Inside: Featured Kayak Fishing Destination - West Virginia
Southern Kayak Fishing issue #9
www.sokayakfishing.com
July/August 2016
In this Issue:
-Fishing with Fido -Fishing Under the Dock -Redfish 101
The Skimmer Kayak Motor Kit Get to where the fish are, and catch more fish! Motorize your kayak or canoe! The Skimmer is easy to install. It is a lightweight (6 lbs) and fits most kayaks or canoes. Battery Operated – No gas or pollution! • 17 lb or 24 lb thrust trolling motor, made for fresh and salt water
• The Skimmer propels a craft 2-5 knots. Lasts for 2-5 hours! Great for people who do not want to worry about paddling hard into a current or strong wind.
Also great for those with physical shoulder, back or elbow issues. Fish with Safety and Confidence! With “The Skimmer”—just sit back and relax, and Return Home Safely. Starts at $1200? $397.00 NOW $357.00 full parts Why Pay 24 lb thrust $397 One 17year, lb thrust $347
replacement warranty.
See the Skimmer in Action:
Call 631.440.6114 • www.kayaktrollingmotor.com
Editor’s Message
I
From the Editor
t’s full summer and so’nuff hot all over the South. We kayakers have an advantage over many other kinds of boaters when it comes to cooling off this time of year- just pull over to a nice shallow spot, step out of the kayak and into the water for a quick, cooling dip. We kayakers need to keep in mind that safety and all of the things that go into being safe on the water don’t stop being important when the weather turns hot.
PFDs make make things- like kayakers- warmer than we’d like, but they can be the difference between a slight accident and embarrassment or becoming a headline on the late news. Wear that PFD! Also, keeping an eye on the weather and thunderstorm development is important in all parts of the South this time of year. Perfect calm, sunny, and windless mornings can often turn into dark, stormy, and dangerously windy afternoons- so watch the weather and when the first rumble of thunder is heard, head for the ramps.
(continued) August 2016
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Editor’s Message
Southern
Kayak Fishing Editor
Ed Mashburn Edmashburn@aol.com Publisher Don Kirk Don@Southerntrout.com Managing Editor Leah Kirk Leah@Southerntrout.com Assoc. Managing Editor Loryn Latham Loryn@Southerntrout.com
(cont.)
Finally, use sun protection. The lighter-complected you are, the more you need protection. I’ve been spending some time with a dermatologist, and he tells me that the more time we spend in the sun getting sunburned as youngster, the more likely that we’ll have potentially dangerous trouble later. And some of the things dermatologists have to do to folks to fix long-term sun damage is not fun- trust me on this.
Technical Advisor Tim Perkins Field Editor Steve Moore So, as the summer moves on, keep the plastic side down, Editorial Conslutant Olive K. Nynne let’s the human part on top, and let’s put some fish in the kayak- all Contributors while being safe. Rob Baker Tony Chavers Steve Gibson Danny Holmes Phillip Landry Tim Perkins Steve Sammons John Williams Captain Kristen Wray Southern Kayak Fishing is a publication of Southern Unlimited, LLC. It is produced in conjunction with Southern Trout Magazine and Southerntrout.com. Copyright 2016 Southern Unlimited, LLC All rights reserved.
www.SoKayakFishing.com
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This Issue Editor’s Letter
Cool Kayak Gear Pakayak - Packable Kayak East Tennessee Stripers by the Season Featured Kayak Predator XL Minn Kota Kayak Hacks PVC Gear Head Iron City Kayak Anglers
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Take That “Yak” Under the Dock But be Careful
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Cool Kayak Gear Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern
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A Kayak Lovers Best Friend 94 Dogs Love Kayak Fishing, Too.
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Featured Kayak Shop Ace Adventure Gear Fayeteville, WV Fixing for a Fight Landing a Big Fish from a Kayak
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It Takes a Team
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Mountain State Kayak Anglers
104 110
Less Is Moore 116 Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow Jacket New Electric Power for Wildernss Systems
Kayak Fishing 101 for Slot Redfish in Navarre, Florida Why a Kayak for Eastern West Virginia Rivers?
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Wakula River 144 A Wild Place but Close to Civilization
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very cool new kayak gear
Packable Kayak W
e at Southern Kayak Fishing are drawn toward new products which have the potential to make our time spent on the water in a kayak fishing better. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why we find the Pakayak portable kayak a very intriguing new boat.
Doug Mackro, owner and designer of the Pakayak tells us,” We took a traditional hard shell kayak and packed it into a 3 ½ foot by 2 foot by 16 inch bag. And it can be reassembled anywhere in under five minutes. It’s a high performance touring kayak- very stable and very fast.” 8 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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very cool new kayak gear
Here are the specs for the new packable kayak: 168” long by 24”wide by 16” high Cockpit- 18” by 34” Weight- 55 pounds Material- plastic resin specifically formulated for kayaks Max capacity- 300 pounds August 2016
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The sections are held together with an extremely strong clamping system that creates a watertight seal. There are two large watertight hatches for storage, and two watertight fore and aft compartments for safety in the case of a rollover. The boat comes rudder ready.
A big savings in cost for purchasers is that the boat can be shipped directly to the buyer’s home via UPS or other shipper.
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Perhaps the biggest advantage to this full-size kayak is that when folded and bagged, it can be taken aboard commercial airplanes. We can see how this kayak might be taken on cruise ships and other forms of transportation that previously made kayak transport impossible.
And to make kayak anglers even more interested in this concept, Doug Mackro says,�We have plans so that the boat can be even better used for fishing. We have plans for a different section of the boat that provides rod holders, storage compartments, and even stand-up capability for fishing.�
For more information about this vey cool new idea in kayak fishing, go to: www.pakayak.com 860-788-4400 info@pakayak.com
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p: Tal Roberts Cody Townsend
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E
ast Tennessee is an overwhelming place for an angler; especially for the small craft fisherman. The blame can be placed on our huge variety of water types, more species of fish than most can keep track of, and great fishing weather for most of the year. Among all the options that we have, chasing white bass and stripers on the fly can be one of the most exciting ways to spend your time. From 50100 fish days chasing white bass in the Spring, to sticking 40 inch stripers in the Fall, the action can be non-stop and can offer both quality and quantity. For many anglers, small crafts are the way to go for chasing these fish. A Gheenoe, fishing kayak, or canoe is perfectly suited for fishing those hard-to-access places and making a stealthy approach. Let’s dive right in to the good stuff and break down the best methods to find and catch these hard-fighting bass throughout the year.
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East Tennessee Stripers by the Season
Dan Munger
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Start the spring with a bang!
Once old man winter loosens his grip, white bass have spawning on their minds. When water temps get into the mid 50’s, the annual spawning migration begins and concentrates them in epic numbers. Most lakes in East Tennessee are fed by rivers and creeks, and your search for the spawning run should start at the staging areas at the mouths of these rivers. While they are waiting for the go-ahead from mother nature, fish will hold in deep, slow runs or near any current breaks. Like always, logs and other cover are great places to probe with your favorite shad imitation. Once all of the environmental factors line up, massive numbers of fish will work their way upstream to find the right spawning ground. Deep runs below shoals are also excellent staging areas. In the spring, the fish will not necessarily blitz on the surface and reveal themselves to the naked eye. While electronics help in the hunt, many small craft anglers like the simplicity of reading the water without the assistance of sonar, and white bass can certainly be found without electronics. If this is your preferred method, don’t forget how useful word of mouth can be! Pay attention to the local forums for your area, talk to guys at the boat ramp, phone a friend, or follow a white bass fanatic on Instagram and be ready to pounce when the pictures start showing up. One key for all bass of the striped variety is to remember that they are schooling fish. It’s very rare to find a white bass or striper acting alone. If you head to a new area to find these fish and get a strike, slow down and fish that area at different depths. Once you find a group of fish, fine tune your fly and presentation and you can literally get strikes on every cast. 16 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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Norris Lake #1 Pick
If you want to take on tackle busting striped bass in the Volunteer State, you have a lot of choices, but none compare to Norris Lake. The 33,840 acrelake was created by the Norris Dam at the Cove Creek Site on the Clinch River in 1936 by theTVA for flood control. The dam was the first major project taken on by the TVA. It was the first Tennessee lake to be stocked with stripers in the early 1960. These saltwater transplants grow big and fast feeding on Norris Lake's surplus of shad. Forty pound stripers are common, and much big linesides prowl this old impoundment. For more info, visit www.yallcome. com
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As for flies, your best bet is to start simple. The key factor here is finding fish, and once that happens, fly selection doesn’t determine skunk or limit (if you’re into that). Not to sound cliché, but a good ole fashioned Clouser Minnow in chartreuse and white is just about impossible to beat. Other flies that are in my white bass rotation are Lefty’s Deceivers, EP Perfect Threadfin Shad, EP Perfect Micro Threadfin Shad, Zonkers, and Slump Busters. Brandon Bailes of Panther Branch Bugs in Alabama also has a great shad imitation called a Bailes Out Minnow. These fish are normally feeding on Threadfin Shad from 1-4 inches in length, so size your flies accordingly. Once you find the school, your next move should be based 100% on what the school is telling you. If they are following your fly and swiping at it half-heartedly, change your retrieve from fast to slow, or vise versa. If that still doesn’t do the trick, go with a slightly smaller fly that has less flash and more movement – like a white Slump Buster or Zonker. On the other hand, if the fish are smashing your fly as soon as it lands, keep the arm loose and get ready to land 50 fish in no time. If you get greedy, change to a fly with lots of flash and watch them fight over it. Bonus Points If you play your cards right, oftentimes in the Spring you will find 15-20 inch Skipjack Herring mixed in with the white bass. We call these fish Tennessee Tarpon because of their similar look and affinity for becoming airborne, and they are a blast to catch. If you find them, strip your fly as fast as possible and hold on August 2016
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The Summer Jumps
After the spring spawning run, the white bass will have one thing on their mind for the rest of the year: Feeding. Once they get to their spawning grounds and try to do their business, they promptly reverse course and get back down into the main lake for their summer routine. Luckily for us, that routine makes them pretty easy to find; even for the working man (or woman). From here on out, the method for finding fish is pretty simple: find the bait, find the fish. This is the perfect chance to put in your time at work and then head out for a few hours until dark; after all, they don’t call those hours “prime time” for nothing. If you don’t know where the bait is, pick a calm, glassy evening and go for a scouting trip. In low light conditions, threadfin shad will rise to the surface to feed on plankton. Though it can be difficult to see the shad from super long distances, gangs of white bass frothing the surface can be spotted from a half a mile away on a calm evening. This is what many anglers refer to as “the jumps”, and it can be nothing short of epic. If you’re having trouble finding the bait, refer back to my advice about “following the crowds”. Talk to anglers at the boat ramp or let a Google search help you find a good forum. Once you find some shad, life gets a lot easier. Use your stealthy craft to stay sneaky, get within casting distance of the edge of the school and launch your favorite shad imitation into the madness. Just like in the springtime, “match the hatch” with Clousers, Deceivers, and Puglisis in the appropriate size. If you want to spice it up, grab a small Crease fly or Todd’s Wiggle Minnow and enjoy some top water action. August 2016
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Fall Striper Madness: Zero to Hero
Ok, you've hopefully found some fish and gained a little knowledge about fishing for schooling fish. With any luck, you could feasibly catch hundreds of white bass from April-September in East Tennessee. Take that confidence, put on your determined face, and take a shot at landing the fish of a lifetime on a fly rod. Here you will have the chance to graduate from small white bass to 30-40 inch stripers on the fly. I chase all of these fish in a Gheenoe with a small outboard, and I can confidently say that a 41� striper pulls me around almost as fast as my 8 hp outboard. Just like white bass, one of the most important things about finding a school of bigger stripers is finding the bait. Larger striped bass will typically spend their summers looking for colder water and better feeding opportunities. This means heading from the warmer lakes upstream into the cooler rivers that feed them. Once the season starts to change and the water starts to cool a few degrees, gangs of stripers will turn back around to start their migration downstream toward their wintertime haunts. Fortunately for anglers, stripers stay hungry on their road trip and will make plenty of pit stops to gorge on huge schools of shad. 22 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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The hardest part of catching a big striper on the fly is definitely finding them. Listen to your fellow anglers and find a good starting spot—an area where you know stripers have been seen. If possible, choose a cloudy or rainy day between late September and the end of November to do some exploring. Since we are all small craft fisherman, a fairly calm day is ideal for spotting surface activity. Your first task is to find the bait; usually threadfin or gizzard shad. If you don't have electronics on your craft, no big deal. I typically spend an hour or two cruising around to look for shad just under the surface. Surprisingly, you can spot a ball of shad from quite a ways away if you just look for “nervous water”. As mentioned earlier, threadfin shad feed on plankton that rises to the surface in low light conditions, so they will usually give themselves away on a calm day. Once you find some shad, situate yourself close to the bait, don't disturb them, grab a beer or a cigar and wait for the big boys to show up. If sitting still doesn't work well for you, grab a 10 weight and a 400 grain sinking line and go to work. If there are stripers close to the bait, they will typically find the closest channel dropoff and use it as a resting place. Take a Clouser that matches the hatch, cast close to the bait and start counting. Experiment with different depths and be patient. If you're close to bait and a significant channel drop off, you're in the right spot. This technique has paid off many times for me, but it can take a lot of patience. If the fish aren't blitzing on the surface, you might only get one or two bites a day, but they are usually good ones. While you're fishing, keep an eye and ear out for violent surface activity. Once you see it, game on! Get over there as quickly and quietly as possible and cast right into the madness! If the surface activity has slowed by the time you get there, not to worry! In my experience, the stripers will briefly stick around under that bait ball to clean up any dead or stunned shad. 24 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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At this point, you've done all the hard work. Make your cast, strip your fly to keep your line tight and hold on. If you feel tension, do a good firm strip set and enjoy the ride. Now that you've found fish, DON'T LEAVE!! Keep eyes out for the next blitz and be ready to strike. If you have to leave, make notes of where the fish were and head back on your next off day and repeat! Something else to note is that these are super strong creatures with hard mouths. On the advice of a good friend, I use only sharp Gamakatsu SC-15 saltwater hooks for my striper flies. As far as leaders go, I try to use the heaviest I can get away with. I would much rather get a refusal from a rare leader-shy fish than break one off, but that's just me. I am typically using a leader that totals 9 feet with a business end of 15-25 lb test. A word to the wise, check the breaking strength of your backing and fly line if you opt for the heavier leader. If you break off a nice fish, it's much easier to swallow if he's not swimming off with your 80 dollar fly line! Without a doubt, East Tennessee is a great place to chase white bass and stripers. Put in your time and keep an ear out at the boat ramp, and you'll be on your way to filling your year with bass of the striped variety! Dan Munger is based out of East Tennessee and is a former fly fishing guide that now works as the Marketing Director for GuideTurbo. You can reach him at Dan@GuideTurbo.com. August 2016
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Micro 5C
WHAT’S BENEA
CLICK TO SEE F
www.aquavu.com
ATH YOUR ‘YAK?
FOR YOURSELF.
Sized to fit the palm of your hand, an Aqua-Vu MICRO Underwater Viewing Systems is the perfect fish-finding device for your kayak. Complete with a 3.5- or 5-inch high resolution LCD, thumb-sized camera and 50 to 100 feet of cable, AquaVu cams are the easiest, best way to see what’s biting below. Used with an Aqua-Vu Pro-Snake Mount, the MICRO clamps quickly to your ‘yak for hours of underwater viewing.
featured kayak
G
randpa used to say with respect to hunting deer, “I ain’t mad at ‘em anymore.” That meant that he didn’t want to go to all the trouble it takes to deal with tracking, watching, waiting and then dealing with a freshly killed animal—too much time and too little return. With OLD TOWN®’s Predator XL Minn KOTA® you can enjoy the hunt again.
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featured kayak
Predator® XL MINN KOTA®
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featured kayak
According to Old Town, the Predator XL Minn Kota"… blends portability with the lethality of a professional bass boat.” With a 45lb thrust saltwater-grade motor, this kayak’s professionally designed rudder system glides the fisherman through the water effortlessly so the fisherman can do what he is there to do… fish.
As Old Town says, this is a “…bass-busting love child wrought from the marriage of two iconic companies: one renowned for reliable handmade motors, the other for tried-and-true humanpowered boats.”
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featured kayak
“The Predator XL will set a whole new bar in what consumers expect from a fishing kayak,” said David Hadden, Brand Director for Johnson Outdoors Watercraft. “With the Predator XL Minn Kota, we wanted to bridge the gap between fishing kayaks and bass boats and shallow water skiffs. The game changer is the combination of the new Minn Kota motor and foot-controlled rudder system, which allows you truly hands-free fishing. Now you can work the shoreline like a tournament BASS angler, moving and casting at every dock, stump or hanging tree limb without taking your hands off the rod to reposition your boat. We guarantee you will fish more and catch more fish!”
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featured kayak
Yet, the supremely quiet and stable fishing kayak isn’t only for the angler’s amusement. The Element seating system provides day-long comfort. With customizable, sonar-mounting plates, the Exo-Ridge deck and Tri-Hull design create extra stability and tracking.
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featured kayak
The “XL” comes from this flagship vessel’s 600 pounds of carrying capacity and its fully enclosed, lift and stow Minn Kota Console system that brings a dual forward and reverse speed dial, battery level indicator, sonarmounting plates, USB charging port and storage for battery and cables. A simple lift onto the console’s Quick-Stand™ allows it to be easily lifted for storage or to avoid prop collisions. A kick, conversely, sends it snuggly back into its housing.
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featured kayak
The combination of these tactical features yields an unprecedented fishing machine, one that’s capable of keeping you hands-free in wind and current out deep, or those particularly tight spots where bass are busting shad close to cover. And its 13-foot long, 36-inch wide design ensures you’ll get there comfortably, with supreme tracking and stability. Combine it with a Humminbird® Helix 5 SI GPS or HELIX 7 SI GPS and you’ll have the same technologies used by pros on 20foot rigs, but with better access to hard-to-reach waters and optimal stealth. Fishing more. Catching more fish. That’s really what it’s all about, and with the Old Town Predator XL Minn Kota, Old Town has created one of the most enjoyable and effective watercraft for the job. Like its predecessors, the Predator XL will accept aftermarket options from angler’s favorite vendors like Scotty™, YakAttack, Ram, Cannon® and more, allowing users to truly customize the craft. Key specs for the Predator XL Minn Kota include: • Length: 13’ 2” • Width: 36” • Weight: 92 – 117 lbs • Carrying Capacity: 600 lbs MSRP: $2,999
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featured kayak
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kayak hacks
Kayak Hacks – P
E
very great hack starts with the question, “If I can actually create it, how do I mount it?” Sensibly avoiding adding holes, the answer comes down to figuring out how to either use the utility track or sacrifice one of the built-in rod holders behind the seat. The rod holder option ends up being fairly simple for even the most hesitant “PVC engineer” - just slide some PVC pipe into the hole and go to town! However, going the route of the rod holder places the creation in an awkward spot and odd angle behind the seat; a better option is to use the utility track. While you could slide a ½” PVC pipe into a Scotty mount ($11.04) or Scotty
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fkayak hacks
PVC Gear Head By Steve Moore gear head track adapter ($17.99), drill through and secure with a cotter pin, it is fairly easy to create a gear head compatible with larger sizes of PVC for as little as $2.82 plus epoxy. At the fundamental level, a gear head is a bracket clamped to the track by a rectangular bolt head long enough to wedge against the sides of the track; preventing it from spinning when tightening the bracket. In effect, the utility track becomes a vice grip holding the head of the mounting bolt. Screws or bolts with round or hexagonal heads are unusable since the heads and will not wedge against the utility track in the same fashion. August 2016
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kayak hacks
Every great hack starts with the
question, “If I can actually create it, how do I mount it?” Sensibly avoiding adding holes, the answer comes down to figuring out how to either use the utility track or sacrifice one of the built-in rod holders behind the seat. The rod holder option ends up being fairly simple for even the most hesitant “PVC engineer” - just slide some PVC pipe into the hole and go to town! However, going the route of the rod holder places the creation in an awkward spot and odd angle behind the seat; a better option is to use the utility track. While you could slide a ½” PVC pipe into a Scotty mount ($11.04) or Scotty gear head track adapter ($17.99), drill through and secure with a cotter pin, it is fairly easy to create a gear head compatible with larger sizes of PVC for as little as $2.82 plus epoxy. At the fundamental level, a gear head is a bracket clamped to the track by a rectangular bolt head long enough to wedge against the sides of the track; preventing it from spinning when tightening the bracket. In effect, the utility track becomes a vice grip holding the head of the mounting bolt. Screws or bolts with round or hexagonal heads are unusable since the heads and will not wedge against the utility track in the same fashion.
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Luckily, toilet mounting bolts have the proper rectangular shape, do not incur the wrath of a spouse by cannibalizing an existing toilet to grab them. Instead, pick up a two pack from the plumbing aisle; getting the brand without the washer already threaded on – you want bare bolts. Home Depot has the bare bolt version while Lowes stocks the threaded washer. Be sure you pick up the 5/16” size ($3.69) instead of the 1/4”. While the 1/4” will work, the 5/16” gives a little more bite and stability. Before doing all the work to create the gear head, confirm the bolt will fit on the track. The width of the 5/16” bolt including the threads may be too big to fit in the track gap. Usually, threading the 5/16” bolt onto the track holding the head against the bottom of the track so the track edge slides between the first thread and the head works and allows use of the larger bolt. With a thick track, use the narrower 1/4” bolts. The included nut is ideal since it is taller than a regular nut and provides more “bite.” For the bracket, pick up a flat PVC plug (not the curved end cap) in either the threaded ($1.78; 1” size) or slip ($0.98; 3/4” size) configuration depending on the availability of the required adapter to connect the final creation. Also secure a small section of plastic wrap (Saran Wrap or equivalent), epoxy or repair putty.
fkayak hacks
Create the gear head:
Inserting repair putty. • Drill a pilot hole in the center of the plug. Do not attempt to drill the 5/16” hole directly as the drill will skate across the surface of the slick PVC. • Hold the plug tightly and drill a 5/16” hole for a tight fit; 3/8” for some additional wiggle room. The 3/8” hole makes it easier to complete the plastic wrap step. Be prepared for the plug to spin as the drill penetrates into the PVC. • Here’s the tricky part. Merely threading the bolt through the hole and attaching the nut will not work since the nut will spin when screwing the plug onto the track. The nut must be locked into place on the inside of the plug by surrounding it with epoxy or Loctite repair putty without also gluing the bolt in place. Put the plastic wrap over the end of the bolt and thread it gently through the hole without puncturing the wrap. Screw the nut onto the bolt until the end of the bolt is flush with the top of the nut. The plastic wrap protects the threads, preventing them from being frozen in place by the adhesive. August 2016
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kayak hacks
• Pull the bolt to hold the nut firmly against the bottom of the plug. • If using repair putty, knead it, roll into a “worm” and pack around the nut. • If using epoxy, fold the plastic wrap around the threads and use a cable tie or tape to lock the wrap in place. This prevents epoxy from slopping onto the exterior where the connector must fit. Squirt epoxy directly into the plug and mix it there.
Squirt epoxy. Mix in the cap to reduce the mess.
Inserting repair putty.
• Squirt epoxy. Mix in the cap to reduce the mess. • Wipe any excess epoxy or repair putty off of the top of the nut. • Maintaining the vertical, either place the plug in the corner of a drawer and close it so the plug does not move or slide the bolt through a screwdriver holder on 44 l Southern Kayak Fishing
a pegboard; resting the base of the plug on the top of the holder and, if possible, slide the bolt head under the lower holder for constant downward pressure. A drawer provides a stable drying platform for the repair putty. Note how the bolt head fits in the holder
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to provide downward pressure as the epoxy sets. • Allow to dry for at least 24 hours. The gear head is complete! Slide it onto the utility track and turn the plug until it clamps against the track.
fkayak hacks
A drawer provides a stable drying platform for the repair putty.
Note how the bolt head fits in the holder to provide downward pressure as the epoxy sets. August 2016 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 45
kayak hacks
Hold the head of the 5/16” bolt flush against the bottom of the track rails to slide on. The rails should fit between the bolt head and the first thread. Screw or slip on the adapter/connector to complete the gear head and mount your creation. Mount the PVC creation! Note: For these as well Hold the head of the 5/16” bolt flush against as previous hacks, visit the bottom of the track rails to slide on. The the “KayakHacksFishing” rails should fit between the bolt head and the first thread. YouTube Channel to see videos with specifics on how to implement each suggestion. Disclaimer: Do not apply any suggestion if it will ruin the appearance, function or structural integrity of your kayak. You are solely responsible to determine if the above ideas are appropriate for your boat and the author and publisher disclaim any responsibility for your actions and decisions. 46 l Southern Kayak Fishing
Screw or slip on the adapter/connector to complete the gear head and mount your creation.
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VisitWakulla The Natural Place to Be in Florida
With 73 miles of coastline and 4 fresh water rivers Wakulla County is the destination to fish! For launch areas, marinas and guides/outfitters visit our website at
VisitWakulla.com or call (850) 984-3966 Wakulla County Tourist Development Council
featured kayak club
Iron City Kayak Anglers There Ain’t No Ham Like Birmingham
We asked our buddy Robbey Stanford to tell us about the kayak fishing club in Alabama’s largest city- and it sounds like these guys have it going on.
I
ron City (also known as ICKA) is a BASS Nation kayak fishing club. They desire to keep events family friendly, close to the house, and fun. Their genesis occurred because they wanted to partner with the leader in tournament fishing who is headquartered in Birmingham. Since they are a BASS club, there are benefits for BASS members: insurance, discounts, Bassmaster magazine, and the ability to qualify for the Bassmaster classic through the BASS Nation program. ICKA has two forms of membership. An Official ICKA member is
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$40. These members pay an annual due to cover their BASS Nation membership (you will need to be a member of BASS first) and a small administrative fee to help with costs of running the club. You can also be an Affiliated ICKA member. ICKA understands that not all people want to be a part of a BASS club. Those people who still want to be a part of the group can still do so through the affiliated membership. All it requires is to join the Facebook page and show up at an event. You are only eligible for tournament winnings and not AOY or Big Fish pots.
featured kayak club
ICKA has several events per year. They sponsor tournaments, online events, and what they call “throwdowns.� Throwdowns are not scheduled officially, however, members are encouraged to create these events separately from the club. Check out their facebook page for more information about the club and the official
schedule of tournaments. Beginning this year, an Alabama State Championship will be held as a joint effort with Coosa River Keeper, North Alabama Kayak Anglers, Coosa River Kayak Anglers, and Iron City. More groups will be added in the future and sponsorships are being developed for this event. More info August 2016
will come in the future. Iron City has 5 spots available. To qualify, you need to be a tournament winner (4 potential spots), and Angler of the Year (1 potential spot). In the event of a double qualification, a winner will be selected from nonauto qualifiers based on AOY points.
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Lee County, Southwest Virginia’s Kayak Fishing Paradise
Professional Fishing Guide & Instructor Whether you fish with family, friends, colleagues - or if you are new to the sport come and be my honored guest on the water.
Tell me your goals for the outing, ask all the questions you want and learn all you can. I specialize in coaching conventional and fly fishing techniques on Texas lakes and rivers. Exchange stress for relaxation, fun and memories. Lakes: Canyon, Dunlap & LBJ Rivers: Guadalupe, Blanco & San Marcos Boat, Kayak or Wading
(210) 771-0123 www.TeachEmToFish.net
featured kayak shop
Ace Adventur
Fayetteville, We
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re Gear
est Virginia
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hen traveling kayak anglers go to a place far from their home territories, it’s good to know of places that will help when repairs or specific gear is needed. Since going to West Virginia seems to be such a good idea to us, we found a local kayak shop there that should be a resource of great assistance to kayak anglers who want to experience the Mountain State’s great fishing. Beth Rapp talked to us about Ace Adventure Gear, and she was happy to share with SKF readers information about the shop. August 2016
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featured kayak shop
1. What's full contact information for your shop? How can folks find your store in person or online? Ace Adventure Gear is located at 851 Fayette Station Road in Fayetteville, WV just off of US Route 19 on the south side of the New River Gorge Bridge. We are open seven days a week 9 am to 7pm from April 1 to mid-October (Bridge Day). Hours of operation for other times of the year are listed on our webpage: aceadventuregear.com. To contact us: (304) 574-1900 (888) SURF-WVA www.aceadventuregear.com Facebook: Ace Adventure Gear Instagram: aceadventuregear 2. What brands of kayaks, gear, clothing, and paddles do you offer your customers? Boats: Jackson, Feelfree, Native, Wilderness, Pyrahna, Dagger, Liquid Logic, Hala, Bic SUP, Glide SUP Gear: Camelbak, Nalgene, Smith Optics, Suncloud Optics, Sea to Summit, Columbia, Thule, Ram Mounts, Orvis, Gregory, Feelfree, Native, Misty Mountain, Camp, MFC, St. Croix, Lew’s Apparel: Columbia, SIMMS, Exofficio, Howler Brothers, Kokatat, Astral, The North Face, Teva, Chacos, Adidas, Kuhl, Stohlquist, Level Six, IR (Immersion Research) Paddling Accessories: Werner Paddles, NRS, Astral Bouyancy, Watershed Bags, Pelican Cases, Adventure Technology Paddles, Bending Branches Paddles, Accent Paddles, Kialoa Paddles, Salamander 56 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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3. What after sale services does your shop offer? Instructions, workshops, etc. We have a great line of demo boats. You provide the transportation, your own PFD, your own paddle, we provide the boat for the day. Cost is $20. Reservations are not required but are recommended during busy times. 4. How many new/beginning kayak anglers do you serve in a week? Varies but typically between 2 and 10 5. What are the most popular brand/kinds of kayak for anglers in West Virginia? Our folks are all over the board in their preferences. The three most popular boats requested are the Feelfree Lure 11.5, the Jackson Coosa HD, and the Wilderness 115Max. 6. What do you want to do to help kayak anglers find products that makes their fishing better? We are available for any questions regarding products. If we don't carry it in the shop, I will do my best to get it ordered for you! 58 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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featured kayak shop
7. Anything else you'd like us to tell our readers about your shop? Ace Adventure Gear is a convenient stop for outdoor enthusiasts in the New River Gorge. We offer the largest selection of paddle sport products in the area as well fishing, climbing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits: - Whitewater Kayaks - Flat water/Touring Kayaks - Fishing Kayaks & Accessories - Paddles, Helmets, PFD's, and Safety Gear - Paddling pants, jackets, and footwear - Sunglasses, dry storage, and water bottles - Climbing gear, camping, hiking, outdoor clothing and so much more! We are located in the heart of the New River Gorge region with hundred of beautiful river miles nearby from flat water to the most extreme. - New River Gorge and Dries - Gauley River - Meadow River and Bluestone River - Summersville Lake and Plum Orchard Lake for flat water and fishing NOTE: Please research the rivers in this area before attempting to kayak fish. Some portions of the New and Gauley Rivers are flat, however, there are portions of both rivers that have some serious whitewater action and although we can resupply the gear you would lose, we would rather you stay safe! ALWAYS WEAR YOUR PFD! 60 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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Fixin’ for a Fight Landing a Big Fish From a Kayak
By Jo Starling
Editor’s note- This article was originally published online at Fix.com- a great site for a wide range of information-www.fix.com
T
he thought of fighting big fish from a kayak is enough to raise the pulse of any angler. However, you should never pick such a fight without a battle plan, especially when your battleground is not open terrain because any hooked fish will run for cover. Fishing from a boat or land provides fairly solid anchorage, but what do you do when you are fishing from a very “towable” vessel, like a kayak? While not everyone will choose the same ’yak model, the strategy for winning the battle against a big fish is basically the same for everyone, whether (like me) they have a pedal-propelled kayak with reverse capabilities, a paddleonly kayak, or something in between.
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Your success in this battle, which will unfold in a matter of minutes or even seconds, will come down to how well you plan and execute your strategy. As the saying goes, “Prior preparation and planning prevents poor performance.” Having the capacity to back out of the structure is certainly a benefit that can turn fate to your favor, but pulling backwards on a big fish won’t always be the right strategy. You need a plan of attack that considers every conceivable contingency. Here’s a list of the challenges you are likely to face when you hook a big fish from your kayak: • A big fish, if hooked, will likely run back to its snag. • The fish will likely have the power to tow your kayak. • The fish will likely be lightning fast.
Planning for Battle
The actual choreography of your fight will vary, depending on the style of kayak you have. Nowadays, many kayak anglers opt for pedal-propelled kayaks to keep their hands free for fishing. This has enormous benefits when you’re hooked up because you can put powered pressure on the fish without compromising your rod work. Paddle-powered kayaks have been around a lot longer, however, and the basic battle plan to fight a fish from any kayak was developed long before the first pedals hit the water. Regardless of your vessel, you should approach every cast ready to fight a fish. Your priority should be to identify your best “exits”. Which way should you head once you’ve struck your fish? Think about this before you make your cast. Once the fish picks up your gauntlet, you won’t have time to plan.
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Power of Persuasion
You can’t afford to put your rod down to pick up your paddle once you’re hooked up to a fish. If you are in a paddle-only kayak, your success will come down to the direction in which you face your kayak in relation to your rod angle and the fish. You will not have the ability to drive away from the structure, so you will need to persuade the fish to swim away from it instead. The first thing to realize is that even a fairly modest fish can easily tow you if the nose of your kayak is pointing towards it. Try to position your kayak perpendicular to your cast. That way, if a big fish strikes and runs, it has to drag your full hull length against the water. That’ll slow it down a bit! If you are running a kayak that has a rudder, make sure you set the rudder at full lock to steer in the direction of your exit route. This will help you with your next challenge: getting the fish away from the structure. You need to persuade the fish to swim in the direction of your planned exit. To do this, firmly and smoothly pull your rod-tip around to point in that direction. Your goal is to steer the fish that way. As you pull against the fish, your kayak will inevitably start to turn back towards it. Don’t stress. As the fish turns towards the kayak, the pressure will lessen. (IMPORTANT: Don’t allow your line to go slack! Wind up any slack line to maintain tension.) The fish should instinctively head in the direction of less resistance. If all goes well, the fish will soon head out through your planned exit point, and your kayak will fall in behind it – an easy tow now that your bow and rod are in line with your fish. Once you are happy that the fish is clear of the structure, you can once again turn the bow across the fish’s path to reapply that drag pressure. Do this by pulling the rod around to your side and twisting in the opposite direction with your waist. Once your kayak is in its “braking” position, you can fight the fish on the rod. Naturally, if the fish manages to run towards more structure, you need to steer it out again and let it run clear. It’s not a bad idea to practice some of these maneuvers on a snag or a piece of structure rather than waiting to test your skills on the fish of a lifetime.
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The Winners’ Salute
Of course, hooking such a fish and maneuvering it clear of the structure is only part of the quest. At some point, you will either win or lose any fight you engage in. So what do you do when you’re in deep water, in an unstable vessel, attached to a fish that weighs nearly as much as your kayak? This is another situation you need to plan for – and it will vary depending on the species you are targeting. Different objectives and circumstances call for different solutions. Do you plan to release the fish after taking some pictures of it, or do you intend to eat it? Whatever your objective is, a secure tether is a wise choice to include in your kit. If you’re planning to practice catch-and-release, you’ll need to think about quickly getting your fish to safe waters where you can photograph it before its release. Keep in mind that a thrashing 50-pound beast may capsize your kayak if you try to lift it aboard, so shallow banks or sheltered waters are your best bet. If dinner is on your mind, you need to plan a safe way to get your fish back to shore. If you have an icebox on board that is big enough, a humanely dispatched fish should come aboard safely enough. If you have to tether it, however, be sure to consider the dangerous possibility of attracting predators. You need to think about this part of your battle thoroughly if you want the chance to pump your fist in the air in a victory salute.
Safety Considerations
Every bit of space in your fishing kayak is precious, but this does not justify neglecting your personal safety. At all times, you should wear a personal flotation device (PFD). In the interest of safety, comfort, and space, invest in an inflatable model that doesn’t restrict your ability to move. Consider your tether anchor point carefully. If you intend to wear a wrist tether (such as lip-grips), be aware that a thrashing, large fish can cause an injury in this situation. The quick, effective dispatch of any large fish you intend to take home to the table will be imperative to your safety. In the limited space of a kayak, it is not wise to have loose sharp tools, so consider using a compact but solid “priest.” For more information, read our article on humanely dispatching your catch. Jo Starling didn’t completely succumb to fishing fever until 2003 when she started fishing with ‘the girls’. Jo now strives to be a versatile and accomplished angler, pitting herself against every angling challenge she can. She enjoys all forms of fishing from fly to game, and shares her passion and skills through workshops, clinics, articles, and videos, as well as through visual art and design. 70 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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FLY DESIGNER
BOB MALLARD AUTHOR OF GEARHEAD COLUMN
NO MISS MOUSE
August 2016
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Southern Kayak Fishing
TO DOWNLOAD OUR CATALOG VISIT US AT CATCHFLYFISH.COM OR CALL 424.26CATCH TO BECOME A DEALER
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The Future’s Fishing Machine Today:
I
mprovements in the evolution of fishing tackle of interest to kayak fishing occur at such a fast pace, it really is impossible to keep up, much less keep score. Granted, the makers of the first Kentucky reels in the early 1800s were not motivated to make fishing better for yak anglers. One cannot help but wonder how quickly fishing tackle would have progressed had reel makers been prodded by something akin to the explosion today of the popularity of kayak fishing.
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Revo MGX & Villain Rod
futuristic combo, don’t be surprised if you ask your cell phone to “beam” you to Millers Point or the Glory Hole, which of course your cell phone cannot do, that is at least for now. Odds are you grew up where Abu Garcia was a common name that translated to top quality fishing tackle. Abu Garcia’s influence on the fishing community is unmatched. Oddly, the company that was founded in Sweden in 1921 debuted as taxi meter and pocketwatch maker. When WWII caused a sharp decline in the demand for taxi meters, ABU redirected its skills toward the development of precision fishing reels. Two generations ago their Ambassador series of bait casters was the angling’s mark of the realm, and more than any other reel, is responsible for the explosion in competitive bass fishing in this county.
If you are one of those yak addicts who lie awake at night thinking of ways to be on the front ranks of adept fishermen, then you need to know about the Abu Garcia Revo MGX series of spinning reels and just how perfect it couples with the Abu Garcia Villain spinning rod. After casting this August 2016
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Southern Kayak Fishing had the pleasure of field testing the Abu Garcia Revo MGX spinning reel. We are quite impressed with it as anyone would be who was fortunate to cast it. The MGX is really something else. We need to say though that we are long users of Abu Garcia made tackle. Prior to gripping a MGX, our favorite “go to” reels were a pair of Revo Premier spinning reels, which we dearly loved. After trying out the MGX, we now rate it the best spinning reel on the market. We expected Abu Garcia’s legendary quality craftsmanship and top notch performance. We were not disappointed. The overall design and choice of materials of the MGX design bring together a very lightweight and strong, durable reel. The new bail arm and spool lip designs help manage the line to fight line twist. As expected, the drag system is very smooth. Yet, saying it was “very smooth” is a classic understatement. If you can tolerate the analogy, the MGX’s drag system was smoother than a prom queen’s thighs. 74 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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The MGX’s futuristic technology include an almost perfect non-wobble in the spooling. We have never before seen a reel we could say this about. Our enthusiasm was similar for details such as the design of the spool. For reasons impossible for us to explain, the MGX’s spool gave us on average an extra 10% distance on casts. If you are like us “gear heads” you want to know the small print on the MGX, here’s the skinny. The reel boasts stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing and provides increased corrosion protection. Its AMGearing system has precision machined gears for unparalleled smoothness and durability, while a computer optimized gear design enhances the MGX’s highly efficient gear system. A Carbon Matrix™ drag system delivers smooth, consistent drag pressure across the entire drag range. Oh, yeah, and the K-Clutch anti reverse is great for the forgetful. August 2016
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The MGX’s 1- piece X-Mag™ alloy 1- piece gear box provides a super light yet extremely strong gear housing. The use of a C6 carbon body provides significant weight reduction without sacrificing strength and durability. Its compact bent carbon handle provides a more ergonomic design that is extremely lightweight. Rocket line management system provides better control of all types of fishing lines, and its spool lip design allows better control of line coming off the spool Coupling Abu Garcia’s MGX spinning reel with the company’s Villain 2.0 spinning rod is akin to putting strawberries on short cake. For the serious yak angler, this combo is like having tomorrow’s tackle today. The Villain’s superior construction, ultimate sensitivity and first-rate components give it an edge that is not exceeded.
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Construction of the Villain begins with Abu Garcia’s premium 40 Ton high modulus graphite blanks. Many fishing enthusiasts are probably familiar with carbon graphite rods long used IM. If knowing about ton high modulus graphite is above your pay grade, please look at this conversation table (insofar as there is not a strict industry standard, there is a little variation among rod manufacturers.) IM Rating & Ton Rating Standard Graphite (33 million modulus) = 24+ Ton Material (Standard Modulus) IM6 Graphite (36 million modulus) = 30+ Ton Material (Intermediate Modulus) IM7 Graphite (40 million modulus) = 35+ Ton Material (Intermediate Modulus) IM8 Graphite (45 million modulus) = 40+ Ton Material (Mid or High Modulus) For added strength, the Villain utilizes Abu Garcia’s carbon V-wrap process that adds a distinctive look while increasing strength. Strong titanium frame micro guides ensure excellent performance and balance. The Villain’s use of high quality Fuji reel seats rounds out the list of pro features on this well refined, lightweight fishing rod series. We found the Villain was light, sensitive, well balanced and extremely durable, the latter being very noteworthy in the topsy-turvy world of kayak fishing. Again, if you are an angler who demands the very best, the Villain is pretty close to the Holy Grail of the sport. For more visit www.abugarcia.com August 2016
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Take That “Yak” Dock But Be Careful
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UNDER
the
O
ne of the best things about fishing from a kayak is the possibility of going places to reach fish that other anglers can’t. And that advantage applies even to venturing around and under docks and other solid structure. Whether freshwater or salt, game fish of many kinds love to hold near and under docks, and these fish are usually safe from most anglers- they’re very hard to reach. A kayak and its close to the water hull and its silent approach is the perfect “sneak craft” for accessing these dockholding fish.
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First, find a good dock
The best docks for fishing are old docks that are near deeper water. Many older docks- whether on lakes, rivers, of saltwater bays- at their farthest ends may give fish protection from threats above and also water over six feet deep. This is a great fishing situation, and this kind of dock deserves some fishing attention. The best docks don’t have a lot of foot traffic. A few boats coming and going are no big deal, but docks which have folks constantly walking, yelling, running, and throwing things into the water can be nearly impossible to fish. Finally, the best docks will have plenty of clearance for a kayak and angler to pass completely under the deck and support structure. If a kayak angler can take the boat all of the way under the dock and secure it to the pilings, things are looking very good.
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Next, Don’t Expect long Casts
When it comes to fishing under docks and other structure, kayak anglers can’t expect to make long casts- there won’t be room. This will be lob and drop fishing. Many times, fishing under a dock means the angler will simply be dropping a lure or bait right beside the kayak. Also, kayak anglers fishing under a dock won’t have overhead room for massive hook-sets. When bait fishing under a dock, let the bait down, have the rod tip in the water, and when a bite comes, and it probably will fairly quickly, make a short, firm hook set to the side or toward the back of the boat- parallel to the water’s surface.
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Another factor kayak anglers will need to take into account when fishing under docks- the fish has every advantage in this environment. When hooked, fish have lots of things to run around and tangle lines. There will be lots of old, broken fishing lines and dock lines in the water. It’s a tough place to fish, and you won’t catch every fish that bites.
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Be Careful
Kayak anglers need to make sure there’s plenty of clearance under a dock before trying to paddle under it. This means there needs to be a few feet of headroom. Don’t go under a dock that requires you to bend over or which has solid structure only a foot or two overhead. Even if you can go under, it will next to impossible to fish in these tight quarters, and if a boat goes by throwing up a big wake, the kayak- and the angler inside- will be rolled up to make hard contact with the dock structure, and this hurts- I’ve had this happen to me, and it truly does hurt. Just make sure there’s plenty of room under the dock for easy entry and exit before taking the kayak under.
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Another consideration for kayak anglers who position themselves under docks- folks who walk out on the dock will probably not be aware that you are there. You might hear some pretty salty conversation, and if you choose to fish this way after dark- it’s a prime time, by the way, you might be embarrassed
by romantic couples who find the dark of the night and moonlight on the water to set a mood for love. Give everyone a break and cough or cuss or do something to let the folks above know you’re there.
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ERMACELL Mosquito
cool kayak gear
Repellent Lantern
W
hen it comes to gear for kayak fishing and especially kayak fishing camping trips, I like gear that works well and which does more than one job. The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern does just this. In a small unit which should fit into a pack easily, this little tool works well. It provides a 15 by 15 foot zone of bug protection- always a good thing on a camping trip, and it also has a bright LED light which is adjustable for brightness and which also has a SOS strobe feature. The light is said to have a 40 hour run time on four batteries. I tried this Thermacell Lantern on a recent rip to backwoods Florida- a buggy place if ever there was one- and I will report that it works- very well. We had no problems with mosquitoes, and the few deer flies that flew through our protected zone soon left. No bites, no bugs, no problem. I like this little combination Thermacell bug repellent and lantern very muchit’s a good piece of equipment to have on a kayak fishing trip. Specifications: -Provides 15 by 15 foot area of repellency -220 lumens bright LED light -Four light settings -12 hours of repellency from each -Thermacell mat- replacement mats are found at outdoor and big box stores August 2016
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We take you fishing.... Southern Drawl
Kayak Fishing offers saltwater and freshwater trips. We fish the saltwater backcountry from Tampa Bay to Pine Island Sound, targeting snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon and other species. In addition, we fish freshwater lakes and streams in southwest Florida for bass, bluegill, shellcracker, tilapia and exotics such as oscars and Mayan cichlids.
2519 Wood Oak Drive Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 284-3406 www.kayakfishingsarasota.com
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A Kayak Angler’s B
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Best Friend? I
t seems that many kayak anglers have discovered that their dogs enjoy kayak fishing just as much as much as the human parts of the dog/person combination do. We’ve seen lots of dogs on lots of kayaks through the years, and it seems that every day, more kayak anglers are going fishing with their canine partners. We asked Drew Gregory, a well-known and respected videographer and professional kayak angler about his experiences fishing with his dog, Lu, and he was kind enough to tell us about fishing with his dog.
Fishing, Too! August 2016
Drew says,” I started fishing with my dog about two years ago as soon as I got her. She was eight weeks old, and I immediately got her in water so she felt comfortable in water and on the kayak.”
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Doggie Kayak Equipment
Special needs and equipment for kayak fishing with a dog are essential- we can’t just pitch Fidoor Fidette- in the kayak and paddle off. Drew Gregory suggests that he always has Lu’s Ruffwear Dog Float Coat on her. Some people may laugh and say “Why does a dog need a PFD?” but quite frankly, they can have the same unintentional mishaps that humans do- which is why we wear OUR PFDs. Dogs could suffer from exhaustion while swimming or hit their heads and get knocked out, too. Plus, the Float Coast on a dog helps them swim longer and easier throughout the day so they aren’t worn out. Plus, it helps them feel safer the same way a thunder jacket for a dog afraid of storms does. Another big bonus of having a PFD for a dog is the handle on the top which allows the owner to easily pull the dog up onto the kayak when it falls out or when we’re just going for a swim. Drew also recommends the kayak angler have some kind of dog treats and fresh water along for the dog’s use. 96 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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Dog Problems on the kayak?
It seems that individual dogs have the same reactions to be on the water as individual people. Some dogs love it, and some dogs can’t stand being off the land. Drew Gregory says,” Lu is starting to get too excited to the point where it really hinders my ability to catch fish. I suppose the problem for me is that she is such a smart breed that she actually knows what’s going on and she understands the lure is the key to catching these fish. She is now so obsessed with the lure and wants to chase it and bark at it after every cast! I’m working on getting her to clam down a little bit more, but then again, she is a ‘teenager’ in dog years, so I’m sure a lot of it has to do with that.” Kayak anglers taking their dogs along on fishing trips need to be aware that not all waters are suitable for dogs. Drew advises that he never takes his dog on rivers with serious rapids. Also, waters with super- spooky fish are not good for dog-equipped kayaks. Dogs do get excited while they’re aboard a kayak, and they can bark and move around and blow a sneaky approach toward fish. August 2016
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A very important consideration for kayak anglers with their dogs is the native wildlife. Drew Gregory says,” I don’t like taking her places with too many gators!” (We at SKF totally agree with this- we’ve never had any problems with gators, but gators do see a dog as a potential meal.)
Drew’s Best Advice for Kayak Anglers with Pooch Crew Drew says,” I would get the dog on a kayak and in the water when they are very young, and I would put a Ruffwear Float Coast on them. I would also do everything you can to help them see the lure is not something for them to chase or be excited over. It is HARD, and it goes against their instincts, but it’s what I’m struggling with now, and I wish I had done a better job when she was younger.”
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Matt Ball has had a pretty good run when it comes to kayak fishing tournaments lately, and he tells us about his start in the sport and how his skill has developed. This West Virginia kayak angler seems to have the right attitude and approach to kayak fishing, and we look forward to hearing a lot more from him in the future.
It Takes A Team By Matt Ball
S
ome might think that winning the Kayak Bass fishing National Championship and taking home over 32,000 dollars would be the best part of any one's kayaking career. And, yes! It was awesome, truly awesome! But believe it or not, that wasn't the best part of my recent trip to Kentucky Lake for the Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship. What could possibly be better you ask? Family and Friends. That's right, an awesome group of family, friends and teammates that no prize money could replace. My journey to the national championship started in West Virginia where I was born and raised. I have been fishing my whole life. My dad had a fishing pole in my hand as soon as I could hold it. All of my family vacations growing up revolved around water and fishing and my dad at the age of 69 is still out fishing and out paddling most young guys in his Jackson Coosa. So fishing has always just been a part of who I am. So now I am passing that passion along to my three boys and one daughter. We all have our own kayaks and spend our family time camping and kayaking with friends and family. In 2014 while researching the New River in West Virginia, I found a group called Mountain State Kayak Anglers. I called them up and was invited to join them at the New River Classic tournament. This was my first Kayak Fishing tournament I had ever fished and I was hooked. My good friend and fishing partner Coy Lehman and I left that trip knowing that we had to do more of this. We were quickly realizing that the kayak fishing community was different. There was a real sense of brotherhood and everyone was doing it for the true joy of fishing and fellowship with others that loved the sport. The Mountain State Kayak Anglers welcomed us and immediately a friendship was formed. August 2016
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"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to far, go together" 2015 came along and I was excited to fish a whole year with the MSKA gang. We got to spend the year fishing and spending time with a group of men and women that we quickly came to consider friends. We got to enjoy many of West Virginia's beautiful resources and become better anglers by fishing with some of the best in the country. I was able to finish the year in the top 10 of over 100 anglers in our club that year and qualify for the KBF National Championship. The members of our club that qualified for the championship decided that we would rent a cabin and all stay together to save money and have a fun week at Kentucky Lake. Little did I know how special that decision would be as the week went on. We gathered every evening after prefishing and just had fun. We all shared our successes and failures of the day and encouraged each other with what was working and what was not. Make no mistake we all wanted to do well in that event, but we worked as a team to try to make each one of us as successful as possible, and with 4 guys ending up in the top 25 for the weekend I think that teamwork mentality had a lot to do with it. 106 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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So what got me the BIG win? Well yes, I had the best two days of tournament fishing of my life and caught the big ones when it mattered, and had some great products from the many incredible companies that support me and MSKA. However, I would be foolish to think that I did it on my own. It took strong faith, my awesome wife Tricia and 4 kids at home supporting me, parents that raised me right, the best fishing partners in the world, great products from stand up companies like 412 Bait Company, and a Jackson Kayak that made fishing possible in some pretty harsh conditions. It took a team! I recently saw a quote that said, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to far, go together". I look forward to going far together with the Jackson Kayak Family, KBF, the 412 Bait Company, The Mountain State Kayak Anglers, and all those who have supported me along the way. I may never come close to winning the big tournament again or even win any tournament again, but I know that I have been truly blessed with what matters the most. In my book with faith, family, and great friends, you can't ever lose with that kind of team.
REEL-FIN- ADDICT KAYAK FISHING
Located along the coastline of The Gulf Mexico in the Big Bend of Florida focusing in Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Tarpon
Guiding local rivers and coastline for over a decade contact Robert Baker, Fishing Guide 850-210-4375
Florida's Big Bend Paddlesport Outfitter 850-877-7200 Authorized Dealer for Hobie and Jackson Kayaks Where our salespersons are experienced kayakers And paddle the Pro Anglers – Revolutions – Cuda’s Visit our store at 3152 Shadeville Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327 August 2016
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By Ben Smith
M
ountain State Kayak Anglers was established in March of 2013. It all started with a casual conversation with my brother (Jeremy Smith). We had several discussions of the next couple weeks about how perfect West Virginia is for kayak fishing. We spent the next couple of months planning and discussing what would
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evolve into MSKA. After hours of planning and going over the smallest details MSKA was ready to launch. We knew if we executed our plan correctly that MSKA had great potential. The first tournament was held in April of 2013, which only had 5 anglers show up. We knew that there was kayak anglers in our area we just needed a way to spread
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the word about our club and start to gain some exposure. We started a FB page and aggressively marketing MSKA. We ended the 2013 season with 13 members. This was a little discouraging but we had a great group of guys that all shared the same passion for kayak fishing. This was a solid foundation that we could build on in the coming years.
In the off season we built a webpage (www.mskawv.com) to further market ourselves. With the exposure from the FB page and the website MSKA was starting to build some momentum going into our 2014 season. The increased exposure led to a couple tremendous additions to our key group of members. John Rapp, a retired WV state trooper, was just getting into kayak fishing when he stumbled across our info online. We had several conversations about MSKA and discussing ideas about how to grow the club. I was also contacted by Chris Shafer, another kayak fishing rookie. Chris had a great energy about him and was already passionate about the sport that he was just starting to learn about. We spent the 2014 off season emailing and making phones going over the details of our tournaments. As the season started to get into full swing my brother and myself agreed that we needed more help and John and Chris were the guys for the job. John took over as tournament director and Chris took on the duties of being our promotional director. With their help 2014 was a great success. We ended with 45 members and averaged 26 anglers at each tournament. The club was really starting to grow and gain some great exposure. The amazing thing was everyone became such good friends. It was growing into one big family.
Entering the 2014 off season we had built a great team. We now Had our full board of officers established; President Ben Smith, Vice-President Jeremy Smith, Tournament Director John Rapp, Promotional Director Chris Shafer, and Media Director Brad Rhodes. We set down and came up with a detailed plan for enter the 2015 season. We were able to accomplish a tremendous amount with the help of the new officers. We revamped the web site, started a Instagram page, and came up with an aggressive sponsorship plan. As the 2015 season came and went it was apparent that the countless hours of hard work had paid off. We averaged 76 anglers per tournament, had 101 at the New River Classic, and gave away over $20,000 in cash and prizes. We now had over 150 members! With all of these accomplishments what still means the most to us is the great atmosphere and countless friendships we have made. Our main goal back in 2013 was to bring like-minded individuals together to enjoy our amazing sport. It has never been about giving away the biggest checks or having the biggest turnouts. It has and always will be about our family like atmosphere and having fun. We routinely have anglers travel from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. When we ask them why they enjoy our events the answer is always the same, the great atmosphere and friendships they have made. August 2016
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We could not be more excited for the future of our sport and MSKA. We are on track to have over 200 members this year. MSKA is now a federally recognized 501c (3) non-profit organization. We are working on plans to use our tremendous growth and notoriety to help grow and educate individuals about our sport. Our membership base is an amazing group. They routinely help us with donating to charities and organizing events to help disadvantaged kids. Last year we hosted a fishing derby for mentally handicapped individuals from the Arch of Three Rivers. The joy and smiles on their faces from such a simple event truly makes you appreciate so many of the things we take for granite every day. We are extremely proud of MSKA member Matt Ball. Matt is the 2016 KBF National champion. Most people would have used his platform to promote themselves. Matt, Being the humble man he is, has spent more time promoting the club than he has himself. MSKA would not be what it has become without the outstanding membership group we have.
2016 Schedule
April 16th Jackson County Shootout May 14th Upper Mud/ Guyandotte River June 11th Greenbrier River June 26th Elk River July 23rd Coal and Kanawha Rivers 112 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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August 20th North Bend Lake Sep 3rd and 4th KBF Open Hinton, WV Oct 1st and 2nd Championship Hinton, WV
We have truly been fortunate and feel very blessed with how well MSKA has done. The only advice I would give anyone want to build a group like this is to build a great team. What makes our team top notch is our ability to disagree, maybe even fight a little, but in the end workout what we think will be best for the club in the long run.You have to be willing to spend countless hours working without any pay. We average over 200 PM’s a day in our officer group. There is no off season for us. We start working on the next year the day after our championship. The funny thing is we would not have it any other way. The friendships I Have developed with John, Chris, and Brad will last a lifetime. If you would have told Jeremy and I back in 2013 that we were going to gain so many great friendships, we would have never believed it. We have all became family and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us.
We would like to thank our great sponsors!!! Without them none of this would be possible. KLM Worms, 412 Bait Company, 304 Bait Company, Ace Adventure Gear, Ram Mounts, Anchor Wizard, NRS, Adidas Outdoors, Chillybeat, Manley Rods, Smallie Stix, PC Outdoors, Phatfish Kayak Charters, Power Pole, Fishing Online, Power Team Lures, Yak Attack, Kayak Kaddy, Rocky Brook Sinkers, Feel Free Kayaks, Gator Waders, Bending Branches, Super Nova Fishing Lights, and Pelican Coolers. August 2016
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Less is More!
W
hile old fashioned, bulky rainwear keeps you dry, but too often at the cost of making you feel like you’re garbed in a strait jacket. Kayak angler place great store in what this approach to fishing gives in term of freedom and flexibility. This alone is enough to make Patagonia’s new Stretch Rainshadow Jacket perfect for the serious yak angler. The Stretch Rainshadow Jacket further strengthens Patagonia’s reputation for making high quality, lightweight shell jackets. The latest, improved Rainshadow Jacket has even more stretch which translates to greater comfort and ease of use. The added stretch is achieved by Patagonia using a continuous piece of fabric for the back shoulder panel, giving great freedom of movement, particularly for paddlers
Stretch Rainshadow Jacket
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Compact to the tenth degree, the Stretch Rainshadow Jacket self-stuffs into its own chest pocket and comes with a clip-off loop, making it perfect for kayak fishermen seeking easy, fast access to their rainwear. The compacted package is no bigger than a medium size apple, and weighs slightly more than air (weighs in at a mere 272 grams on size medium jacket). Weatherproofing of the Stretch Rainshadow Jacket revolves around Patagonia’s use of 2.5-layer H2NoŽ Performance Standard shell fabrics are completely waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The combination of its waterrepellent shell fabric with a waterproof/breathable membrane and a protective top coat barrier dispenses with the need for a protective lining fabric. August 2016
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Patagonia's H2NO is not an actual brand of fabric used by most high tech rainwear makers, but rather a standard of testing that Patagonia holds its garments to. According to Patagonia, their H2NO Performance Standard involves testing fabrics to 20,000mm in the water column rating before abuse, and 10,000mm after their abusive "Killer Wash" test. The Killer Wash test is something they do to all of their prospective fabrics that involves washing them in specially designed abusive washing machine for 24 hours, which they claim simulates years of abuse in a short period of time. Patagonia’s 2.5-layer H2NoŽ Performance Standard shell fabrics are coated with DWR (durable water repellent) fabric finish that repels light rain and snow. What is the importance of applying DWR? When water hits a brand new waterproof jacket, it will 'bead up' and run off. This is because the surface has a DWR coating. Poorly-maintained rainwear often 'wets out'. When this happens, the flow of moisture from within is disrupted. Body vapor cannot escape when blocked by water droplets on a jacket’s face fabric. This 118 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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DWR coating is designed to keep the outside of the jacket dry by causing moisture to bead up and simply roll off the jacket. While the waterproof breathable membrane sandwiched into the middle of the jacket ensures that the jacket will remain waterproof in all conditions. DWR coating to the jacket aid in breathability. On the water we found the Rainshadow is the most attractive jacket that we tested. We loved the fit and cut of the coat, and layered fabric is quite comfortable. We found the Rainshadow is completely waterproof, keeping us dry on rainy days that include an hour run in a steady downpour. The Rainshadow breathes well, but can get a little stuffy when you are paddling again the current or tide. In high intensity activities we got wet on the inside so if you're a sweaty person…well… you get the picture. The Jacket’s pit zips help circulating air so vapor is carried away from your body. Its hood is of good design, but a little difficult to tighten as the loose ends of the cinch are inside the collar. All in all, we give Patagonia’s Stretch Rainshadow Jacket 4.75 star (out of 5 stars) rating, and recommend it for kayak fishing in sub-gale weather. For more visit www. patagonia.com
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Come fish the great Arkansas Tailwaters
with some of the area’s most experienced guides. Our Fly Fishing trips are tailored to your needs
and experience level. We are a group of veteran guides with a passion for teaching and sharing. Visit our website for details!
www.theozarkflyguides.com
We offer Jet Boat trips, Drift Boat trips and
YES, even instructional Kayak trips! Let us
help plan your Ozark fly fishing getaway in any style you want.
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New Electric Power for
W
ilderness Systems announces its hotly anticipated Helix MD™ Motor Drive. Pairing Torqeedo's forward-thinking technology with a rugged, compact design, the 15 lb. motor was created for the boatbuilder's Flex Pod OScompatible kayaks. The high-performance motor drops into a specially designed scupper within the kayak. The prop and skeg extend from the centerline of the hull, with its nominal weight forward of the kayaker, providing ideal balance.
The Helix MD harnesses Torqeedo's proven innovative energy technology and durable, long-lasting construction. Its rechargeable lithium battery with integrated GPS is waterproof, buoyant and can provide a range of up to 20 miles, or achieve a runtime of up to 8 hours. Solar charging, even while underway, is available with Torqeedo's 50W Sunfold panel. The motor allows kayakers and anglers to be hands free, while going farther and faster—hitting speeds up to 6 mph.
A video on the Helix MD is at bit.ly/23HjzAw. August 2016
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Kayak Fishing 101 in Navarre, Florid By Nick Lytle
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for Slot Redfish da Here, in Northwest Florida, we have the opportunity to target redfish all year, and a kayak is the perfect platform. If you are having a tough time locating redfish in the Panhandle, try applying the following tips and techniques. I’m sure they will increase your chances of catching the fish of a lifetime.
Kayak of Choice There are a large number of well-made kayaks on the market today. After fishing from multiple paddle and pedal kayaks, my kayak of choice is the Hobie Pro Angler 12. The Pro Angler 12 is stable, quiet, and provides a dry ride throughout the year. I have equipped the kayak with accessories fit for my fishing style. Recently, I added a Power Pole Micro and cannot be happier. The ability to come to a quiet, handsfree stop is a game changer. A traditional stake-out pole works wonders, but the Power Pole Micro and Mirage Drive really allow me to fish conditions that typically are not kayak friendly.
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Gear / Tackle When targeting redfish, the majority of anglers prefer to use spinning equipment. A seven-foot medium action rod paired with a 2500 size-spinning reel is perfect for targeting slot redfish. The reel should be spooled with 10-20 pound braid and a five-foot section of twenty-pound fluorocarbon should be attached to the main line using an Albright or FG knot. When attaching a lure to the fluorocarbon, I prefer to use a non-slip mono loop knot; the loop knot allows the lure to move as freely as possible. If new to fishing for redfish, lure selection can be overwhelming. You can ease the pain by visiting your local tackle shop and ask a few questions. If in Navarre, stop by Broxson Outdoors on Highway 98 just before the Navarre Beach turn to go across the bridge.. The staff has years of local knowledge, and are more than willing to help. When I target slot redfish, I carry three rods. The rod that sees the most action will be rigged with a 1/8th ounce Golden Eye Jig Head and a Matrix Shad. The second rod will be rigged with a suspending lure, such as an Unfair Rip-N-Slash or a Rapala X-Rap. The third rod will be rigged with a top water lure, such as a Heddon Super Spook or a Tactical Angler Crossover Stalker.
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Background Red drum are commonly referred to as redfish and the species thrives throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Redfish are a highly sought after sports fish and attract anglers from all over the world. Slot redfish are typically found in shallow water estuaries, while in the estuaries the fish feed mainly on crustaceans. Once sexually mature, redfish leave the estuaries to spawn. A female will produce anywhere between 200,000 and three million eggs per spawning cycle. Safely releasing breeding stock is vital to the rebounding populations, so please handle fish responsibly. Experience is the key to any successful moment in life and fishing is no different. Documenting each trip goes a long way and increases the understanding of a fishery. I personally document a number of details after each trip. Tides, barometric trend, water temperature, and moon phase are just a few. In my opinion, tides are the most important. Every location will fish differently based on tidal movement and this is a detail that should never be over looked. If you want to see your results increase, take notes. I use a Flats Fishing Journal that is made by Rite in the Rain.
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Summer During the summer months, I prefer to target redfish in the Santa Rosa Sound. On the north side of the Sound, there are several boat ramps. These ramps allow easy access to endless miles of grass flats. Woodlawn Beach Boat Ramp, Oriole Beach Boat Ramp, and Shoreline Park Boat Ramp are three of the most commonly used. Come summer, redfish are most active early in the morning as they feed on small crabs, shrimp, and minnows. At first light, these redfish can easily be spotted on shallow flats, tailing or pushing water. In these situations, a subtle presentation is key. I have found using a weightless lure; such as Zoom Fluke, to be most effective. When fishing a weightless lure, remember slower is always better. The Fluke will flutter through the water column and become an irresistible snack for any nearby Redfish.
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Fall As the water temperature cools, the fish will stay on the flats throughout the day. That makes sight fishing phenomenal from September to November. I like to slowly pole my way along, scanning the grass and potholes for any signs of life. A quality pair of polarized sunglasses is essential when searching for redfish on shallow, crystal clear flats. Once I spot a redfish, I quietly pitch a soft plastic towards the fish, ensuring the lure doesn’t land too close and spook the fish. Redfish will often pick the lure up as it lies on the bottom. Redfish often touch the lure with their noise prior to eating, so wait until you feel the weight of the fish and then set the hook.
Winter From December to February, I prefer to target redfish in the afternoon. Around midday the fish will begin moving from deep channels to adjacent shallow flats. This time of the year, I spend the majority of my time in the upper bays, fishing areas with small feeder creeks. The top water bite is not as effective this time of year, so I prefer to use a Matrix Shad with a 1/8 to 5-16 oz. jig head. A slow “twitch, twitch, pause” is not always required when targeting these redfish. Aggressive redfish are willing to chase bait in the coldest of weather. Occasionally, I will find redfish cruising these shallow flats and opt to throw a suspending lure. The Unfair Lures Rip-N-Slash has proven to be durable and effective. I am a huge fan of the larger rattles and believe they are essential when fishing a wind-blown mud flat. August 2016
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Spring March brings unpredictable weather and unreliable fish. Fortunately, bait will begin moving back on to the grass flats and the redfish will follow. As spring progresses, Redfish will become more and more aggressive, making them vulnerable to anglers throughout the Panhandle. By April, the flats will be teaming with bait and the redfish will be feeding heavily on small minnows. This is my favorite time of year to throw a top water lure. The sounds and sights of a large Redfish crushing a Heddon Spook is sure to raise the heart rate and is a welcome feeling after a long winter. Until next time, stay safe and always wear a quality lifejacket.
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Why a Kayak for Easter A
nglers today have many different options when it comes to modes of transportation for chasing bronze footballs in local streams. Traditional bass boats, jet boats, johnboats, canoes, kayaks, inflatable rafts are different boats employed by smallmouth anglers everywhere. Every one of them has their advantages & even disadvantages that are unique to each river fished. I am going to take a few minutes to explain why you should seriously consider a kayak for river fishing. I have been kayak bass fishing the Shenandoah, Potomac, and Opeqoun Rivers in the Eastern West Virginia panhandle for the last six years and have found no better option for targeting my favorite species. I have found a kayak to be the perfect vessel my rivers and I know it can be for yours also.
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rn West Virginia Rivers?
By Doug Gibson
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No other boat option will provide the level of stealth that a kayak provides. Its low to the water design combined with the proper paddling technique makes a kayak glide through the water almost silently. The roar of a motor is replaced by the distinctively softer sound of a paddle dipping into the water and there is no resulting boat wake crashing into shore. That motor and boat noise may seem insignificant to us, but it’s not to that big smallmouth hanging along the shallow shoreline. The Shenandoah River has many summertime locations with shallow, faster water that average around 2’ of depth that would require a jet boat running wide open to get through. This includes the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources public access sites at Moulton Park and Shannondale Springs, which are great summertime smallmouth spots. Summertime water can be low enough that often kayaks can be the only options to access certain stretches of a river. And sometimes August 2016
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kayaks can’t even navigate those stretches of river without making the angler do some occasional dragging. Both the Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers are full of rock ledge trenches, which will often have a significant amount of rock above or right at the water line during summer time fishing. On a previous summer float trip in the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, a friend & I had to get out and pull the kayaks through only inches of water multiple times. They would just get caught on the rock ledges if we floating over them. There was no navigation with either a jet or bass boat in that stretch of river at that time from any nearby boat ramp. There is also no other option that provides the accessibility that a kayak provides. “A ramp, we don’t need a stinking ramp!” That is the statement that every kayak angler embraces. Unlike the standard boat, kayaks don’t need a physical concrete
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or hard packed ramp. Road pull-offs along a river and State Wildlife Department access points are two examples of non-traditional access spots that kayak anglers fully embrace. All you have to do is pull up to a parking spot, unload the kayak from top of vehicle or trailer, unload the gear and start fishing. There may be concrete ramps within a few miles of these roadsides launch points, but during the middle of summer navigation to the launch is impossible in a regular boat. Kayaks also allow for the great opportunity to really explore smaller streams that are offlimits to bigger boats. Kayak anglers can get away from the crowds to hit those spots that rarely see an angler. That means less pressured fish and a great opportunity to find the biggest smallmouth in that stream. The Opeqoun River here in WV is a small tributary stream of the Potomac 140 l Southern Kayak Fishing
River that is ideally suited for kayaks. I can wet wade some areas during warmer months, but I’m limited to public access areas to avoid trespassing while walking the banks well away from the acces site. There are a number of access sites on the Opeqoun River that are just road pull offs and a kayak allows me to cover 3 – 4 miles of relatively untouched water that rarely sees an angler.
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Another great benefit of kayak fishing comes down to the bottom dollar. The initial cost of kayak purchase, maintenance, trip costs, potential storage fees are far less than the bass boats and jetboats that frequent rivers. You can get a quality well made brand new kayak for anywhere from $500 up to $1500 depending on the brand. The Pescador Sports are great sit on top kayaks that start
around $500 new & Wilderness Systems Ride/Commander series can go up to the $1500 mark, which is still a lot less than a new bass boat. For peddle drive kayaks, like Hobie, you can get kayaks for $2000 to $3500 depending on the series. When I head for a day of fishing with the kayak, there is no stopping to fill up a gas motor with day’s worth of fuel. A number of states, including WV, don’t require any annual
boat registrations. If you haul a kayak on top of a vehicle, like I do, then there is no annual trailer fee also. For the maintenance fees, the kayak is the clear winner. There are no major motor repairs, trailer repairs, boat repairs, etc. Purchasing used kayaks, either from private individuals or rafting/ kayaking companies, also saves money. Those companies often have end of year sales to reduce inventory before the next years kayaks are purchased, so be aware of that. You can get several more years of service from a used kayak, as I can personally attest to. The durability of kayaks also ties into the longterm maintenance savings. When floating down a stream like the Shenandoah River, especially during low summer conditions, you will often encounter stretches of low water with ledge rock sticking out above the water & many more just under the surface. There is no August 2016
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concern to try to miss all of the rocks, as the kayak will simply bounce off them with nothing more than a scratch. There is no worry about gouging a hole in the side of the kayak because there is no traveling upstream at a fast rate where running aground of a rock can equal serious consequences. The increased durability of kayaks also means that you can often purchase a used kayak & get several more years of use. I personally purchased my used Wilderness System Tarpon kayak from a fellow kayak fishing angler almost 4 years ago & it is still holding up extremely well. I saved over half the cost versus a brand new one when purchasing my Tarpon. The one overlooked benefit to becoming a river kayak fisherman is that it will ultimately make you a better fisherman. Fisherman in bass boats and jet boats can easily, & often too quickly, employ the well-known “run and gun” approach. Fisherman in those boats
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can easily cover miles of a river looking for active fish, but will potentially overlook a significant number of fish. Many times a kayak angler will only cover 1-2 miles on a solo outing or 5-6 miles on a float trip with fellow anglers. Kayak anglers know they have to be more patient & really work over potential spots with multiple presentations and multiple casts. That leads to a better understanding of the best presentation for a particular location. Now that summer has set in here in WV, I know that fish are spread out over the river but still holding in a specific type of area. The shallower areas with faster, more oxygenated water require the stealth to approach that only a kayak provides. One day during the summer of 2013, a fellow kayak angler and I spent 11 hours floating just a 6-mile stretch of the Shenandoah River. Because we took the time to really work over good smallmouth spots, we landed over 60 smallmouth. The majority of my kayak fishing outings last 3-4 and cover a max of 1 mile from a single access spot. By taking my time & working over potential spots, I can usually land anywhere from 15-20 smallmouth during the spring to fall seasons. August 2016
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Wakulla Riverbut Close to Civ By Ed Mashburn
I
was amazed at what I saw from a vantage point on the Highway 98 Bridge over Wakulla River. In the clear, clear water below, I could see mullet and bream as they darted out of the thick cover of weeds and water plants. I could see blue crabs working their grumpy way along the bottom. And what was that big, dark shadow moving slowly down the stream out of the bridge’s shadow? It’s a bass- but not just a run of the mill bass- this fish is ten pounds if it’s an ounce. I watched this big bass as it slowly finned downstream and out of sight. Incredible. The Wakulla River holds some big bass- this I knew, but I didn’t know just how big some of these clear spring-water bass were. As if I needed any more encouragement- I ran to my truck parked below in the launch area to get my kayak into the water and in pursuit of some big bass of my own.
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A Wild Place vilization
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Where it is
One of the most amazing things about the wild Wakulla River is how close it is to a major city. Tallahassee- the state capital of Florida- is only twenty miles away. But the life in the city and the life at Wakulla are totally different. Wakulla River starts from the outflow of a massive spring located in the Ed Ball State Park about eight miles above the Highway 98 Bridge. Several large springs add their clear, cool flow to the river as it slowly makes its way out of the protected areas of the park and into regions where kayak anglers can access
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the waters for fishing and floating. The shorelines of the Wakulla have some residences, but it is mostly the way Florida was before folks came here. Big trees, dark understory growth, and plenty of sub-tropical vegetation makes the passing scenery of the Wakulla a little bit of wildness not far from the city. Kayak anglers can get to the river from I-10 just outside of Tallahassee in less than an hour- depending on traffic in the city- and there are very good shuttle and guide services available for visiting kayak anglers. August 2016
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What Kind of Bass
Although the monster bass I had seen from above was a native Florida largemouth, there’s another bass of a different kind which calls the Wakulla River home. The Suwannee Bass is a gorgeous little relative of the largemouth that is not native to the Wakulla, but it has been planted there unofficially by anglers who released their catches after trips to the Suwanee River east of the Wakulla. Apparently the Suwanee bass have prospered in the Wakulla, and it is not uncommon for bass anglers to catch these dark, aggressive little bass. In fact, Suwannee bass look very much like creek smallmouth bass of the upper South and Ozarks regions. And these little bruisers fight like smallmouth, too, and that’s very high praise. The largemouths of the Wakulla River are stocky, dark, and very beautifully colored. The clear spring water promotes bright colors in fish, and these bass are the prettiest bass I’ve ever seen.
How to Catch the Wakulla River Bass
First, bass anglers need to gear downnot because the fish are small, but because the water is so clear. Using line much over 10 lb test is going to spook most of the better bass away as they can easily see the heavy line in the clear water. Another problem that anglers face on the Wakulla is that the river is full of weeds, logs, blown-down trees, and old boat docks- lots of stuff for big fish to tangle lines and break hearts. August 2016
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It’s a balancing act for anglers to gear up right.
I like to use either a clear 10 lb monofilament line- fluorocarbon works well, too. I also will use a 15 lb braid line with a three-foot section of fluorocarbon leader if I’m fishing the heaviest weeds. Either spinning or bait cast gear works fine. For lures, I like to use unweighted, weedless rigged soft plastic flukes, worms, and creature baits. There are crawfish in the Wakulla, and bass love to eat the mudbugs, so anything that looks and acts like a crawfish to going to get attention when fished in deeper, more open water. For some truly exciting fishing, I like to throw the weedless and weightless soft plastic lure as far as I can over the thick mats of floating weeds. I skip the lure across the weeds and when I come to a small open spot, I let the lure stop and sink. Some massive big bass strikes occur when I do this. I sometimes even catch the fish when they erupt on the lure fished this way, but more often than not, the fish either pulls free or breaks off. But that strike is impressive!
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Best Boat Handling on the Wakulla
It’s a lot of fun to have the folks at T-n-T Hide-A-Way shuttle you and your kayak upstream to the crossing where the Wakulla exits the state park. This allows anglers to fish the entire length of the best fishing part of the river. The current is never too strong, and the river is easy to float and fish. It’s a good stream for beginning kayak anglers to learn how to fish moving water. I prefer to pay my $5.00 launch fee at the Highway 98 Bridge launch area and paddle upstream, fishing as I go. This is manatee water, so kayakers don’t have to worry much about highspeed power boats roaring through and tearing up the water. There are lots of manatee to be seen on the Wakulla, especially in cooler months. Alligators are quite common, also, but they are not concerned with kayak anglers. The biggest problem kayak anglers will have when fishing the Wakulla is that it gets very busy on weekends and holidays. Remember, this wild place is only twenty miles from the city, and folks love to go to the river for parties and fun. That’s why for us kayak anglers, middle of the weed trips are by far the best times for us. Try to get on the Wakulla as early as possible, see what’s there- it’s beautiful- and plan on getting off the water by ten o’clock when the crowds start to show up. August 2016
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For Help with Advice and Gear For visiting kayak anglers, a first-rate kayak shop and rental and shuttle service is located right on the Wakulla River. Wilderness Way, a full service kayak shop which sells, rigs, and repairs all brands of kayaks can provide information about the floating and fishing, and Rob Baker, the owner, is a native Wakulla River boy who guides anglers to the best fishing. T-n-T Hide-A-Way, located at the Highway 98 crossing can rent ‘yaks for anglers who don’t bring their own, and they have shuttle runs on most days. For more information and services The Wilderness Way 850-877- 7200 www.thewildernessway.net T-n-T Hide-A-Way www.tnthideaway.com 850-925-7911
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August 2016
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