hour before Every 10-15 minutes during the event After event Next day

Drink fluids frequently 2-3 cups water 2-2 1/2 cups water 2 cups water 1/2 cup cool (45-55 degrees) water 2 cups fluid for each pound lost Drink fluids frequently (it may take 36 hours to rehydrate completely).

Anglers Diet

Table 3: Two pre-event meal plans. Pre-Event Meal Plan I, 2-3 hours prior (approximately 500 calories) Lean meat or protein equivalent Fruit Bread or easily digestible carbohydrate

2 ounces 1 serving (1/2 cup) 2 servings

Pre-Event Meal Plan II, 3 1/2 - 4 hours prior (approximately 900 calories) Cooked lean meat or protein equivalent Fruit Pasta or baked potato

2 ounces 1 serving (1/2 cup) 1 cup or 1 medium

Bread or carbohydrate substitute Low-fiber vegetable Fat spread Dessert: Angel food cake or plain cookies

2 servings 1 serving (1/2 cup) 1 teaspoon 1 piece 2 cookies

Join us in our support of another great magazine...

New Gear Review We have noticed that many of our contestants have had a problem taking an entry photo at one time or another. In particular, a video capture for tarpon points in our Extreme Tarpon Classic in the spring.

Thought into the design and it shows in the simple to use operation of the mount.

We have been on the search for a good solution to offer you that is of high quality, good pricing and can stand up to the conditions that our contestants put their gear through while on the water. Well, we found just the thing and are very pleased to introduce North America to a new sponsor, RAILBLAZA. These nifty camera mounts are fully adjustable and lock down tight. Installation is simple and only takes a few minutes and a couple of tools. The RAILBLAZA camera mount is also easily removable when not in use and stores out of the way for travel. Now here‟s some more cool news; you don‟t need to buy an expensive camera or waterproof camera box such as used with other offerings.

For under $100 bucks you now buy a new waterproof camera, more about that later. Most digital cameras come with a standard size mounting screw hole built into their box to attach to a tripod. If your camera has that you‟re all set with RAILBLAZA.

They have really put a lot of Continued on page 47

For video capture adjust the mount angle and height as you look through the viewer. Aim it to capture out in front of your kayak. Lock it down when you think you‟re there and take a test video. With most new cameras you can capture a frame or two of a video as a snap shot for action shot photos.

The RRAILBLAZA CameraBoom 600 will be awarded to our anglers in our 2012 Series Year in the Action Photo category. This great product should end your photo woes once and for all.

2012 for the public. We are very pleased to introduce them to you and we think that you will agree on how well their products are made and how handy the camera boom mount will be. You can visit them the next time that you‟re down-under or on their website to look at all of their handy products. www.RAILBLAZA.com

Another great product , the PlatformBoom 150 allows for the mounting of heavier gear like a GPS or sonar. For your entry photos you can adjust the camera boom to shoot from an overhead position to capture your entry shots. After you have it tested you can put your fish on your measuring board and snap, you got it. A great shot every time with the RAILBLAZA.

At just 12.5”tall & only .7lb it is sure to be a great addition to your kayak. Additional heavy duty platforms are available and with the Star Mount only your imagination is the limit. RAILBLAZA products will be available in the US early

The 600 is made of high engineering plastics with stainless steel fasteners. The boom shaft measures 29.1” long and the complete system only weighs 1.8lb.

Action Photo Award New for 2012 is the Action Photo award category. The contestants may enter photo‟s of their fishing adventures along the Coastal Gulf areas including their action shots taken while fishing & prefishing our events. The photos will be reviewed and the winner will be chosen by the tournament director. All photo‟s must be entered before registration close of each tournament. The RAILBLAZA camera mount will be awarded to one winner each month at our awards.

Presented by

Tropic Bay, Inc. Your entry photo‟s may be used in this publication and on the KFC website.

Action shots can be difficult to capture and your RAILBLAZA gear will help.

Although the above photo is a beautiful scene, it is not considered to be an action shot.

Our 2012 Series Year version of our website will reflect all of the ins and outs as well as the complete rules. This should prove to be great fun for our anglers and a nice thing about this is that your photo‟s do not have to be taken during one of our tournaments. We

Now this is a great action shot which of course was not taken by the angler on the other end of the line.

know that you are a serious angler and do not want to distract from that. Good Fishing & Good Photos to you.

The entry photo‟s do not have to be taken during one of our events but must be in jpeg, jpg format and must be clear and quality fishing action shots. The photo‟s my be emailed to the ClassicS and must be entered by a registered contestant. A friend may take the shot of you holding a fish or fighting a fish however the award will go to the entered contestant. Simple! All entered photo‟s become the exclusive property of the Kayak Fishing ClassicS,

For the finest in storage and organizationâ&#x20AC;Ś.. www.Precision-Pak.com

www.ExOfficio.com 50

New Gear Review By Captain Pat Horrigan

If you‟re anything like me, you probably have a favorite fishing shirt or perhaps two. If you follow the ClassicS you know that we have been searching for that perfect shirt to bring to you that meets our criteria; affordable high quality gear. Well we have done just that and we are very pleased that ExOfficio will be filling that need for our anglers in 2012. Tell your favorite old fishing shirt to move over,… I have. After receiving a few for testing I must say that their shirts are really amazing. It‟s not just a shirt that you can fish in, it‟s a „Fishing Shirt‟ designed for just that with your needs in mind. The obvious good looks speak for themselves.

The sharp styling compliments the functionality perfectly and the material is thin, durable, well stitched and cool on a hot day. Hey it‟s hot most of the year along the Coastal Gulf States that we fish and our anglers put every product to the test in the harsh elements found in our series. Ok enough of the charm, how‟s it fish? Great! The fishing shirt lineup by ExOfficio is designed with your lifestyle in mind. The pockets are huge to begin with, that‟s a must.

The venting system found on the „Air Strip‟ shirt is well thought out. The back shoulder area vent has a full cover that can be secured open or closed with the Velcro clad strap. The button down collar has a hidden panel to protect your neck from the sun, is secured with more Velcro tabs and can be deployed without undoing those little collar buttons that I can never button again. Continued on page 52

Hey my old favorite shirt did not have that feature. On the sides there are additional vents backed with a comfortable mesh, for additional cooling.

Once you put on an Air Strip fishing shirt you

New Gear Review ing on the table when it

Of course there are role up sleeve tabs and there is a security zip pocket so you don‟t loose something important. I really like the 3 position sun collar. The button down keeps the collar from smacking you in the face, particularly in a strong wind or on a power boat heading for a kayak drop point. The utility loop is big and has ample Velcro to secure whatever you are sliding onto the loop. I use mine to secure my fly rod when I need two hands free. It even has a pocket for my plotting pencil. The fabric protects you from the sun with built-in UVA and UVB protection. Talk about climate control. The seams are sealed by multiple fold-over‟s and durable stitching. Come to think of it, my old favorite shirt didn‟t have any of that either. ExOfficio has a great lineup in their color selection which is important for blending in with the surrounding backgrounds.

will see and feel what I am talking about. Cool Climate Control ventilation, soft non-chaffing materials, machine washable, no ironing needed, function feature loaded, great color selection and stylish good looks.

Comes to clothing for your outdoor adventures . Life‟s an adventure and that‟s what ExOfficio is all about. We know you‟ll enjoy it and I highly recommend them for all of your outdoor clothing needs.

I said it, stylish good looks. If you‟re not fishing you can be looking good and still enjoy the super comfort of this super shirt. Of course ExOfficio has many other shirts designed with your needs in mind and every style is available in women‟s sizes and cuts as well. ExOfficio leaves noth-

New Gear Review The model 120 Surface only weighs .875 oz and measures 4.5 in. long. Have you ever heard of a Glide Bait? If you watch the TV show Hunt for big fish, hosted by Larry Dahlberg then you probably have seen the unique baits in action. River2Sea Lures makes the Wide Glide lure and after getting the hang of it, I am convinced in them. We used two Wide Glides for our testing. The 200 and the 120 surface models were put to the test. The lures work just the way that Larry said however we did not trim off the feathers form the aft hooks. Larry mentions that they work better without them. The 200 model is huge and the 120 is a normal size lure. Both are very high performance walking lures that zigzag side to side with a very wide gliding action instead of slapping back and forth. The 8” sub-surface can be made to zip side to side a few feet under the surface and will travel up to eight feet side to side with a forward travel of

Only a couple of feet and then comes to a neutral buoyant wiggling stop. If that is not enough, it rattles too! The surface lures work the same way and just as well. They trigger angry strikes as well as attract large predators.

The model 200 Surface is

The Wide Glide is an exciting lure and is deadly on large fish that seem to ignore everything you try. Hey you know Larry is into BIG fish and he hooks up with River2Sea Lures all of the time on his shows.

with a Wide Glide lure. We got the model 120 gliding back and forth about four or five feet. We did not trim off the feathers but might try that to compare the performance. It makes since and we‟ll let you know.

www.River2SeaUSA.com

4 oz. And 7.875” long. Both lures cast like a bullet and throw good distances. The key here is the amount of water that you can cover

New Gear Review

MirrOlure has been around since 1974. The company began when founders Paul Brown and his wife Phyllis started making their special lures in their garage which they called the „shop.‟ Time went by and they grew their company as anglers began to catch on to the unique lures and realized how well they worked. The company continued to have success and grow and Paul‟s dream of being able to supply every angler from Texas to North Carolina with his special lures has come true. Today MirrOlure is producing Paul‟s line of original lures under his watchful eye. We as anglers can purchase the lures at our local tackle shops everywhere. If you have never fished with a MirrOlure, you need to. The lures are truly one of the very best hard plastic lures and they are made right here in Florida. Take a look at their line of lures on their website and tell them we sent you.

www.MirrOlure.com

NIGHT VISION BABY 56

Things in the Dark Many kayak anglers enjoy the adventures of night fishing particularly in the hot summer months. Launching in the cool mid 70 degree temperatures around 3 AM is refreshing when compared to the wave of heat that hits around 10 AM in the August dog days. If the tide is right, it is not uncommon to hook up with some nice big inshore species cooling their tails and munching down a pre-dawn breakfast. It‟s great fun but being able to see is important and being seen is a safety concern as well. Many anglers make their own boat light from PVC pipe and attach a battery bowered light on top of it so that other boaters may see them. Good idea and it is a law in most states. There are of course some light sticks on the retail market that work very well for those that do not wish to make their own. When it comes to being able to see where you are going, well that‟s a different matter. If there is plenty of moon light you can usually see sufficiently to navigate your way to your fishing sight but you can‟t always rely on a moon lit sky.

There are a variety of lights that attach to your kayak or hat. Some come on adjustable straps to be worn on your head. The problem with a light attached to your boats is that you have to constantly adjust the light or turn the boat to shine the light where you wish to see. Head gear lights have the advantage and seem to be what most kayak anglers use. Many of these lights seem to go through batteries like a kid goes through bubble gum. We looked into it in 2010 and did some testing on several models found on the market and came across a

Solution by a company out of New Jersey. Princeton Tec makes many kinds of lights for our military and for several nighttime outdoor sports including kayak fishing. We tested their Remix headlight. Long story short, it is simply the best light available hands down. The tiny high tech lighting system will run on just 3 AA batteries for up to 200 hours. The light contains 4 Ultrabright LED‟s and only weighs in at 83 grams. It comes with a wide adjustable head strap and the batteries, of course. Princeton Tec became a Continued on page 58

Sponsor in 2011 of the Kayak Fishing ClassicS and has been very well received by all contestants that have tried them. The multiple lights offer several lighting solutions to fit your conditions with a simple slide of a switch. Even on low beam, the light is blinding if you look at it directly. The high beam feature throws a narrow, super bright intense beam for a distance of 73m and beyond that compares to many much larger high powered hand held lamps. With the adjustability of the Remix you can easily adjust the light to fit your needs with one hand. Oh by the way the little light will throw this explosion of light for 28 hours of continuous use at this setting. Impressive. The durability of the Remix headlamp is equally impressive and when you visit their website you can view the useful flash player selection showing the different settings and burn times. Princeton Tec products are designed, tested and made right here in the USA. They put a great deal of effort into their research and development program and their products show

It. We as kayak anglers benefit from it and you should too. Being safe on the water is always the very first priority for our contestants as it should be for you. The Remix is water resistant

To IEC 1 standards which works well for angling. If you dunk it, clean it out and let it dry. Be sure to check the batteries as saltwater is highly corrosive. Good Fishing.

www.DeepSouthFishingRods.net

Experience the thrill and diversity that HighRoller Fishing Lures offer. Trigger explosive strikes in the open saltwater flats. Possess the ability to finesse trophies from oyster lined creek channels as well as shallow mangrove lagoons. Made saltwater ready and big fish tough, HighRoller Fishing Lures deliver thrilling action, strength, castability and the durability needed to catch Bull Redfish, Gator Spotted Sea Trout, Massive Snook, Monster Kingfish, Tarpon, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Stripers, Amberjack and Jack Crevalle. Our Original HighRoller, a custom-walking lure, spooks the competition. Designed for exceptionally long casting, the Original HighRoller is possibly the most versatile fishing lure we make. The PopRoller is a subtle Trout, Snook and Redfish bait, ideal for calm conditions and creek channel fishing. The ChugRoller, with its echoing, deep chug, calls fish from great depths triggering acrobatic strikes. The RipRoller series is our number one seller due to the noise that the prop makes when ripped thru the water, it totally rips the competition. Starting with a solid wood core, we outfit each lure with stainless steel hardware, VMC "X" Strong Round Bend saltwater-ready hooks. We then apply our signature epoxy gel coat for lasting durability and shine. HighRoller lures are available in 9 body styles and 9 eye-catching colors, hand painted to mimic natural baitfish. Each lure is packaged in a specialized custom re-usable tube for easy accessibility and storage. To experience this excitement, fish the unsurpassed quality and durability that put HighRoller in a class of its own! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Increase your Odds, Throw a HighRollerâ&#x20AC;?!!!!

www.HighRollerLures.com

Must Have Flies Saltwater Fly Fishing is growing rapidly in popularity and there are many new to fly anglers taking the time to learn this old but highly effective way of fishing. To help you newbie's out a bit, we thought we would share some tips and some top flies with you. These „must have flies‟ earned the „old standby‟ status over the years and a few not so old patterns have quickly earned the lofty status due to their effectiveness. As if learning to fly fish on your own isn‟t frustrating enough, many new to fly anglers have no idea which patterns to use and why. Many just pick a fly that looks fishy or effective but the decision can lead to more frustration. For example, the old adage of „big fish eat big baits‟ may be true however throwing a huge fly with a 6 or 7 weight rig on a windy day is not going to work very well. Offering crab patterns to fish that don‟t eat crabs is another good example. If you have been fishing for any length of

Time, you have undoubtedly heard the phrase „match the hatch‟ several times in the past. This comes from stream fishing where fly anglers match their pattern with the insects that are hatching. Why? Because this is what the locals are chewing on. The same holds true in saltwater to an extent. If reds are blowing up on small crabs, don‟t throw them a popper, throw them a similar looking crab pattern. Mom‟s know if junior wants a burger, don‟t order a hotdog unless you want to drive everyone around crazy. So how do you make the right selection to offer your quarry without tying on 30 different flies? It‟s simple really. Here are some basic fly patterns that you should have and use when your throwing feathers from your kayak.

Crease Fly When fish are in a frenzy feed try throwing a crease fly into the fray. The crease fly is not a popper but it does have similar action. It will gurgle and pop and eventually drive a fish nuts. Crease flies are known for attracting some eye popping strikes from any species.

Deceiver Lefty Kreh developed this fly as a striper pattern. It is designed to eliminate feather tangles. The 1950‟s pattern, when wet looks like a common bait fish found anywhere. The deceiver has earned it‟s name and is one of the best flies ever. Lefty has also written several books with you in mind.

Continued on page 63

Must Have Flies cont.

Clouser Deep Minnow The deep minnow Clouser was developed by Bob Clouser and is one of the most effective flies around. Hop it on the bottom and stir up some mud or swim it like a swim bait in the feeding column. This highly versatile fly has fooled many of fish over the years. You can tie it without the weights to work super shallow water effectively.

Fish the Merkin. Crabs will drop to the sea floor when approached by a fish and try to hide. They move slowly along the bottom. When the mullet are working the flats there is a good chance that reds are in the mix. The reds will follow the mullet to get easy pickings on shrimp and crabs that get stirred up by them.

Crab Merkin Del Brown originated this pattern to fool permit. Reds love to crunch small crabs and the pattern has fooled plenty of them. Watch a crab swim to learn how to

Although not a Merkin, This crab pattern is great and catches plenty of fish. Put a few of these in you fly box with your Merks and you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x;t go wrong.

Shrimp Killer shrimp pattern by RiverBum Flies. This a great pattern and the price is fantastic. Swim it slowly and drop when a fish comes.

Seaducer Homer Rhodes perfected this 1880â&#x20AC;&#x;s pattern for saltwater and it fools just about any species. Great for slow bites. Swim slow and stop then repeat. Great snook and tarpon fly.

www.DrSlick.com

Kayak Fishing written by Jon Shein, truly a kayak master is the most comprehensive book to date about everything kayak and kayak fishing. Whether you are an old pro or new to kayaking and kayak fishing, this book is for you. Jon covers every aspect of our sport and speaks from many years of experience. He is instrumental to the designs of many of the modern fishing kayaks of today. Jon fishes all over the world and you will find his writing style informative and enjoyable. This is a must have book for anyone on the water in a kayak. You can purchase it at www.KayakFishingBook.net

Southern Redfish Classic What a Series Year it has been! Ten open tournaments were conducted in all kinds of weather including a tropical storm or two, some rain and of course the ever present wind. All to determine who would be the Series Champion for 2011. The Kayak Fishing ClassicS Tournament Series trail is a long one with ten stops along the way. One Classic each month beginning in January and fishing from Alabama to Southern Florida. Fishing in areas that many of the contestants have never even heard of let alone fished those places before. That‟s part of the challenge and the anglers responded in championship fashion. Each and everyone of them and we‟re proud of them all.

Series Championship Travel time and expense, is not easy. Is it fun? Is it a passion? You bet, just ask them. We at the ClassicS thank all of you and tip our hats with respect and admiration. The anglers earned series points along the way to determine the series leaders and to earn an invite to the National Championship Classic held in November. The series lead went back a forth for most of the series year until the last four ClassicS.

Bob Bramblet managed to get on top at the Green Key Classic and did not look back. Marty Meakin was right on his wake but missed a few tournaments as did defending 2010 Champion Mark Knowles. Did Bob Bramblet have the championship all locked up going into the Southern Redfish Classic? No, not at all. There were several anglers that had a good shot at overtaking Bramblet at the wire and here‟s what happened.

No matter their podium standings, each angler that answered the challenge is a winner in our books because it is not easy at all. Just fishing you say? Not hardly. Most if not all of the contestants work full time jobs and have other responsibilities like families, school and friends. Tuning in on a Classic location, pre-fishing it and competing not to mention the Nice Redfish Caught by Bill White while pre-fishing.

The Southern Redfish Classic held on October 29, marked the end of the open series year for the Kayak Fishing ClassicS. It was also the Series Championship for the 2011 Series Year. Of the top forty anglers five or six had a real shot at overtaking series leader Bob Bramblet who by this time had a big target on his back. It just so happens that the top ten anglers in pursuit of his position are some of the very best anglers on the Gulf Coast and don‟t particularly enjoy losing. As if that were not enough competition, most of the anglers in the series are highly skilled and can compete with anyone. Bramblet managed to fish several of the ten open tournaments in the series and usually did quite well. Others in pursuit began to fall behind as they missed tournaments and Bob just kept on fishing. It paid off because it put him in position to not only win but tough to catch. It would have taken a perfect day for the top anglers in the series standings to catch him but certainly possible and believe me, they were trying. The morning began with a hard rain along the central coast of Florida. Bramblet was out there catching fish and that may have proven to be a problem, an Achilles‟ heel of sorts. Almost as bad as not catching fish, Bob‟s camera failed after recording one catch. Bramblet showed up at the Riverhouse Reef & Grill, host to event with a long face. There was nothing he could do but hope for the best. The stage was set and the challenge fell to Marty Meakin however weigh

Series Championship in would prove that he had a tough day of fishing with none caught that met the minimums. Next in line was William Lusk who was having a good day but

fell one redfish short of the three fish slam and Mark Knowles, the defending national champion was suddenly called out of town and not in the event. This left it up to Otis Coblentz who did not disappoint. Otis Coblentz won the tournament with a very nice three redfish slam but it wasn‟t enough to catch Bramblet. The one fish that Bramblet managed to enter helped keep Meakin, Lusk and Coblentz behind him in the series for the win. Although it didn‟t look like it at first, it was Bob Bramblet‟s day and he won the 2011 Series

Championship. He was followed by Marty Meakin who came in at a very strong Second Place. Otis Coblentz finished in Third Place followed by William Lusk in Fourth Place and Richard Smith in a very respectable Fifth Place. It was a memorable series year to say the least made possible by all of the Kayak Fishing ClassicS‟ wonderful sponsors. There was nearly $10,000.00 awarded in Sponsor Gear Prizes and Bob Bramblet won the fantastic Diablo Paddlesports Kayak. Next up is the invitational National Championship Classic.

www.WildlifeFromScratch.com

National Championship Can you say repeat? Repeat! Mark Knowles can and did in a big way on November 4 & 5 at the National Championship Classic, hosted by Whisky Joes in Tampa Bay and presented by Diablo Paddlesports. Mark is the defending national champ from 2010 and was looking to catch the series leader in the series championship but was suddenly called out of the country for work and missed that tournament. Mark earned an invite to the national championship and got back in time to dejetlag and get ready to hunt some fish. The two day tournament began with a nasty cold front moving in on Friday morning that made for a very chilly and windy evening just in time for the night snook catch and release portion of the two day event. Whisky Joes on Tampa Bay hosted the Snook Beach Blast and only one snook was hooked up all be it a brief encounter, courtesy of the front which did not dampen the spirits of the anglers. The fire pits on the beach warmed their chilled bones and a few

Beverages later, and all was well. Saturday looked better at launch time and then the wind shifted from the Northwest and played havoc on the contestants. With no snook caught on Friday night, a slam was out of the scoring equation so some nice trout and redfish were needed.

And it would take all of his considerable skills to pull off the repeat.

The combination of the cold front and the wind made for a very challenging tournament, to say the least.

Many of the anglers were using their favorite lures and trying to take advantage of the Bait Bonus system to acquire extra points for weigh in. D.O.A. Lures, High Roller Wooden Lures and RiverBum Flies are the three lure companies included in the Bait Bonus and all of the anglers were giving it their best efforts.

Mark Knowles, the defending national champion of 2010 is no stranger to finding fish in these conditions

Many of the talented anglers were not finding fish, â&#x20AC;Ś.anywhere. Others were locating large schools of Continued on page 70

National Championship Reds that simply ignored their offerings. The bite was simply not on due to the front. On Thursday, many anglers were catching nice fish while pre-fishing the Classic but that had all changed overnight. Mark Knowles stayed outside on the flats in Cockroach Bay. He kept working his High Roller lure and finally he hooked up with a measurable fish. The FWC minimums are in force in the ClassicS for reds and trout. Mark landed the hard fighting 20” redfish, took a photo and released it unharmed. Next he needed a trout or a larger red. Using the same High Roller, Mark connected with a nice 17” spotted seatrout, recorded his catch and released it. He was on the board. Still others struggled. Several of the contestants fished the famous area which would have been perfect had the wind not changed direction. The 2011 Series Champion, Bob Bramblet was right there but had no measurable fish to enter. Others if not most, had the same

2011 Champion Mark Knowles in his new Diablo Paddlesports Adios kayak.

Disappointing experience but that‟s fishing and their spirits remained high. That was all she wrote for Mark Knowles and it would have to be good enough. What bite that was there completely turned off as the wind continued to blow. The National Championship Classic was scored by total combined inches of the three fish each angler could enter, plus a 25 point slam bonus and 20 point bait bonus. There were no snook so no slams were recorded. The fish were scored as one inch equals one point plus

Any bonuses earned. Well it paid off for Knowles as he entered a total of 37 inches for 37 points plus two 20 point bait bonuses for a total of 77 points to take the championship on a High Roller Lures Pop Roller and win the Diablo Adios.

Continued on page 71

National Championship It is hared enough to win but to do it two years in a row is outstanding. When you take into account how talented all of the anglers are in the series, it is saying a lot. Congratulations Mark from Diablo Paddlesports, High Roller Lures, the ClassicS and all of your friends. Carmen Ruffalo came in at Second Place using D.O. A. Lures with 40.5 Points. Carmen is new to the series but had earned enough points for the invitation to the national championship. He also caught the tournaments largest fish, a 20.5 inch trout and won the Bending Branches Paddles Big Fish Award. He is looking forward to the 2012 series year so we will see him in January. Congratulations Carmen form D.O.A. Lures, Bending Branches, the ClassicS and your friends.

Marty Meakin came in at Third Place with a 19.7â&#x20AC;? trout and 39.7 Points. Marty hooked up with a D.O.A. Shad Tail that fooled a beautiful spot on such a tough day. Marty is one the best anglers on the Gulf Coast and is always hard to beat. Congratulations Marty from D.O.A. Lures, the ClassicS and your friends. Contestants make ready to launch in what proved to be a very cold and uncomfortable night for many anglers as well as the fish.

The Gulf temperatures have dropped more than 20 degrees in 45 days. That changes the fishing.

Continued on page 72

Also in Third Place was Daniel Currey with39.5 points. Daniel connected with a 19.5â&#x20AC;? trout on a D.O.A. Shad Tail. Congratulations Daniel on a great series and championship from D.O.A. the ClassicS and your friends. Otis Coblentz finished in Fourth Place using a D.O.A. Rainbow Shad. Congratulations Otis on a great series and championship from D.O.A. Lures, The ClassicS and your friends.

Vincent Collora came in at Fifth Place using a D.O.A. Lure Glow Shrimp. Vincent is also new to the series and plans to be in on the 2012 series. Congratulations to all of our contestants in the National Championship Classic and Thank you to all of you for fishing the ClassicS. We will see you in January 2012 with another year of fun tournament fishing along the Coastal Gulf States.

We wish to thank all of our sponsors who made the 2011 Series Year possible and ask that you support them with your patronage this Holiday Season. To visit the Kayak Fishing ClassicS Tournament Series, our sponsors and view our photo albums, please visit us at: www.KayakFishingClassicS.com

www.ScottyPaddleSports.com

Cold Weather Tactics As summer becomes winter along the Coastal Gulf States and the Gulf of Mexico cools, many of our favorite species either move off shore onto the wrecks or become very inactive such as snook. All but one that is. The ardent flats camper known as the redfish has a high tolerance to the cold water.

By Capt. Pat

Colder water so fish when the tide has been in and had time to warm up. Dark water is going to warm faster then crystal clear water. Mud flats warm faster and retain much more heat then a sand bottom.

The redfish will still make the regular rounds to their regular feeding places in the winter however some changes in your tactics will help you connect. Considering that redfish are not a highly migratory species and they of course would prefer warmer water it makes sense that you should find the warmest water in their feeding areas. Sounds simple enough but how do you do that? To begin with, you do take notes and make sketches marking feeding areas and water flows where you fish. Right? You know where the dark water is, oyster bars, rocks, water flow paths, pot holes and such and this is what we are going to use to your advantage. A flooding tide is going to be

Rocks will warm up from the sun and warm the surrounding water and so will oyster bars. Being out of the wind or on the leeward side of an island will be warmer on you and the water will warm up faster when it is not subject to a chill wind blowing across it. Fishing dark water will take away your sight fishing but you can cast to pushes and wakes. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x;t know a redfish push from a mullet push or wake you will with a little practice.

Redfish

Of course when you find falling water, it will be the warmest and that is where you will also find fish. Also where a spring is near by you may find a deep hole. Theses deep holes can be very warm in the winter and add shelter to fish and a toasty place to rest. If you locate fields of rocks you will locate redfish. Many of the rocks on the flats will be worn flat on top from centuries of tidal movement. The rocks heat up and so does the water. If you are going to fish the flats know where such places are. If you are a fly angler you will need to be proficient at the double haul. Cold fronts are accompanied by the wind but no worry. The double haul will launch flies like a bullet. You may also use the wind as a tool if it is at your back. Haul more sharply on your backstroke Continued on page 75

Cold Weather Tactics

Continued form page 74

Into the wind and ease up on your forward stroke.

Good prices and for all conditions.

With winter comes shallower water in the estuaries where many reds love to live. This super skinny water is much clearer in the winter as there is less vegetation and much less rain runoff. There are few sights as exciting as to come up on schooling redfish happily eating their way across a flat in the winter.

Spin Anglers

These conditions may lead you to get out of your kayak and do a little wading. This can be very productive as long as you can keep the sun in the fishes eyes or keep your distance. All the while remembering to be very quiet. It is best to know the waters that you are wading in and to watch for holes. Always where a belt on your waders to keep water out incase you do stumble. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x;t have waders, Redington makes great waders at very

If you are a spin angler and like to throw soft plastics and lures, this is the time of year to work you baits slowly. Small lures seem to work better than large ones. D.O.A. has everything that you need in soft plastic lures and all of their lures work great. In muddy water a chartreuse color lure works well and of course anything that vibrates rings the diner bell. High Roller top water wooden lures are also great. This is a very good time to use their PT Spoons as they work in very shallow water and may be worked very slowly in just a few inches of water. MirrOlure makes some great hard plastic lures in many sizes and colors. Their lures are very tough and hold up well to rocks and oyster bars and have been popular with

Charleston Photo Blog Photo

Many anglers for a long time.

Photo Fishing Talks

Another cool tip is to use an infrared thermometer gun to find warm spots on the water. This tool is used in auto racing to quick check tire temperatures and is also used in electrical work to spot hidden hot spots. It has a good distance range and is easy to use. Prices ranges form under $20 to over $400. The under $100 models work well.

Plano Guide Series Boxes. Keep your gear dry!

www.PlanoMolding.com 76

Using Your Resources

www.YakAngler.com We have found that the YakAngler is a very good information resource for many of your kayak fishing needs. You may find it strange to see another online magazine and forum advertised in our magazine. Our thoughts on that are simple. If you find something goodâ&#x20AC;Ś Share it! Promote Kayak Fishing, itâ&#x20AC;&#x;s a great sport.

Photo Florida Fishing Adventure

Using Your Resources

www.KayakFishingMagazine.net The Kayak Fishing Magazine is really a kayak fishing information entity. They provide insights into kayak manufacturing, fishing gear, monthly stories and much more. Visit KFM and you will see just how great of a resource they are.

24â&#x20AC;? Fluke Caught by Chris Parson

Host Sponsors We wish to thank all of our Host Sponsors how helped make the 2011 Kayak Fishing ClassicS Tournaments Series a fun and memorable series year. All of these fine water front eateries cheerfully opened their doors and their arms to welcome the ClassicS and our anglers. Although casual in attire, all of these restaurants offer a unique dining experience featuring great food and fantastic service. We ask that if ever you are in their neighborhood, please stop in and enjoy the same world class experience that all of us have and while youâ&#x20AC;&#x;re at it, please let them know that we sent you. Thanks and Enjoy Jack Willies 1013 St. Petersburg Drive West Oldsmar, Florida 34667 813) 854-1972

Whiskey Joes Bar & Grill 7720 Courtney Campbell Causeway Tampa, Fl 33607 (813) 281-0770

Billyâ&#x20AC;&#x;s Stone Crab 1 Collany Road Tierra Verde, Florida 33715 (727) 866-2115

Host Sponsors Marker 8 123 Bayshore Way Goodland, FL 34140 (239) 393-0888

Pecks Old Port Cove 6027 Cortez Blvd. Weeki Wachee, Fl 34607 (352) 795-2806

Old Salty Dog 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, Florida 34236 (941) 388-4311

The Original Hooters 5336 Treadway Port Richey, FL 34668 (727) 841-0801

Host Sponsors R Beach 4054 Shoal Line Blvd Hernando Beach, Florida 34607 (352) 592-5556

Tacky Jacks 27206 Safe Harbor Drive Orange Beach, Alabama 36561 (251) 981-4144

Riverhouse Reef & Grill 995 Riverside Dr. Palmetto, FL 34221 (941) 729-0616

Whiskey Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x;s Bar & Grill 7720 Courtney Campbell Causeway Tampa, Fl 33607 (813) 281-0770