Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide

Kayaking on the Rise Kayak Fishing

Eugene Mora

Kayaking on the Rise

Kayaks are everywhere. On any given day, you can see kayakers loaded up and headed to the water.

What makes kayaking so appealing? There are multiple reasons why so many are drawn to the sport. The most common are: cost, ease of use, and resource availability. When looking at cost, the most obvious is the kayak itself. To get out on the water and off of the bank a pricey boat isn’t necessary. A kayak can be purchased for a fraction of what a boat would cost.

For far less than $1000 dollars, a kayak and all of the bare necessities can be purchased.

What you need to get started: A kayak that floats…. obviously PFD or Life Jacket Whistle Paddle 360 light

Kayaking on the Rise | Kayak Fishing

Kayaking on the Rise When getting into kayaking, find a kayak that best suits you. Although I am partial to Wilderness Systems Kayaks, it does not have to be any particular brand. There are kayaks, canoes, sit-ins, and sit-on-top models. Again, choose the style that you think you and your family will use the most. Once you have selected the vessel of choice, you can now begin to accessorize it.

The most important of all accessories is your PFD, also known as your life jacket. Like kayaks, there are various types and styles to choose from.

Finding one that is most comfortable to you is important. When I ask kayakers what their number one reason for not wearing their PFD is, they say it’s uncomfortable.

A PFD will do you no good if it is not being used and at the bottom of the boat or kayak. As an ambassador to the sport I must emphasize that you wear a PFD when on the water. Having a great day on the water is always the goal, but doing so unsafely is not worth the risk.

Attached to your life jacket or in a pocket you should also carry a whistle.

The whistle or noise making device is required by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Should you happen to fall overboard and need help the whistle will assist in notifying somebody that you are in trouble.

Next thing to purchase is a quality paddle. All too often consumers skimp on this very important piece of equipment. Your paddle is your best friend.

Do yourself a favor and purchase the best paddle you can afford. Again, there are different lengths, designs, and materials. The most popular length of paddle is probably 240cm because it is so common. Get one that feels best to you and one that will be long enough to adequately propel your kayak. Typically, when choosing the length of the paddle you take the height of the paddler and the width of the kayak to get an idea of what length you need.

Kayaking on the Rise | Kayak Fishing

Kayaking on the Rise A kayaker that wants to be out and about before or just after dark must have 360 light. A 360 light is one that can be seen from any direction (360 degrees) at a distance of 2 miles. 360 lights are required by TP&WD if you are to be on the water during low light conditions; SpeciďŹ cally, half an hour before sunset to half an hour before sunrise.

With these basic tools, you can be on the water in no time. Local rivers, streams, lakes, and bays are available and plentiful.

The few things listed are just the beginning of what you may want to carry on your kayak.

A few other items that I think are a must are a cellphone, water, a snack, and sunblock.

Cellphone or a radio to communicate with someone in the case of an emergency is as important as the kayak itself. When out on the water anything can happen, and as prepared as you think you may be; things happen. A simple phone call can be the difference in the outcome.

Living here in South Texas we all know that it can get really hot, really quickly. Being properly hydrated and staying hydrated is very important to your health. As a rule of thumb, the day before a trip on the water, be sure and pre-hydrate. What I mean is, you want to prepare your body for the elements. Have a few extra glasses of water and continue to steadily consume water while you are out on the kayak. This will allow you to stay hydrated and feel better during your adventure. Dehydration is a serious risk and the results can be fatal. Do not take it lightly. Please increase your water intake and monitor your soft drink and alcohol consumption.

Kayaking on the Rise | Kayak Fishing

Kayaking on the Rise Another thing to remember is to pack a snack to have midway through your paddle or pedal. Remember, you are being active and whether you feel it or not, you are burning calories. Your body needs a little something in the fuel tank to keep you going. Simple and easy things to pack are granola bars and sandwich bags of cut fruit. If your kayak allows it and you feel that you need more, by all means pack all that you feel you need. Keep in mind that I would be wise to keep it light.

Lastly, but probably most importantly, you should remember sunblock.

Protection from the sun is important as you will likely be exposed to the rays for an extended period of time. The use of sunblock and UV enhanced fabrics will help reduce the risk of direct exposure to the sun and its harmful UVA and UVB rays. Well guys and gals, ‘til next time. Wear your PFD and be safe on the water.

Eugene Mora III Wilderness Systems Kayak Pro Staff TFO Rods Pros Staff Salt Life Optics Pro Staff Stinky Pants Pro Staff WOO! Tungsten Pro Staff YakAttack Regional Fishing Team

Kayaking on the Rise | Kayak Fishing

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide

Eugene Mora

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide

Using your kayak to get you on these rivers, lakes, and bays to find and catch fish takes some internet scouting and research. There is never a guarantee when fishing, but taking these steps will greatly increase your odds.

The first thing I do is look at maps to get a layout of the body of water.

Google Earth and Navionics are two great resources to use as references.

Google earth will show you land features that lead into the water and any visible cover above the water. The second mapping source that is a great tool is Navionics. It allows you to see the layout of the lake underwater. Without going into too much detail to better understand how to read this map, the lines indicate depth changes, and you want to look for points, ledges, humps and drop-offs.

In the images below, you can see what a point (pic 1) and an underwater hump (pic 2) look like.

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide

After looking over maps and getting a better idea of what you’re looking at you can go further into your internet search and find both past and current reports. Look at old tournament weights, weather patterns, and baits that are being used. Again, this research is only to give you an idea of what is out there. The only way to dial in on any pattern or to find any fish is to get on the water and put your angling skill to work. Nothing substitutes time on the water. Remember, you will be in a kayak and you have to take into consideration that you cannot go as far as a bass boat. Therefore, you have to choose a boat ramp or launch point that will put you in the fishes’ wheelhouse. Keep an eye on weather patterns and plan accordingly. Some of these bodies of water can get very dangerous once they get some wind on them. Also, be sure and let somebody know your float plan. A float plan is an itinerary or timeline that lets someone know where you plan on fishing and for how long. As kayak anglers, we have to remember that we are at the mercy of the water and elements. Plan accordingly and pack water, sunblock, and something to snack on.

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide Once you are at the launch point, be sure to pack all essential equipment and do so in a way that the most frequently used items are within reaching distance. A few strategically placed rod holders and a fishing crate to make tackle organization easier will come in handy, being that space is limited. Be sure and use your past/present fishing report and seasonal pattern research.

Doing so will dictate what baits and equipment you take along. Combine this with your style of fishing and a game plan begins to come together. You can now decide how you want to fish; shallow, deep off shore structure, or junk fish. Junk fishing is a term used in the industry to describe a style of fishing that incorporates many different techniques in one free form.

Quick side note: shallow and deep are both terms used to loosely describe the depth we fish, but shallow for some impoundments can be 0’’-3’ while at others it can be 3’-6’. The same goes for “deep” water fishing. Deep for one lake can be 10’-20’ and on a place like Lake Travis deep is 20’-35+’. It all depends on the body of water you are fishing. Again, this is where your fishing homework comes into play.

This information isn’t to confuse you or deter you from fishing, but to guide you in the right direction. Getting on the water is about getting away, enjoying the outdoors, and slowing things down. The option to simply go out and fish just to fish is always there, but let’s be realistic; We all like to catch fish.

Tackle and bait selection:

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide When deciding what tackle (rods and reels) to take and which lure to throw, keep it simple. A medium and medium heavy action rod can cover most of your fishing needs. Good, fresh fishing line of 12 to 15lb test will suffice. I say “fresh” because you don’t want 10-year old fishing line to be the reason you lose a fish. P-Line fishing line is my go-to. I’ve been using it for years and in various conditions with great results.

Bait selection can be confusing and a little intimidating when walking the isles of Academy. You see rows of hooks, weights, artificial baits, and everything in between. All of the fancy lures look great and I’m sure they have all caught fish at one time or another, but you don’t need to fill the basket with baits. To keep you from breaking the bank, again keep it simple.

Look back at the reports you dug up and go from there. Your purchase will be determined by the species you are targeting and the conditions you will be fishing. A few packs of hooks, some weights, and a few baits will do fine. For example: If you are fishing for bass, you can’t go wrong with Watermelon Red, Black and Blue, and Green Pumpkin for soft plastics. Throwing hard baits like crank baits or spinnerbaits, your best bet is match or mimic baitfish patterns and colors.

If you are chasing Speckled Trout and Redfish, top waters in Bone or Pink and soft plastics in Texas Roach or Glow and Chartreuse are popular colors.

Keep in mind, color patterns and preference will vary with geographic location and conditions.

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide This is just a small intro into the world of kayak fishing. There really is not limit to what we, as anglers, can do on our kayaks. Keep in mind that we have to be a little more efficient, creative, and organized to maximize productivity.

Being prepared, doing some research, and having the right gear will greatly increase your odds of doing more catching while fishing. Feel free to reach out on Facebook. San Antonio Kayak Fishing is the newest page dedicated to kayak fishing in and around the San Antonio area. This page is about kayak fishing for kayak fisherman and women of all ages. Follow along and/or post any fishing related questions and I will do my best to point you in the right direction.

A quick shout out to Bioenno Power for rushing me a battery for the last tournament of the regular season. These guys make an absolutely amazing product with superior customer service. Check out their line up of Lithium batteries at http://www.bioennopower.com Remember, wear your PFD, and be safe on the water.

Eugene Mora III Wilderness Systems Kayak Pro Staff TFO Rods Pro Staff Stinky Pants Pro Staff P-Line, Owner Hooks, WOO! Tungsten Pro Staff Yak Attack Regional Fishing Team

Introduction to Kayak Fishing | Texas Fishing Guide

Wintertime Kayak Fishing Guide

Eugene Mora

Wintertime Kayak Fishing Guide

Cooler temps are nally here in the great state of Texas. For many, this means trips to a deer lease and a break from shing. For the dedicated kayak angler, this means less pressured sheries and no lines at the boat ramps. The cooler weather doesn’t get bitterly cold for long and most days a single layer of warm clothing is enough to get you on and o the water comfortably. For kayak anglers the shing opportunities are abound. From the coast to the Panhandle, there are fish to be caught and memories to be made. With a little planning and proper gear your shing season can go year ’round.

In many of my articles you will nd that I emphasize the importance of safety. In the warmer months, it’s sun safety and hydration to counter the heat. In the cooler months the importance of sun safety and proper hydration is still a factor, but we now have to take into consideration cooler temps and the risk of hypothermia. When shing on cooler days the best advice is to layer up. Start with a good moisture wicking base layer and build on that. Keep in mind that you need to be mobile, don’t pile it on too thick. The old saying “you get what you pay for” rings true.

Wintertime Kayak Fishing Guide | RacksnReels.com

Wintertime Kayak Fishing Guide The cost of a good set of base layer clothing and wind stopping material to nish out your wardrobe will be worth it. You don’t need to have more than two sets of each, and the second set is a backup in case you happen to need a change of clothing in emergency situations. A good cap, gloves, and socks will cover your outer extremities. Since most heat loss is through your head, a beanie or insulated hat will do wonders. Quality gloves will also make your hands and ngers feel much better and allow you to have full feeling as you paddle/ sh through the day. Last but not least are socks. Take my word for it, you do not want to be on the water with cold feet.

Dry, moisture wicking socks that don’t make your feet sweat are a lifesaver.

Always carry an extra pair and change them out throughout the day. Your feet will sweat, even on the coldest of days. Another good idea is to get a quality set of rain bibs/ jacket and boots. Water and cold temperatures combined can be a very dangerous equation. All of the layers and proper gear will serve no purpose if you get wet. Brands like Frabill, Magellan, and Columbia, all have a line of outer gear that have wind stopping properties.

A brand that I am familiar with is Onyx Outdoors. They have a full line of PFD’s, but also make a great set of rain bibs and jackets. The Thunder Rage bibs and jackets look great and are the newest set available online at www.onyxoutdoor.com.

To nish up on the outer shell of your winter apparel line up, a good pair of water- proof boots will keep your feet dry and help to keep them warm.

Muck boots are great. They o er a model that oats and comes in a variety of colors . . . brown, green, camo, and even purple and pink for the ladies.

Wintertime Kayak Fishing Guide | RacksnReels.com

Wintertime Kayak Fishing Guide Moving forward, let’s talk a bit about the shing opportunities available to us as kayak anglers. Texas has about 20 or so lakes available to anglers year round. Not all plants are being utilized, therefore not all lakes will have warmer water temps, but more often than not the plants are operational.

To nd out info on your local lakes, the best advice I have is to take to the internet. The lakes are run by di erent entities based on their geographic locations.

The two most popular lakes in the San Antonio area are Braunig and Calaveras. These lakes are utilized a lot due to their close proximity to the city. Despite the heavy shing pressure, the lake produces consistent numbers of sh. Both lakes have red sh, hybrid stripers, channel cat sh, blue cat sh, and largemouth bass. Although each species has a time of year at which each is more readily caught, all are available year-round. Two other nearby options are Coleto Creek Revivor and Decker, or Walter E. Long Lake. Both o er better odds of catching largemouth bass, but also o er the opportunity at other popular species. The few lakes mentioned come from a list of lakes available throughout the state.

If your preferred sh is of the saltier variety, the coast has hungry sh feeding on a mud at or ditch within paddling or pedaling distance.

Slowing down and often times working large baits can produce some of the largest trout of the year. Baits like the legendary Corky for subsurface applications and Zarra Spooks for some unbelievable top water blow ups can turn a chilly day on the water, into a day to remember. Many salts prefer to wade sh their favorite areas once they have reached their destination, but that is completely up to the angler. A pair of trustworthy waders and a warm layer of clothing makes this possible (again, a base layer and moisture wicking materials for comfort and warmth).

Wintertime Kayak Fishing Guide | RacksnReels.com

Wintertime Kayak Fishing Guide PFD’s are always recommended, but when kayak shing with waders a PFD and a wading belt are a must. The belt, when worn properly will minimize the amount of water going into the waders should you happen to fall over.

The kayak community has lost far too many anglers due to accidents while wearing waders and kayaking. Please don’t take any chances.

Last but de nitely not least are the rivers and streams that many of the y sherman hit on a regular basis. Temperatures will begin to draw out the trout that survived the warmer months, and stocking programs begin to kick in. Even though y sherman in the surrounding areas mainly wade from spot to spot, a kayak may come into play. When this is the case the same precautions and planning apply.

Take advantage of these less pressured times on the water. All day kayak shing without sweating or wake boats and wave runners buzzing by you.

Do so with safety in mind and always pack a change of clothes and a lighter in case an accident happens. Conditions may not be cold enough for ice on the water, but the dangers of hypothermia are still very real. Always wear your PFD and let somebody know your oat plan (where you will be shing and what time you plan to be off the water).

Remember to wear your PFD, and be safe on the water.

Eugene Mora III Wilderness Systems Kayak Pro Staff TFO Rods Pro Staff Stinky Pants Pro Staff P-Line, Owner Hooks, WOO! Tungsten Pro Staff Yak Attack Regional Fishing Team Onyx Outdoors (PFD) Pro Staff

Wintertime Kayak Fishing Guide | RacksnReels.com