Southern Kayak Fishing Issue #15
PFD Buyer’s Guide
www.sokayakfishing.com July 2018
Editor’s Message
When does a Kayak Shine? Saltwater fisherman who consistently kayak understand the many ways in which a flats boat trumps the manual-propulsion kayak. Skiffs can cover more ground, place the fisherman at higher vantage points and carry a significantly higher amount of gear. In many scenarios, there is simply no debate which is a more effective watercraft. Still, we love the ease of our little dugout look-alikes. A simple spray down with freshwater beats the multitude of chores that comes with owning a large boat with a motor. Bilge pumps, winterizing and dry/wet docking are not concerns that breach our routine. This is not to say that kayak fishermen do not get jealous from time to time. Anyone who has endured the hour long paddle to that “prime location” only to see a boat zip across the flats and settle in right before you arrive has felt that familiar green monster of envy. Many times that envy flows directly into anger.
So the question persists: Is ease and price the only advantage kayaks have over shallow running skiffs? Luckily for you kayak fiends, the answer is unequivocally in the negative. The reason can be distilled to one word, “ponds.” If you have spent any time on Google Earth, you know what I am talking about. Most bays, harbors, preserves and other waterways lined with mangroves have these seemingly inaccessible backwater areas sprinkled around their edges. The beauty of mangroves, however, are the circulatory system of veiny channels that extend in every direction. It may not always be a straight line or easy traveling, but quite often those ponds have a system of channels that can be navigated. Though Google Earth gives an idea of what waits beyond the enclosures of our favorite fishing areas, the only way to truly evaluate accessibility is to spend a day tunneling through mangroves. Many times, that endeavor will end without bearing fruit. Either the mangroves are too thick, the water is too low, or the pond doesn’t hold fish. The other times, however, are worth 100 “wasted” days each. Before describing the vast fishing possibilities offered at these locations, the solitude needs addressing. Sure, you can find moments in the heavily fished areas of Fort Desoto or Sarasota Bay where you feel alone. Still, in the back of your mind, the idea that a skiff could fly around the corner at any time persists. You may have paddled miles to get to the (continued)
Editor’s Message
Southern
(cont.)
location, but it feels more like exercise than exploration. These backwater ponds offer something different, namely piece of Publisher Don Kirk mind. There is no comparison to the feeling of breaking down that paddle Don@Southerntrout.com into two pieces, laying the rods down Editor Ragan Whitlock and sliding under the mangroves like a Ragan@Southerntrout.com child swinging from monkey bars. Each overhanging limb acting as the next Managing Editor Leah Kirk catapult, allowing you to propel yourself Leah@Southerntrout.com further and further into the depths of the Assoc. Managing Editor Loryn Latham mangrove forests. Combine the unique tunneling Loryn@Southerntrout.com experience with the occasional burden Technical Advisor Tim Perkins of dragging the kayak along oyster bars Field Editor Steve Moore and snake/gator infested banks. After an Editorial Conslutant Olive K. Nynne hour or so of this truly explorative mission, breaking through the mangroves to see a Contributors 5-10 acre pond is as close as fishermen get to reaching mecca. Rob Baker Once you have reached the Tony Chavers promised land, a quick evaluation of Steve Gibson the water tells you everything you need to know. Is the water deep enough? Is Danny Holmes water moving in any direction? Do red Phillip Landry mangroves line the edges? Tim Perkins If any of these questions are Paul Presson answered in the affirmative, you may have just found yourself a new “honey Steve Sammons hole.” Many coveted saltwater species John Williams including reds, snook, and juvenile Captain Kristen Wray tarpon await. The wonderful feeling of being alone is inescapable, perhaps Southern Kayak Fishing is a publication of Southern Unlimited, LLC. It is produced in conjunction with Southern Trout Magazine and being the only person to access this Southerntrout.com. Copyright 2018 Southern Unlimited, LLC All rights pond in months. Regardless of how reserved. the fishing turns out, one reassuring
Kayak Fishing
www.SoKayakFishing.com
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thought always brings a smile to my face: “I sure as hell won’t be seeing a flats boat today.”
Others have streams,
we have a trail.
Jackson County is home of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, which maps out 15 prime spots to catch brown, rainbow and brook trout in the crystal-clear streams of the Great Smoky Mountains. With more than 4,600 miles of wide-open rivers and secluded mountain streams, we have the state’s longest contiguous stretch of Mountain Heritage Trout Waters.
Discover the epic waters of North Carolina’s Trout Capital today.
CASHIERS CHEROKEE DILLSBORO SYLVA
DiscoverJacksonNC.com
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This Issue Editor’s Letter
3
11
Back to the Future Kayak Fishing, Tent Camping Grand Isle, LA Fishing the Upper Green River in Kentucky BLOODLINES: Crawfish Plugs: Nothing New Personal Flotation Devices Buyer’s Guide Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve: A Gorgeous Traffic Jam Kayak Hacks Paddle Comfort and Space Savers
30
Summer Bream Primer
70 62
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JOURNEYS OF SGI St. George Island, Florida
20
240 E 3rd Street, St. George Island
40 E 3rd Street, St. George Island (850)927-3259 www.sgislandjourneys.com info@sgislandjourneys.com
80 88
July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 7
Back to th Kayak Fishing,Tent Camping On Grand Isle, Louisiana
I
t has been a long time since I did a paddle fishing trip that involved sleeping in a tent. I’ve spent many nights in my early life sleeping on creek banks and river sandbars in less than comfortable camping arrangements. But I have gotten used to comfortable beds, air conditioning, and nice cold drinks whenever I wanted them. I’ll admit- I’ve gotten soft in my old age. You see, I remember tent camping in the bad old days. I knew heavy, bulky, hard to erect tents that could cook biscuits in the middle of a summer day. I remember ice chests that melted ice faster than I could drop bags of ice into the chest. I remember heavy, hard to paddle, wind-catching canoes and other paddle craft that made long distance travel to good fishing spots a true pain. But things have changed.
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he Future
By Ed Mashburn
Grand Isle is kayak fishing paradise.
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A Trip to Grand Isle
On this clear and calm morning, I could see my buddy Tim Perkins as he fought yet another strong fish he had hooked while fishing just off a low point of land where he’d already taken a number of other fish. He had this bite figured out, and he was working it hard. But this fish didn’t have a green back and a bold dark stripe down its side as most of his victims do. Instead, this fine twenty-two inch fish had golden sides, and a black spot near the tail. And this hooked fish didn’t make a single leap from the water. Instead, a series of strong, determined runs which stressed his rod and reel and wrist brought smiles to Tim’s face.
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Here's the best view of a kayak hitch-hiker. That Torqueedo is fine motor.
Although Tim is one of the best at catching bass from a kayak, it seems that he’s not bad at bringing redfish to boat side, either. Tim and I set up this trip to Grand Isle, Louisiana to do a couple of things. First and foremost, we went to catch redfish, and there’s no place in the world better for catching reds than Grand Isle. We also went to conduct a tent camping trip at Grand Isle State Park to try out some modern, greatly improved articles of gear. It was a very informative trip. And we’re already planning another kayak/tent camping fishing trip to Grand Isle this fall.
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How He Did It
Tim Perkins has won a lot of bass fishing tournaments by throwing Premier League spinner baits. And when our first-day efforts at catching redfish didn’t pan out well- I caught a couple of rat reds on live bait, but the bite was very slow- Tim decided to try something different. On our second day of the trip, Tim wore out the redfish by retrieving a spinner bait designed for largemouth and spotted bass across points which projected out into somewhat deeper water. He would position his kayak off to the side of a protected point and cast his spinner across the point and let the lure work its way over and down the drop-off which lies off most points. In other words, he did exactly the same thing with the same lure that he would have done on any freshwater bass fishing location. And he did catch reds. Some hard-fighting slot-size reds made a big smile form on Tim’s face as he worked them to his kayak. His skill with the spinnerbait provided the main ingredient for our supper that night- redfish on the half-shell, which was very, very good.
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Freshwater bass lures work very well on saltwater redfish.
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Camping at Grand Isle
The camp area at Grand Isle State Park where we stayed is clean, well-maintained, and in the full-service camping area, water and electric service are provided. Located at the southern end of LA Highway 1 in Jefferson Parish, this fine state park offers visitors and campers fishing, swimming, and beach activities, and some very nice bathroom and shower facilities. The park is not far at all from great fishing bayous and marshes, so transporting kayaks is not difficult. However, in coastal Louisiana, the summertime temps can be brutal. Kayak campers will want to plan on very early in the morning fishing. Try to meet the sunrise on the water. The marshes of Grand Isle are fantastic places to fish and see birds and wildlife, but they can be very confusing to folks who are not familiar with the area. It helps to either use a GPS unit to track the position, or keep something like the tall radio towers or power lines in sight to help orient the paddler to the launch-take-out location. Campers will want to bring cooking gear, although there are a number of restaurants in the town of Grand Isle, because seafood is not hard to come by at Grand
Isle. In addition to the great-tasting redfish and speckled trout which are very commonly caught here, campers can take a long handled net to the beaches and snag a mess of wonderful blue crabs in a short time. We were donated a big mess of boiled blue crabs by our neighbors at the park, and we enjoyed the eating very much. Eating well is not a problem at Grand Isle.
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Tim Perkins has these Grand Isle redfish figured out.
Now for the tough part of Grand Isle camping. Even though the park does spray for mosquitoes, there will still be plenty of nasty little biters, and campers will want to use bug spay, and they may have to stay in tents and other covers after dark. Having a fan or two to help move air around when in the tent is a good idea.
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The Torqueedo motor is quiet, powerful, and very efficient.
Gear That Worked very Well
Our tent, which looked and assembled nothing like the old, heavy, clumsy tents I have used in the past, was a joy. The Roughhouse 4 by Slumberjack went up in five minutes or less, and with full sides and top construction of screen with a good rain fly solid envelope over the screen, we had protection from rain and the bugs, and yet we had very nice ventilation by the wind. The tent packs up into a small sack which can be easily loaded into the hatch of nearly any fishing kayak. I like to have cold drinks on hand when the summer days get hot, and the 70 quart ice chest by VIBE we used was a great improvement on the old ice-melters I grew up with. This rotomolded cooler has wheels and metal bottle openers on the corners. We started with a couple of bags of ice on the first day, and there was still usable ice from the first day when we left after three days of hot weather camping. This ice chest has very robust pull-down locking catches that make a very solid, secure seal to keep cool things cool.
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But as far as this trip and its fishing went, the article of gear which I enjoyed most was the Torqueedo Kayak Motor solidly attached to the stern of Tim’s kayak. This powerful motor and battery unit towed Tim and me around the marshes for three days. When we wanted to run to a far-off line of mangroves to see if the reds were there, we didn’t paddle. Tim would take up my bowline and he’d click the throttle of the Torqueedo, and off we’d go. Tim Perkins says,” It’s over-used to say something is a game-changer, but this battery and motor is a game changer. When I’m trying to cover water to find fish, it’s the best tool I’ve found.” The whole unit- battery, controls, and motor weighs less than sixteen pounds, and the lithium battery runs at 100 % power until it runs out, but the lowest Tim has ever gotten the battery is 50%, and that was after an all-day long distance fishing trip. To sum up the Torqueedo kayak motor, Tim says, “It runs and runs and runs. And then it runs some more.” July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 19
How to Get to Grand Isle and the Fishing There
The best way to reach Grand Isle for a kayak fishing trip is to take I-10 West from New Orleans, and then take the Kenner exit to Hwy 90. From here take Hwy 90 to Boute ( pronounced bootie, seriously) and from there to Raceland and exit to take LA-325 to Galiano and Golden Meadow. From Golden Meadow take LA-1 south, a most impressive elevated highway, and follow the signs to Grand Isle. Now, this is serious. When driving in south Louisiana, SLOW DOWN! Local law enforcement loves to stop out of state drivers and invite them to donate to the Louisiana Road Tax. But soon you’ll be in the middle of some of the best kayak fishing waters in the world. And if the sight of miles and miles of gorgeous bayous, creeks, marshes, islands and open bays for kayak fishing doesn’t get you excited, then you might want to check your pulse. Kayak anglers can pull off the road in wide places, and slide the kayak in and go catch fish. I’m promising you right now, I can’t wait to go back to Grand Isle this fall- it’s too nice a place for a kayak angler to stay away from for long.
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Sometimes we just have to try something a little different for best results.
Product Contact Information Premier League Lures Po Box 5219 Brandon, MS 39047 601-540-6049 Premierleaguelures@ gmail.com Slumberjack Tents 6235 Lookout Road, Suite G Boulder, CO 80301 800-233-6283 VIBE Coolers 3380 Town Point Dr, Suite 210 Kennesaw, GA 30144 678-938-8234
Torqueedo North America 171 Erick Street, Unit D-2 Crystal Lake, IL 60014 1-815-444-8806 usa@torqueedo.com July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 21
Fishing the U Green River i Kentucky Richard Hines
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Upper in
T
hrowing a spinner bait into Green River can sometimes be a surprise because you never know what you’ll catch. The upper portion of Green River has such a tremendous assemblage of fish species, you can always bet on at least one surprise catch. I fish almost exclusively for smallmouth bass on the Upper Green and over the years I have caught catfish, crappie, sauger, walleye, and rock bass. A real bonus, Muskie can be caught along Pool 5 and the old Pool 6 segments. Just don’t expect to land one on 4-pound test line like a friend did last summer! Kayaking the Upper Green River will give you the feeling of drifting down a primeval river especially the segment flowing through Mammoth Cave National Park. The deep and extensive woodlands provide shade for fish and likewise anglers opportunities to observe wildlife. Every bend provides occasional tree tops, rock outcrops, sunken logs, and grass beds all which provide hiding areas for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and panfish. The weed beds are intermingled with long gravel bars and the mix of riffles and pools provide good habitat diversity. Even in the pools on the upper end of the river smallmouth can be found in good numbers. As you move down the river, pools are longer and slightly deeper making conditions perfect for spotted and largemouth bass. July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 25
The segment of river running through the park is also going through some changes as the banks stabilize. Back in 2017 the Corps of Engineers removed the old Lock and Dam #6. This is good news for kayak anglers because removal of this dam has lowered water levels revealing rocks, riffles and other structures which had been inundated for over a hundred years. When we floated this portion of the river last year it was still a little high, but you could see currents reclaiming their hidden course. Flowing from a trickle in central Kentucky to its confluence with the Ohio River, Green River has a total of 384 river miles, but my favorite segment is from Green River Dam to Brownsville. The range of water conditions provides a great deal of diversity for the angler. Most float segments range from three to eight hours and currents sufficiently provide good drifting. Water quality on Green River is excellent due to various conservation agencies who have been working to set aside thousands of acres of farmland into the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. This conversion of tilled land into forest and grassland continues improving water quality for fish and other aquatic species. Green River has some of highest aquatic diversity of any stream in the Ohio River Drainage.
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From Mammoth Cave to Brownsville kayakers should consider trying their luck for flathead and channel catfish. I use a method called drifting and dipping. If you are not in a rush, let the current move the kayak along and drop bait along the larger pools. As I drift by rock structure I will switch over to casting for bass again. It makes an interesting day. If I find the river not producing smallmouths to my satisfaction I might shift over and try catfish or panfish. if you consider fishing for cats, key in on side streams running into the main stem of the river following recent rains especially if muddy water is running into clear water or vice versa. Bait including nightcrawlers work, but kayaks might be tight for space which is why I use commercial catfish bait such as “Rippin Lips Bootleg Dip Bait”. While bouncing the bottom, I use a two-foot leader off a swivel with a 1 to 1 ¼ ounce weight. These same stream confluences are also ideal for picking up crappie on small jigs. Among the panfish found along the Green are rock bass which locally are called redeyes and longear sunfish. If you are specifically fishing for rock bass, small inline spinners and Rebel Crawfish are effective. If smallmouth bass are hitting, you will also catch rock bass. Along some sections of the river, get out of the kayak, take a break and keep your rod handy. Some of the chutes will have small pockets off the side which hold bass. Locating rock bass, you will quickly find out how they got their name because of their preference for larger rocks and small underwater rock shelves, all preferred habitat for rock bass. July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 29
Although not as large, longear sunfish are found along sand or gravel bars and while this colorful sunfish runs small, its aggressive behavior demonstrates how they will readily strike lures that match their size. Most of my time on the Green is concentrated on smallmouth bass which are in good supply particularly when water levels are slightly lower during the summer months. You will see exposed limestone rock outcrops. In these areas try small spinner baits such as a Strike King Mini-Spin or crankbaits such as the Rebel Bluegill and Rebel Crawfish. These two crankbaits are always productive, so I keep a selection of sizes and colors for smallmouth and redeyes. Surface baits are good throughout summer months and I keep buzz baits and jitterbugs handy. But over and over the Smithwick Devil Horse stick bait or Tiny Torpedo are best when water is stained. Fishing below Brownsville is possible, but an existing dam has created long pools with little current. You can expect boat traffic on this section and like most rivers, holidays and weekends can be crowded so week days are best. Regardless I still catch fish when I can avoid some of the groups of anglers. Overall, I spend several days each summer floating the river I grew up on and it always surprises me. During the winter flows on the Green are generally high due to outflows from three Corps of Engineer Dams making fishing difficult. If you do fish the Green you will be impressed with the rivers characteristic emerald green color and the fish the river can provide. Anglers can find additional launching sites by accessing the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Blue Water Trails website at https://fw.ky.gov/Education/Pages/Blue-Water-Trails.aspx
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Is Swain County NC a Fisherman’s Paradi Hundreds of miles of native mountain trout streams flow
through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park above Bryson City and Cherokee — freestone creeks with native rainbow, brook and brown trout. Most streams offer all three species.
Trout are also common in our four rivers – the Oconaluftee,
Great Smoky M National
Little Tennessee, the Eagle Nol Chambers Twentymile Hazel Creek Forney Cre Creek Creek Creek Tuckasegee and the Creek Fontana Dam Fontana Nantahala, one of Fontana Cheoah Lake Lake Lake Lewellyn Trout Unlimited’s top Fontana Branch Fontana 129 Lake Boat Village Alark 100 rivers. And now, a 2.2 Cable Ramp Marina Boat D Cove 28N Boat mile section of the Tuck Ramp Almo Lemmons Boat P Branch through Bryson City has Boat Ramp Stecoah 143 been designated delayed 19 Wesser 74 Needmore harvest waters, and Road For more information, Nantahala River promises to have one of contact the Bryson City / the highest trout counts Swain County Chamber of Wayah Road (NC 1310) of any stream in the Commerce 800-867-9246. Upper Nantahala southeast. River Public Access
Public Access
estern oing on at W g is g in th e “Three “Som e that may k a L rivers j a n ta n o ’s F a ust ou n li ro a C p h o tside A pular n Nort th u o S e th in merica ationa g in h s fi t u o tr l ’s most park a trout, s to a just send e id d r o e u o g i t a t e e e eming d for b t might b oth wa angler with into orbit ...I n o s ry s B d , in i a n y n ta g s d and flo surrou place to best sc ating nded b book you a in p e e le n s y e to e r s v y o a h m i n Sout e of th don’t hern A e City so you ” r. e b I f m p e y v palach ou hav No in re e th k i c e a n’t fish . your tru produ ed the ctive r q uaint a ivers o nd Carolin f W e stern N a, you orth don’t k missin now w g.” hat yo u’re
Public Access
ise?
Upper Raven Fork
Straight Fork
441 Clingmans Dome
Mountains Park
Deep Creek
Indian Creek
Raven Fork Trophy Section
Lakeview Drive
19 Tuckasegee River
Public Access
ka Dock Alarka Creek ond Park Alarka Road
28S Little Tennessee River
Bryson City
Whittier Whittier Boat Ramp
EBCI Hatchery Big Cove Road
19
441 Tuckasegee River
Public Access
Conleys Creek
Heintooga Ridge Road
Blue Ridge Parkway Cherokee Indian Reservation Cherokee
land eek
Old 288 Boat Ramp
Raven Fork
Oconaluftee River
You be the Judge.
Straight Fork Road
Bradley Chasteen Kephart Fork Creek Prong
74 Conleys Creek Road
Dillsboro
441
Visit GreatSmokiesFishing.com for profiles of all 26 Swain County fishing locations on this map. All are just minutes from Bryson City, NC.
Two mountain lakes The 30 miles of trout offer trout fishing streams on the The 29-mile long, Cherokee Indian 11,700 acre Fontana Reservation are the Lake and its smaller downstream neighbor Cheoah Lake both have strong populations of trout, particularly near the mouths of streams flowing out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cheoah is regularly stocked by the State of North Carolina.
longest privately-owned and stocked fishing waters east of the Mississippi. The 2.2mile Raven Fork Trophy section is home to the biggest trout in the Smokies. This specially regulated section is fly fishing only and catch and release.
Bloodlines:
Crawfish Plugs
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B
ack in the 80’s I thought I had found the keys to the kingdom when I began casting the Rebel Crawfish bait on the then largely unknown Nolichucky River. Armed with a couple of these baits I could spend an entire Saturday morning on expansive Warrensburg Shoals catch 2 to 4-pound bronzebacks until I was exhausted. Unless you have an old map of Tennessee, good luck located the current day Warrensburg that is now a ghost town. Even then if you did locate it, the odds are even greater that the float and wade fishermen along these fabulous shoals can make it a pretty crowded place for wetting a line.
s: Nothing New
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When I do kayak back there, a Rebel Crawdad in light brown or dark green with a shallow diving lip is still my bait of choice. Many crayfish lures on the market may look as effective, but on the Chucky, these are the reliable go to bait. In those days I thought the Rebel Crawdad was a revolutionary step in lure design, and to a certain degree, I was correct. At the time though, it did not occur to me that imitating crawfish had been on the radar of lure makers for a long, long time. As it turns out, the Rebel Crawdad in all its variations and colors was just the latest “new kid on the block�. Crawdad or crayfish imitations clearly predated the plastic injection molding skills of Pradco, the parent company of Rebel, one of a dozen other old-time brands that include Creek Chub Bait Company, Heddon, and Lazy Ike. One consistency with Pradco is where once the wood was used, today it is miracle of injection molding that is offered for sale. As is the mission of this column in Southern Kayak Fishing Magazine, considerable effort is spent showing various baits evolved.
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The Rebel Crawdad is, in my opinion, the number one, most widely hard bait currently in widespread. It has many knock-offs made by just about every bait maker today. Crawdad inspired lures also include identic soft and hard rubber variation and jelly plastic injection baits whose lineage is more like worms than well-defined hard baits. And this does not take into account the vast array, and I want to emphasize the “vast array� of crankbaits painted with accepted crayfish color patterns. The great mystery of bass fishing is why do these fish turn on to striking say a chartreuse colored Bomber one day, then the very same fish ignore it the next in favor of a chocolate brown colored Bagley crawdad? We have all seen this happen much time. Is it the time of day, watercolor or temperature? Is it individual fish? Sometimes it appears to be that way, but at other times bass reacts as if they are in lockstep. I for one believe it is ultimately an unsolvable question.
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Much the same is true when it comes to the action that a lure produces. I have been most successful fishing Rebel Crawdad short lip lures in the Nolichucky River and other medium-sized rivers in East Tennessee. They dig down around four feet most pools which appears to suit the smallies there. Identical Rebel Crawdad baits with longer diving lips usually just do not get the job done but work in nearby lakes.
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Over the years I’ve noted that the best offerings are short lipped ones that plumb the pools. This is also true of smaller sized crankbait with dark green to olive brown flanks. Generally speaking river conditions, the tight wobble is necessary. However, there are no rules. Spring is a good time to fish crawdad lure as this is when most adults shed their husks. However, that is not the only time and may not even be the peak molting time.
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Soft and hard plastic crawfish intimidations come and go on the market. The primary difference in fishing them it to use a life-and-drop retrieve. It is a lot more of a finesse game that when retrieving a hard crawdad or a crankbait. Take are generally more subtle, but not all of the time, especially where the quarry is the smallmouth bass. They are just as likely to gingerly hit a soft plastic bait as they are to explode on it.
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Personal Flota O
ccasionally we encounter kayak fishermen going “commando” without wearing a Personal floatation Device (PFD) but fortunately it is the very exception. It takes a very fool hearted person to rely on himself when trouble strikes, which is in the world of kayak fishing can happen at any time. The following is a summary various kayak fishing PFD’s that are not only well made and up to the task of preventing drowning, but also are very fairly priced.
Buyer Guide
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ation Devices Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Vest
The is a zip assist loop at zipper base U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type III Life Jacket / Personal Flotation Device (PFD) . The vest that conforms to your body like a glove, yet its innovative vented channels help to keep you cool while paddling. The new Onyx MoveVent series of paddle sports vests feature excellent mobility, sculpted foam designs that conform to your body, and mesh ventilation in the front and back to allow for maximum airflow. Look for the many features and benefits of the torsion, dynamic, and curve vests that make up our MoveVent product line and accommodate all levels of paddle fishing. This include SOLAS grade reflective material for visibility, an expandable zippered pocket with mesh drainage. 200 denier nylon ripstop and nylon oxford, lash tab for small accessories, a drying loop on back, an attached safety whistle, ventilation in front and back to keep you cool, mesh in lower back fits high back seats and sit-on-top fishing kayaks, shoulder adjustments with neoprene comfort pads and adjustable side belts, and strong, durable zipper closure.
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Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket
Stearn’s Adult Classic Series Life Jacket Adult Classic Series Life Jacket is US Coast Guard-approved life jacket for paddling sports like kayak fishing. It is a versatile all-purpose polyester vest with a polyester shell and Durable CrosstechŽ flotation foam for all-day comfort. It has three buckles for a secure fit and an open-sided design for more breathability. It is ppproved for use for individuals weighing 90 lbs. or more
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Stearns Men’s V1™ Series Hydroprene™ Life Jacket
Even adrenaline junkies need backup, so buckle into a Stearns® Men’s V1™ Series Hydroprene™ Life Jacket. Whether you’re riding a wake or swimming a mile, the V-Flex™ sculpted back is going to move comfortably with you. The lightweight Hydroprene™ material technology is the softest, most maneuverable material, perfect for an entire day at the lake. Ride up tabs in the front allow you to pull your US Coast Guard-approved jacket back into place when you jump into the water, and two adjustable buckled straps keep the vest in place for the entire ride. Hydroprene™ material is also tough, and coupled with Crosstech® PE flotation foam inside and 1.5-in. webbed straps, you're sure to catch wakes in it season after season. July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 49
Stohlquist Fisherman
Now offered in Stohlquist's exclusive Graded Sizing, which offers a better fitting, lower profile vest for anglers of every size. The new, higher mesh-back design fits comfortably above the tallest seat backs found in today’s fishing boats. It provides a better, more appropriate fit for ergonomic WRAPTURE™ shaped torso and a cross-chest cinch harness for zero ride-up. Construction includes soft flotation foam for maximum all-day comfort. Molded EVA pockets act as fold-down work surfaces, and mounting locations for tippets, retractors, nippers, leader-line, etc. A higher, mesh back design for tall seats and chairs and open sides for ventilation. Its sea level buoyancy is 16 lbs. 4 oz and it is US Coast Guard Approved. Construction features a 500D Cordura® nylon outer shell and a 200D nylon liner.
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Cockroach Bay A A Gorgeous Tra Written By: Ragan Whitlock Photo Credit: David Burns
F
ishermen accustomed to Florida summers understand that the term preserve does not indicate a lack of human involvement. In fact, many preserves touted as holding gamefish species seem to have more congested parking lots than the local Walmart. Pictures litter the internet of large Redfish or Snook with the tagline , “beautiful morning at the preserve.� A quick google search of Cockroach Bay or Weedon Island Preserve highlights this point.
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Aquatic Preserve: affic Jam
Any fisherman who watches a YouTube video or reads a blog about some monster school of Snook or Reds in these locations naturally become interested. One written or video experience is found, then another, sending the viewer down the proverbial “rabbit hole.� Soon, fishing trips are planned to the area in hopes of replicating those magical sounding experiences found online. July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 53
Couple the online availability of fishing reports in these areas with the relatively small number of boat ramps in the Tampa Bay region, and the problem becomes more obvious. More times than not a new to the area fisherman arrives at a ramp on a Saturday morning to start the fishing adventure he has been dreaming of for weeks only to get stuck in a sea of trailers. For those virgins to a heavily-trafficked fishing area, I am not referring to the sort of traffic that requires a 15 minute wait until a clear ramp is available. I am referring to the nauseating sight of a 50 car/trailer parking lot completely filled or a dirt road lined for a mile in either direction with weekend-warriors.
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The frustration of not being able to launch the kayak or boat after days or weeks of planning quickly evolves into anger. Anger at the other fishermen who beat you to the lot. Anger at the writers of some online magazine (the irony is not lost on me) for touting this “preserve� as a place of solitude and beauty. Anger at humanity as a whole for ruining something so beautiful.
July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 55
Though they are inescapable, each form of anger described above is ineffectively concentrated and aimed. Perhaps envy should be geared toward the early-worm fishermen for arriving early, but certainly not anger. They are simply doing the same thing we all wish to do. To find beauty, to find fish and to find solitude. On a saturday on Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, maybe they can find two out of the three. Anger towards the writers of the online content is sometimes not unfounded. It certainly seems to some that writing about an area exposes it and ruins the “hidden secret” that a local may have had for years. Part of these allegations are absolutely true and refuting them would be hypocritical. There are some places I refuse to write an article about for one reason or another. Familial ties, previous personal success or the solitude found there all play into why I may want to “preserve” the area.
The excuse I will give, however, goes back to the reason for this magazine being in existence in the first place. It mirrors the same axiom many of us have heard growing up: Sharing is Caring. Wanting to share information about these places is part egotistical and part noble. There will always be a portion of the human psyche that wants to share a picture of a fish so viewers can think, “wow, what a good fishermen that guy is.” (To escape the irony on this one, I’ll use pictures of fish caught by friends). 56 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2018
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The other motivation for this sort of writing is to reach out to readers in hopes of improving their experiences. Kayaking and fishing have accounted for many of the most profoundly wonderful moments of my life. Some are associated with the fish, some with the area the fish live, and some with the people who joined me in the travels. I want nothing more than for a reader searching for some sort of escape to be motivated by the way we portray an area. I hope they dream about it. I hope they plan a trip to it. Most importantly, I hope they visit and have a transformative experience. At a certain point though, there are simply too many people that want life changing experiences of beautiful solitude in a wonderful fishing area than there are experiences to go around. There is no simple fix to that problem. I don’t selfishly want fewer fishermen. Even from a practical standpoint, I understand that if fewer fishermen were around there would be less legislative interest in protecting the resource.
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Grasping the complexity of the problem only leaves me with one possible solution: to be honest. I will be honest about refusing to write about some fishing areas. I will be honest when describing the areas I do wish to share. Specifically for the purpose of this article, I will be honest in describing what a horrific traffic jam Cockroach Bay can be on the weekends. There is no way to sugarcoat the fact that 110,000 boats are registered in the Tampa Bay region (Hillsborough County, Pinellas County and Manatee County) while only 54 public access boat ramps exist. With those numbers in mind, it’s hard to convince a kayaker with a small aluminum trailer or truck extension to attempt competing with registered flatsboats. Still, deciding to avoid the area altogether doesn’t change anything for the better. The only productive advice I can give is to temper expectations.
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For those who are interested in chasing big redfish around the mangroves of Cockroach Bay, there is a very good chance you will find them. Red mangroves are littered throughout the keys of Cockroach Bay providing shelter for great populations of large redfish and snook. Though they are pressured hard during the weekends, chasing them with artificials during the week can be fruitful. Free-lining shrimp or greenbacks around ambush zones in the mangroves is effective no matter the tide or time of day. All in all, Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve contains large numbers of redfish and snook. The availability of these fish and the breathtaking beauty of the everglades-like mangrove channels make this preserve ideal for a day out on the water. Unfortunately, most fishermen around western Florida think so too.
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New Kayak Fishing Book Review
Kayak Fishing
the Northern Gulf Coast By Ed Mashburn
It’s not easy finding and getting to fishing spots that are strange to us, but a new guide from a veteran kayak angler helps kayak folks from other areas find their way along the Gulf Coast region- a bucket-list fishing place for many anglers. This new guide examines in detail the coastal regions of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisianasome of the best kayak fishing waters in the world. Kayak anglers from the Midwest and Texas are well within driving distance of the area covered in this book. With the aid of this guide, kayak anglers can find great fishing and easy access to the waters of the Gulf Coast. From redfish, speckled trout, flounder and other inshore game fish to blue water species such as mackerel, tarpon, dolphin fish, and even billfish off the beaches of the area, this book provides specific information about where, when, and how to find and catch some great fish for kayak anglers. As well as fishing information, Kayak Fishing the Northern Gulf Coast advises anglers where to stay and where to eat while staying on the coast. Detailed driving instructions for all the specific fishing locations are provided. The author, Ed Mashburn, is a long-time resident and kayak angler on the Gulf Coast, and he is a frequent contributor to Southern Kayak Fishing Magazine. The book is soft-cover 176 page format, and it features 198 color photosplenty of note-taking space is provided in the book. Published by Schiffer Press, Kayak Fishing the Northern Gulf will be on sale at all bookstores and many coastal outdoors supply outlets. Price is $24.99, and signed copies can be obtained from the author by contacting him at edmashburn@aol.com.
RIVER THROUGH ATLANTA CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER GUIDE SERVICE
RiverThroughAtlanta.com
710 Riverside Rd., Roswell, GA 30075 770-650-8630
Kayak Hacks
Paddle Comfort a 64 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2018
E
ven though pedaled kayaks are becoming more and more popular, there is always a situation requiring a paddle – pushing off from the shore or just struggling through weeds. Also, with large pedal drive units taking up more and more space, off the floor tackle organization solutions become more critical.
and Space Savers July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 65
The Problem: Paddle Drip
In a traditional paddled kayak, the angler sits on the floor, close to the water, using a flat stroke that keeps the drip ring over the water. With the raised seats common to pedal kayaks, the angler is elevated, and the stroke reaches higher to the vertical; causing water to run down the shaft into the boat and onto the fisherman. While being wet is never comfortable, it is even more important to stay dry in cold weather.
The Solution: Duct Tape
Yes! The all-American solution applies here. As water travels, it follows the bottom rim of the blade to the shaft. While a drip ring helps, it is not useful when the paddle is raised high. Water just runs right over the collar and down the shaft. The solution is to interrupt the movement of water on the blade and keep it off the shaft. Grab a 1” x 5” piece of duct tape and attach it at the bottom bend of the blade within a few inches of the shaft. When water moves down the edge, it hits the duct tape which diverts it 90° towards the water, minimizing what reaches the shaft. Stay dry! Here’s the video showing the system in action: https://youtu.be/yc7g0cGr4Rc 66 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2018
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The Problem: Slippery Paddles and Blisters
On a long trip, it is easy for wet hands to rub the paddle shaft; eventually causing blisters or patches of raw, tender skin. While wearing paddle gloves solves the problem, they are hot and clammy in the summer and cold and wet in winter.
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The Solution: Tennis Racket Grip Tape
Learn a lesson from tennis players and add inexpensive tennis handle grip tape for around $9 to your paddle. The tape prevents the hand from sliding on the paddle – avoiding blisters - while allowing the hands to stay comfortably dry. Just paddle as you usually would, mark where your hands fall on the shaft and wrap the tape in those locations… a five-minute job at most! Here’s the video: https://youtu.be/VGh-5GXiqLg
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The Problem: Flexible Tool Storage
Let ’s face it. Unless you buy a huge, heavy kayak, space is a premium; floor space in particular when a bulky pedal drive demands plenty of the precious real estate. Also, premium kayak seating has evolved from small, uncomfortable perches to the outdoor equivalent of a La-Z-Boy – large and plush. The high backs on current chairs restrict rearward reach; making the angler twist, turn and contort to grab anything stored in the stern.
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The Solution: PVC Tool Pouch Holder
Put critical items on a turntable! Make one of the simple PVC gear head adapters we discussed in the November 2015 issue. Create an “L” out of PVC – two straight pieces, a 90° elbow and an end cap. Insert the “L” into the gearhead adapter, and you have the swivel mechanism in place. Slide a simple tool pouch onto it to hold the items you use most frequently. When needed, pivot the “L” forward. Avoid the leather models since they will not dry out quickly. Video showing the concept: https://youtu.be/dc-fnl6opO You can also check these videos for detailed instructions on how to make the gear head - option 1: https://youtu.be/In_nSEh1upw and option 2: https:// youtu.be/jtimgD6v_3s July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 71
The Problem: Quick Rig Access and Dry Storage
There’s nothing worse than having to dig in a tackle box to get a hot lure or pre-tied rig when you are in a hurry to target a fish. Likewise, when you want to switch, it’s not a good idea to put a wet rig back in storage where it will rust.
Note: For these as well as previous hacks, visit the “KayakHacksFishing” YouTube Channel to see videos with specifics on how to implement each suggestion.
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The Solution: Pool Noodle Rig Rack
Create a small “rig rack” to hold rigs and lures. This is a variation to the tool pouch idea. Create a PVC gear head track adapter, attach a 90° elbow to it and stuff a 6 to 8-inch piece of PVC pipe into the elbow. Get one of the thin pool noodles and cut off a bit to fit over the tube. Hook used or planned to use rigs and lures into the pool noodle. You can rotate the rig rack out of the way when needed. Here’s the video: https://youtu.be/ESR5buLSbQU
Disclaimer: Do not apply any suggestion if it will ruin the appearance, function or structural integrity of your kayak. You are solely responsible for determining if the above ideas are appropriate for your boat and the author and publisher disclaim any responsibility for your actions and decisions. July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 73
SUMMER BREAM
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M PRIMER II
f you are reading this magazine,
f you magoddsare are reading you live this in what I call azine, odds are you live the “Bream Belt.” We’ve all in what I call thebelt, “Bream heard of the cotton and the Belt.” We’ve heard black belt, butall odds are of youthe have cotton belt,of the andbream the belt. black never heard That’s because just invented In my belt, butI odds are youit.have opinionheard the bream anywhere never of belt the isbream in southern waters where belt. That’s because I justthe some species is the most invented it. ofInsunfish my opinion prominent of gamefish. the bream species belt is anywhere Thatsouthern includes the Ogeechee River in waters where in southern Georgia where bright the some species of sunfish blue colored redbreast bream are is the most prominent spedominant, to the deep mountain cies of gamefish. That inlakes of Western North Carolina cludes the Ogeechee River where shellcrackers as bit as dinner in southern Georgia where plates ply 30 to 40 foot drop offs. brightJustblue red-can about colored anywhere you breast bream are dominant, fish from a kayak, the water is full of to the deep mountain lakes bream. They may score way behind of North the Western largemouth and Carolina smallmouth bass, stripers and walleye, where shellcrackers asbut bitfor dependability and rescuing day40 trips as dinner plates ply 30 to on the water, nothing compares to foot drop offs. spunky,about bantamweight weight these Just anywhere battlers, tenure you canthis fishincludes from atheir kayak, in awater bacon isgreased skillet. the full of iron bream. recently past spring They The may score way behind season is tops for catching bream, the largemouth and smallbut unlike crappie that seem to mouth bass, stripers and disappear following the bedding walleye, but forand dependabilactivity, bluegill most sunfish ity and rescuing day onand hold true to their earliertrips habits the water, nothingaccessible compares remain remarkably to the to these spunky, skills of even casual bantamyak anglers. weight They areweight can bebattlers, taken onthis easily includes their a ba- or obtained live baittenure such asincrickets red wigglers, oriron fly fished on popping con greased skillet. bugs are enticed with spinners.
July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 77
No one ever complained about the
The recently past spring seastruggle put by a bull green sunfish. Pound sonpound, is tops for tenacious catching little bream, but to these battlers unlikethan crappie that seem to disapmore hold their. Furthermore that pear following the bedding activity, notorious spiny ray dorsal fin has been the bluegill ofand most true undoing many largersunfish predatorshold that made to their earlier habits and aremain the mistake on tying to shallow sunfish remarkably accessible to the head first rather that tail first. It isskills not uncommon to find large floatingThey dead of even casual yak bass anglers. in strangled first size bluegill. area pond can be taken on onaeasily obtained Granted may not happen a or lot,red but wigonce live baititsuch as crickets is all it takes break aon bass from sucking glers, or flytofished popping bugs eggs as my Uncle Homer used to remind us. are enticed with spinners. Some areas most common of No one everthecomplained about sunfish, the bluegill by farsunthe the struggle put bybream, a bull is green dominant species. The bluegill is noted for fish. Pound to pound, these tenathe black spot that it has on the posterior cious little battlers more than hold edge of the gills and base of the dorsal their. Furthermore fin. Bluegills can grow that up to notorious 12 inches spiny ray dorsal fin has been unlong and can reach about 4 1â „2 the pounds. doinghave of many larger predators that They very distinctive coloring, with madeblue theand mistake on the tying shaldeep purple on facetoand gill low a dark sunfish head first bands ratherdown that cover, olive-colored tail first. is anot uncommon find the side, It and fiery orange to toyellow belly. are omnivores will large The bassfish floating dead in and a pond eat anything on theyacan fit in theirbluegill. mouth. strangled first size The it may shellcracker is aa lot, widely Granted not happen but distributed cousin of the a bluegill. once is allclose it takes to break bass The redear sunfish generally resembles from sucking eggs as my Uncle Hothe mer bluegill used toexcept remindforus.coloration and somewhat larger size.the The redear sunfish Some areas most common also has faint vertical bars traveling of sunfish, the bluegill bream, is by downwards from its dorsal. It is darkfar the dominant species. The bluecolored dorsally and yellow-green gill is noted for the spot edge that ventrally. The male has ablack cherry-red it has on the posterior the on its operculum; females edge have of orange gills and base the dorsal fin.fish Bluecoloration in thisofarea. The adult are gills can20grow upcm to(7.9 12 and inches long between and 24 9.4 in) in and can reach pounds. length. Max lengthabout is 17.0 4in,1â „2 compared to haveofvery distinctive coloring, aThey maximum about 16 in for the bluegill.
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July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 79
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The redbreast sunfish is a species of fish in purple the sunfish that withfreshwater deep blue and on thefamily face and is native the river systems of eastern gill itcover, darkto olive-colored bands down andathe United States. The redbreast theCanada side, and fiery orange to yellow belly. sunfish reaches a maximum recorded length The fish are omnivores and will eat anyof they aboutcan 12 in), maximum recorded thing fit inwith theira mouth. .7 lb. The species prefers distributvegetated weight The of shellcracker is a widely and rocky pools and lake margins for its ed close cousin of the bluegill. The redear habitat. Its diet can include insects, snails, sunfish generally resembles the bluegill and other small invertebrates. The redbreast except for coloration and somewhat largbream found in the Deep South are a er size. Thepale redear sunfish faint brilliant, blue flanks arealso largerhas member vertical traveling downwards from its of thebars species are regarded as true trophies. dorsal. ItThe is green dark-colored dorsally sunfish is native to a and wide yelarea low-green ventrally. The male has a cherof North America east of the Rocky Mountains, ry-red on its females fromedge the Hudson Bayoperculum; basin in Canada, to the have orange in thisand area. The Gulf Coast incoloration the United States, northern Mexico. Theybetween are specifically indigenous to a adult fish are 20 and 24 cm (7.9 andMax riverslength such asisthe Great andnumber 9.4 in)ofinlakes length. 17.0 in, Lakes andtosome of the basins the Mississippi compared a maximum of of about 16 in for River. Green sunfish have been introduced to the bluegill. of water all across the United many Thebodies redbreast sunfish is a species of States, so are frequently encountered. The freshwater fish in the sunfish family that sunfish is blue-green in color on its back it isgreen native to the river systems of eastern and sides with yellow-flecked bony-ridged Canada and the United States. The redscales, as well as yellow coloration on the breast sunfish reaches a maximum recordventral sides. The gill covers and sides of head ed length of about in),stripes, with acausing maximum have broken bright12 blue some recorded weight of .7 lb. The species preto mistakenly confuse them with bluegill. fersThey vegetated rocky also haveand a dark spotpools locatedand nearlake the margins forofitsthehabitat. Itsthe diet canofinclude back end dorsal fin, bases the anal insects, andearother invertefins.[4]snails, and on the plate. Itsmall has a relatively brates. The redbreast breamthat found in the big mouth and long snout extends to beneath of thepale eye.blue Theflanks green Deep Souththe aremiddle a brilliant, a maximum recordedare length aresunfish larger reaches member of the species reof about 12 in, with a maximum recorded garded as true trophies. of 2.2 sunfish lb. Identification weight The green is native of to asunfish wide species fromAmerica one another sometimes area of North east can of the Rocky be difficult as these species frequently Mountains, from the Hudson Bay basin in hybridization and colors vary widely.
July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 81
The toadult warmouth the States, Canada, the Gulf Coast resembles in the United missing like between bream andare bass, both and northern Mexico. They specifically inof which are are dark, digenous to asunfish. numberThey of lakes and with rivers such a mottled brown coloration. Its ofbelly is as the Great Lakes and some the basins of generally golden, and the male has a brightthe Mississippi River. Green sunfish have been orange spot to at many the base of theof dorsal introduced bodies water fin. all across Three to five reddish-brown streaks radiate the United States, so are frequently encounfrom the eyes, and the gill flaps are often red. tered. The green sunfish is blue-green in color It has three spines in the anal fin, 10 spines on its back and sides with yellow-flecked boin the dorsal fin, and small teeth are present ny-ridged scales, as yellow on the tongue. These as fishwell can grow to over coloration 12 on the ventral sides. The gill covers and inches (31 cm) in length, and weigh up to 2.25sides of head have broken are bright bluethroughout stripes, causing pounds. Warmouth found some to the mistakenly them with much of south in confuse the Mississippi Riverbluegill. They also have dark located near the drainage, from the aGulf andspot Atlantic coasts back end of thetodorsal fin, the bases of the anal and northward the Chesapeake Bay, and westwardand throughout to the Rio Grande, fins.[4] on the Texas ear plate. It has a relatively and mouth northward Greatthat Lakes basin to bebig andinto longthesnout extends area. The highlyThe aggressive neath the warmouth middle of isthea eye. green sunfish and hardyafish, and theyrecorded can live in ponds,of about reaches maximum length lakes, backwaterrecorded streams and can of 2.2 12 in,rivers, with aand maximum weight often survive in streams with species low oxygen lb. Identification of sunfish from one levels where other species of sunfish cannot. another can sometimes be difficult as these Pumpkinseeds can grow up to 11 in but species frequently hybridization and colors typically weigh less than 1 pound, with the vary widely. world record being 1 pound 6 ounces. They are orange, The adult the missgreen,warmouth yellow or resembles blue in color, ing between and bass, withlike speckles over bream their sides and backboth and aof which are sunfish. Tbreast hey are a mottled brown yellow-orange anddark, belly. with The coloration coloration. Itsscales bellyof isthegenerally golden, and of the ctenoid pumpkinseed is the has avibrant bright-orange spot atfish the base one male of the most of any freshwater of fin.anThree to five reddish-brown andthe can dorsal range from olive-green or brown to bright orange andfrom blue. the The eyes, sides are covered streaks radiate and the gill flaps withoften vertical barsItthat a faint green or are red. hasare three spines in blue, the anal fin, which are typically more prevalent female 10 spines in the dorsal fin, andinsmall teeth are pumpkinseeds They have aThese small body that grow to present on the tongue. fish can is shaped much like pumpkinseed, over 12 inches (31 that cm)ofinalength, and weigh up giving them their common name.throughto 2.25 pounds. Warmouth are found Pumpkinseeds are very similar to the bluegill, out much of the south in the Mississippi River and are often found in the same habitats.
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One difference between
drainage, from the Gulf and Atlantic the two species is their opercular coasts and northward to the Chesaflap. The flap is black in both peake Bay,species, and westward throughout but the pumpkinseed Texas to the Grande, has Rio a crimson spot and in thenorthshape ward into the Lakes on basin of aGreat half-moon thearea. back The warmouth is aofhighly aggressive portion its opercular flap. and hardyPumpkinseeds fish, and they canseven live or in have ponds, lakes, rivers, and backwaeight vertical, irregular bands onand theircan sidesoften that are duller in ter streams survive color compared the bluegill. streams with low oxygen to levels where is not uncommon other species ofIt sunfish cannot. for these sunfishcan found farm Pumpkinseeds growinup to pond. Norweigh is it altogether rare 11 in but typically less than 1 for all major species found in pound, with the world record being in the same waters. 1 pound 6coexist ounces. They are orange, Such situations are delightful green, yellow or blue in color, with for kayak fishermen. One such speckles over their sides and back memorable trip for me was in and a yellow-orange breast belly. eastern Tennessee onand a remoted The coloration of mine the ctenoid scales coal strip pond. Besides all of the pumpkinseed is oneweof the of the bluegill species, caught most vibrant of anyfrom freshwater everything shiners fish and and can range from an olive-green or bass, or crappie and hornyheads brown to bright orange anda blue. The minnows. It was real blast. bluegillwith primer is complete sides are No covered vertical bars few words aboutwhich baits. that are a with fainta green or blue, Number is crickets, are typically moreone prevalent infollowed female by red wigglers and meal bug. pumpkinseeds They have a small spinners work like great,that but body that Micro is shaped much for great fun knotthem a sponge of a pumpkinseed, giving their bug onto a fly rods and thrash common name. Pumpkinseeds are the water. It’ about as much very similar to the bluegill, and are offun as you can legally enjoy. ten found in the same habitats. One difference between the two species is their opercular flap. The flap is black in both species, but the pumpkinseed has a crimson spot in the shape of a half-moon on the back portion of its
July 2018 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 85
opercular flap. Pumpkinseeds have seven or eight vertical, irregular bands on their sides that are duller in color compared to the bluegill. It is not uncommon for these sunfish found in farm pond. Nor is it altogether rare for all major species found in coexist in the same waters. Such situations are delightful for kayak fishermen. One such memorable trip for me was in eastern Tennessee on a remoted coal strip mine pond. Besides all of the bluegill species, we caught everything from shiners and bass, or crappie and hornyheads minnows. It was a real blast. No bluegill primer is complete with a few words about baits. Number one is crickets, followed by red wigglers and meal bug. Micro spinners work great, but for great fun knot a sponge bug onto a fly rods and thrash the water. It’ about as much fun as you can legally enjoy.
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I
A Museum for the Southern Fly Fisherman
t may be easy to think that Kayaks are all pretty similar. Some are wider, some are taller and some have an inordinate amount of bells and whistles. From afar, however, they all look the same. Almost any kayak gives people the opportunity to sit with a single rod and catch a fish. Apart from that, things start to vary significantly. Many people, certainly including fly-fisherman, need a few more options with their kayaks. What if you need to stand up and sight-cast to fish? Just this simple, obvious issue takes a lot of addressing by manufacturers. First off, the kayak must be wide and stable enough to accommodate a large person balancing while standing up. Next comes the gear storage issue. Fly-fishermen are happily high maintenance with regards to the gear they need. Obviously, the rods are significantly longer than what you would use otherwise. My standard spinning rods are 7’ while every one of my saltwater fly rods are 9’. Most fishermen, fly or spin, carry at least two rods with them at all times. A standard rod holder that points the rod in the air behind the fishermen may be fine when you are using a spinning rod, but doesn’t fit the fly-fishing world. Imagine trying to cast to a tailing redfish with a 9-foot hazard directly in the line of your backcast. With the limited space on a kayak, this is not an easy problem to remedy. Apart from the long rods, there are other gear issues. Unless the floor is completely uncluttered (unlikely), fly fishermen need to bring along a strip basket. Fly fishermen also need easier access to their fly boxes and other gear than spin
The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians — originally
located in Cherokee, NC — has a new home in neighboring Bryson City where it shares a building with the Bryson City / Swain County Chamber of Commerce. It’s centrally located on the town square across the street from the visitor center. The Museum is open Monday thru Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and admission is free.
The scope of the museum covers an
area with more than 14,700 miles of accessible trout streams — the nine Southern Appalachian States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama; the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; as well as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Bryson City, NC
PHOTO BY JIM HEAFNER
Through exhibits and videos you’ll
learn about legendary “Stream Blazers,” the evolution of rods and reels, basic knots, fly-tying, types of gear, types of gamefish, regional fishing waters, and the history of fly fishing in the Southeast. Whether you are a long-time fly fisherman, or have only attempted or never tried fly fishing, you will find something to enjoy and to learn from in the museum.
FLY FISHING MUSEUM
OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS
Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians 210 Main Street Bryson City, NC 28713 800-867-9241
FlyFishingMuseum.org
YO U R PL AC E TO CAST OFF O R K I C K B A C K.
The Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina is the perfect place to enjoy Florida’s great outdoors. Spend the day at the beach surf fishing, jet skiing, kayaking and paddle boarding, visit our private marina or go on a fishing charter along the river or deep sea. Soak up the sun by one of our three sparkling pools, play a round on our challenging Ocean Club Golf Course, then catch up over light bites, frozen cocktails and American fare at Sandpiper and Latitudes tiki bars. Whatever your angle, you’ll find a relaxing haven on Hutchinson Island. F O R R AT E S A N D R E S E R V AT I O N S , C A LL 772 . 225. 370 0 O R V I SIT MARRIOT THUTCHINSONISL AND.COM.
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