Inside: Featured Kayak Fishing Destination - St. Joe Bay
Southern Kayak Fishing issue #4
www.sokayakfishing.com
Sept./Oct. 2015
In this Issue:
Going Back to School Kayak Fishing in the Fall
Ride the Bull Tournament So, You Want to Be a Kayak Angler
Yep, it’s just that easy with Western North Carolina’s premier fly shop and guide service. Kevin Howell and his experienced staff have been fishing the surrounding 500 miles of prime trout waters so long, they know all the fish on first name basis. And they’ll be more than happy to make a few introductions.
PISGAH FOREST, NC
GUIDE SERVICES | ONLINE & RETAIL STORE | LESSONS
Editor’s Message
T
here’s no doubt about itwe’re deep into autumn now, even in the South. The winds are sharper, and the leaves are falling- or have already fallen up in the more northerly parts of our region. One of the best things about being a kayak angler in the South is that we don’t have to put our fishing gear away and shut down when the weather turns cool. With proper clothing and gear, it’s not only possible but often very productive to spend time on the water in a kayak fishing in late fall. However, there are some very important things we need to keep in mind at all times. First, is the always crucial use of a personal floatation device. As the water cools, it becomes harder for a swimmer to stay afloat and responsive in case of a roll-over or a slip while entering or exiting a kayak. Have that PFD and wear it! he next important thing about late fall fishing is the necessity of keeping dry. If we’re dry in the ‘yak, we’ll probably be warm. If we get wet, whether from rain or wave action, what might have been a great fishing trip turns into a torture. For every late fall kayak fishing trip, we need to have a complete set of waterproof clothing, and a hooded jacket is good too. We’re all of us different in our response to chilly temperatures, and some kayak anglers can get by in rainy or splashy conditions with a light set of waterproofs. I, on the other hand, don’t handle cold well at all- that’s why I moved to the South from the Midwest- to get away from cold! When I go kayak fishing in chilly conditions, I dig out my neoprene chest waders- the same waders I use for wading when I’m trout fishing in cold, cold trout water. I pull up my waders, and when I get in my kayak for a fishing trip, I know that I will be dry and warm. Of course, the one thing that is absolutely certain for any angler who pulls up full-length waders, is that (continued) December 2015
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fifteen minutes after putting on the waders, he or she will need to use the bathroom- it never fails. That’s just one of the many problems we Editor Ed Mashburn fall anglers have to do with. But the main point is the Edmashburn@aol.com same: Keep dry, keep warm, and Publisher Don Kirk fall kayak fishing can be some of Don@Southerntrout.com the best fishing of the entire year. Assoc.Publisher Cpt. Sean Patrick O’Hara I hope to see you on the Sean@Southerntrout.com water-
Kayak Fishing
Managing Editor Leah Kirk Technical Advisor Tim Perkins Ed Mashburn Editorial Consultant Olive K. Nynne Contributors 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 2015 Southern Unlimited, LLC All rights reserved. 4 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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This Issue Editor’s Letter
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Going Back to School: 10 Kayak Fishing in the Fall Chasing Schooling Hybrid Bass on Lake DeGray How to Get the Kayak from the Vehicle to the Water
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Featured Kayak Shop 28 Fairhope Boat Company Featured Destination 36 St. Joe Bay Quickie Gear Review 52 AirPro Phase 3 Max Seating
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Kayak Hacks 58 Onboard Storage Featured Artist 66 Rex DeGuzman - Videographer Product Review Aqua-Vu - Micro 5 Underwater Camera
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Featured Kayak Review Hobie Pro Angler 14
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Kings from a Kayak 90 Big Time FUN! A Kayak Angler Becomes a Tournament Angler
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Heroes on the Water Paying Back What Is Owed
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Tech Review Bending Branches Paddles
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Effective Smallmouth Bass Lures 128 for River Kayak Anglers Quickie Product Review 138 The Fisherman’s Handy Hook
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So, You Want to Be a Tournament 142 Kayak Angler Monster 3X Concept Lures
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Ride the Bull 2015 Tournament 158 Featured Book Review 160 101 Freshwater Kayak Launching Points
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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.
Lake CalcasieuGets Better and
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ake Calcasieu lies in southwest Louisiana near the Texas border. It’s a massive lake with a wide choice of kayak fishing possibilities ranging from open water shell reef and channel fishing to backwater, bayou type settings. The one thing all of Lake Calcasieu has in common- lots and lots of big, mean, eager to bite fish. Captain Josh Johnson of Triple J Charters is working hard to develop the kayak fishing scene on Lake Calcasieu, and he talked to SKF about the fishing and his plans to offer a guide service tailored to the needs of kayak anglers. Oh, and by the way, Lake Calcasieu is a first-rate fishing destination for kayak anglers- we’ve fished there and caught some fine fish. What Captain Josh Tells Us about Lake Calcasieu Lake Calcasieu is known to many as Big Lake, and it encompasses a vast array of locations that are suitable for kayak fishing. First and foremost kayak anglers are able to drive and launch very near to the area they will be fishing. Regardless of wind conditions, there is always clean, salty, calm water to be found. Turners, Pelican Point, Commissary, Old Settlement and Detonville are a few of the areas on the east side of Big Lake. West Cove and Joe’s Cove are areas on the west side of Big Lake. Captain Josh can help visiting kayak anglers access the best spots for varying conditions. December 2015
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Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder are species of choice here due to their abundance and size. Also these are the fish that most of the tournaments target. These three species are the most palate-pleasing to locals. For special interest to visiting kayak anglers, the trout in Big Lake often push shrimp to the surface and feast on them there. This activity draws flocks of feeding birds, and it’s easy to see where the fish are from watching for diving birds. There are some very large redfish in Big Lake. Kayak anglers can fish near the big channel jetties with live bait or large soft-body jigs and have a lot of fun There is a time during the fighting these bull reds. summer months when live bait may become Many kayak anglers will a necessity to avoid a start out trolling with a scratch. Rod and reel series of baits to cover choice is a preferential different depths to find thing for anglers and what the fish want and makes no impact on where they are. Soft catch, but having a plastics, hard suspending spinning combo is often baits, and top water plugs times a good idea when usually are in the angler’s wind conditions become bag. unfavorable. 12 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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Spring and fall are excellent seasons and will increase chances of bringing in a nice catch. These are also times of the year with more moderate temperatures and more bearable conditions. And these fish are in a transitional stage. In spring and fall, the fish are actively feeding, and they can be much easier to locate and catch.
lake. Safety must come first due to the high traffic the lake has. There’s a lot of commercial barge traffic on Calcasieu, and kayak anglers need to keep an eye open for what’s going on around them. Also, tidal movement could pose a problem if kayakers are in a marshy area and trying As another added feature to get out on an incoming tide. of the Triple J kayak fishing experience, visiting kayak anglers To contact Triple J can stay in the newly charters for more renovated lodge run by Captain Josh. The lodge information: has three bedrooms- two 337-274-0183 baths, and up to nine Triplejchartersllc.com anglers can sleep. This might very well be the A Special Kind of Guide best possible way for a Service for Kayak Anglers group of visiting kayak Captain Josh and Triple J anglers to experience Charters are developing the great fishing at Big a mothership service Lake while not having to for kayak anglers. This travel far to clean up, cool service will allow kayak down from the hot fishing, anglers to quickly access and still be close enough remote fishing locations to the water to go for a while not having to sunset paddle if desired. paddle or peddle their way to these spots. Certain Points of Concern Also, having a full-time to Visiting Kayak Anglers guide leading the kayak Kayak anglers need to fishing expeditions from keep in mind that Big the larger anchored Lake is, in fact, a very big mothership will help anglers unfamiliar with the area much more quickly get into the hot bite. The whole idea of the mothership charter service is that anglers will be taken to places they would not be able to go to or experience without the guide’s help.
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Kayak H
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Hacks P V C By Steve Moore December 2015
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Schedule 40 PVC pipe is the perfect material for kayak customization. It’s inexpensive, easy to work with and, best of all, shade tree mechanic efforts will not result in a hot ball of fire as a “good idea” goes horribly wrong. PVC engineers can cut and adjust the pipe to very specific requirements instead of having to settle for a “one size fits all” commercial product. Note: For these as well as previous hacks, visit the “Kayak Hacks” YouTube Channel to see videos with specifics on how to implement each suggestion organized into playlists for each issue of the magazine. The Problem: Fish On! That once-in-a-lifetime beast, upset at being hooked, immediately executes evasive maneuvers practiced and refined by years of outfoxing anglers. The most common trick an educated fish employs is to run behind the kayak; causing the angler to twist, turn and thread an erratically jumping rod with a screaming reel between other rods stored vertically in either the built-in holders or those attached to a fishing crate. Many times, the associated gymnastics put slack in the line, allowing the fish to throw the hook. Goodbye trophy and hello another “one that got away story!” 18 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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The Solution: Go horizontal! The only reason most anglers store rods vertically is because the kayak came with built-in rod holders behind the seat designed to hold the rod upright at an angle. Using a milk crate? You probably put the holder on vertically since that is the traditional configuration. Either way, the position creates a fish-losing obstacle course. Instead, leverage the built-in rod holders to hold PVC pipe to reorient the rods from vertical to horizontal. Construction is simple and uses 1” PVC for all components except 1 ¼” PVC for the actual rod holders. Assemble a “U” framework with three “T” connectors sized to span the gap between the built-in holders. If the seat is close, orient the T connectors vertically. If there is a gap (as the picture shows) between the rod holder and the seat, point the T connector towards the seat. Use a hole saw on your drill to drill a 1 1/8” hole to hold the legs of the “U.”
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For the vertical option, cut a short section of PVC pipe and attach a 90° elbow at the top. If going horizontal, assemble another “U” to move the framework within reach as shown in the picture. Attach an adapter to the 90° elbow, increasing the size from 1” to 1 ¼”. Cut a 6 ½” length of 1 ¼” PVC pipe and insert into the adapter. After dry-fitting and marking the joints, apply PVC primer, cement and quickly assemble using the witness marks on the joints. Do not glue the 1 ¼” pipe. To use, place the rod handles into the pipe. At 6 ½”, the rods will stay in place unless navigating exceptionally rough water. To grab a rod, reach behind and grip the 1 ¼” pipe, twist, remove and bring it forward so you can comfortably extract the rod from it. Reinsert the empty piece of pipe. Now, when a fish runs behind the boat, it’s an easy matter to continue to turn with the fish, keeping pressure on without the need to dodge vertical obstacles.
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The Problem: Anchor Storage. There are two problems. The first is safety. When not in use, most anchors end up on the bottom of the boat between the angler’s legs with the rope on top; creating a tangling hazard if the boat tips over. The second problem is specific to sit inside kayaks. Lacking scupper holes, any water introduced into the boat stays there and a dripping anchor provides plenty of liquid to make the inside a wet, miserable mess.
The Solution: Keep the anchor away from your legs and positioned to allow
liquid to drip back into the water, not the boat.
Install a short utility track in back of the seat. Insert a gearhead to hold the anchor hanger. Using ½” PVC, create a “T” and apply an end cap to both sides of the T (only one side if using a spring clip to hold an anchor float as recommended in an earlier issue – pictured. Most clips will not fit over the cap.).
To keep the assembly from spinning in the gearhead, drill a small hole completely through the stem; sized to fit a small nail. The nail should be long enough to fit in the gap between the gearhead notches; creating “stops� to prevent lateral movement. Use JB MarineWeld or other epoxy to glue the nail in place. Do not glue the T into the gearhead. To use the hanger, place the anchor on the capped side of the T and coil the anchor rope on the other. If you created the anchor float, slide the spring clip over the uncapped side. If needed, take a wrap or two around the hanging equipment to hold it in place. The rope is stored safely and water will drip away from the boat; allowing you and your gear to stay dry and rust free.
Kayak Hack Red Flag! After seeing some of the YouTube videos on outriggers made using PVC, I thought it would be a good idea to document how to make one and include the process in this article. Following the general guidance from multiple contributors, I created an outrigger using 1” PVC extending down to ¾” PVC holding 27 inches of pool noodle to provide the necessary counterforce against the water. I attached the assembly to my Scotty rod holders and tested the result in a swimming pool. While this type of outrigger may provide some additional stability while sitting, it is totally UNSAFE if you intend to stand. It does not work! Under pressure, the rod holder gives way and the same twisting force may also destroy the utility track by wrenching it out of its holes. Given the limitation of only being useful when sitting, outriggers are not worth it since they are a hassle to store when not in use. When installed, they interfere with paddling and add wind resistance with the certainty of a tangled line when landing fish. If you are not happy with the stability of your kayak, it would be better to get a more stable boat than rely on this kludge. Check out the video showing the test on the Kayak Hacks channel in the playlist associated with this issue.
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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. Calling all shade tree kayak mechanics! We know the innate all-American creative urge has resulted in many great Do-It-Yourself innovations to improve the basic kayak platform or provide cost effective alternatives to commercial products. If you have an idea to share in a future issue, send a description and a picture or two. If you already captured your idea on YouTube, just send the link with permission to use images extracted from the video. Everything goes to Steve Moore at Steve@kayakhacks.com. Check out the Kayak Hacks YouTube channel for project ideas.
TM
A simple and effective system to get your bead on.
www.ontheflyproducts.com
made in the u.s.a.
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featured kayak shop
FAIRHOPE BO
J
ust a short five minute drive from the usually calm waters of Mobile Bay, Fairhope Boat Company offers Gulf Coast kayak anglers a full range of kayaks, parts, accessories, and repairs, and it’s been doing these things for a long time.
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OAT COMPANY
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Tony Chavers, owner of the shop, and David Kellett, long time employee of Fairhope Boat Company provide a vast range of experience and knowledge in helping anglers choose the bestsuited kayak for individual kayak needs. Southern Kayak Fishing’s editor takes his kayaks to Fairhope Boat Company for service and repairs, and we talked with the good folks at Fairhope Boat Company at their shop, about how they offer needed help to the kayak community in the Deep South. Here’s what the Fairhope Boat Company folks told us. By the way, the repairs done on our old been-through-the-wars Hobie were done on time, and were very reasonably priced. These are good folks for a kayak angler to know. SKF- So, Why is the Mobile Bay area a special place for kayak anglers? David- First, we’ve got one of the largest delta areas in the United States right here. Next, we offer kayak anglers such a wide range of fishing conditions. We have access to the Gulf, we have brackish water in the Delta, and we have totally freshwater father up the Delta. WE can put kayak anglers on anything from totally salt water to totally fresh. SKF- How has kayak angling grown in the last decade? David- Oh, my gosh! Ten years ago, it was starting to grow a little, but recently, since most major kayak builders are geared up toward producing angling boats- it has exploded. Kayak fishing tournaments have helped draw attention to the sport. It comes down to the fact that you can do kayak angling for so much less money than a powerboat.
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featured kayak shop SKF- How long has your shop been in business? Tony- We’ve been in boat sales for over 31 years. We’ve been selling kayaks for over twenty years. The store started when I took $100 to the banks and started an account. We started with sailboats, and then moved into kayaks. SKF- How important is it for Fairhope Boat Company to be a fullservice shop? David- We’re the only kayak shop in the immediate area, so it’s very important. We offer education with our products. We do this to survive. We rig and repair anglers’ kayaks, and we get to know our customers. We get a lot business by word of mouth. We take care of our customers- they take care of us. SKF- How many novice kayak anglers come in your store? David- Every day new guys come in. Lots of folks buy a low-end kayak at a big box store, and then they come to us for advice. October 2015
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SKF-What do you offer beginning kayak anglers in advice, support, and instruction? David- We offer our starting-out anglers everything from help in choosing their first kayak, and we do demonstrations for Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association- the local kayak club. We do some rigging lessons, and we teach self-rescue skills to our beginners. SKF- What are some of the brands of kayaks you carry? David- We carry Hobie, Wildey, Jackson, Native, Old Town, Ocean Kayak, and Perception- and many other specialty kayaks. We also have a very full range of kayak fishing accessories. We try to carry everything a kayak angler will need. SKF- How do you attract and keep kayak anglers as your customers? David- We get lots of customers by word of mouth from other satisfied customers. We really try to take care of all of our customers. Of course, we have our web page and Facebook. Basically, we provide good service- that’s what we strive for. Tony- We treat ‘em right. That’s what people want. They don’t want extra burden. Kayak anglers are willing to pay a good price for good service. 30 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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SKF- Do you see any trends in kayak fishing in the Mobile Bay area? David- People are going for more comfort and more stability in their fishing kayaks. They’re looking for more comfortable seating. Anglers want to be comfortable while sitting and then be able to move around. Tony- We are seeing more and more lady kayak anglers- this is really starting to boom here around Mobile Bay. SKF- What would you like to convey to our readers on a personal level about your shop? Tony- I want them all to come see what we’ve got. People are still surprised at what products we carry. I promise, they will be surprised. I can’t tell you how many times we have new folks come in, look around, and find what they have been looking for. They say,” We should have come here first!” We hear this a lot.
Fairhope Boat Company 702 N. Section Street Fairhope, Alabama 36532 251-928-3417 www.fairhopeboat.com October 2015
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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 destination
Featured De St. Joe Bay On this perfect morning, the sun is still below the horizon, and the air retains much of the previous night’s coolness. There’s not a breath of wind, so the surface is glass-smooth- except where some small thing tries to escape from some big thing. I gingerly stand up in my kayak as it floats over the grassy bottom. I’ve decided to start the day with my fly rod. I make a decent cast- these things do happen sometimes- and the water rings move away from the large white and silver crease fly. I pop the fly once, twice, and then the peace and calm of the morning is gone in a violent topwater strike from a big fish. It might be a big speckled trout. It might be a nice Spanish mackerel; it might be a strong redfish. Heck, it might even be a tarpon. It really doesn’t matter to me what kind of fish I’ve hooked from my kayak, because I’m having a ball fishing in a very special place- St. Joe Bay on the Forgotten Coast of Florida.
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By Ed Mashburn
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A Special Place for Kayak Anglers
Some places just seem to be designed and made for kayak fishing. St. Joe Bay is one of these places. Picture about thirty square miles of clear water, lush green grass beds, rampant bird and other animal life to be seen- oh, and picture lots and lots of big, strong, aggressive fish to be caught. This is St.Joe Bay. St. Joe Bay is not hard to find and get to- it’s on famous old Highway 98 in northwest Florida- south of the congestion and high-speed antics of drivers on I-10. The bay lies about thirty miles east of Panama City, and there’s literally nothing east of St. Joe Bay- except good fishing along the Forgotten Coast of Florida. This is not a place of bright lights and amusement parks like much of coastal Florida- this is the real deal for kayak anglers. 36 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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The Bay Itself - a Treasure
The water in St. Joe Bay is clear. There are no feeder streams to muddy up the water after heavy rains, and the grass beds help keep the water sparkling clear. This makes for some excellent sight fishing. The bay tends to be deeper to the west toward the point of Cape San Blas which protects the bay from the rough wave action of the Gulf. The eastern end of the bay- that’s the side that Hwy 98 and County Road 30A run along- tends to be quite shallow,
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and easy for kayak access. There are several good boat ramps at Port St Joe, Presnell’s Marina, the free kayak launch on the Cape San Blas Peninsula, and at the state park which occupies most of the peninsula. Kayak anglers can almost always find a protected shore for easy launches.
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And the Fishing? Superb
St. Joe Bay offers some of the best speckled trout on the Gulf Coast. Some truly large- seven pound and bigger- specks are regularly caught here. Schools of redfish ranging from puppy drum size to full-grown bull reds constantly sweep across the grass fields and sandy potholes. For those who like really good eating fish, flounder are found by fishing slowly across the sandbars and potholes which clearly show up as light colored patches mixed in the darker bottom of the grass beds. It’s not uncommon for cobia to be hooked, and sometimes caught, in the deeper waters where the sandbars and grass beds fall off. Oh, yes. There are some very large sharks in St Joe bay, and hooking a good sized shark from a kayak is a great way to go on a kayak sleigh ride- until the shark bites through the leader.
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Anglers with stand-up kayaks can have a ball drifting across the grass beds and casting to fish with spinning, level wind, or fly gear. Here’s a hint: At St Joe Bay, it’s easier to see the shadow of the fish in the clear water than to see the fish itself. Look for indistinct dark patches moving across the bottom- that’s probably a fish.
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Other Attractions to the Bay In addition to the great fishing, St Joe Bay is one of the places in Florida which has an open scalloping season. In summer, kayak anglers can fish early and late in the day with great success, and when the sun is high enough for good seeing in the water, angler can go snorkeling for a bag of delicious scallops. Kayaks equipped with “diver down” flags are very effective scalloping craft.
A wide range of wildlife calls St Joe Bay home- expect to see porpoises, rays, octopi, and lots of sea turtles in the clear bay water. Above the surface, eagles, ospreys, and water birds of many kinds are common. Also, if you’re a military aircraft enthusiast, Tyndall Air Force Base is close at hand, and it’s very common to see the latest Air Force craft screaming overhead on landing approach to the base.
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Staying at the Bay
There are a number of good, clean motels in the small town of Port St Joe, and there are a couple of grocery stores which provide for camper’s and kayaker’s needs. Some first-rate restaurants are in the area, and some of the best fresh seafood to be found anywhere is here. For kayakers who are also campers, the state park at Cape San Blas offers some good arrangements, and water access at the park is great. Just out from the marina at Eagle Harbor are some very good grass beds which always hold fish.
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Live bait and needed fishing gear is easily found at a number of good local bait and tackle shops at Port St. Joe and on the road leading to the State Park.
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What you won’t find at St Joe Bay is high-rise condos, strip malls, amusement parks, and crazy people. This place seems to be locked in a time-warp so that kayak anglers can drive along the bay until a suitable roadside parking spot is located, the kayak unloaded and slid into the clear water, and some fish caught. If that sounds like a good kayak fishing spot to you, perhaps a visit is in order. October 2015
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Developed by fly fishermen, a southern made, light-weight, easy to use device that will retrieve most flies snagged within reach of your fly rod and extended arm. Made from high-grade, stainless steel with a handle assuring extreme water resistance, it provides toughness and strength for exerting great cutting forces without breaking.
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tech gear review
C
onfluence’s announcement of the Air Pro Max seating with a “revolutionary” height adjustment system (in an industry full of the latest and greatest seats) might be compared with the Babe “calling his shot.” There was lot of hype that added to the anticipation, and then there was a slight delay with the unveiling. It seemed as if the mighty “Babe” might just strike out. But Confluence came through with a towering drive right out of the park!
How You Sit Is Important! Reviewed by: Tim Perkins
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tech gear review I am one of those guys who researches a product before making a purchase. I am also that old-school guy that, until I try it for myself, or as I like to say “tank test” it, I'm not really sold. My competitive kayaks, or tools, are very simple and efficient. I'm not the guy hooked on gadgets. I'm the fisherman who uses a hand full of proven products. I've won a national championship, finished runner-up in another national championship, and won more river tournaments than anybody in this country, so old-school has merit to me. Now, with that being said, I try to be open-minded enough to research new products that just might make my “A Team”. As our sport grows, a lot of great equipment keeps coming forth. My boat of choice for big water application is the versatile Ride 115x 2014 model. The Phase 3 Air Pro Max became available six months after the purchase of my Ride. These seats were designed to fit not only new Ride Series boats but fit Ride models made in 2012-2014 as well. The seat retailed around $300. I saw a lot of great reviews; I saw a lot of rage over this revolutionary seat; I also saw it win the People’s Choice award. My old-school thought process began to kick in. Other companies have had elite seating for a few years. What was so great about trying to reinvent the wheel?
I had to see it for myself and test this newfangled gadget. I contacted Confluence. Right off the bat, and (surprise number one) they give the best customer service ever! It was above and beyond expectation. Within three days a box arrived on my porch around 8 pm. I ripped the box open and ran out to my parked Ride 115x to see if it fit my 2014 model. My thinking was that if a company made a product to fit new as well as older models, then it was probably a just-getting-by patch. I expected that it wouldn't fit correctly, and work effectively. Not the case with this. To my pleasant surprise, it fit like a glove. I had been seriously worried, and tournament season started the following week. I decided the perfect setting to conduct my test of the of the Phase 3 Air Pro Max would be the 2015 KBF Tournament on Kentucky Lake. I'd not seen any reviews in a tournament setting, so why not use the largest kayak tournament in the country as your test site? Talk about pressure! This is the largest and most demanding tournament of the year. I found myself surprised above and beyond in many areas. October 2015
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Findings
Pros
• The customer service was outstanding! • It fit my older Ride 115x 2014 model like a glove. • It met my three criteria for construction: fabric, contour, and… • Adjustment. This one feature is, to me, what made the reinventing so sweet. On day one of the competition, there were 4-foot waves and a heavy current. I needed my seat in a low position to paddle those conditions to get to my fishing area. Adjustment from high to low or to recline did not require unfastening the seat straps. • Fail-proof durability in materials and workmanship • Low maintenance operation. All I need is something that needs one second more of my attention. Know the feeling? At the test site I experienced high wind, a lot of rain, mud… a lot of variables that demand a lot of attention. • “Fishability.” I am a fisherman first. My kayak is a tool and a vehicle. I determine fishability by how effective I am able to fish using the product. I can’t be fighting my equipment while I'm fishing. In order to be fair I know I must find something negative! 52 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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tech gear review
Cons
I wonder why they did not have a way to put raised legs on the seat so I could use it in my Living Room. My kids love watching television in my Phase 3 Air Pro Max. The Phase 3 Air Pro Max performed under rigorous conditions and hands down made my starting lineup. Just like the Babe, I really do think Confluence hit a home run with this seat. They did manage to reinvent the wheel in a tough market. No other seat has the same seat adjustment capabilities with such ease. October 2015
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January 2015
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Kayak Hacks Unless you are a minimalist, it was inevitable… the collision with experience. How do you fit all your stuff within the constrained deck space of the typical kayak? While playing “Twister” on a tippy boat to grab a lure may unleash your inner contortionist and might land you a gig at Cirque du Soleil, there are easier solutions more compatible with Southern physiques.
The Problem: Easily accessible, space efficient storage containers for
lures and other supplies.
While the YakAttack BlackPak is a cool, high-end solution with 2,112 cubic inches of storage and 50 different rod holder positions, it costs $125; forcing consideration of other options while you save up. At the other end of the cost universe, a traditional plastic tackle box with a few interior trays and lid storage goes for around $20. The ability to pop open the compartments on top is nice, but expanding the included trays gets in the way of rod holders or, if jammed between your legs, puts items on the top tray out of reach. “Milk crates” are equally cheap at around $5, but expose your gear to the elements and loss if you dump your boat. Select a toolbox to fit the open space in back of the seat. 56 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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- Onboard Storage The Solution:
Repurpose a cheap, plastic toolbox (the one pictured cost $11) or any other fully enclosed storage container. Advantages include protected storage, floats for a bit if kept closed and may be secured to the kayak using the handle. Many toolboxes feature the same readily accessible small compartments on the lid found on tackle boxes, but recycle the included tray since it will just get in the way. In addition to standard lure boxes for hooks, egg sinkers and swivels, use colored pencil boxes to organize the contents. When needed, it is easy to turn and grab a colorcoded box with one hand to avoid rooting through randomly shuffled loose contents.
While a milk crate may be the traditional way to store gear, office supply stores have a wide variety of covered containers. All float better than a milk crate!
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The Problem: Obtaining access to frequently used items without needing to twist, turn or dig in a storage container behind the seat.
The Solution (1):
Attach the fanny pack you bought in a moment of weakness and were too embarrassed to ever wear (or get one from your parents) to the front of the seat and stuff it full of the items you use most frequently. If your seat has a frame, thread the pack strap through the frame and tighten. Add a few cable ties, pulling against the main body of the pack for additional tension. Run some white lithium grease along the zipper to delay corrosion and binding. When using, crease the top to create a spot to hold a small item (scissors, pliers, etc.). No frame? Default to the next solution.
The Solution (2): Partner a
small plastic toolbox with lid storage (the one pictured cost five dollars without the 20% off coupon) with a larger one behind seat or, if you are a minimalist, use by itself. The box should be small enough to sit flat on the hull and not touch your legs. While you could tie a cord to the handle to keep from losing it if your kayak turns over, you should NOT do that since the cord could become tangled with your leg and pull you into trouble. Better to lose the few items than risk a more serious consequence. Besides, if you keep the box closed, it will float for a bit. 58 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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The Solution (3): For rigid items
such as pliers, braid scissors, fishing knife or hook extractor, attach a strip of two inch Velcro (available by the yard at fabric stores - and yes… they do admit guys) to the inside bulkhead and use it to hold tools in place by wrapping the fabric over the tools. Do not use narrower Velcro since it is not strong enough to grip pliers and other larger tools.
Glue the Velcro to a 1 ¾” strip of thin PVC available from the molding section of any home improvement store. Do not try to glue the Velcro directly to the boat since epoxy (includes normal epoxy, Marine Goop and JB Marineweld) does not grip the material most kayaks are made from for more than a trip or two. Bolt or use self-tapping screws to attach the PVC to the kayak anywhere within easy reach while avoiding places where your legs will rub against the tools.
The Solution (3b): To avoid making holes in your boat, cut a long section of ½”
PVC pipe, two short sections and two elbows. Cut the short sections to height while allowing enough length to insert them into either a gear head track adapter or mounting bracket (both options pictured, but use two of the same). Glue the Velcro to the PVC molding, assemble the PVC pipe frame and either glue (using plastic epoxy) or use self-tapping screws to attach the strip to the frame. Position the utility track behind the front edge of the seat to avoid interfering with paddling. Mount the gear heads/mounting brackets and insert the frame. Since ½” PVC fits loosely, wedge additional material (end of a thick cable tie works) into the gaps October 2015
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to lock it in place. If using the mounting bracket instead of a track adapter, leverage the hole in the bracket to insert a small bolt through the PVC to make sure the section does not pull out.
The Solution (4):: If you are reluctant to attach anything to your kayak, and have a
strap connecting the seat bottom to the seat back, use the strap to hold anything with a Tell me your goals for belt clip. the outing, ask all the you want The picture shows the strap holding a pair of pliers thatquestions came in a holster. You could also use a retractable gear tether for lightweight items.and learn all you can. I specialize in coaching conventional and y ďŹ shing techniques on Texas lakes and rivers.
Exchange stress for relaxation, fun and memories.
Disclaimer: Do not apply any suggestion if it will ruin the appearance,Boat, functionKayak 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 (210) 77 any responsibility for your actions and decisions. www.TeachE Calling all shade tree kayak mechanics! We know the innate all-American creative urge has resulted in many great Do-It-Yourself innovations to improve the basic kayak platform or provide cost effective alternatives to commercial products. If you have an idea to share in a future issue, send a description and a picture or two. If you already captured your idea on YouTube, just send the link with permission to use images extracted from the video. Everything goes to Steve at Steve@kayakhacks.com. 60 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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Whether you ďŹ sh with family, friends, colleagues - or if you are new to the sport come and be my honored guest on the water.
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featured artist
Rex DeGuzmanVideographer Editor’s Note- I’ve enjoyed watching Rex DeGuzman’s videos of kayak fishing and other subject for some time. I was able to contact him, and get some information about his work and his goals. Rex is a good guy who does some very good work. Here’s our interview with Rex.
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featured artist
1. What was your first kayak fishing experience? Did it make you decide to go into kayak fishing? I never fished from a kayak until I got one. I found myself in a kayak like most people - through a natural progression, having grown up fishing ponds and creeks, then fishing from piers and docks, and then wade fishing. Of course, I hitched rides on my buddie’s boats every single time I was invited. I remember when the idea of kayak fishing first hit me. I was wading, slowly creeping along with my bait bucket in tow in waders. It was a hot day and the fishing was slow. In the distance I saw a few kayakers. They had all their stuff in their yaks and they were wading. I immediately saw the benefits - I could cover more water and carry more gear. I could still wade if I wanted too - but I didn’t have to be in the water if I didn’t want to. I am an impulsive guy - so I waited until my tax return and got one. That was a little over three years ago. Kayak fishing opened up a whole new world for me - I know had all this access to waters I had never fished before, new techniques and new scenarios.
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featured artist
2. Why do you make kayak fishing videos? Do you want to make it a business? I got a GoPro just before I got a kayak. I was already making YouTube videos of my life, my family and random things. I just wanted to share my experiences and encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy life and have some adventures. In particular I love making DIY videos. When I first started kayak fishing, I did most of my research on YouTube. I learned most of my builds and or got inspired through other people’s video. When I make a video, I am contributing back to the community that I have learned so much from. Through making videos and building an audience - I quickly began working with different brands from: Garmin VIRB, Hoorag, Logic Lures, Ecoxgear, Werner Paddles and KC Kayaks. Having successfully marketed other people’s products, I decided to launch a positive outdoor apparel and now I’m working developing my own mounts for action cameras. 3. How do you set your equipment up for videoing yourself? I have just about every single mount available on the market, and I am now designing my own. The key to filming yourself and capturing the moment is to have all your cameras within reach and ready to record at a moment’s notice. I don’t use remotes - I like to turn everything on and off manually. I just don’t trust remotes - there is nothing worse than thinking you’re recording and realizing later that you didn’t capture that awesome moment. I have six cameras: one in the front, one on the back, one attached to my net, one attached to my hat, one overhead and one as a spare. If I had only one camera, it would be a hat or head mount. It allows you to control the shot just by turning your head in the direction you want to film. To make truly visually interesting videos - the more angles you have the better. 66 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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featured artist
4. What are problems you have to overcome when recording yourself? The most common problem I had initially, is the same as anyone else out fishing and filming - running out of batteries. I’ll run out of batteries way before I run out of memory. Most people leave their camera running on all the time. Now, unless you catch all your fish in the first two hours, you won’t have any power left for the rest of the trip. My kayak fishing trips go a minimum of 4 hours but generally 6 or 8 hours. All action cameras generally will give you an hour or two of power. Personally, I keep my cameras running for the first two hours, so I can fish uninterrupted. When they lose power, I swap them all out and then I become more selective with what I record. My advice for people is simple, buy a lot of extra batteries. Enough batteries to film the whole day if you want. My second piece of advice is to be selective when you turn your camera on: turn it on when you arrive at a new spot, turn it on when you’re on the fish, turn it on when you have a interesting backdrop, follow your gut when you feel the fishing is about to turn into catching. 68 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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featured artist
5. What is your video equipment? What equipment do you feel is essential for quality video work? I have tested just about every action camera out there and finally found my personal favorite - the Garmin VIRB. I have 6 of them. I like that they have a builtin screen, a giant red slide button and the same video quality as GoPro. It’s easy to use and there is never any doubt as whether it is working or not. They are a bit heavier than GoPros, but in my opinion they are the perfect camera for kayak fishing since you aren’t actually wearing them. They don’t need a waterproof case so they capture great audio. The screen allows you to frame your angles but more importantly you can navigate the menu and adjust settings confidently. Overall, they are just tough, simple and easy to use. I get asked a lot about what video editing software I use. I use Adobe Premiere Pro. Honestly, it’s not about what editing software you use - but how you edit your October 2015
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featured artist
videos. I think what has made my videos interesting and “Watchable” is that I only use the best action clips. As a rule of thumb, I edit out anything that people may fast forward through. Before you go edit a video - go watch some kayak fishing videos and pay attention to what parts you wanted to fast forward through… leave those parts out of your video. Don’t be scared to use short clips, quite frankly - no one wants to watch a video of you reeling in one fish for 5 minutes. Find the best clips in the 5 minutes and make it a 1 or 2 minute video you’ll keep their attention and gain subscribers. 6. What is the place you kayak fished that you enjoyed most? What makes this place special? Louisiana is a special place for me. That’s where I felt everything clicked for me and I built my confidence and knowledge base for marsh and skinny water kayak fishing. Fishing is all about confidence for me. In Louisiana the fishery is so productive you can try out different techniques and methods and build upon your skills. The fish are generally always there - you’ve just got to figure out how to get them to bite. Whether you catch or not - every trip you can guarantee you will learn something, even if it’s finding out what doesn’t work. 7. What’s the place you most want to kayak fish and video? why? For me it’s more about the fish bucket list than the place. I want to catch all types of fish from a kayak. I’ve caught reds, trout, flounder, mahi mahi, king fish, red snapper. Having recently moved to the Navarre area - I’d like to get on some sailfish and cobia. I’d also like to make my way further down Florida and get on some snook and tarpon. Oh, and snakeheads - I wanna get on some snakeheads! 8.What kayaks?Other products do you use in your work? Skinny water fishing is my favorite type of fishing. I feel
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featured artist
at home in the marsh. I have 3 KC Kayaks, and they were designed in the Louisiana marsh specifically for standup sight fishing. If the conditions are ideal, I’ll take them offshore. But generally for offshore - I ride Hobies, mainly tagging along on Tandem Islands. I’ll be getting a Viking 2 + 1 Tandem kayak soon so my wife and I can go chase some pelagics here in Navarre. 9. What makes kayak fishing more rewarding than other kinds of fishing? Kayak fishing provides the best of both worlds - you can cover water but at a speed where you can still see, hear and smell the fish. You’re not running over fish jumping from stop to stop like in a boat. You’re also not moving one step at a time like wade fishing or stuck in one spot like pier or bank fishing. 10. Anything else you’d like to tell our readers about your life as a kayak angler? Kayak fishing changed my life… it has become my life and lifestyle. Through kayak fishing and producing videos I have met life long friends and connected with people from all over the world. Most importantly - I met the love of my life through pursuing my life’s passion. The first time I hung out with my fiancé it was kayak fishing and when I asked her to spend the rest of her life with me it was while kayak fishing. It took me a long time to figure out what inspired me and made me feel alive - kayak fishing and being outdoors did that me. Now, my fiancé and I are taking our love for outdoors and making a career and business out of it. My YouTube videos gave me an audience and a platform to share our LIVELIVE NOW message with the world: Be a DOER. DO things that make you feel alive. Live right NOW. To access Rex’s Video Work: www.youtube.com/rexdelrey www.youtube.com/livelivenowTV October 2015
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REEL-FIN- ADDICT KAYAK FISHING
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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 72 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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quickie product review
O
ne of the most frustrating things about fishing from a kayak-or any way else, for that matter- is that we can’t always tell what’s down there under the surface. We can guess, but wouldn’t it be nice to KNOW what’s down there?
Micro 5 Underwater Camera The Aqua-Vu Micro-5 Underwater Camera system goes a long way toward helping us out. This little camera and viewing pack is compact, simple to operate, and kayak anglers can tell instantly what’s down there- as far down as 100 feet- the length of the camera cable. The camera works well, and best of all- it’s simple. After the battery is charged, all we have to do is open the lid of the monitor, and the unit is turned on and taking real-time video-photos of the world below.
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Recording in Still and Video
The Aqua-Vu Micro 5 system also allows kayak anglers to take still photos and videos. The recorded photos and videos can then be downloaded to a computer. The quality of the videos and stills is quite good for such a tiny camera and lens. There are adjustments in light and zoom which are controllable from the monitor’s control face- no difficulties here.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the System
One of the best elements of the Aqua-Vu Micro 5 System is its size. The whole unit will fit into a pocket of a pair of cargo-pants easily, and for a kayak angler, the small size is valuable. Although the monitor is not waterproof, it is provided with a solid carrying pouch which should go a long way toward protecting it while being used on a kayak. A weakness of this underwater camera- like all underwater cameras- is that it can’t perform miracles when it comes to the depth and clarity of the water. If this camera is used in murky, weedy, dark water, the photo quality won’t be good. This is not a fault of the camera. But use this little system in clear water, and the photos and videos really snap. October 2015
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quickie product review
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Does it really Work? In short, absolutely yes. We just returned from a quick trip to the local private lake, and we used the Aqua- Vu camera to help us locate the best concentration of bluegills under the long dock where they love to hide. We were able to focus our efforts on particular places where the camera showed us the bream were concentrated. We’re going to have bream fried up right for supper thanks to the help of the Aqua-Vu Micro 5 camera system. Aqua-Vu Micro-5 Features: Integrated sun-shield 5” LCD screen Full feature DVR Full color camera Infrared lighting 100 ‘cable Rechargeable lithium-ion battery For more information Outdoors Insight, Inc. 34076 County Road 3 Crosslake, MN 56442 1-866-755-6303
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featured kayak review
Pro Angler 14 By Jason Lamey
Editor’s Note- Jason Lamey is my neighbor, and when he came home with a shiny new Hobie PA 14, I asked him to do an Owner’s Review of his new boat. We appreciate his willingness to share his initial thoughts on his new boat. And I’ll admit, I’m just a little bit jealous of his new kayak, too. Overview: 2015 Hobie Pro Angler 14 Length- 13’8” Width- 38 “ Load Capacity- 600 lbs Seat Capacity- 350 lbs Fully rigged weight- 145 lbs Construction- roto-molded polyethylene The Hobie PA14 is generally considered to be the “Cadillac” of fishing kayaks. It is not a light-weight kayak to be easily car-topped, and it transports best on a trailer or truck bed extension system. This kayak is a serious fishing boat capable of dealing with rough big water conditions as well as shallow backwater situations.
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featured kayak review
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Strengths: Since the Hobie PA was designed from the very beginning as a fishing craft, it seems that everything that can be done to improve the boat for fishing has been done. Specifically, the boat has very good handholds for transport from vehicle to water. Both bow and stern handgrips are easy to use, and the boat doesn’t bump into carrier’s legs as some kayaks do while in transit. The extended side rails of the PA allow anglers to attach a lot of accessories for specific fishing situations. There’s built-in transducer port for depth finders and other electronic gear- this is much superior to hanging transducers off the side or making some sort of hole in the hull for transducer application. The Hobie PA is rock solid when anglers stand up and fish. When I first tried to stand up in my new PA, I was in choppy water, but when I stood up, I had no difficulty at all. The non-skid surface on the fishing deck of the PA is very good. Probably the ultimate strength of the Hobie PA is the level of personal adjustments which can be made. The rudder tension can be adjusted while on the water. The seat can be adjusted up and back and forth- even removed while on the water. The Hobie PA can be adjusted to fit the needs of an angler- it’s a very personalizable kayak. There are six horizontal rod holders, a pivoting tackle management system built into the hull, and there are dual steering points- one on each side of the hull.
This kayak is made to go fishing. October 2015
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featured kayak review
Weaknesses: There are no major problems that I’ve found with my 2015 Hobie PA. However, there were a few minor situations that I encountered. First, on my initial trip in the boat, the seat support lanyard,a spliced cord which holds the seat bottom up, came apart and I sat down-hard. This happened while I was underway. Apparently, this lanyard failure has been a problem with several other PAs. The lanyard was repaired immediately by the shop that sold me the kayak. The other minor situation happens when the Mirage Drive unit is locked in place for use. The drive unit is not as solid in its bearings as it should be. There’s some lateral play in the drive unit while it is being used. Another situation- not really a problem, but a characteristic of the boat- is that when the skeg is lowered to help the PA hold a steady course, the boat is considerably harder to peddle- it takes more peddle-power to move the kayak when the skeg is down.
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featured kayak review
Overall Evaluation: The Hobie 2015 PA is a fishing machine. It would be a waste of money and time for anyone to buy this kayak for any reason except fishing- serious fishing. The boat is adjustable totally, and it is rock-solid steady for fishing. I bought the boat because I have a friend who has two PAs that he and his family fish from. He started out with Hobie Outbacks, but he sold them and bought PAs because they were better for his fishing needs. I did research online. Everyone told me that they had no complaints about their Pro-Anglers. It just made sense to me to go with the top of the line Hobie PA. Instead of buying low and upgrading, I started at the top. And I chose the papaya color ( most folks would call it yellow) for better visibility when I’m on the water.
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Kings fr
- Big Time Fu 88 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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rom a Kayak W
hen September rolls around, something really nice happens along the beaches of the Gulf Coast. King mackerel start their annual fall migration back to the winter-warm waters of the Florida Keys.
And these big kings are eating fast and furiously to build up energy for their travels- and this makes them very vulnerable to kayak anglers.
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I Meet the King from my Kayak
The surf here on the beach right at the border of Florida and Alabama was very low this morning, and I figured it would be a good morning to paddle a little way offshore and see what I could fool into biting. The water was that clear green color known locally as “king green” on the Gulf Coast. This color water tends to indicate the presence of king mackerel, those big, super-fast and aggressive pelagic fish that are so much fun to catch from a kayak. But more than the color of the water indicated to me the presence of hungry kings. I had hooked up a nice frozen cigar minnow to my two-hook steel leaderequipped stinger rig, and I had cast the minnow behind my kayak and paddled slowly eastward for perhaps two minutes. My rod bowed over, my reel’s drag made a sound like fingernails across a chalkboard, and the line peeled off my heavy spinning reel at an alarming rate. At this point, there’s nothing I could do but hang on, let the hooked fish run, and hope there’s enough line on the reel to last that first long, smoking run.
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Finally, the fish slowed, and I was able to pump and wind to bring the big fish back to my kayak. I knew that the big king was probably not finished, and I was right. When the fish got close enough to see my kayak through the clear water, it made another scorching run- not quite as long as the first hook-up run. After I stopped the fish on this run, it came back to the boat much easier, and in a few minutes, I had the yardlong stainless steel colored rocket of a fish circling at the side of the kayak. I snapped a few pictures, and then I grabbed my long-nosed pliers to remove the hooks. I was in luck- only the “stinger” treble hook was set in the mackerel’s jaw, and it took just an instant to grip the hook, twist it out, and set the fish back on its way- no worse for our encounter. Then I reached for another frozen cigar minnow- this kind of thing is too much fun to do just once in a day.
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Where This Happens in Fall
For kayak anglers who can schedule a fall trip to the Gulf Coast, from Texas to Florida, the near shore waters in September will hold a whole lot of big, hungry king mackerel. Any place on the Gulf coast where a kayak can be carried or wheeled across the sand to a beach launch has the potential for producing a great king mackerel trip. Some places that traditionally have great fall runs of kings are off Perdido Pass in Alabama, Pensacola Pass in Florida, Navarre Beach and Destin in Florida. Just a bit later in the season, some first-rate kings can be encountered off shell Island in Panama City and then off Cape San Blas. Depending on the weather, the kings may stay around as late as November in the Coastal Gulf waters. When the water temperatures drop below 70 degrees, the kings will be gone.
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How to get in on the Fall Mackerel run
One of the best things about the fall king mackerel run on the Gulf Coast is that many excellent-and very large- kings will be encountered less than a mile offshoresometimes much less than a mile offshore. Kayak anglers will only have to paddle out past the second set of breakers or where the clear Gulf water takes on a darker shade from deeper water to be in king country. A kayaker can launch through the surf and paddle or peddle out for ten minutes and be plenty far offshore for kings. It doesn’t take a lot of exotic equipment to catch kings- even the big twenty plus pounders. A reel that holds 200 yards of 20lb test line and which has a good, smooth drag system will work. Spinning gear, level wind, even fly gear will work on fall kings. The most reliable way to find kings is to slowly troll a live or frozen bait on a steel-leader double hook rig- these can be found at all coastal bait and tackle shops. Kayaks are prefect for this kind of fishing- an easy, non-hard working speed is perfect.
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Oh, and have the drag of the reel set very light- just enough drag to keep the bait from pulling line as the kayak is moved is right. The first strike and run of a big king is ferocious, and a drag set too tight is a recipe for disaster. The line will break, the hooks will pull- instead, let the big strong fish have its way, and then tighten the drag when it stops running.
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And What Kind of Kayak Will Work?
One of the best things about fishing for big kings in September is that usually the surf is quite low, so anglers can easily get off the beach and into the Gulf. This means that kayaks not usually considered as fishing kayaks can be used. Of course, fishing from a designed fishing kayak is best, but I have caught some very nice kings from my little old 10 foot long rock-bottom level sit-in kayak. The kings don’t care what kind of kayak the angler is sitting in. Of course, the angler will need to keep an eye on weather and water conditions. Typically, the surf on the Gulf Coast is very low in morning, and it tends to build as the sun rises and the day hears up. It is no fun trying to land a kayak through a big surf- it’s the best way I know of to roll a ‘yak and lose a lot of gear. That’s why it’s a good idea to not paddle too far offshore, so that it’s easier to keep an eye on what the surf and wind is doing.
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IT COSTS NO MORE T O G O F I R S T C L A S S ... America’s #1 Trout Fishing Resort is Gaston’s. Our White River float trips for lunker trout are legendary from coast to coast. We do the work. All you do is fish – in style and comfort. Then there are the extras that make “resort” our last name. First-class lodging. One of the South’s finest restaurants, featuring a spectacular view. A private club. Tennis and a pool. A nature trail. A conference lodge for your group meetings or parties. Even a private landing strip for fly-in guests.
1777 River Road • Lakeview, Arkansas 72642 (870) 431-5202 • E-Mail gastons@gastons.com Lat 36 20' 55" N Long 92 33' 25" W
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608 Emmett Rd. Bristol, Tennessee 37620
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Custom Flies Quality flies since 1991
www.CaylorCustomFlies.com 9451 Abb Pitman Road Milton, Florida 32570
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A Kayak Angler Becomes a Kayak Tournament Angler
By Tom Eubank
Editor’s Note- We met Tom Eubank at the Hobie Bass Open tournament at Kentucky Lake, and we persuaded him to tell us about how he got into the kayak fishing scene. And yes, at the Hobie tournament, he came in on some pretty good money. Being from South Louisiana I mostly target My pre-tournament prep before red fish, speckled trout, and flounder in getting to the lake or body of water the tournaments that I fish. It was not usually goes like this. For example, at until Hobie put on the Hobie Bass Open Kentucky, lake I look at Google maps, in Kentucky Lake that I got back into searching for launch areas close to bass fishing. Bass or red fish- it does not water that suits my way of fishing. matter, the thrill of fishing a big tournament I usually find that I do better fishing and seeing how I can do against other the way I am comfortable fishing. At fishermen in that kind of format is very Kentucky Lake, most guys fished deep exciting to me. and out in the lake. In south Louisiana we don’t have a lot of deep lake fishing. Pre-Tournament Preps- and Jitters It not something I have done a lot, so I The morning of a big tournament starts chose to do what I know best. That is real early as I get very little sleep, watching fishing shallow water real slow. Last the clock most of the night ... mostly with year I found an area that had some excitement. Since I am usually awake, I get decent size fish that help me to a to to the launch point way before the launch tenth place finish on the first trip to time. I have time to go through my preKentucky. Lake. I felt like there were tournament check list: checking battery some better fish in that area, so this connections, check the drag on my reels, year I decided to stick with my area and tie on my lures, and have one last cup of work it slow and make sure I covered it coffee, and let the excitement build up. This completely. is really already done, but it makes the time go by faster till the start of the event. October 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 101
It paid off in a fourth place finish this year. When pre-fishing an area I think might be good, I usually am only looking to catch one or two fish and then leave it alone. Just enough to let me know there are fish there, then I move to another area to use as a back-up plan in case the first place doesn’t produce on tournament day.
And On the Day of the Tournament
When I fish a tournament, I always have a Plan A and several back up ideas in case my plan A doesn’t produce. Sometimes this may even mean a loading up and moving. Luckily I don’t usually have to load up and move... if fishing is slow I like to totally change my presentation and see if the change can produce some fish. My gear that I use is a Hobie Pro Angler 14, with a Power Pole micro, and a Lowrance Elite 4. I don’t have a lot of extra gear.
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Most of the tournaments I fish in Louisiana, you weigh in your fish, so I have a stringer that I use to cull my fish till I get one that I will weigh in. That fish goes in my AO fish bag. Some other tournaments are CPR, so I take my pictures and after I have a good photo, I release the fish. Normally, I transport my Hobie PA in the back of my truck. As a general rule, I usually fish a relatively small area but I often fish over areas several times with different lure presentations. I am 63 yrs. Old, so I have to be aware of the distance that I plan on covering in a day. Doing that keeps from wearing me out so I can stay mentally sharp, and concentrate on fishing. Sometimes it comes down to ounces or inches, so one mistake can cost you a spot in the final results. It is important to stay focused on what you’re doing. I always plan on leaving in plenty of time to make if back to the weigh in. I am always aware of changes in tides, wind, wave height, and any other problems that would make me late for the weigh in. If I get back to the launch early, I will usually fish near the launch until time to load up and head to weigh in.
And Kayak Fishing in General
Kayak fishing has exploded in south Louisiana and it is common to have between 200 and 300 fishermen fish one of Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club’s big tournaments. One of the best things about tournament fishing is the friends you make; I have made so many friends through kayak fishing. Kayak fishing has changed my life. I belong to the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club in south Louisiana and we now have over 500 members. I am proud to be on the Hobie Fishing Team as well as being on the Backpacker Fishing Team, for my local outfitters “Backpacker” in Baton Rouge. Kayaks have gotten me into fishing tournaments, and I was even lucky enough to qualify for the Hobie World Championship in Australia in 2013. I am retired and I travel a lot and bring my PA with me almost every time I go anywhere. I love the way my Hobie Pro Angler performs and I would rather fish out of my Hobie than a big boat. This is so much true that I sold my big boat and now fish only out of my Hobie. The Hobie allows me to bring my boat with me when I travel. I have fished areas while on vacations that I travel to in my RV, places I would not have been able to pull my big boat to with my RV- places like Bull Shoals, Arkansas, the Panhandle of Florida., Guntersville, Alabama just to name a few. Kayak fishing is now producing a lot of prizes and cash payouts in tournament fishing. I think that will only make the sport more popular, and while that is good for the sport, for me it is more about the challenge and the friends you make in a sport that I love so much. October 2015
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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
not for a boat ride!
Heroes on the W Paying Back What Is The thing about debts- they must be repaid. Those of us who stayed home in safety owe a debt to our brothers and sisters who went away to danger and pain for us. Here’s a special way we kayak anglers can help repay the debt we owe. Read the story of Heroes on the Water and see what we each can do to help our returning warriors.
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WaterOwed
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Vision: Helping warriors reconnect. Heroes on the Water (HOW) has helped thousands of our nation’s warriors overcome difficulties brought on by multiple deployments. HOW empowers veterans to decompress and reconnect with themselves and their family, and become part of a lifelong community. Mission: Heroes on the Water helps warriors relax, rehabilitate, and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors.
Heroes on the Water Story: Why we do what we do: Our nation’s warriors bring the remnants of the mental and physical sacrifices home to their families, facing a new battle transitioning to civilian life. Warriors seek to reconnect, find their place in the world, and restore a sense of normalcy. We owe a debt of gratitude to our Heroes - We can help them win the battle. Why the Need: Traumatic injuries now outnumber deaths as a result of modern medical advances. Global War on Terror warriors serve an average of 45 months in combat, compared to 15 months/Vietnam War and 7 months/WW2. 300,000+ warriors have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); 320,000+ have Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI); 31,902 have visible wounds, according to a 2009 Rand Study. What we do: HOW partners with a community of volunteers and equips them to provide healing experiences to warriors by delivering our kayak fishing program. Help warriors unwind, reconnect, recover, and have hope. Our program is open to service members and veterans, from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, provided at no cost to them or their families thanks to donations and grants. 108 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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Impact on warriors: Initial Therapeutic Program of 79 participants, kayak fishing 1+day/week for 180 days, shows promising results: 78% reduction in overall stress 63% reduction in avoidance behavior 77% reduction in hyper-vigilance 56% reduction in nightmares Warriors often become program volunteers and chapter leaders as they progress in their journey to a renewed sense of well-being and purpose. HOW we do it: HOW is a national organization with a local chapter delivery of services. Volunteer chapter teams plan and deliver the monthly kayak fishing excursions for warriors in their communities. Warriors are taught kayaking, kayak fishing basics, and sometimes adaptive kayaks and paddling equipment are required. Warriors spend quality time with other kayak fisherman, connect with peers that ‘get it’, and leave behind stresses while communing with nature. Warrior’s families participate in outings depending on local resources. HOW offers camaraderie, a social network for the warriors and their families.
www.heroesonthewater.org
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tech review
By Tim Perkins
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tech review
Editor’s Note- All kinds of accessories and gear to better serve kayak anglers are out there in the aftermarket scene. However, no kind of accessory can make a bigger difference in the performance of a fishing kayak than the paddle. After all, if the boat doesn’t move well, the fishing won’t be its best. So we at SKF would like to present this interview with Andrew Stern of Bending Branchesa very popular maker of kayak paddles.
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tech review 1. Where is Bending Branches located? Where are your paddles and other equipment built? Who started the company? Bending Branches is situated within the scenic St. Croix River valley, in the small Wisconsin town of Osceola. Every paddle we sell is assembled right here in our factory. The entirety of our wood line is assembled from raw materials, and sanded by hand to perfection. We produce most of our carbon fiber shafts and all composite kayak blades in house. The production of all other blades and shafts are outsources to manufacturing companies, all of which are also local. Dale Kicker founded Bending Branches in 1982. He and his business partner Ron Hultman began manufacturing small batches of Kevlar tipped canoe paddles out of a rented garage in North St. Paul. They introduced an impact-resistant resin tip called “Rockgard� in 1984. The company experienced rapid growth and made the move to a larger rental space in Minneapolis during 1986. By 1997, Branches had again outgrown its space and our current production facility in Osceola was built.
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tech review 2. Do you have paddles specifically designed for kayak anglers? Which ones? Our entire Angler series is designed specifically for kayak anglers. The series consists of four paddles, the Scout, Classic, Ace, and Pro. When we launched this family of paddles in March of 2012, we had 12-15 dedicated kayak fishermen design, test, and inspire everything that makes-up these paddles. The Angler Scout is a great entry level fishing paddle. It sports an aluminum shaft and epX blades, and includes our tape measure on the shaft and the hook retrieval system built into the blade. The resin material “epX� is a patented make-up we designed in-house and is of the most durable injection-molded blade constructions on the market. The Classic includes the
same features, but includes a lighter, stronger fiberglass shaft. The Angler Ace comes with the tape measure and hook retrieval system, and is constructed with a carbon shaft and carbon-reinforced nylon blades. The Angler Pro is our top of the line fishing paddle, featuring a carbon shaft and multi-laminate fiberglass blades offered in a series of designs, including Realtree Max-5 camo. Our PLUS ferrule system is also catered toward kayak anglers. This system allows paddlers to extend their paddle length by an additional 15 cm, and adjust to infinite feathering positions. This extra length is perfect for wider fishing boats and elevated seating positions. 3. How does Bending Branches keep abreast of kayak and kayak angling developments and needs?
We keep a constant connection with the kayak fishing community through our ProStaff. We currently have 50 ProStaffers and 25 Ambassadors in the kayak angling market. Our ProStaff helps us stay up to date on current trends and changes in kayak fishing, and provide us with product feedback and suggestions. We also follow these trends and changes on social media, and use our outlets to take in feedback from kayak anglers all around the world.
By remaining in constant contact with individuals that are heavily active in kayak angling, we are able to stay ahead in our product development and provide anglers with what they need. October 2015
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tech review 4. What type of construction goes into Bending Branches paddles? What materials? Angler Series Angler Pro – ($330 msrp) T-700 Carbon fiber shaft, Multi-Laminate Fiberglass blades, Composite ferrule, and tape measure on the shaft. Angler Ace – ($215 msrp) 100% Carbon fiber shaft, carbon reinforced with nylon blades, Composite ferrule, tape measure on the shaft, and hook retrieval system in blade. Angler Classic – ($150 msrp) Fiberglass shaft, epX Engineered Polymer blades, Composite ferrule, tape measure on the shaft, and hook retrieval system in blade. Angler Scout – ($100 msrp) Aluminum shaft, epX Engineered Polymer blades, Composite ferrule, tape measure on the shaft, and hook retrieval system in blade. Touring Kayak Paddles Navigator – ($300 msrp) T-700 Carbon fiber shaft, Red Alder and Roasted Basswood blades, and Composite ferrule.
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tech review Impression – ($200 msrp) Solid Basswood shaft, Basswood and Roasted Basswood blades, and Composite ferrule. Slice Hybrid – ($160 msrp) 100% Carbon fiber shaft, epX Engineered Polymer blades, and Composite ferrule. Slice Glass – ($110 msrp) Fiberglass shaft, epX Engineered Polymer blades, and Composite ferrule. Recreational Kayak Paddles Sunrise Glass – ($100 msrp) Fiberglass shaft, Polypropylene blades, and Composite ferrule. Bounce – ($80 msrp) Aluminum shaft, Polypropylene blades, and comfortable X-grips on the shaft. Whisper – ($60 msrp) Aluminum shaft, Polypropylene blades, and coated grips on the shaft.
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tech review 5. How long has Bending Branches been in business? Bending Branches was founded in 1982 by Dale Kicker. We moved to Osceola in 1997. In 2008, Branches acquired Aqua-Bound, a Canadian kayak paddle manufacturer. Our Angler series of paddles was first introduced on March 28th, 2012. 6. How can kayak anglers provide information and specific needs to Bending Branches? Kayak anglers can easily reach out to our company through any of our social media outlets or through our customer service team by phone or email. We have a live customer service team available 8am to 5pm, Mon-Fri. We are always ready to listen to any feedback, and we use the information received to help us continue to provide kayak fishermen with the best paddles possible. 7. Do you have paddles specifically designed for certain brands/models of fishing kayaks? Our Angler paddles are offered in sizes that accommodate nearly every fishing kayak on the market. Our PLUS ferrule paddles also offers adaptability with different kayaks and seating positions.
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tech review 8. What’s your full line of kayak fishing specific equipment? The Angler series are our kayak fishing specific paddles. This series consists of the Scout, Classic, Ace, and Pro models. We are also happy to announce an all new product for this year’s Outdoor Retailer show: the Angler Optimus. The Optimus is a transformer kit that turns your Bending Branches Angler kayak paddle into multiple different navigation instruments, including a canoe paddle, a stand up paddle, an 8 ft push/stakeout pole and a 12 ft push/stakeout pole. The Optimus will be sold in three different configurations. The first includes the canoe and stand up attachments, the second includes the 8 ft pole, and the third includes the 12 ft pole. 9. Anything else that you want our readers to know about Bending Branches? Bending Branches is the market leader in kayak fishing paddles and for good reason. First, our paddles are locally made and sourced, meaning you’re getting the highest level of quality in our construction. Second, we’ve been in the business of manufacturing paddles for 33 years, so we know what we’re doing and don’t cut corners in our materials. Next, our ProStaff team continues to push us to provide the next level of innovative new products. I think consumers will like seeing what we have coming through the pipeline. Finally, and maybe most important, we service our product. In the unlikely event that something happens to your Bending Branches paddle, we promise to alleviate your problem in a timely manner and leave you satisfied with our service. Call us today to learn more about how we can make your life easier on the water.
Go to www.bendingbranches.com October 2015
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A Review of Effective Sma Bass Lures for River Kayak
By Doug Gibson
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allmouth k Anglers
Editor’s Note- We asked our buddy Doug Gibson to give us a review of lures he has found to work especially well on river smallmouth bass in summer. It’s never too early to start planning for better summertime smallmouth fishing- it’s one of the truly great fishing venues for kayak anglers. So, look over Doug’s suggestions and see what ideas can help you in your search for those wonderful brown bass in streams and rivers.
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nglers today have a vast amount of lure options to choose from in order to catch river smallmouth. A look at a Bass Pro catalog, for example, reveals multiple pages each of crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, topwaters, buzzbaits, etc. I want to take a few minutes to discuss my small set of reliable river lures, my dirty half dozen if you will. The vast majority of my trips are three to four hours, so I keep my lure selection simple. That includes 6 types of lures; minnow style flukes, plastic crawdads, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, buzzbaits, and plastic grubs. My preferred lure size for each one focuses on both quality and quantity for smallmouth, so that I can simply catch fish when floating on the river. My first choice is the minnow style plastic fluke in a white or offwhite color. It is perfect for October 2015
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shallow, faster water where summer smallmouth are found and usually provides exciting visual strikes. It is also one of my two most consistent summer lures that can work all day long. Anglers have no shortage of choices in both name brands and colors, from white to bubblegum pink. But I want to strongly recommend a custom-made fluke from Allan Winco and his custom lure company, Winco’s Custom Lures. The company can be found online at www.wincoscustomlures. com and takes both online and telephone orders. The River Darter series in the 4.25” size and blue glimmer/ chartreuse tipped tail is my number one choice and most consistent producer. It has a slightly heavier weight than most flukes, allowing it to sink at a faster rate. It gets off the water surface and down in the potential strike zone sooner, giving smallmouth a better look at the lure. I find that my medium spinning rod spooled Southern Kayak Fishing l 127
with a high visibility braid & fluorocarbon leader is best set-up for throwing the flukes. Winco’s Custom Lures also sells a very unique option, a solid body fluke that allows for a nose hooking set-up. This solid body fluke has saved my day more than once when smallmouth were simply not hitting in a way that allowed for a solid hookset with the standard rigging method. The fluke is a great search lure for finding active fish. Long, shallow pools with rocks scattered throughout is ideal for throwing the fluke. Another quality location is the push water leading up to ledge rock that is either exposed or just below the surface. The current is speeding up as the water gets shallower in front of the rock and smallmouth cruise along it looking for small fish, crawdads, etc., that may be caught in the current. The erratic action of the fluke dancing back and forth in the water is just the ticket for any hungry smallmouth. My second choice is the plastic crawdad in a color choice of green pumpkin or a darker brown. It is the other consistent producer during the summer months. I also recommend Winco’s Custom lures for his 3.5” Predator Craws. I rig them on a Winco Reduced Snag Jig for a deadly smallmouth combination. 128 l Southern Kayak Fishing l September 2015
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The jigheads are my one and only choice for rock filled rivers, as they rarely snag with their design. The weight is molded around the hook, is narrower on one than the other, and has a coil wirekeeper for attaching plastic craws. The weight stays under the lure and often a simple short pull will pop the lure free from the rock. Another custom lure company that provides a well-designed and effective 3.5� crawdad is PowerTeam lures. The have a unique garlic scent that really seems to work & any shade of green pumpkin is a solid producer for me. Plastic craws work effectively in both shallow and deeper riffle areas and below mid-river ledge rock. Smallmouth love to move along the edge of the faster water where it meets shallow eddy areas so focus on letting the craw bounce along the seam. The jighead should tumble along without digging into the rocks, so choose the appropriate weight to allow that to happen & wait for the jolt of a big smallmouth grabbing the craw. Any spots behind exposed rocks, trees, etc., with semistill water should have a plastic craw thrown to it also. Southern Kayak Fishing l 129
My third choice, and favorite summertime lure is the spinnerbait. I have found the War Eagle Finesse in 5/16oz in chartreuse/white color to be my most consistent producer. That model has given me my two biggest river smallmouth at 19 and 19.5� and countless other smaller fish. I always use a trailer hook for short strikes and a plastic grub trailer to bump up the profile size for bigger fish. The thump and sudden weight from a smallmouth slamming a spinnerbait is something that I look forward to on every cast. I have one dedicated spinnerbait rod on every summer trip and it is a great search bait to find any active fish. Spinnerbaits work great in the same type of locations as flukes, as it is also a great search lure. My ideal river location is any stretch of shallow, fast water with a number of rocks just below the surface. Spinnerbaits allow for rapid-fire casts in the best-looking spots within those shallow stretches. Smallmouth in these areas are generally active
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fish and looking for food, making the spinnerbait so effective. Don’t overlook the fast-slow water seams I mentioned earlier, as smallmouth will often hit the lure as it hits the seam edge. My fourth choice is the soft plastic swimbait, which is a newer technique for me. It is a good alternative to spinnerbaits when fish are just swiping at the spinnerbait or only following it. It can be worked at different speeds throughout the entire water column and always provides some amount of action with the paddle tail. It can be rigged on a Winco’s reduced snag jig to tumble along the bottom in faster current areas to give a different type of presentation. There are a number of swimbait options out there, but my two recommendations are the Keitech swimbaits and Winco’s river darter swimbaits. They both are brands that fishing friends swear by and I have seen them work their magic with them on more than one occasion. The swimbaits work well in the same type of water that spinnerbaits and flukes work in and are another great search lure. October 2015
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My fifth choice for summer smallmouth is the buzzbait, which is another exciting choice. I think all anglers love seeing a big smallmouth blow up the water going after a buzzbait on top. I strongly recommend a trailer hook with buzzbaits also for those short strikes. Buzzbaits will get hits from active fish all day, but the best times I’ve found for throwing them is in low light conditions and cloudy days. They work the best in the same type of water as flukes and spinnerbaits, where fish need to make a quick decision on whether to strike the lure or not. I don’t have a preference for brands when it comes to buzzbaits. My last choice for summer smallmough, especially when fish are in a non-active mood, is the plastic grub. It is probably one of the most versatile lures, as it can cover the entire water column. It is usually rigged on a round jighead, with a 1/8 oz as a good choice for swimming the grub in shallower water. The Winco’s reduced snag jig also makes an excellent jighead for grubs also, as it allows an angler to slowly craw the grub along the bottom without the worry of getting snagged repeatedly. Because the grub can be effectively presented in a number of ways, it should be a staple for any river angler. There is no 132 l Southern Kayak Fishing l September 2015
location in a river where a grub can’t be thrown. I can’t end this article without one honorable mention, the Ned Rig, which just recently showed its potential as an effective summer lure. It consists of a three-inch Senko on a 1/16 oz jighead and is traditionally used as a winter lure due to its very small profile. That light jighead lets the lure to sink very slowly, which is essential for cold-water smallmouth. However that slow sinking characteristic is ideal for shallower, faster riffle areas that hold actively feeding smallmouth in summer. The lure stays off the bottom or barely ticks the bottom, giving the appearance of a small creature caught in the current. And that is what the smallmouth are looking for. On a very recent May outing with a friend, he was throwing the Ned Rig in shallower riffle areas and the smallmouth wouldn’t leave him alone. At one point, he had seventeen fish out of twenty casts in the same riffle. And there you have my short list of summertime river smallmouth lures. I know there are other lures I’m leaving off the list, but this is what works for me. I know that if you throw a few of these on your favorite river, you will have success. October 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 133
quickie product review
THE FISHE HANDY HO
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t the ICAST show in Orlando, we saw many cool things for the kayak angler. One of the most interesting new products was also one of the simplest and most inexpensive. The Fisherman’s Handy Hook is a really neat little tool for kayak anglers who sometimes catch big fish or fish with serious teeth. The Handy Hook is basically a handle with a shield for lifting big fish and fish with potentially dangerous dental equipment from the water. It’s very simple- the lifting hook is smaller than most folks’ fingers, and it is strong enough to lift a fifty pound fish. This little lifter is also designed to put less stress on the fish and allow it to be de-hooked and released in good condition for survival. Made of light weight but very strong poly-carbon plastic, the Handy Hook takes a lot of abuse- you can even stomp on the tool and it won’t break.
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ERMAN’S OOK
It’s 6 ½ inches long, 4 1/2 inches deep, so it should find a good storage place in most kayaks. We always like fishing products made in the USA, and this one comes from Kentucky. Interested kayak anglers can go online at www.the fishermanshandyhook. com, or call 270-703-7337. The cost is less than $10.00. D&Z Innovations 816 Paradise Road Grand Rivers, Kentucky
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So, You Want to Be a Tournament Kayak Angler? Let’s See How It’s Done By Tim Perkins
Editor’s Note- I asked our buddy and technical advisor Tim Perkins if he could tell us what the tournament fishing thing is all about. There’s probably no one better equipped to give us the real information than Tim- he’s fished a lot of tournaments, and he’s won a lot of tournaments.
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The Day Before
My Background I've been tournament fishing for 30 years. Talk about a school full of hard knocks! Being consistent on the tournament stage for me took years of learning what not to do .I've also learned to keep journals, because I'm not always a quick learner. Also, history does seem to repeat itself. I would like to share with you what a tournament day is like for me. These nuggets I'm sharing with you took me years to learn the hard way. I hope you pick up a tip or two and enjoy the read. Let me say as an important note, “I’ve by no means arrived”. The road on the tournament scene is always under construction. More than anything through my experience, I've learned to be consistent. Since 2010 and fishing from a kayak I've fished 33 National Tournaments, 29 out of those 33 tournaments I've been in the top 5, and I have won 9 of them. Thirty-two out of thirty-three times I've been in the top 10. I won the national title in 2011, and I was runner up to the title in 2014. I've been blessed to be somewhat of a successful tournament angler. I start my final preparation for a tournament the day before a tournament .I have a set of practices I've learned over the years that have made the flow of a tournament day relatively smooth . These practices may vary a little based on certain variables, but as a whole this is step by step how I approach every tournament I fish.
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1- I try not to fish the day before an event .I do this for many reasons; but the main reason is so I can be fresh and not tired. A tired angler makes mistakes. 2-I drink plenty of water the day before .Staying hydrated helps you physically; therefore helping you mentally. 3- I strip line and re spool all my reels. This is strictly my preference; if money is on the line, I want to put every odd in my favor. Fresh line has a lot of advantages such as casting accuracy, no down time or heart break. 4- Eliminate my tackle. Lighten my load so to speak also helps me to focus because I've limited choices .I take my pretournament data, add in time of year and phase of fish and past journal information so I ought to have a clue to what baits to best cover each situation . I also ought to have my plan B bait for my first adjustment. This step could be a whole article in itself. Coming from the bass boat world to a kayak, I had to really work harder in this area. You have to forget history when fishing and stick to the facts from your current data.
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The Big Day is here! Tournament Day 1- My day starts at 3:45 a.m. usually, but this may vary. I start with essentials- shower/shave .I personally think it’s very important to start my day as comfortable as possible. So for me, a good shower/shave and fresh comfortable seasonable clothes is the way to go. 2- I always eat a great breakfast. I usually hit one of the big chain breakfast houses. While I'm waiting on my food, I read my daily devotional. I feel this helps me prepare myself mentally. Probably the number one mistake of tournament anglers is NOT preparing their mental game! 3- On my way to the launch; I meditate and pray .Again, this is another preparation for me mentally. I can't over emphasize an angler’s mental game. At the end of the tournament I find myself more mentally exhausted than physically tired. 4-Most tournaments I may be on the water before official sunrise, so I start my launch process a lot of the times in the dark .I start my unload process . I'm a true stickler to load and unload the same way. I try to place items in the back of my SUV in the same spot so each item has its place. By doing so over time I am less likely to forget essential items that could make for a disaster on a tournament day when the clock is ticking. If you notice, I'm always looking to be as efficient as I possibly can be. I go through my check process twice (never assume); then I shove off. 5- At the appropriate time I make my first cast. Most fishermen believe its bad luck to catch a fish on the first cast. I'm not superstitious, but I actually make a super short cast to try to prevent catching a fish on the first cast myself. The day begins.
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The Big Day Begins The Day of a Million Casts Over my thirty years of tournament fishing I'll assure you I've fished against some guys who were much better fisherman than I am. My philosophy for tournament fishing is always the same: “You may be a better angler than me, but you’re not going to out work me.” Now this is getting harder because I'm getting older. I focus on every cast. I actually heard a BASS pro say one time. “There are a lot of good fisherman out there, but what separates the great ones and the good ones is their ability to process fine details”. That stuck with me. A day in a tournament is not just chunking and winding .Conditions change throughout the day as big and small as they seem .The angler who can focus and make the right adjustments with those changes are the ones consistently making a check. For example,: I remember in one particular tournament, I started the day with a 3/8 oz. River Series (Premier League Lures) spinner bait. I caught fish until 10:00 a.m. The bite shut off like a faucet…A pressure change happened, and now I had bluebird skies I swapped to a ¼ oz. spinner bait in the same color (my adjustment) I caught my money fish. I culled my entire stringer. With a. smaller profile, the bait ran a little higher in the water column and BAM ! I get so mentally focused on the job at hand; I have to set my watch alarm for me to drink water and stay hydrated. I work hard to establish the day’s pattern. Every day is different, and if you pay close attention, there will be one of those fine details you can key. The quicker I find my pattern, the quicker I eliminate non-productive targets. October 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 147
I fish to the bell, casting to the productive targets .I keep my boat simple and clear of clutter. Let me explainclutter would be like having extra rods hanging off the edge of the boat or even the landing net. Anything that could interfere with the fighting and landing process of a fish could be considered clutter. Tournament fishing is an execution process of your skills. I don't need to have that fish on and get my line tangled in an extra rod or net because I just laid them across the deck of the boat .(clutter) It's hard enough to hook, fight, and land a good fish, and I don't need help lowering my odds because of clutter that could have been avoided . I fish for three good bites, and I want to be able to execute my skills as flawlessly as possible .That will keep me in the winner’s circle. I fish to the predetermined time that I must quit. I calculate my drive time plus 15 minutes .My formula is subject to change according to conditions. For example, if it were to rain or weather turn bad. Also, I never want to take a chance on a big stringer of fish. I would leave a lot earlier. I get to my truck, and I load as fast as possible. I try to stick to my system as I mentioned in the unload section, but I’m not as precise. I’m still on the clock. I make my checks, secure all items, I usually grab a couple of cold bottles of water and my trail mix, and in the truck I go. I set my trusty Garmin GPS, and I'm off to our designated check in .I make sure I stay within the speed limit , knowing I don't want to get stopped unnecessarily by an officer of the law . 148 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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Most of today's tournaments use an app for your smart phone. I love this new format because your pictures are already submitted and the judging process has already begun before you get there. This format is so much more convenient to the angler. Basically you’re driving back to check in at the appropriate location at the appropriate time. The old school way, we would come check in, wait in line to down load our SD card, .then we waited forever to be judged. So technology in this case is a good thing. Now let’s make a special note- to this day, I pack a digital camera and back up every picture I take! I've heard too many horror stories. I like to get to the designated check in at a comfortable time. The check in is usually a kayak shop or dealer, so I always make contact with tournament director or shop management upon arrival so they can verify the time of my arrival. After I've checked in appropriately, I go out of the shop to my truck. I begin putting things away in my truck properly. I also keep Wet Ones or DUDE wipes as I like to refer to them and a towel in my truck .After a hard day’s work on the river I'm filthy to say the least. I try to tidy up a little. I usually put on my extra change of clothes and my sponsor jersey that I keep packed in the truck. Now I'm ready to go back in the shop and mingle with the competitors as we wait for the awards ceremony .There is usually food or snacks available as well. The tournament director emerges, the competitors gather, and the awards ceremony begins. They graciously recognize and award the winner. I make my rounds and congratulate each of the winners. I've made it a habit to bring my camera in and make pictures of the shop and with management. I've found it a great gesture to give back to the shop host by sharing on my media ops that I frequent. I always call my wife to brief her and let her know my drive home plan. I get in my truck, hit the trusty Garmin. and start my journey home. October 2015
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And On the Way Home I'm usually physically tired, but more than anything, I'm mentally exhausted. The drive in silence and brief conversations with my wife usually do me good. One of the things I’ve noticed about tournament fishing- the older I get, the longer it takes for me to recover from a tournament. Tournament fishing is not for everyone. For me and my family, tournaments have to be all business .You see, if I'm going to take time from my family, it’s got to be serious . So I try my best to lay it on the line. My competitive days are numbered; I fish against guys half my age now, so I appreciate each time I have the opportunity.
Best Advice for Kayak Anglers Considering the Tournament Game: Success comes from paying your dues. Always remember that. No one will give you anything. Nothing replaces on the water experience. My Priorities now are as follows: 1- FAITH 2- FAMILY 3- FISHING
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FLY DESIGNER
BOB MALLARD AUTHOR OF GEARHEAD COLUMN
NO MISS MOUSE
October 2015
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TO DOWNLOAD OUR CATALOG VISIT US AT CATCHFLYFISH.COM OR CALL 424.26CATCH TO BECOME A DEALER
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Concept Lures
H
ere at Southern Kayak Fishing we get to review a lot of new fishing lures. Now, we don’t mind this sort of work at all, but sometimes, it’s hard to find something new and different about trial lures sent to us.
However, sometimes, a lure appears that is so good and so different, it really makes us sit up and take notice. That’s the way it is with the new Monster 3X Concept line of soft plastic lures. Although these lures may look similar to many soft plastic lures already on the market, they don’t feel like other lures, and they sure don’t last like other lures. Monster 3X offers a wide range of different soft plastic forms- shrimp, swim baits, jerk baits, frogs, and curly tails- in a full set of colors. The lures are manufactured in Brazil where they know a thing or two about bad, toothy, lure-stealing fish- like piranha and such. The real difference between these soft plastics and most other soft plastics on the market is how tough these lures are. These soft plastics can literally be stretched arm length and they won’t break. They are very soft, yet they don’t cut and tear when toothy fish bite. Don’t be surprised when a single Monster 3X lure lasts the whole day of hard fishing. What’s the big advantage of this? Time spent changing out torn and stolen soft plastic lures is time lost to fishing. These lures allow anglers- especially kayak anglers where space is at a premium- to carry fewer lure boxes and therefore have more open space in the ‘yak.
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These lures are dynamite on toothy saltwater fish such as speckled trout, mackerel, and even sharks. They are quite buoyant, and the paddle tails and shrimp lures have great action on a 3/8 oz jighead. The shrimp lures are very lifelike, and the motion is very realistic.
Click here to watch a strength video.
And for us freshwater kayak anglers, put one of these bad-boys rigged weedless on a worm hook and cast it over heavy grass and shoreline cover. Just a bit of advice- have a good grip on the rod. Bass will absolutely smash these life-like soft plastic lures. Monster 3X soft plastic lures are fine lures, and they merit a trial by serious kayak anglers.
For More Information: info@monster3xusa.com 305-505-4453 www.monster3xusa.com October 2015
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The Measure Net
by JTA Products, Inc.
Catch, Measure, Release ph: 888-582-7763 | fx: 888-582-7764 email: jeff@measurefish.com web: MeasureFish.com
FREE SAMPLES AVAILABLE FOR POTENTIAL NEW DEALERS
Guide JR Guide Large Small Measures up to 20”
Medium Measures up to 24”
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Small Net with Rubber bag (measures up to 20”)
ALSM-R
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JRGN1
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ALGN1
$81.00
The Measure Net by JTA Products, Inc. ph: 888-582-7763 | fx: 888-582-7764 | email: jeff@measurefish.com | web: www.MeasureFish.com
What Do You Want To Catch Today? Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Palomino Trout Steelhead Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass White Bass Kentucky Spotted Bass Walleye Muskie Crappie Bluegill Yellow Perch Flathead Catfish Channel Catfish Carp They’re all waiting for you in Swain County, NC one of
the most diverse fishing habitats in the world with four rivers, dozens of mountain streams throughout the Smoky Mountains, and the deep, cold waters of Fontana and Cheoah lakes.
Visit GreatSmokiesFishing.com for a map and profiles of 26 great fishing locations near Bryson City, NC.
I
Ride the Bull 2015 Biggest and Best Kayak Fishing Tournament
t’s hot in mid-August in South Louisiana, but who cares about heat when a few hundred kayak anglers gather to chase after big, strong, hard-pulling Cajun redfish in a great location for great prizes. Captain Danny Wray, the originator of the Ride the Bull Tournament says, ”This was the best run-best organized tournament we’ve had yet. We had to delegate a lot of work to other folks, and they all came through great. We had over 70 bulls caught by the contestants this year- it took over a thirty-nine pound red to win the tournament.” A new record- 733- kayak anglers participated in the 2015 Ride the Bull Tournament held at Grand Isle, Louisiana, and both before and after the actual tournament, good music, good food, and good folks were gathered together. Once again as last year, the Ride the Bull Tournament was won by a lady anglerthe ladies seem to be dominating this contest. Top ten finishers were:
1. Jamie Clouatre, St. Amant, La- 39.18 lbs 2. Ricky Smith, New Iberia, La.- 35.50 lbs 3. Tobby Armand, Forville, Inkiana- 31.36 lbs 4. Derek Perez, Thibideaux, La- 31.30 lbs 5. Dwayne Walley, Madison, Ms- 30.86 lb 6. Bob Bestelle, Metairie, La- 30.80 lbs 7. Jason Goodin, Columbia, Missouri- 28.90 lbs 8. Aaron Breaux, Pierre Part, La- 27.97 lbs 9. Daniel Wanko, Raceland, La- 27.88 lbs 10. Sean Green, Covington, La- 27.80 lbs. 156 l Southern Kayak Fishing l September 2015
On August 14, the tournament kicked off with registration, a boiled shrimp feed, a captain’s meeting, and at dark, the Calmwater GOPRO Film Festival featuring some excellent kayak fishing videos was held. After a short captain’s safety meeting at 6:45 on Saturday, August 15, the tournament began with a shotgun start at 7:00, and anglers fished until 2:00 when the contest ended. At 2:30 awards were presented, and later that night, a good party with some fine music was held at the Bridge Side Pavilion for tournament participants and friends. It’s not too early to start planning for Ride the Bull 2016. This largest kayak fishing tournament in the world is a thing that all kayak anglers need to consider. Great fishing, great food, and great folks- that’s just too much to pass by. For more information for next year’s registration and tournament: Calmwater Charters 225-721-8182 www.calmwatercharters.net October 2015
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101 Freshwater Kayak Launching Points All of us kayak anglers need help from time to time, and when it comes to locating good launch points for fishing trips, we all need lots of help, especially when we travel to places strange to us. Paul Batchelder has done all kayak anglers who might be considering a trip to Texas to fish- and I am definitely one of these folks- a great favor. His new book 101 Freshwater Kayak Launching Points provides detailed, accurate directions, photos, and other helpful information on 101 places ( actually, he has more than 101 places in this book) to launch kayaks, canoes, and other boats in Texas freshwater lakes and rivers. Paul even includes good fishing locations in urban waters- a most helpful thing that many guide books do not bother to provide. The book is clearly illustrated with good maps, and the photos really do give a good impression of the waters being discussed. All in all, this is a book that any Southern kayak angler will sooner or later have need of. In fact, I wish we kayak anglers had a guide book like this one for all of the Southern states. Published by Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co, L.L.C. (281-227-3001, wwwfishgame.com) this very desirable guidebook sells for less than $20, and should be part of every travelling kayak angler’s library of guide booksit’s a good book which provides lots of crucial information. 158 l Southern Kayak Fishing
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