Southern Kayak

Inside: Featured Kayak Fishing Destination
- Navarre Beach Florida
Southern Kayak Fishing

issue #3 www.sokayakfishing.com July 2015
In this Issue:
-Bridge Light Fishing
-Fishing Stealthy
Little River
A Great Kayak Fishing Stream
Editors Message
H
Yep, its just that easy with Western North Carolinas
eres something Id like
premier fly shop and guide service. Kevin Howell and his you all to do. The next time
experienced staff have been fishing the surrounding 500 miles youre driving down the
of prime trout waters so long, they know all the fish on first name
basis. And theyll be more than happy to make a few introductions. freeway, just take notice of all the
kayaks that you see strapped to
the tops of cars or being towed
on trailers behind trucks. Im
willing to bet that you see a lot
of kayaks, and many of them are
fishing kayaks. Where I live on
the Gulf Coast, during the tourist
season especially, just about
every third vehicle has a kayak
attached to it as the folks driving are headed to the beach or parks on the
PISGAH FOREST, NC
coast.
Kayaking and kayak fishing is just about the fastest growing part of the
whole watercraft scene. Every day, more and more folks discover just how
much fun kayak fishing is, and just how very affordable kayaking fishing can
be.
For those of us who are already taken up by the kayak fishing life, its easy
to feel smug about our kayak fishing experiences of the past. We can find
ourselves thinking, What took those guys so long to find out about kayak
fishing?
The point Im trying to make is this we all started kayak fishing at some
point, and we all had to learn a lot of lessons about the specific set of skills
needed for effective kayak fishing. And lets be honest, we all have made
our share of mistakes and bad judgments during our kayak fishing careers.
Some of us who have been kayak fishing for a long time still make a great
many errors.
(continued)
July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l3

GUIDE SERVICES | ONLINE & RETAIL STORE | LESSONS
Editors Message
(cont.)
Southern We can all help newcomers to
Kayak Fishing kayak fishing avoid mistakes, and
we can all give our advice to folks
just getting started. And thats what
Editor Ed Mashburn Southern Kayak Fishing online
Edmashburn@aol.com magazine is all about. We want
to help folks get into the kayak
Publisher Don Kirk fishing game, and we want to help
Don@Southerntrout.com them avoid mistakes weve made
Asst.Publisher Cpt. Sean Patrick OHara ourselves.
Sean@Southerntrout.com
Managing Editor Leah Kirk So, every issue of SKF will focus
on sharing information, giving
Technical Advisor Tim Perkins advice, and providing great
Editorial Consultant Olive K. Nynne locations for kayak anglers to visit
and fish. If you, our readers, have
Contributors suggestions for article topics which
Rob Baker you feel would benefit our readers,
especially the newcomers, please
Tony Chavers give us a holler and tell us what
Steve Gibson you think. Wed enjoy talking with
Danny Holmes you very much.
Phillip Landry
Tim Perkins Oh, and always be willing to help a
newcomer who is having problems
Steve Sammons getting on the water safely. Good
John Williams deeds have a way of coming back
Captain Kristen Wray around.
Southern Kayak Fishing is a publication See you on the water,

of Southern Unlimited, LLC. It is
Ed Mashburn
produced in conjunction with Southern
Trout Magazine and Southerntrout.com. edmashburn@aol.com
Copyright 2015 Southern Unlimited,
LLC All rights reserved.
4 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015
This Issue
Editors Letter 3 Little River TN: Great Trout 122

Stream/Great Kayak Fishing
Navarre Inshore Fishing:
Dont Just Look at the Beach
10
10 74 130
Meeting Mr. Tooth on a Kayak 130
Featured Artist: Nick Shade 20
Ride the Bull: 140
Get the Drop on the Fish 32 And this is no Bull
Use a Drop Shot on Em
Adventure Technology 42 Bridge Light Bulls: Redefining the 142
Anler Series Paddles Word Fun
Kayak Hacks 48 Quickie Kayak Fishing Gear Review 156

Anchoring Systems
82 NRS Chinook Type III PFD
Featured Kayak Shop 56
The Wilderness Way
56 Paddling Trip in FL: Good Times 158

Getting Stealthy: 66 142

Happen Even When Things
Arent Perfect
Quiet Is Goood!
One Mans Gear and Why He 168
Featured Kayak Builder 74 Chose It
Wilderness Systems
Quickie Kayak Fishing Gear Review 176
Fishing Kayak Destination 82 Stetson No Fly Zone Fishing Hat
Navarre Beach
Water Conditions on Tailrace Rivers 178
Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic 92 168
82 176
KC12 Fishing Kayaks 94
156
Navarre Beach Kayak Fishing 100
Big Game Fishing Without
the Big Game Travel,
Expense (and Boat)
The Navarre Beach Marine 116

Park and Reef Program
6 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015 July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l7
Navarre Inshore Fishing-Dont
just
look
at the
Beach by Alex Grandpere
V isitors to Floridas Emerald

Coast might be forgiven if
they tend to focus most of
their attention, fishing attention,
that is- on the clear water, rolling
surf, and sugar white sand of the
magnificent beaches of this area.
However, if thats as far as kayak
anglers look when coming to the
Emerald Coast, then they are
missing some great inshore and
freshwater fishing.
10 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015 July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 11
Not far north of Highway 98 and the world-famous beaches of the northwest Florida SKF- What kind of inshore fishing is there at the Navarre area? river, bay,
coast lie some of the finest rivers and bays to be found, and these rivers and bays Sound? Fresh water and saltwater? Can you describe the water as it is usually?
are full of big, strong, eager to bite fish. And these waters are prime kayak fishing Big Red- The Navarre area has great inshore fishing options. The Sound(Santa Rose
destinations. Sound, which separates Navarre Beach itself from the main land) has everything an
inshore fisherman can hope for- grass flats, docks, and channels, deep and skinny
SKF talked to a local kayak fishing guide, Captain Craig Shelton, about the inshore and waters. West of Navarre is the Escambia Bay, East of Navarre is Choctawhatchee
freshwater fishing along the Emerald Coast, and he graciously volunteered to talk to Bay, the north side is East Bay. All of these areas are salt and brackish waters. Fresh
me while we were fishing. I met him at Broxsons Outdoors in Navarre Beach where water is also available in East River, Black Water River, and Escambia River. For the
he charters kayak fishing trips, and we drove just a few miles north on Highway 87 to majority of the year, all mentioned waters are very clear.
East River and East Bay for a mornings fishing. The weather was nice, the water was
great, and redfish pulled hard- it was a fine day. By the way, fishing in the Sound and rivers and bays of the northwest Florida Coast
doesnt end when summer ends. Fishing is good year-round, and the rivers here all
Heres what Captain Craig- more commonly known as Big Red- had to tell us about the have dependable runs of winter-time striped bass in addition to redfish and speckled
inshore fishing at the Navarre area. trout which call the rivers home during winter. These Florida stripers are a whole lot of
fun caught from a kayak.
SKF- What do you catch in summer?
Big Red- Summer fishing produces red fish, trout, flounder, snapper, black drum,
sheepshead, Spanish mackerel. Depending on the time of summer, we also have
kings, pompano and tarpon migrate through the bays and Sound.
SKF-How do you rig for summer inshore fishing?

Big Red- Early mornings, the fish are usually hitting top water plugs. Mid-
morning we usually switch to mid-range lures, or we use popping corks with live
shrimp. Mid-day plastics and live shrimp are effective. Evenings and at night live
shrimp under a popping cork and glow in the dark DOAs work well in the dock
lights. A gold spoon is reliable any time of day.
SKF-What lures and bait do you like for inshore fishing in summer?
Big Red- Live Target Lures- especially the pinfish and swimming mullet, Tactile
Angler popping lures and their top water lures are awesome, Unfair Lures also
have a wide variety that are very effective. MirroLures and Savage Fishing 3D
Lures also work very well in this area.
SKF- Whats the biggest fish youve caught inshore in summer? Howd
you catch it?
Big Red- A 49 redfish holds the record. He was caught using a top water Papa
Dog on 12lb test monofilament with a 7 Shimano Rod and Shimano Sedona
2500 Reel. It took approximately an hour and a half to land this bull red from
the kayak. This was quite the kayak sleigh ride- it pulled me a couple of miles
altogether.
SKF- What are the best times of day for summer inshore fishing? Does
tide make any difference?
Big Red- Early morning and night are the best times to fish. As the old saying
goes: For every hour the sun is up, the trout get smaller. But ultimately as long
as the current is moving, you should have success any time of day.
SKF- What about weather conditions there in summer?

Big Red- The days are typically in the upper 80s to low 90s and nights in the
70s with light winds out of the south. This make for a refreshing afternoon sea
breeze.
SKF- What kind of kayaks are best suited for inshore fishing at Navarre?
Big Red- I personally use Native Slayer Propel 13. Its ease of peddling and the
ability to go in reverse make it ideal for inshore fishing. I recommend sit on tops
which are made by a number of different brands such as Native, Old town, Feel
Free, Vibe and Ocean.
SKF- Can you arrange for kayaks
for visitors who dont have their
own with them?
Big Red- I am the Pro Guide for
Yangler Kayak Outdoor Wear and
Broxson Outdoors Kayak Fishing
Charters, and I can provide kayaks
as well as fishing gear for our visitors.
The only thing they are required
to get is a fishing license. But we
recommend a good hat, sunscreen,
sunglasses and an ice chest to take
their catch home.
So, enjoy the Beach, but Dont ignore

the other Kayak fishing
Its understandable for visitors to the

Emerald Coast to lose themselves in
the beach scene- it is gorgeous. But,
for some world-class inshore fishing,
kayak anglers should give the rivers
and bays north of the beach a long
look.
Many times when the wind and high

surf make beach kayak fishing a non-
starter, anglers can find sheltered
conditions, easier kayak launch
facilities, and some very aggressive
fish in the less-known and less fished
waters away from the white sand.
Important Contact Information:
Big Red Kayak Fishing Charter

850-382-3740
Broxsons Outdoors
8155 Navarre Pkwy
850-936-0230
featured artist featured artist
Nick Schade
Editors Note
Southern Kayak Fishing has featured artists in watercolor in the first
two issues. In the Summer Issue, we want to go an entirely different
direction. We look at Nick Schade who builds some of the most
beautiful pieces of art to be found, and he builds with wood.
And his artwork can be very effective fishing tools, too.
Join us as we look at an artist in the building of wooden kayaks. We

talked with Nick Schade recently, and heres our interview.
SKF- Nick, what kind of training did you receive for kayak design and building?
Nick Schade- No formal training. I went to school for electrical engineering

and worked for about ten years as an engineer. During my time working, I
started designing kayaks as a hobby. I got books and studied principles of
navel architecture on my own. I combine that with my experience paddling and
observing kayaks moving through the water.
SKF- What elements do you feel are most important in designing and building
a good kayak?
Nick Schade- You need to know how the kayak is going to be used. Different
uses define different requirements. The most important element will vary from
person to person and kayak to kayak, but all boats start with displacement.
This is how much weight the design will carry. All other details from stability to
drag flow from that starting point. By knowing the use the boat will be put to
and who will be using it, I can dial in a design optimal for an individual.
SKF-What specific kayaks that you build/sell plans for would you think are
best for fishing kayaks? How would they need to be modified to use as fishing
boats?
Nick Schade- My Sea Island Sport is a fast, stable sit-on-top kayak that is well
suited for fishing. It has a self draining cockpit that is roomy and comfortable.
The sponson style design allows for efficiency through the water while providing
good stability. I think my solo Micro Bootlegger design would also serve well for
fishing. It is a sit-in kayak with a long, open cockpit and good stability.
SKF- What do you feel are the advantages for a kayak angler who wants to
build his/her own wooden kayak?
Nick Schade- If you are building your own boat, you have the opportunity to
outfit it exactly to your desires from the outset. You arent locked into the
factory defaults for rod mounts or other equipment. And since you build
it yourself, if you decide you want to change something later, you have the
skills to make modifications.
SKF- what kind of tools would a kayak builder need?
Nick Schade- If you are building your kayak from a kit, tool requirements are
minimal. Hand tools will get you a long way. A random orbital hand sander
is a big help. Building kayaks from scratch may require access to a table
saw or band saw.
SKF- What are the best woods for kayak building?
Nick Schade- A design like the Sea Island Sport uses Okoume marine ply-
wood, which is very tough. I also use western red cedar for many of my
designs. It is beautiful and lightweight.
SKF- How can a kayak angler who wants to learn more about building wood-
en fishing kayaks get information?
Nick Schade- My website has a bunch of information about kayak build-

ing including videos showing the building process. I also have a book The
Strip-Built Sea Kayak which describes the whole procedure.
SKF- Is there anything else you feel our kayak-angler readers should know
about building your wooden kayak designs for use as fishing boats?
Nick Schade- There are few things you can build in your basement that will
take you places in the same way as a kayak. It is immensely satisfying to
get out on the water in a boat you made with your own hands.
And to that last statement, we at SKF can only say, Amen!
To contact Nick Schade: Guillemot Sea Kayaks, 54 South Rd., Groton, CT

06340 860-659-8847 http://www.WoodenKayaks.com
SKF- What do you feel Can You REALLY build a Wooden

Fishing Kayak? Really? By Ed Mashburn
are the advantages for a
kayak angler who wants
to build his/her own
wooden kayak?
In the Beginning
It was a dark,
Nick Schade- If you are chilly winter, and I
building your own boat, was tired of sitting
you have the opportunity around moping and
to outfit it exactly to your whining. I went
desires from the outset. online to kill some
You arent locked into time- the worst kind
the factory defaults for of murder.
rod mounts or other I found a web-
equipment. And since site which showed
you build it yourself, if how a normal person
with normal skills
you decide you want to
and a normal amount
change something later,
of tools could build
you have the skills to a functional wooden
make modifications. kayak.
I read and kept
SKF- what kind of tools reading, and a week
would a kayak builder later, I ordered plans
need? for a small wooden
kayak from a man
Nick Schade- If you are way up in Groton,
building your kayak from Connecticut- Nick
a kit, tool requirements Schade. I began col-
are minimal. Hand lecting plywood and
tools will get you a long straight lengths of
way. A random orbital 2X4 lumber, and oth- In the Process
er materials needed.
hand sander is a big I made my building supports. I made my backbone and frames. I made my bow
When the
help. Building kayaks plans arrived, they and stern pieces. I cut yards and yards of western red cedar planks into inch thick
from scratch may require were simple enough strips. I started work.
access to a table saw or for me to follow, and Along the way, I leaned a great deal about wood working and the proper applica-
band saw. for once in my life, I tion of planes, sanders and glue lay-up. At the later stages of the project, I learned a
did follow the direc- great deal about fiberglass and epoxy. Then I learned a lot about sanding until smooth
SKF- What are the tions. and the application of marine varnish.
26 l Southern Kayak Fishin org l July 2015 July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 27
1
And when it was all Ed Mashburn
done- just a few months . When you build your
later- I had a boat. And it own wooden kayak,
looked GOOD. be prepared when you
launch your boat and
I took it to the neigh- other folks are around-
borhood pond and slipped you will NOT be allowed
myself into the boat and to launch quickly. Other
then slipped the kayak folks will want to look at
into the water. It floated. your boat, admire your
It paddled well. It didnt boat, and even touch
leak. your boat. You will have
to explain that YOU built
I assure you, dear the boat. You must be
reader, that I was happy. prepared to accept con-
gratulations from men
I was even happier and admiration from
when a couple of days lat- women.
er, I took the new wooden
kayak to the same pond,
and this time I had a spin- 2 .When you build your
own wooden kayak,
you will almost certainly
ning rod with me. When
that first two-pound bass build more. The wooden
lay on the smooth, glisten- kayak building process
ing, hand-polished wood is so much fun, and the
of the kayak deck, I felt results are so rewarding,
that I had indeed accom- its hard to stop building.
plished something in my And dont worry if you
life. dont have enough stor-
age space for more kay-
And After the Process aks- you wont have to
look far to find someone
I learned a lot from who will be glad to take
building that first wood- a wooden kayak off your
en kayak. I learned two hands.
things in particular that
Id like to share with you
good folks who might
have interest in building
your own kayak.
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
Get the Drop on the Fish
Use a Drop-shot on Em
By Barry Dodd
I
n a nut shell...a drop-shot rig is nothing more than a weight
at the bottom of the line with a hook located above the
weight. If you think this is not a new technique, you are
right. For years, folks have fished for crappie, catfish, reds,
and snapper (just pick a fish) using this same set up. The
drop-shot rig is not new nor is it unique. It just gets refined
for different species at different times, but it is a valuable tool
for all kayak anglers to have in their arsenal for tough fishing
So, is the drop-shot rig the best method of fishing all the time? Absolutely not! Its just
another method of presenting a lure (temptation). Will it work every time? No! Its no
different than advertising. If there is no audience or the audience is not receptive to
what is offered in that format, the advertising is ineffectual. Anglers use all types of
lures in hopes of presenting a temptation which the fish cannot resist. The drop-shot rig,
however, is hard to beat on heavy pressured lakes, clear water lakes, in cold water and
many other tough fishing conditions.
If this concept is intrigues you, keep reading. The specifics of equipment, how to rig,
what knots to use, which lines work best, weight shapes and style of hooks to use will
be covered. In addi-tion, how, when and where to use this rig, which soft plastics and
the type structure and/or cover to target will also be covered. Lets get started with the
details so you know what to buy, how to rig it and how it is fished.
Equipment: Drop-shot is a style of finesse fishing. Open face spinning tackle is

preferred be-cause it handles lighter lines very effectively. The right spinning equipment
affords excellent sen-sitivity and the reels allow the free flow of line off the reel, which is
a great asset.
Rod: A 6 10 spinning rod with an extra fast tip and medium light power is just the right
fit for this style fishing. St. Croixs Legend Tournament Drop-Shot / Finesse spinning
rod (TBS610MLXF) is designed with an excellent blend of fish-fighting and hook-setting
power coupled with a very delicate tip to detect the slightest bite or bottom change.
stretches on hook-sets. Because of the length of line cast, the stretch gives the line a
Reel: The 25 or 2500 series reels are the perfect size. Like the Okuma Helios Hx-25, cushioning effect which helps minimize breaking. But, with just a couple feet used for a
which is a composite reel for lightness and loaded with 9 sealed bearings for longevity leader, there is no cushioning effect so the line has a much higher propensity to snap or
and a su-per smooth drag system for fighting those line stripping hawgs. break on hook-sets. True leader fluorocarbon line compensates for that high impact in
the way its made. The other very important aspect of using super-braid with a leader is
Main Line: For superior sensitivity, super-braid line is preferred to spool on the reel. the knot, which is covered later.
Izorlines Premium Spectra 12# natural white is an excellent choice. It is not coated
with waxes, it is easy to see under most all conditions, has no stretch, holds knots very Terminal Tackle: Generally speaking, these are the items which terminate at the end
well, is extremely tough for its very thin diameter and can be fished all season long. The of the line with a knot; like swivels, hooks and weights. The use of swivels between the
other major reason for us-ing super-braid is the reduction of line twist, which is inherent main line and the leader is discouraged.
with fluorocarbon, co-polymer and monofilament lines.
Hooks: There are many variations of drop-shot hooks, but lets focus on the two most
Leader: Fluorocarbon is preferred but co-polymer is a good second choice. The im-portant styles, weedless and non-weedless. Drop-shot fishing for bass began with
leaders poundage varies depending on the conditions but starting with 8# or 10# is fishing direct-ly under the boat in clear open water, getting hung on trees and such was
best. Izorlines 100% Fluoro-Carbon Lead is a true leader material. Leader material not a big deal so non-weedless hooks were not much of a problem. As the popularity
is constructed differently than the line used to spool on reels. Leader material is increased, casting became popu-lar so companies began making drop-shot weedless
much tougher and is much more shock resistant than the line purchased for spooling worm hooks. These hooks have off-set bends so the hooks point can be reinserted
reels. The fluorocarbon lines used to spool on reels, regard-less of what is advertised, back into the worm. This drastically minimizes hang-ups.
The key difference in design of drop-shot hooks is the angle of the hooks eye. It is
bent about 30 degrees toward the hooks point on the worm hooks and away from
the point on the others. That bend causes the hook to stand out away from the line,
enhancing the soft plastics action and improved hook-sets. The Owners Down-Shot
Off-Set Worm hooks in sizes 1/0, 2/0 and 3/0 are great choices for weedless hooks.
Gamakatsus Drop/Split Shot in sizes 1, 2 and 1/0 are great choices for non-weedless.
One final note on hook selection. In tests, it seems that hooks without a beak (points
that bend in towards the shank) get better hook sets.
Weights: Buy weights designed specifically for drop-shot. These weights incorporate
a special swiveled line keeper. Just slide the line into the v of the swivel and pull
down. The line is caught in the bottom of the v and hangs on. If the weight gets hung,
the v usually cuts the line where it is attached. Thus, the only loss is the weight.
There are three basic shapes: round, cylinder and tear-drop. Use the tear-drop and
round when the bottom structure is mostly devoid of rocks, trees and vegetation.
Cylinder shaped weights pull through rocks, trees and vegetation much easier without
getting hung and lost. The amount of weight needed varies with depth, wind and line
size. The key is to use only enough weight to keep good contact with the bait. 3/16 oz,
oz and 3/8 oz are used the most.
Knots: The next step in putting this rig together is learning a couple knots. The first
knot is the one which attaches fluorocarbon leader to the main super-braid line.
Dodd Knot: This knot is amazingly tiny and because it is shaped like a bullet, it
is almost undetectable when casting. But most importantly, it has superior strength.
Watch this video to learn how to tie the Dodd Knot.
Uni-Knot, Miller Knot, or Palomar Knot: These are the knots used to tie
the hook to the leader. When tying the hook for drop-shot, plan for a long piece of line
past the knot, called the tag end. This tag end is run back through the hooks eye going
away from the point. The weight is then attached at the end of the tag. The length of
the tag determines the distance from the weight to the hook. A good starting point is
about 12.
Some knots are easier to tie than others. The knots listed above are in order of hardest
to tie to the easiest. The order also indicates the knot strength. However, more use the
Palomar than the other two. Search YouTube for these knots and get proficient with the
one you like best before going to the lake. Aaron Martens has some excellent drop-shot
videos of rigging and fishing the drop-shot.
Bait: As stated at the beginning, the drop-shot rig has been used for hundreds of
years. Most use live bait, cut bait or stink bait. However, in the bass fishing world,
most use soft plastics. The basic drop-shot worm will be 2 to 6, very pliable (giving
life-like action), thin, and either have neutral buoyancy or floats. Sometimes color is
important but generally not nearly as important as the other qualities just mentioned.
Generally, 4 to 5 natural looking colors work well. But, dont be afraid to experiment
with bright hot colors and small 2 crappie sizes. You just might be surprised how small
a bait big bass eat. Remember, it takes a receptive audience, desirable product and
enticing presentation to tempt.
Structure and Cover: Whole books have been written on the importance of
location. Realtors stress the three most important property considerations are location,
location and location. Its that important with fishing, as well. In a nut shell, bass use
break lines (bottom contours, points, ditches, humps, etc.) for traveling to and from
their grocery store. They use cover (trees, vegeta-tion, rock piles, docks, etc.) as
resting and hiding places to ambush their meals. Sometimes they chase baitfish in
open water but seldom do they travel far from break lines. Look for locations where
there are intersections of structure and cover to be the most productive. Thats where
you will find the audience to temptno matter if its a river, pond or lake. If you do not
have a good sonar unit on your kayak, get one!
Best Season: No kidding, twelve months of the year. The drop-shot rig is so
versatile it can be used effectively all the time just by varying the presentation
techniques. Experiment.
Techniques: There are many. Fishing directly under the kayak when marking fish
on the sonar is what most anglers visualize. Drifting and dragging also works well from
kayaks. But, casting and methodically dragging the weight on the bottom stopping
when it contacts an obstacle or drops off a ledge has revolutionized this finesse Bite Detection: Dont expect a hard strike, although it does happen sometimes.
technique. Frequent stops with very gently jig-gling of the rod tip gives life-like action Rather, expect either a very subtle pull similar to stretching a rubber band, a slight
to the bait. Practice this jiggling in clear water to see it move. You will find that too perch like peck or see your line move. To become a really good drop-shot angler, you
much actions makes the bait look unnatural and kills the temptation factor. must maintain weight tension to de-tect the strikes and remain alert to every detail.
Try casting into shallow water during low light hours or anytime bass are likely in the Setting the Hook: It is critical to be in proper position before setting the hook.
shallows. Cast it on top of ledges, drag it off drop-offs and walk it down the ledges Just like any sport, there is a ready position and not being in a ready position leads to
into deeper water. As for suspended fish, swim it off the bottom, with stopping, jiggling errors. This point cannot be emphasized too much. Stay balanced and when a strike is
and starting retrieves. In cold or hot water, moving slower often works better. Vary the detected, start dropping the rod tip and reeling in line at the same rate until the rod tip
speed and amount of time in one spot. Most importantly, pay very close attention to is pointing towards the water. Then gently lift the rod until the fish is detected and set
everything so that when the temptation leads to a strike, you recognize what, when, the hook. This is spinning tackle and light line so the drag needs to be set accordingly
where and how to duplicate. and a very hard hook-set is not necessary.
Professional Fishing Guide & Instructor
Whether you sh
with family, friends,
colleagues - or if you
are new to the sport -
come and be
my honored guest
on the water.
Tell me your goals for

the outing, ask all the
questions you want
and learn all you can.
I specialize in coaching
conventional and y
shing techniques on
Texas lakes and rivers.
Exchange stress for

Fighting and again, remember that light drop-shot is extremely relaxation, fun and
line demands taking time effective. Its fun, exciting memories.
Landing: The number to fight the fish and dont and will improve all you
one reason for lost fish is
try and land the fish until angling skills because it
relaxing the line pressure.
it is tired enough. Enjoy hones your atten-tiveness
This happens when the Lakes:
the fight and do not rush. to details and feel. One
rod tip is dropped down Canyon, Dunlap & LBJ
Finally, use a net or your final thought, if you dont
after a hook-set, dropping
hand to land the fish rather want to get hooked, avoid
the rod tip while fighting Rivers:
than lifting it with the line destruc-tive temptations.
the fish causing slack Guadalupe, Blanco
into the kayak.
line, or the fish jumping
Barry Dodd & San Marcos
causing slack in the line.
Whether you fish rivers,
Maintaining constant Boat, Kayak or Wading
ponds or lakes from your
line pressure leads to
kayak, finesse fishing the
better success. Once
(210) 771-0123
40 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015 www.TeachEmToFish.net
Angler Series Paddles
The Odyssey Angler
Reviewed by: Tim Perkins
T
he Angler Series is Adventure Technologys awesome line of fishing paddles.
They are designed with features and blade versatility geared to fit the new
angler-specific kayaks, and are very functional with a height-adjustable seating
system as well as remaining highly functional for the angler who prefers to stand.
I tested the 260 cm Odyssey Angler using a Ride 115X Max and a Commander 120,
both from Wilderness Systems. The Ride offered me a great test medium for the
height-adjustable seating system, while the Commander allowed me to test while
standing.
Odyssey Angler Features:
High visibility aesthetics (digital camouflage)
Abrasion resistant reinforced tip of blade
Measuring tape graphics
Line hook
Adjustable ferrule that adds up to 10 cm in
length
Carbon blend shaft that's standard diameter for
lighter weight
Specifications:
Blade material: Fiberglass DuraweaveTM with
nnegiaTM (abrasion resistant)
Shaft material: Carbon blend with a standard

diameter
Weight : 33.05 oz
Length: 220 cm -260 cm
Length adjustment: 0-10 cm

Findings:
The Odyssey Angler made it easier to maneuver the heavier angling kayaks. It
offered quick acceleration as well as powerful strokes. The longer shaft allowed
for more clearance, eliminated the problem of scrubbing the side of the seat,
and facilitated stand-up paddling. It also offered an impressive amount of power,
and allowed me to use the appropriate angles on each paddle stroke. I was
overwhelmingly impressed. I spend a lot of time in a Commander 120, and I dont
think Ive ever propelled it so fast in the standing position. I felt in complete control
of the kayak even while standing.
Summary:
The Angler Series paddles are perfect for the larger, heavier angler kayaks like
Ride and Commander series as well as the new A.T.A.K., and it is ideal for big
water as well as flats. The uses seem limitless!
January 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 47
Kayak Hacks
Anchoring Systems
By Steve Moore
Trying to fish from a light kayak, subject to the whims of wind
and current, is an exercise in frustration unless you have an
anchoring system to stabilize the platform. Here are some
inexpensive Do-It-Yourself solutions.
The Problem: When using a traditional anchor, you must anticipate

where the boat will come to rest after the anchor grabs. Wind and current
pushes the boat on an arc; sometimes just enough to move away from the
desired casting angle or end up out of range.
The Solution (1): A stake out pole provides an immediate grab strong
enough to fight wind and moderate current when shoved into the mud; allowing
you to control exactly where the boat stops. Commercial stake out poles come
in sizes from five to ten feet with costs ranging from $50-$250. Thankfully, Brian
Whayland (YouTube Channel bw3288) came up with a $20 alternative.
Here is what you need:
8 foot section of PVC

PVC T fitting with end caps
PVC cement
2 four foot inch dowels (or 1 eight footer)
two sided screw
a few self-tapping screws
JB Weld
Pad eye (optional)
wide, 1 long screw, locking nut and regular nut (optional for camera
mount)
48 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July2015 July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 49

Assemble the two dowels by The Solution (2):
drilling a hole in the end of each Want even simpler
and connecting with the two sided options? Daniel Mid
screw. Putting a dab of JB Weld in (YouTube Channel
the joint for additional grip would not Daniel Mid) bought
hurt. a golf ball retriever
for less than $15,
Size the PVC pipe 2 inches shorter cut off the head
than the dowel and insert the dowel. and attached a
Using the self-tapping screws, rope. Without the
screw the pipe to the dowel; placing ball retriever, the
the screws along the length on pole terminates in a
all sides to account for different natural point perfect
bending angles under tension. for sticking into the
mud. The retriever
Sharpen the protruding dowel to a is collapsible for
point. Cover with JB Weld to both easy storage. An
waterproof and harden. Hold the extendable paint
pipe vertical to allow the JB Weld to roller pole works
drip down to a point as it dries. the same way
and is another
If you want to add a horizontal option. If either
(normal) camera mount, drill a tends to collapse
inch hole through the middle of when pushed,
the T fitting, insert the screw glue or bolt and
and attach with a locknut. Put the leave permanently
regular nut on top and use it to extended. Add a
screw up against the camera body camera to the top The Problem: While a stake out pole works fine in
to stabilize and lock it in position. by bolting or using shallow water, you still need a traditional anchor. If you
Do the same with an end cap if you cable ties to attach a misjudge the current or need to react quickly to a large wave/
want a vertical mount. PVC T fitting to the boat wake, you may end up cutting the anchor loose to avoid
handle. You have tipping. Another issue is that fish love to wrap line around the
Glue on the end caps and attach to assess whether rope when close to the boat. Finally, randomly stacked anchor
the T fitting to the pipe. Tie a short these quick options rope creates a tangled mess, hanging on other gear, in a small
rope to the completed pole or screw are robust enough kayak.
a pad eye to the pipe under the for the currents you
handle for a more elegant solution. I encounter and the The Solution: Organize the anchor system, provide a
also recommend you wrap a section weight of your boat. quick disconnect capability and a way to retrieve the anchor
of pool noodle around the rope to when cut loose. The basic idea came from the YouTube
allow easy retrieval should the pole VentureTube channel. With my tweaks, the total cost, minus
fall overboard. Done! the actual anchor, is under $16.
Here is what you need: When on the water, thread the red/white line through the anchor trolley ring and tie
Small section of PVC pipe off using a slip knot to implement the needed quick disconnect. Unwrap the amount
Small section of pool noodle of anchor rope you want to deploy and clip it through the top clip and then the bottom
2 small spring clips rated at a minimum of 50 lbs. clip. By running through the top clip first, you establish a straight connection between
Rope kayak and anchor. Before closing the bottom clip, wrap the rope a few times inside the
Waterproof adhesive (JB MarineWeld is a good choice) clip to keep additional rope from unwrapping. If using a trolley, adjust the angle and, if
desired, retie the slip knot to shorten the connection between kayak and float.
Spread the adhesive on the pipe and thread it through the pool noodle. After the
adhesive dries, run a small piece of rope through the pipe and tie to the spring clips Using the system is simple. If you get in trouble with current, a wave or fish, yank the
at each end. Tie the anchor rope to one of the clips- it becomes the top of the system tag end of the slip knot to disconnect the anchor. The kayak floats free until the hazard
and will connect to the kayak. Wrap the rope around the noodle and tie off to the is past or the fish is in the boat. Paddle over to the floating pool noodle and retrieve
anchor using a zip tie in the top hole of the anchor instead of putting the rope through the system.
the hole (allows you to break the zip tie to free the anchor when hung). Do not run
the rope through the clips until you need to deploy the anchor (picture shows how the Calling all shade tree kayak mechanics! We know the innate all-American creative urge
system would look when deployed). has resulted in many great Do-It-Yourself innovations to improve the basic kayak plat-
form or provide cost effective alternatives to commercial products. If you have an idea
Tie another line (red/white in the picture) to the top clip to connect the system to the to share in a future issue, send a description and a picture or two. If you already cap-
kayak. If using an anchor trolley, size the line to be a foot longer than the distance tured your idea on YouTube, just send the link with permission to use images extracted
from the seat to bow or stern; whichever is farther away. from the video. Everything goes to Steve at Steve@kayakhacks.com.
52 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015 July2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 53
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Featured Kayak Shop
ess than twenty miles from a
major state capital- Tallahassee-
the woods are thick and dark, the
trees are big and draped with Spanish
moss, and the rivers are clear, spring-
fed and year-round comfortable.
The Wakulla River, to be specific, is
also full of big, hard-pulling fish that
attract the attention of kayak anglers
from all over the country.
Very close to the Wakulla River
where it exits the massive Edward
Ball State Park grounds and makes
its way to the Gulf fifteen or so miles
south, can be found a place where
kayak anglers can browse and see a
wide range of kayaks, kayak supplies,
and kayak angling gear. Wilderness
Way is a long-established kayak shop
which provides kayakers and kayak
anglers a very wide selection of gear.
Southern Kayak Fishing spoke
with Rob Baker, owner of Wilderness
Way, and with occasional input from
his new son, three-month-old Robert
Louis Baker IV, we learned about the
operation of Wilderness Way.
Featured Kayak Shop
SKF- So, what makes the Wakulla River
area a good place for a kayak shop?
Rob Baker- The clear, spring-fed Wakulla

river gives kayak anglers a chance to target
freshwater species of fish- bream and bass-
and also target saltwater fish- very often
redfish are caught in the Wakulla petty far
upstream. In winter, kayak anglers will
encounter speck trout farther downstream
toward the salt. Its a beautiful river just to be
on and float- the good fishing makes it even
better.
SKF- How has kayak fishing interest

grown in your area?
Rob Baker- A whole lot! Kayak fishing is the

fastest growing segment of paddle sports.
Innovation in kayaks- peddle drive, better
seating, great rod holder- have made fishing
kayaks become effective as both fishing and
recreational boats.
SKF- How long has your shop been in

business?
Rob Baker- Our kayak rental business- TnT

Hideaway has been operating for forty years.
My Grandma Gretchen Evan and Uncle John
Evans first operated TnT Hideaway, and the
family has kept it going ever since.
Wilderness Way developed from Tnt

Hideaway. Our growth allowed us to build
Wilderness Way and get involved with major
kayak builders.
Featured Kayak Shop
SKF- How important is it for
Wilderness Way to be a full-
service shop in your area?
Rob Baker- Its crucial for us to

provide all of the services a paddle-
angler needs. We get folks asking
us for retail sales, trip planning and
rental, repairs to kayaks. We try to
service everyone we can.
SKF- In an average month, how

many novice or beginning kayak
anglers will you see?
Rob Baker- Well get newcomers

in our shop asking for help and
guidance almost daily. Well get two
or three every weekend. These are
folks looking at kayak fishing and
paddling and wanting to learn more.
SKF- How do you make sure you
have the boats, supplies, and gear
paddle anglers need?
Rob Baker- We have forty years

experience in the floating and
paddle-fishing business. Were
affiliated members of several
outdoors and paddling groups and
organizations. We network with
other outfitters to understand and
share information about demands for
outfitters to come up with new and
better services and products.
Featured Kayak Shop
SKF- What do you offer would-be kayak

anglers as far as advice and instruction?
Rob Baker- Nearly all newcomers want advice-

Where should I go? Whats the best kayak for
me? WE try to help them out.
We offer a lot of classes and instruction both

on land and on the water. We offer a lot of four-
hour classes- one hour on the ground covering
parts, rules of the road, safety. Then we get the
beginners on the water for three hours where
they can practice strokes and maneuvers, and
self and assisted rescue.
SKF- What would you most like to convey to

our readers about Wilderness Way?
Rob Baker- Were a friendly, knowledgeable

shop. We try to cover everything a kayak angler
might ever need. Were a one-stop shop for
paddle sports needs.
If it doesnt deal with paddle sports, we dont do

it. We focus on paddle sports.
To contact Wilderness Way:

850-877-7200
3152 Shadeville Road

Crawfordville, Florida 32327
info@wildernessway.net
Wilderness Way is closed on Mondays
62 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015 July l 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 63
REEL-FIN- ADDICT Located along the coastline of
KAYAK FISHING The Gulf Mexico in the Big Bend of Florida
focusing in Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Tarpon
Guiding local rivers and coastline for over a decade contact
Robert Baker, Fishing Guide
850-210-4375
Come fish the great Arkansas Tailwaters

with some of the areas most experienced guides.
Our Fly Fishing trips are tailored to your needs
and experience level. We are a group of veteran
guides with a passion for teaching and sharing.
Visit our website for details!
www.theozarkflyguides.com
We offer Jet Boat trips, Drift Boat trips and

YES, even instructional Kayak trips! Let us
help plan your Ozark fly fishing getaway in
Florida's Big Bend Paddlesport Outfitter any style you want.
850-877-7200 Authorized Dealer for Hobie and Jackson Kayaks

Where our salespersons are experienced kayakers
And paddle the Pro Anglers Revolutions Cudas
Visit our store at 3152 Shadeville Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327
www.thewildernessway.net
64 l Southern Kayak Fishing l April 2015 April 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 65
Getting
Stealthy- O
ne of the great strengths of fishing from a kayak is
that you can be astronomically more stealthy than
you can ever be from a powerboat. Unfortunately,
many anglers nullify much of this advantage through inatten-
tion, bad techniques and kayak outfitting that does not lend
Quiet
itself to stealthy fishing.
The skinnier the water gets, the spookier the fish tend to get.
As these are the best areas to sight fish, much of your suc-
cess in sight fishing will depend upon improving your skills
Is
on being stealthy. If you dont think that being stealthy when
fishing is that important, try putting your head underwater
and tapping your kayak with a paddle or fishing rod. The
goal of this article is to help you understand what types of
things you should do to become deadly silent in your kayak.
Gooood!
By John Williams
Sources of Noise and
How to Tame Them
Paddle Noise
The most obvious place to start with being
stealthy is to think about the noise that your
paddle can make. Avoid bumping the boat
while paddling. This seems like something ev-
eryone would know, but I see kayak fishermen
bumping their paddle on the hull regularly while
fishing all the time. When picking up your rod,
work on laying the paddle down as quietly as
possible. Installing stealthing foam to the top
rail of your kayak makes this even easier.
If you like to fish standing up, use a paddle clip

on your waist. The Otter Sight Fishing Belt is
a great example of this type of belt. Not only
does it keep your paddle noise down, but it
helps to keep your eyes on the fish.https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5tFauWlktY
Learn to paddle without making that "toilet

flushing" sound - especially in shallow wa-
ter. In shallow water, I like to move the boat
along by quietly placing the blade of my pad-
dle against the bottom and pulling or pushing
against that.
The ultimate in stealth is to not paddle at all.

Learning to drift through the marsh as much as
possible is a skill that will pay dividends. I try to
place my boat in a way to be able to drift with
the wind or current without taking any paddle
strokes. You will be amazed to see fish swim
right under your kayak without even knowing
you are there when you minimize your noise.
68 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015 April

July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 69
Anchoring Fishing Gear
Anchoring is an area that I constantly see anglers make too much noise. They will While you are fishing, start to think about the things that you pick up and put down on a
bump the boat while grabbing their stab pole or make noise while dropping their regular basis like Plano boxes, pliers, fish grips, water bottles etc At the same time,
anchor. In shallow water, I prefer a "Choupique" style anchor system. This system figure out where the best places to put these items would be. When you get home,
has a separate front and rear anchor that can be operated from the seat of your kay- cut some stealthing foam and adhere it to these places. This will allow you to pick up
ak with quick release cleats. This makes your anchors totally silent while dropping small items and lay them down without causing bite-killing noise. It also helps to keep
into the water. Be sure to use stealthing foam in the spot where the anchors contact these items from sliding around in the boat.
the boat so that you can be silent while raising the anchor as well. An added advan-
tage of the Choupique anchor system is that its the best way to anchor while stand-
up sight fishing. Heres a link to give you a better idea on how this system works: More Quiet-More Fish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoeMI7YveCc Part of the thrill of kayak fishing is the ability to catch fish in very shallow water. Your
ability to be stealthy in these conditions will go a long way towards your success. If
you focus on learning to paddle quietly, drift when possible, keep anchoring noise
down and put stealth rubber on all places that your gear contacts the boat and you'll be
catching more fish than ever before!
featured kayak builder
Wilderness Systems
Editors Note
I cant be totally objective about Wilderness Systems kayaks. Our first family
kayaks were a couple of absolute bottom end, very cheap, long-discontinued model
Wilderness Systems kayaks. We have taken these little sit-in kayaks across the coun-
try, and weve paddled them in all sorts of conditions. And weve caught a ton of fish
from these little yaks. We still use them very often.
So I have to admit up front that I have a warm place in my heart for Wildey kayaks.
The
Story
W
ilderness systems has
been building fishing
kayaks since the Ride
Angler was launched in 1999.
In 2001, Wilderness Systems
launched the first iteration of the
Tarpon models. Both Ride and
Tarpon have been redesigned
multiple times since their original
release to meet the changing needs
of our angling consumers.
Wilderness Systems makes high

performance premium kayaks
that are extremely customizable.
Wilderness Systems has always
prioritized the design of the hull to
meet the anglers specific need.
Weve created fast, responsive
Tarpon models for anglers paddling
river or long distances. The Ride
models are designed to provide
a stable casting platform for sight
casting. The new Thresher models
were designed for anglers who
want to cover large amounts of
water in unpredictable conditions.
After the hull design goals are met, we strive to create a versatile deck Why should any anglers consider buying a Wilderness Systems kayak?
design that does not limit anglers. We want the angler to be able to put rod Wilderness Systems kayaks are easy and fun to paddle, so they are perfect
holders, camera mounts, and safety lights in locations that are accessible for beginners. The kayaks are designed by and for the best anglers in
and make sense. This is accomplished with the use of our SlideTrax system the world, so a novice angler can progress into an advanced kayak angler
for mounting accessories as well as flat surfaces throughout. with a single Wilderness systems boat. High performance, aesthetically
beautiful, and highly customizable, Wilderness Systems kayaks are the
The incorporation of FlexPod OS and new Rectangular Hatch found in the perfect kayaks for any type of fishing conditions.
Thresher model add to this philosophy by allowing more options for storage,
electronics, and camera mounts. Spending a little time in a Wilderness Systems kayak is the best sales
pitch we can make. Our innovative designs, premium outfitted and an
Kayak anglers spend many hours sitting their boats, and the quality of uncompromising attention to detail have made Wilderness Systems an
a kayak seat can ultimately make or break an anglers on-the-water industry leader since 1986. Today the brand continues to push the limits
experience. Wilderness Systems is proud to offer the innovative, of technology, performance, comfort, responsiveness, and aesthetics.
comfortable and functional seats on the market with our Phase 3 AirPro Wilderness Systems offers the ultimate on-the-water experiences to
seating systems. All Wilderness Systems angling kayaks are outfitted with everyone from passionate anglers to recreational boaters and expedition
high performance seats that are optimized to best suit the different boat paddlers.
designs, intended paddling conditions and the different fishing positions.
Our kayaks are proudly built in Greenville, South Carolina.
On The Fly Magazine
Highlighting the Passions and Lifestyle of Fly Fishing and Bird Hunting
www.ontheflymag.com
featured kayak destination
Navarre
It Really IS a Piece of Paradise for Kayak Anglers
The sand looks and feels like sugar spilled on the edge of the
saltwater. The Gulf waters are clear, emerald green, warm and
impossible to avoid. If there are little kids around, they WILL be
Beach,
in the water. The surf is generally gentle, and the soft breezes-
in the words of Jimmy Buffett- This salt air, it aint thin, it will
stick right to your skin, and make you feel fine.
There are few high-rise buildings to mar the sightlines, and

the area offers plenty of places for visitors to stay while they
Florida
visit. There is a newly developed marine park for swimmers
and kayakers. The beach road has several pull-offs and parking
areas all the way to Pensacola Beach- about fifteen miles west
of Navarre Beach. This place is gorgeous!
Oh, yes, and the fishing.

Kayak anglers can put in at any place along the beach where parking is
allowed and venture out into the Gulf for some serious big-game fishing.
If the surf is strong and not suitable for kayak launching, anglers can
simply take the yaks to the Sound- the body of water that lies between
the island where Navarre Beach is located and the mainland. There are
lots of fine fish on that side of the sand, too.
There are very good kayak shops close at hand on the mainland on
Highway 98. Live bait is accessible at most times, and the fish bite-
most times.
There are very good kayak

shops close at hand on
the mainland on Highway
98. Live bait is accessible
at most times, and the fish
bite- most times.
The kayak fishing season is long. The

best fishing starts in April and runs until
October or whenever the Gulf water
temperatures fall below 70 degrees.
Even in the dead of winter, kayak anglers
still catch very good fish- they just have
to rig for cool water fishing.
So, there it is. Easy to get to, easy to

access the beach. Easy to find good
places to eat and stay, and easy to find
some of the finest kayak fishing in the
world.
If thats not paradise, I never expect to

find it.
You cant.
plan a feeling.
It just arises from spending time at the right place. With thrills on,
in and high above the water, our adventure outfitters are stop #8 on
Floridas Playground Trailexplore it all at floridasplayground.com
90 l Southern Kayak Fishing l January 2015

Bayou La
Batre
Kayak
Classic!
Bayou La Batre, AL- The Bayou La Batre 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place adult anglers will
Chamber of Commerce is pleased to receive plaques, and junior anglers will
announce its presentation of the second receive trophies! There will even be a kayak
annual Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic! giveaway!
Kayak fishing is a rapidly growing sport in For registration, visit the link below
the U.S., offering access to both inshore http://www.bayoulabatrekayakclassic.org/
and near-shore fishing arenas. This water page/Register
sport, relatively inexpensive and relying on
nothing more than human energy for power, Tickets are priced at only $30 for Adult
is an exciting and challenging approach to Anglers, $20 for Junior Anglers, and a
one of Americas favorite pastimes! Discount Combo of $50 includes entry
to the tournament as well as the Taste of
The tournament will be held on August 1st , the Bayou seafood festival to be held on
2015 along the coastline of Bayou La Batre September 29th!
and the Gulf of Mexico. The competition
begins with a shotgun start at 6am, at the Complete details on the Bayou La Batre
Bayou La Batre City Docks. Festivities will Kayak Classic including tournament rules
continue throughout the day featuring fresh and regulations may be found at http://www.
local seafood, cold drinks, live music, and bayoulabatrekayakclassic.org
weigh-in starts at 10am!
Contact:
Anglers will compete for over 33 different Bayou La Batre Chamber of Commerce
awards, which include both Master and Tel: (251) 828-4088
Junior Angler division titles. Junior anglers P.O. Box 486
may fish from pier, land, and kayaks. Bayou La Batre, AL 36509
T
here are many kayaks available for anglers, and some are better than others.
A relatively new kayak company, Kajun Custom of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
is a kayak builder that should be given some attention by anglers looking for
rock-solid stable kayaks that are easy to transport and paddle once on the water.
Fishing Kayaks The KC-12- Fits Almost Anywhere

The KC-12 is a kayak that is easy to transport from vehicle to water- the bow and stern
handles are easy to access and give good clearance to carriers when the boat is being
moved. Its a fairly lightweight boat, and getting the boat to the water is a strong point.
One of the best features of the KC-12 is its very well-designed track system which
allows anglers almost unlimited seat placement, and with the addition of a second seat,
the KC-12 becomes a very effective tandem fishing kayak- a rare thing, indeed. The
upgrade seating of the KC-12 is excellent. Very comfortable without being soft and
squishy, the seating is a very strong point of this boat.
The track system also allows anglers to add a wide range of accessories with no drill-
ing or other modifications to the basic hull.
The KC-12 is sold as a blank canvas. Anglers can add almost any kind of gear, but a
buyer is not encumbered with extra gear or attachments that are not needed. The KC-
12 can be modified to fit just about any kayak fishing situation.
The KC-12 was designed to allow anglers to stand and safely and comfortably fish
while standing. It does this very well. While standing and fishing, never did this re-
viewer feel tippy or uneasy. The boat is easy to move around in while standing. When
setting the hook enthusiastically on a bass biting a plastic worm, this reviewer was very
comfortable, and the boat was rock-steady.
No Boat is Perfect
The KC-12, like all kayaks, is not perfect in all conditions. The high flat sides mean
that the boat will respond to wind. This is not bad all the time- this kayak is a great drift
boat, and using the wind to slowly move across a flat or bar while fishing is a good kay-
ak fishing technique. But wind will affect this boat.
Also, the design of the hull produces a small amount of hull slap in waves. This is not
terribly bad, but it will help to keep the boat at the right angle to the waves to diminish
the sound.
Final Verdict- It
Works Very Well
The KC-12 was originally designed
for fishing in the bayous of coastal
Louisiana, and in these and other
skinny water conditions, the boat
shines. It floats in 4 inches of
water, and it is easy to paddle and
tracks well. Anglers can pull up to
a good spot, and feel comfortable
while standing and fishing that the
boat is not going to play any nasty
tricks.
On the first trial trip, this reviewer

used the boat in a small lake with
lots of weeds and other cover. A
number of bass where caught, and
the boat worked like a dream- its a
fun kayak to fish from.
Specifications:
Length-12 feet
Beam- 34
Weight- 63 lbs
Single or tandem seating
450 lb capacity
For more information or to locate a

dealer for KC-12 kayaks:
www.kckayaks.com
corey@kckayaks
gaines@kckayaks
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.
not for a boat ride!

2519 Wood Oak Drive
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 284-3406
www.kayakfishingsarasota.com
Navarre Beach Kayak Fishing

Big Game Fishing without the Big
Game Travel, Expense (and Boat)
By Matthew Vann
Editors Note
If youre a kayak angler, youve
not achieved the highest point of fishing
excitement until youve hooked a big, strong,
powerful fish in the saltwater and then been
taken on a kayak sleigh ride. And theres no
better area in the South to achieve this kind
of excitement than the beautiful place known
as Navarre Beach, Florida- its easy to get
to, easy to fish, but very hard to leave.
We have a local guide- Matthew Vann
-who operates Sails and Tails Charters- to
tell us about the world-class nearshore and
offshore big game fishing of Navarre Beach.
T
here are a number of reasons why the
nearshore/offshore fishing in the Gulf
off Navarre Beach is so good. Navarre
Beach is over twenty miles from any pass in
either direction. This means we get less big
boat traffic, and in turn, less fishing pressure
on the fish. The water gets deeper much
closer here than most other areas in the
northern Gulf. The nearshore structure and
live bottom scattered in the area provides
good habitat for reef fish and for bait. Here
lately, we have been fortunate to get big
pushes of clean, blue water year after year-
this helps bring the big pelagic game fish
much closer to shore. We have no rivers
or passes dumping into the Gulf, so this
helps us have relatively clean water for long
periods. We naturally have lots of bait. Lots
of bait means lots of big fish to eat the bait.
Finally, the long Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
attracts bait and pelagic game fish.
featured kayak destination featured kayak destination
In the Beginning
A day of offshore
kayak fishing in July off
Navarre Beach typically
starts with an amazing
sunrise, clear emerald
colored water and a warm
moist breeze coming
off small southeasterly
driven waves. The surf is
small during the summer
months unless we have a
tropical disturbance in the
Gulf. These usual calm
morning conditions make
for an easy launch and
return to the beach.
We launch at first
light and begin our
search for bait. Usually
this time of year it doesnt
take long to collect our
bait. We find schools
of cigar minnows, blue
runners (locally known
as hardtails) Spanish
sardines and threadfin by
scanning the surface for
disturbance and watching
our sonar. The bait is
usually in ten to thirty feet
of water, and we easily
catch them with Sabiki
rigs. After filling the bait
tubes, the real journey
begins.
Rigging for a Navarre Kayak Trip

A basic set up for trolling or drifting live bait in our area consists of a seven to
eight foot 30-50 lb class rod with a soft tip and good backbone. Line selection is easy.
Twenty to thirty pound mono on a conventional reel or thirty to forty pound braided
line on a spinning reel. Some anglers like mono better for its stretch. We then have a
seven to twenty foot fluorocarbon leader connected to a 30-40 lb single strand or seven
strand wire stinger rig is common. The wire leader is essential because it protects the
line from being cut by the king and Spanish mackerel which are very common here in
summer. When we are specifically targeting dolphin or sailfish, we run fluorocarbon
leader straight to a 5/0 or 7/0 hook.
We always have a rod set up to cast to free swimmers we might see. These
sight-fished species include blackfin tuna, cobia, dolphin, sailfish and tarpon. When
casting to blackfin tuna, we use a seven foot rod, a 4000 or 5000 series spinning reel,
30-40 lb braid line, a 20 to 40 lb fluoro leader with a topwater popper or a sling jig.
When we cast to cobia, we use a heavy or extra heavy rod, 6000 series spinning reel,
50 lb braid, a 40-60 lb fluoro leader and jig swim bait. These pitch rods should have a
soft tip to allow casting live baits. We use circle hooks for dolphin and tarpon.
If were going a bit farther offshore for reef fish, I use a six foot long heavy or
extra heavy jigging rod such as the Shimano Trevala 80-200lb, a Release Reel SG,
and 50-75 lb PowerPro braided line. ( Editors note- to folks not familiar with the Gulf
fishing, this gear may sound too heavy- trust us, this is appropriate gear- there are
some big, bad fish not far off the Navarre Beaches.)
We use a Carolina-rig with 40-60 lb fluoro leader, three ounces or so of lead,
and a 5/0 to 7/0 circle hook. Our offshore targeted species are snapper- black, lane
and red (editors note- there are some MONSTER red snapper on the Navarre Beach
reefs), Another popular technique is Chunking up the fish and catching them on free
line. This technique requires ideal conditions and the right gear and some practice on
the part of the kayak angler. A little luck doesnt hurt, either.
Visiting kayak anglers need to know that not all of the big game species will be
in our water all of the time. The big pelagic game fish- the tuna, dolphin, sailfish- have
definite water temperature preferences. When the nearshore water gets really warm
in mid-summer, the pelagics tend to pull farther out, past good kayak range. However,
the big king mackerel are always close in, and theres nothing wrong with playing with
some big smoker kings from a kayak at any time of year.
Although we do catch pelagics during the summer months, the best shots
at blackfin tuna, dolphin and sailfish are going be in May and late August through
October. In fact, September has been commonly referred to in our area as September
Sails
Whenever a visiting kayak angler comes to Navarre Beach and takes a kayak
out into the emerald water of the Gulf, he or she stands to hook up with perhaps the
biggest fish of a lifetime- come prepared!
Now, When Youre Ready for the Big Time
I always say offshore kayak fishing is best with a friend for many reasons.
Safety is first, then having help landing a big fish, getting good photos of the big
catch, and finally just the joy of sharing the experiences.
I highly recommend hiring a guide to shorten the learning curve or at
least going with a friend who is experienced with the offshore Gulf kayak
fishing. Magazine articles and videos make kayak fishing the Gulf seem easy,
but the bottom line is most of the stuff you read and see in articles and online is
being done by experienced offshore kayak anglers. With that being said, we all
got our start some where, and you can gather good information through articles
and videos and start to figure it out.
I cant stress safety enough! Fish with a guide or experienced friend.
WEAR A PFD!, have a float plan, let people know where you will be and when
you plan to return. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, bring a first aid kit, carry a
VHF and GPS. Know your limitations. Study and pay attention to changes in
the weather. Off shore kayak fishing is wonderful, but when it goes bad, it can
go very bad very quickly.
About Launching from the Beach through the Surf It is a good idea to mark your launch spot on your depth finder/chart plotter
Navarre Beach is not known for having huge surf. However, or hand-held GPS. Also, pay attention to landmarks, but be aware that things
launching through any kind of surf can be difficult, especially for folks look different from a couple of miles out in the Gulf or down the beach.
not familiar with the drill. When returning to the beach, take a minute outside the break to study the
Our waves normally come in sets. Before launch we study the sets. The conditions will often change during the course of a day on the Gulf.
surf and time how long the break is between the sets. We always Time the sets and observe the rip current. Try to line up your reentry through the
launch during this break and travel through the cuts (the deepest water cut- deeper water near the beach. Do your very best to hit the beach away from
we can find over the sandbar). any shore fishermen or swimmers. Dont be afraid to hop out and swim or wade
It is key to keep your kayak pointed straight into the waves and to your kayak in. This is often the most refreshing and safest way to come ashore.
not stop paddling, pedaling or both until you are beyond the breakers.
Often we take waves over the bow of the kayak which is no big deal.
A good rule of thumb when going offshore is to strap everything to the
kayak that you dont want to lose.
There is a common saying in our kayak fishing community: There
are two types of offshore kayak anglers- those who have rolled, and
those who will. (Editors Note- Im a member in good standing of those
who have rolled). It happens, so be prepared.
Perhaps the Best Advice How to Get to Navarre Beach

Hiring a guide is by far the best way to experience a new fishery. Fishing Navarre Beach can be reached on Highway 98 between Pensacola
a place like Navarre Beach and its big game fishing is a thrill, but having and Fort Walton Beach. The easiest way to access Navarre Beach is
local, experienced help from a guide can make the whole experience a lot to turn off I-10 east of Pensacola on Highway 87 South. This road runs
safer and more productive. Sails and Tails Charters offers guided offshore for nineteen miles and when it ends at the intersection with Highway 98,
trips in fully-rigged Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks. We provide all the gear Navarre Beach lies right in front. Santa Rosa Sound (itself a great place for
necessary, and we love to share our knowledge of the fishery and our kayak fishing) separates Navarre Beach from the mainland. Cross the free
passion for the sport. bridge, and the white sand and emerald waters lie before you.
Important Contact Information Welcome to paradise.

matthewvann@msn.com
www.sailsandtailskayakcharters.com
850-572-6563
608 Emmett Rd.
Bristol, Tennessee 37620
www.southholstonriverflyshop.com
And Just When We Thought

Paradise Couldnt Get Any
Better
The Navarre Beach Marine
Park and Reef Programs
A
lthough the Navarre Beach area is widely recognized as one of the premier
kayak fishing destinations in the entire country, the kayak fishing stands to only
get better as the result of some hard work by interested and concerned citizens.
Mike Sandler who is the chairman of the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary committee
brings us some very good news.
Navarre Beach has a new Marine Park which offers several close- to- shore artificial
reef areas which benefit both kayakers and divers. These structures are close to shore
on both the Sound side and the Gulf side of the park. These artificial reef structures
are within reach of all kayak anglers, and all indications are that the fish which kayak
anglers love to catch are attracted to the reefs.
And if This Is Not Enough

The bottom of the Gulf just out from
the beach at Navarre is a flat, sandy
emptiness. Theres nothing much
to attract and hold fish such as
snapper, grouper, triggerfish, and other
popular reef fish. If only there were
SOMETHING solid out there on the
bottom, the Gulf would probably fill up
with all kinds of game fish.
Well, how about two square miles of

hard bottom structure?
In addition to the already completed

near-shore reefs, a much larger offshore
reef is in final stages of planning. This
big field of artificial reefs will be a mile
or so off the beach at Navarre- easily
within kayak range. The reef structure
will be a mile wide and it will run parallel
to the beach for two-miles. This is a
major reef structure, to be sure.
This project is in its final permitting

signature phase. Its part of a multi-
county Florida Fish and Wildlife reefing
program. It has been approved and
funded.
The construction process should start

some time in the spring of 2015, and
if the reef builders schedule allows,
the reef should be complete in twelve
months.
The permit for this massive system The reef will be in sixty feet of water- which is Factors such as weather (its never wise to assume hurricanes wont come to call
authorizes 704 artificial reef modules to plenty deep enough for a wide range of reef along the Gulf Coast) and other reef-building commitments by the builder could affect
be placed in the two-square mile area. and pelagic game fish to be attracted to it. the construction schedule.
IT COSTS NO MORE
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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 Souths 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.
And Some Icing for the Cake

The Navarre Beach Maine Park is also getting significant expansion including a kayak
launch dock on the Sound side and low equipment (kayak) friendly boardwalks on the
Gulf Side. More pavilions, restrooms, and paved parking are coming, too.
So even though we may access to kayak fishing paradise right now, our paradise is
going to be getting even better in the near future.
1777 River Road Lakeview, Arkansas 72642

(870) 431-5202 E-Mail gastons@gastons.com
Lat 36 20' 55" N Long 92 33' 25" W www.gastons.com
120 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015 January 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 121
Little River, Tennessee

Its a Great Trout Stream,
And Its Also a Great Kayak Fishing Stream
L
ittle River in eastern Tennessee is very well known
among trout anglers as a wonderful wild stream that
starts high in the Smokies and which provides some
great hike-in and wade fishing for trout. Rainbows, browns,
and in the high elevations, native brook trout call the upper
Little River home.
However, there are some of us who prefer our fishing to be

done from a paddle boat, and the middle parts of the Little
River offer kayak anglers some fine fishing- not for trout
so much- but for that bronze battler with a bad attitude-
smallmouth bass.
Our buddy Josh Pfeiffer guides on the Little River, and he was
kind enough to tell Southern Kayak Fishing readers about
the smallmouth fishing on Little River. And if this information
doesnt fling a cravin on you to try out some of this streams
smallmouth bass from a float boat, well, perhaps you need to
think about taking up another activity.
The River Itself What Kind of Access

Josh says, The Little for Floaters?
River is a freestone river If theres a limitation for
with clear water for the kayak anglers on the
most part, especially in Little River, it would be
summer. It has some that river access is lim-
rapids on the higher ited. Josh tells us, As
end near Townsend, for public access on the
but mainly there are Little River, its pretty
riffles and pools on the sparse. Most of the land
lower side through the on either side is private
farmland near Maryville. property, and it can be
There is a dangerous hard to get permission
dam in Rockford that to launch. You can ac-
shouldnt be messed cess the river at the
with- it has claimed a lot Special People Park in
of lives. Since Little Riv- Townsend, Perrys Mill,
er is a freestone river, and River Johns Outfit-
the water temps will rise ters in Maryville. River
through the day, chang- Johns runs shuttles and
ing the fishes attitude, has a ayak/canoe rental
but theres plenty of service. Frontier Anglers
shade for them to hide TN (fronttieranglerstn.
from the sun. com) runs the river on
a regular basis and can
Both fly anglers and provide trips for fly and
spinning folks can do spin fishermen.
well on the Little River
as they float down- Josh Pfeiffer advises us
stream. Josh says, about certain hazards
Both fly and spin are on the Little River. He
effective methods and says, Also, be careful
definitely have their And what about the Kayak anglers going to fish on smaller minnows, and hanging trees is always a during the early spring
place. I keep both in Smallmouth? the lower Little River for stoneflies and hellgram- good bet, and a fly rod with or any time after a heavy
the boat, but I prefer fly Josh says, The average smallmouth should keep mites are common, too, so smaller popping bugs can rain due to trees that
due to the fact that you smallmouth is going to in mind what smallies ev- fly anglers will want to have be a real blast. have fallen in, blocking
can fish a fly faster while range from ten to fourteen erywhere love to eat best. imitations of these on hand. the runs to get through.
fishing, and I can see inches with the occasion- Any lure or fly that looks
what my line is doing al eighteen to twenty inch like a crawdad will work. As an angler works down-
while fishing subsurface smallmouth on the larger However, Josh tells us that stream in warmer weather,
flies. side. smallmouth here also feed fishing under the over-
So, Whats Keeping

us from Floating the
Little River?
Theres not anything much
more fun than a free-
flowing stream with a good
population of aggressive,
hard-fighting smallmouth
bass. Sliding the kayak
in and floating down the
Little River for a mornings
fishing for smallmouth
seems to be a very good
idea for any kayak angler.
Probably the best idea

for kayak anglers who
are not familiar with Little
River would be to contact
an experienced and
knowledgeable guide- like
Josh Pfeiffer- who can
arrange put-in and take- Important Contact
out locations and a good Information-
shuttle service. No doubt,
Josh can also arrange a Josh Pfeiffer
traditional small-stream Frontier Anglers, TN
trout fishing trip up in the frontieranglersTN.com
Smokies for visiting kayak 805-719-0227
anglers, too.
Little River Outfitters
Both fishing Little River 865-448-9459
from the yak and on foot info@littleriveroutfitters.
high up in the Smokies is com
bound to be a wonderful
experience.
Editors Note Im very
happy our buddy Steve
Gibson wrote this arti-
cle for us at SKF. I must
confess that I truly enjoy
hooking- and sometimes
catching- sharks. Its a
thrill whether the fish is
caught or not. And its
the best way I know of
to get to go on a kayak
sleigh ride. Just make
sure your gear is up to
the task, and that you
know how to cut the
shark free when the fight
is over.
Meeting Mr. Tooth on a Kayak

130 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July
January
20152015 January
July 2015 l
By Steve Gibson
Southern Kayak Fishing l 131

Shark fishing is a mega-injection of testosterone and ego.
It isn't for everyone. It's an activity filled with excitement and danger.
Add a kayak to the mix and you've got an adrenalin rush to the max.
Be advised, we're not advocating fishing for monsters. We're talking about
juvenile sharks that inhabit Tampa Bay and other Florida salt waters. Still, we're
talking about sharks that push 6 feet in length and 80 to 100 pounds in weight
These diminutive toothy critters are more fun than you can imagine.
When I Met Mr. Tooth
A good friend of mine, Vinny Caruso of Bradenton, Fla., and I discovered the
Tampa Bay shark fishery almost by accident. We launched our kayaks one
morning and managed to catch some impressive flounder and snook. Later, we
located some grass patches in six feet of water and decided that should be great
habitat for spotted seatrout.
It was.
But when we drifted off the grass and into deeper water we began catching
ladyfish. And several of the hooked ladyfish were intercepted on the way in. We
didn't know it at the time, but it turned out sharks were inhaling the hooked ladies.
Only when I hooked a small ladyfish and cast it out about 20 feet from the kayak
did I learn firsthand. It took maybe 60 seconds before a small blacktip shark
homed in on the ladyfish.
We didn't land any of the nine sharks we hooked that day. Our tackle, which was
more suited for seatrout, just wasn't up to the task. Plus, fluorocarbon leaders
don't hold up to sharp teeth very well.
Next time out, we were ready. We were armed with Shimano TLD 15 reels on
medium-heavy Star conventional rods. In addition, we tied up several leaders,
consisting of 7/0 circle hooks and 60-pound wire.
We've fished for sharks many occasions since the first outing. And we've
encountered sharks on each outing. One thing Caruso and I both agree on is that
an incoming tide is best. We've hooked sharks on the outgoing, but the action
is markedly better on the incoming.
How to Meet Mr. Tooth
We've used a variety of bait, ranging from bo-

nito strips to live ladyfish to grunts to pinfish. It
really doesn't seem to matter.
What works best is to anchor our kayaks in
eight to 10 feet of water. We'll cast our baits out,
then put the rods in holders and wait. The reels
should be kept in free spool with the clickers on.
Most often, it only takes a few minutes for a

shark to find the bait.
When a shark hits, we allow it to run for a while,

then put the reel into gear. There's no need to
"set the hook" when using circle hooks. All you
need to do is begin reeling when the line tight-
ens.
Usually, the shark is hooked in the corner of

its mouth when using circle hooks.
We have landed mostly blacktip shark from

two and half to nearly six feet in length. We've
also encountered bonnethead sharks and bull
sharks.
I think a rudder is very helpful when shark fish-

ing. Even small sharks can make long, strong
runs that will tow your kayak, and it helps to be
able to steer your kayak via the rudder.
I have an anchor trolley on my NuCanoe Fron-

tier 12 with a float atop the anchor line. So,
when I hook a shark, I unclip the anchor line
and away I go.
A blacktip is both speedy and strong. They can

rip off 100 yards of line in just a few seconds.
And they'll usually make several runs during the
battle.
its not something inexperienced anglers should try. It can become a bit dicey when a
hooked shark is near the boat and suddenly bolts off or changes directions.
Many shark species are good to eat, but I will not kill one. The shark fishery as a whole
isnt in the greatest of shape. With that in mind, I dont need to be killing them.
Im satisfied to hook these speedy, powerful critters and enjoy the battle.
Required equipment includes gloves and wire cutters. Its imperative to wear
a good pair of gloves when handling the line and/or leader as youre attempting to
release the shark.
When I was the outdoor editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for more than 30 years,
I did a number of stories on the shark fishery. I interviewed renowned shark expert Dr.
Robert Hueter of Mote Marine Laboratory on a number of occasions.
According to Hueter, the shark fishery still is in trouble because of overfishing and such
practices as sharking finning. Remember, sharks do not reproduce at the rate of other
fishes. They give live birth to only a few pups at a time.
Therefore, the mortality rate can (and often does) outnumber the amount of new
sharks entering the fishery.
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sharks are top-
level predators and tend to have lower population numbers than other fishes. They
also have slower growth rates, mature late in life and produce few offspring. These
And When the Fight is Over- Its Not Over Yet biological characteristics couples with overfishing can reduce population levels to a
point where recovery can take many years. A number of shark species have been
The fight isnt over when you get the shark near the kayak. You can (and should) overfished and are now protected in both state and federal waters.
expect the shark to make a few powerful lunges. If youre not ready, theres a chance
the fish could flip your kayak. For shark regulations and a complete list of protected species, visit http://myfwc.com/
fishing/saltwater/recreational/sharks/
When the fish is tired out, its time to land/release it. We dont take the sharks from the
water. We usually team up, with the second angler clipping the leader as close to the With that in mind, Ive always believed catch-and-release shark fishing is the only way
hook as possible. For this endeavor, you should wear gloves. to go.
The best shark action in Tampa Bay (one of the worlds top shark fisheries) is from May However, if you must keep a shark when fishing in Florida waters, the minimum size in
through October. Seems as if the hotter it is, the better the shark fishing. The action will 54 inches (fork length). Bag limit is one per day.
taper off once the first cold front of fall pushes through.
When shark fishing, you should be alert at all times and be prepared for any
Originally, I thought shark fishing would be something my clients (I run Southern Drawl situation. A powerful shark at the side of your kayak is nothing to take lightly.
Kayak Fishing in Sarasota) would really enjoy. Im sure they would, but Ive decided
Ride the I
f you need something very fun to do this upcoming August,
and youd like to do this something fun with a few hundred
other kayak anglers in a really fine place- theres only one
Bull... place to be- Grand Isle, Louisiana. The 2014 edition of Ride
the Bull had 732 entrants- who knows how many will turn out
in 2015?
and This
For the past six years, the good folks at Grand Isle have
sponsored one of the biggest kayak fishing tournaments
anywhere- in fact, this has been named the worlds largest
kayak fishing tournament. Ride the Bull is a different kind of
Is
fishing tournament from most tournaments.
First, theres only one species- big redfish. There are no
long distances to peddle or paddle- the fishing is done right
in Chaminada Pass- less than a mile from the starting point.
No Bull!
Theres no photo recording of caught fish- when an angler
catches a fish, a tournament boat with live-well and fish
survival set up takes the caught fish from the kayak to the
weigh-in area where the fish is measured, weighed, tagged
and then released- all in a very short period of time.
Last years winning bull red was a twenty-six pound
beast, and the winning angler was a young lady-Kalley
LeRoy- who was fishing from a YOLO paddleboard. For
catching the largest bull red, Kalley took home a new
Wilderness Systems Ride 115X kayak and $3200. Kayaks,
paddleboards and other paddle-powered craft are eligible for
Ride the Bull.
And since Grand Isle is smack in the middle of Cajun
country, anglers and friends can assume that there will be
some good parties before and after the tournament.
Ride the Bull 2015

August 15-2015
Bridge Side Marina
www.calmwatercharters.net for more information and
registration
Bridge Light
Bulls: Redefining
the Word Fun
By Sawyer Martin
F
Editors Note- One of the most reliable summertime fishing situations regardless ishing for bull reds at night under the ominous glow of bridge lights doesnt
of location is fish at night below major bridges. The light provided by the brdiges exactly fall under the category of reinventing the wheel. With that be-
draw bait, and the bait draws big fish. Our buddy Sawyer Martin who is a student ing said, its still not for the average angler. But if you enjoy staying up all
at Pensacola, Florida has discovered a world-class nighttime fishery, and he has night, pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion and getting dragged around
offered to tell us about it. by 30 pound fish all in the hopes of putting some monsters in your yak and get-
ting some photographs and stories that youll remember for a lifetime, then you
should keep reading, because this may be the type of fishing for you.
Gear Its Kind of Important
Gear is simple. First ask yourself, am I a baitcasting fanatic or more of a spinning reels of choice for chasing bulls are the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000FA and
guy? If you, like myself, enjoy throwing baitcasters, grab your trusty Shimano Shimanos Stradic 3000FJ. No matter what reel you choose to use, make
Calcutta or Abu Garcia C4 and spool it up with your favorite brand of 50 sure that the drag system is sound. If you really want to be sure that your
pound braided line. Personally, my favorite reel for bull reds, by a long reels drag system wont skip a beat during a fight with a monster fish,
shot, is my Abu Garcia Revo Toro NaCl50, but there are many baitcasters do yourself a favor and replace the stock drag washers with Carbontex
that will shine when it comes to throwing big baits at redfish. On the subject washers. At about $10 a set, theyre the best (and cheapest) upgrade that
of braided lines, Sufix 832 & Power Pro Super Slick are my favorites, but you can easily install on just about any reel that you have. As far as rods
the truth is that most any brand of braid will perform just fine on the bronze go, I like to use anything in the 7 6 to 8 range. Any rod with a medium to
behemoths that youre likely to encounter under the lights at your local bay heavy action will do the trick, although I sometimes use heavier action rods
bridge. Never been able to conquer the art of baitcasting? Or are you just if bulls are holding to structure on the bottom. In a situation like this, I like
seeking to use lighter gear for more of a challenge? Grab your favorite 3k or to use an 8 St. Croix Legend Tournament Musky Series rod rated for 20-50
4k sized spinning reel & load it with some 30 pound braided line. My spinning pound line paired up with an Abu Garcia Revo Toro NaCl50.
What Should I Target Them With?
Choosing tackle for chasing bulls can be as simple as youd like it to be. Now, if the fish are aggressive, I grab a heavier rod
No matter what lures I end up trying, I always end up going back to four of my setup & tie on either a 1 or a 1.5-ounce jighead & slide
personal favorites. Each of these four lures excels at enticing big reds under an 8 chartreuse twister tail made by Gotcha Plastics on
certain conditions. For calm water & little current, my absolute favorite is a it. Eels are a staple in the diets of many bridge-dwelling
ounce Golden Eye jighead paired with either a Matrix Shad or Vortex Shad redfish, and big twister tail grubs do a perfect job of
paddletail in various colors. In my opinion, Matrix Shad plastics are the best imitating an injured eel slowly sinking through the water
paddletails currently on the market, bar none. When the fish are finicky, tie column. Work these big plastics through every part of the
one of these plastics on & watch the magic unfold before you. Regardless of water column and vary your retrieve until you find a pattern
conditions, the Matrix Shad really is my go-to bait to throw whenever I hit the that works, and then stick to it.
bridge. Ive found that the best way to work them, for me anyway, is to throw If youre more of a thrill seeker and are looking for
them into the brightest part of the light. Once it hits the water, get rid of your slack an explosive bite that may end up ripping the rod out of
& pop the bait once. Let it fall for a few seconds, then pop it twice & give it a your hands, try a Super Pogy rattletrap made by Bomber
couple cranks. Repeat this process until you find what depth the reds are holding Lures. Burn these lures right in front of the faces of cruising
at in the water column. If you get slammed but dont hook up, give that big bull bulls and hold on. More often than not, big reds find it quite
a reason to eat it again. Jerk that Matrix, let it fall, and cross your fingers the red difficult to resist the attractive, menhaden-esque shape and
returns for round two. More often than not, this quick jerk is enough to grab the loud rattle of a Super Pogy.
attention of the fish once more. Now, if seeing massive fish blow up on a topwater
lure really gets your blood pumping, opt for a ounce or
1 ounce Bomber Lures Badonkadonk topwater jerkbait in
either the black & chartreuse or gold and orange colorway.
Work these quickly through lights when you see bulls
terrorizing baitfish or cruising just below the surface. Dont
get discouraged if you get a lot more strikes than you do
hookups. Bulls may have strength, stamina, & speed on
their side, but I dont think accuracy is their forte.
Lets Talk Leaders
For some reason, many people that I talk to are under the
impression that redfish dont have teeth and that a leader isnt
necessary. The next time you catch an angry bull, put your
hand in her mouth and then tell me that redfish dont have
teeth. Instead of getting frustrated with break-offs, try using an
Albright Knot to tie three to five feet of 30 pound monofilament
or fluorocarbon to your braid. Although generally a 30 pound
leader will work just fine, consider upsizing to 50 or 60 pound
test leader material if youre having trouble with bulls getting
you into the pilings. The heavier monofilament or fluorocar-
bon will hold up much longer if a less-than-ecstatic redfish
decides to make a run for those nasty concrete columns. No
matter what leader material you end up deciding to use, take
the time to learn how to tie a loop knot. A loop knot will greatly
increase the action of whatever lure youre throwing. Your lure
will look much more natural and the presentation will be sub-
stantially more erratic with a loop knot.
Is My Yak Going to Work for this Type of Fishing? Are All Lights Created Equal?
Hobie. Native. Most of us are familiar with these brand names. Theyre the Bright bridge lights are the best. This may
best of the best. Pedal drive kayaks are perfect for almost any kayak fishing sit- seem like a given, but Ive seen many a kayak angler
uation. But, are they necessary? Absolutely not. As much as Id love to be able spending time working dim lights with nothing to show
to say that I own (or can afford) a Native Slayer Propel or a Hobie PA, Im a poor for it more times than I can count. Concentrate on
college student with a budget. I rock an Eagle Talon 12 made by Field & Stream, areas of the bridge that have a section of really bright
and despite its relatively low price, it performs great out on the water and Id lights in a row. In the case of Three Mile Bridge in Gulf
recommend it to anyone. Truth be told, most decent kayaks will handle just fine Breeze, Florida, there are many of these types of sec-
while fishing for bulls at bridges. Just make sure that you feel comfortable ventur- tions, and they generally hold a lot more quality fish
ing out at night in whatever yak you choose to use. than other portions of the bridge. One bit of advice
Be sure to abide by rules and regulations as far as lighting on your kayak that Ive given to a number of people is to not spend
goes as well. Nothing puts an end to a good vibe and a great night of fishing like too much time at a light. If you dont pull a fish off of
being ticketed for not having your yak outfitted with proper lighting! Obviously a light within the first few casts, move on. More often
having your yak properly lit will significantly decrease the chance of a boater not than not, if a light is holding fish, youll get eaten on
seeing you, too. the first cast.
C ay l o r Quality flies since 1991
Custom Flies
www.CaylorCustomFlies.com
9451 Abb Pitman Road 850-957-4071 phone
Milton, Florida 32570 roger@caylorcustomflies.com
Quickie
Kayak NRS Chinook Type III PFD
Fishing
We need to be honest here- kayak anglers will fall into one of two categories: those who
have needed help from a personal floatation device, and those who WILL need help from
a PFD to keep above water. Weird stuff happens on the water, and when we need a
PFD, its too late to look and try to find one. We kayakers especially should have a PFD
Gear
on whenever we go on the water.
But I dont do this- at least, up until now I havent. All of the PFDs Ive tried have been
bulky, uncomfortable, and in many cases, downright impossible to wear while I was in a
Review kayak. I do believe this situation may have changed.
The NRS Company of Moscow, Idaho has come up with a very comfortable, very easy to
adjust to fit individual paddlers, and not bulky PFD designed for kayakers. The Chinook
Type III PFD is easy to wear, and it offers kayak anglers many features which old-fash-
ioned PFDs did not.
The Chinook PlushFIT foam conforms to a paddlers shape for comfort. There are sev-
en front pockets for all of that small but important gear that tends to rumble around in a
kayak- until it is kicked overboard. There are eight adjustment points for an individual fit,
and a mesh lower back works well with kayak seatbacks.
There are rod holder loops, a fly patch, a lash tab, and two coil tool retractors, pliers hold-
er, and multiple accessory attachment points. High visibility reflective tape on the PFD
aids rescue in case of loss of contact with the kayak.
But the best point about the Chinook type III PFD is that it is comfortable, and kayak
anglers will be more willing to wear it when fishing. Ill have mine on from now on- I dont
want to live on borrowed time any longer.
To contact NRS-
NRS 2009 S. Main St.
Moscow, Idaho 83843
208-882-2383
800-635-5202
service@nrsweb.com
154 l Southern Kayak Fishing l January

July 20152015 July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 155
TM
A simple and effective system to get your bead on.

www.ontheflyproducts.com made in the u.s.a.
An Account of an Early Spring
Paddling Trip in Florida-
Or, Good Times Happen Even
When Things Arent Perfect
By Brian Wilkes
Editors Note
I noticed a very well-written and photographed post in Southern River
Fishing online forum which is one of my favorite places to read about other folks
fishing trips, so I contacted BrianWilkes and asked him to do the post up as an
article. He did quite well, I think. The important point of this article is that we
kayak anglers are not always blessed with weather and water as we planned
and wanted. However, we can almost always salvage a good trip out of less
than ideal conditions.
158 l Southern Kayak Fishing l April

July 2015
2015 April
July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 159
So, Heres How our Early Spring Trip Went
First, the guys on the trip were Allen Fowler, Gabe La-
cally, Wayne Harris and me- Brian Wilkes. Were all Alabama
boys.
We stayed at a cabin at Stephen Foster Folk Culture
Center State Park in White Springs, Florida. The rangers at
the park were very helpful and knowledgeable about the rivers.
Our plan was to float the Suwannee near where were staying.
However, the gauge height of the river was nearly at 65 feet
(above sea level), and at that height, the park closes the ac-
cess. That high level is great for paddling but not for fishing.
Most rivers down here on the Big Bend of the Florida Gulf
Coast move deceptively fast. We floated twelve miles on the
Santa Fe in just over eight hours, and we hardly put a paddle
in the water.
On Day One, we floated twelve miles on the Santa Fe
River. We had our best fishing action on the Santa Fe. We
caught the bulk of our haul on that flow.
Day Two we floated the Itchetucknee River down to the
confluence with the Santa Fe, and then we paddled four miles
to the nearest takeout near the confluence with the Suwannee-
more or less seven miles total. After that, on the same day,
we hit a different section on the Santa Fe for a paddle up and
three mile float on the upper section.
On Day Three, we floated a six and a half mile stretch on
the Aucilla River. It was beautiful and wild! Osceola wild tur-
key were heard and seen- briefly- as we passed. We encoun-
tered whitetail deer and wild boars everywhere. It was very
pushy and the water was about six feet higher than the median
level. Needless to say, the fishing was a real challenge. We
finished that float with ample time to spare, so we headed
over to the Wacissa River for a quick paddle down just for fun.
The Wacissa is an absolute must-do bucket list float for any
Southern kayak fisherman. Its the most pristine flow Ive ever
floated. You feel like youre in another world when you paddle
through the eelgrass channels. Its a real Southern treasure-
fishing it is just gravy on the biscuit.
And About the Fishing
Theres a wide range of fish to be caught in the tannic waters of the rivers here.
Several kinds of bream, largemouth bass- there are some real monsters here, too, and
our main quarry for this trip- Suwannee bass. For those unfamiliar with this particular
species of bass, Suwannee bass are found only in the spring-fed rivers of Big Bend
Florida. These are not big bass- a real trophy Suwannee would weigh two pounds.
They are gorgeous fish, dark in color, and they often have turquoise accents on the
cheeks and head. Suwannee look very much like smallmouth bass, and they fight like
smallmouth, too. Thats about as high praise as anyone can give a freshwater fish.
Be ready, Suwannee bass might be small, but they hit like a freight train. I
missed many fish by not being prepared for the blow-up. We caught most all the Su-
wanees on topwater buzz baits and spinnerbaits. I also got a few bites on frogs, shaky-
heads, and creature baits.
You have to be able to make accurate casts- and lots of them. My shoulder is
still recovering from the thousands of casts I made.
And for those Planning a Suwannee
Bass Trip
My advice to people wanting to fish the spring-
fed rivers in north Florida: Do your homework and
stay flexible with your float plans. We were only
able to fish one of the three flows we had originally
planned. Dont get frustrated when your go-to fish-
ing techniques dont produce here like they do back
home. The tannic water down there will make you
eat humble pie. And dont rely on gauge readings
like we do in Alabama and Georgia as much. The
rivers can level out on the
gauge yet still be blown
out and difficult to fish
effectively.
Even when condi-
tions on the tannic wa-
ters of the Suwannee,
Itchetucknee, Aucilla and
Wacissa Rivers are not
perfect, the floating and
the wildlife around the
river is still something to
remember, and when a
Suwannee bass smashes
your lure and takes you
for a spin before being
landed, well, thats just
about worth any trouble
with re-planning the trip
right there.
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Editors Note- I asked our Tex-
as-based kayak fishing buddy, Clint
Taylor, about his choice of kayak
and other essential fishing gear.
He said hed put it all in an article
format- and Im very glad he did.
Heres how one very successful
kayak anglers chose his gear.
H
aving the right gear with you
can aid you in catching fish, but
also in having a safer and bet-
ter time out on the water. Of course,
choosing the right lure is important as
is the capability of the fisherman to
present a lure appropriately, but there
is more important gear that can real-
ly help you out. I decided to look into
the best gear that I could find on the
market when I transitioned from wade
fishing to kayak fishing, and through
my research I have found the gear
that you dont want and especially the
gear that you do want. No doubt my
gear has helped me to find new wa-
ters, fish them more effectively, and
be safe while Im in remote places as
well. These are my three most im-
portant pieces of equipment when I
fish the waters of Texas.
One Mans Gear and Why He Chose It

By Clint Taylor
Jackson Kayak Big Tuna
In order to participate in kayak fishing, it is pretty valuable to actually have a Tank is a nice piece of engineering that allows a user to have a live well by using the
kayak. There are alternative means, such as stand up paddleboards, canoes, and natural water you are fishing. The Tuna Tank is basically an ellipse shaped hole in the
small boats, but most often you will find me in my Jackson Kayak Big Tuna. The Big middle of the kayak that allows water to flow in and out of a removable elliptical shaped
Tuna is an extremely versatile kayak that stems around the capability of being able to container that serves as a live well. In order to use this live well feature, a user can
go both tandem and solo through the unique seating arrangement that Jackson Kayak simply drill some holes through the container to fit the amount of flow needed for your
has developed. In this seating arrangement, either seat can also be in a high position catch or bait. If you are using small minnows, drill small holes so they cant escape. If
or a low position to better suit your needs within seconds of adjusting the seat. The you are using shrimp or some other bait that is a little larger, drill a little bit bigger holes
seats are placed into position by using integrated molds that fit the contour of the seats or a larger number of small holes. The great thing is that if you dont want to use the
tubular frame along with some heavy duty bungee cords and straps to secure the live well you just dont drill any holes so you can use it as storage for some drinks like
seats. The Hi-Lo capability of the Big Tuna, and all of Jackson Kayaks fishing kayaks, I do. The Big Tuna also has some zipper pouches on the back of each seat that can
is extremely valuable as it allows a paddler and or fisherman to achieve a better be used to store sun screen, bug spray, jerky, and basically anything that will fit. With
position for fishing, paddling, comfort, and stability. When you throw in the ability to go flush mount rod holders and bungee cords to strap rods on the gunnels of your kayak,
in a solo position by simply taking one seat out and moving the remaining seat to the you are sure to have enough places to store all of your tackle. Jackson Kayak has also
solo position, you have a multitude of customization for seating. Seating isnt the only designed the Big Tuna to help you capture footage of your time out on the water, as
reason I use the Big Tuna although it is an awesome feature. they have partnered with GoPro to place inserts throughout the Big Tuna so you can
The Big Tuna has a versatile hull that is suited to fit into a wide variety of waters, easily mount your GoPro. The Jackson Kayak Big Tuna can serve a lot of different
tackling nearly anything you can think of. I use it almost exclusively on the Texas Rivers purposes including fishing, filming, guiding, hunting, and nearly anything you want to
and it handles them great. The Big Tuna also has a lot of storage options as there are try. The Big Tuna has certainly been a great kayak for me and my exploration of the
bungee cords that are designed to store some Plano 3600 Series tackle boxes, a rear Texas Rivers I fish.
storage compartment, front day hatch, and even the Big Tuna Tuna Tank. The Tuna
MTI Adventurewear Aquabound Paddlesports
Dio F-Spec Manta Ray Aluminum
Being safe out on the water is A kayak is not very useful without
crucial. Although most states a paddle, and my Jackson Kayak
require that you have a life jacket Big Tuna is no exception. Paddling
with you in the kayak while out on a large boat means you need an
the water, a stored life jacket is exceptional paddle. The Aquabound
not very good when you actually Paddlesports Manta Ray Aluminum
need it. This is why I invested in is well suited for the Big Tuna, as
the MTI Adventurewear Dio F-Spec the blade has 104 square inches
life jacket. With an extremely high of surface area to displace a lot of
back tank top design, you can wear water. Being aluminum, the Manta
the Dio F-Spec all day long. The Ray is both light and durable. The
high back is extremely beneficial blades are made out of fiberglass
because a lot of kayaks have a seat reinforced nylon in order to provide
with back support, and having the a stiff blade, while at the same time
foam from your life jacket touching being extremely durable. I can testify
the seat back can be extremely to the durability of the Manta Ray
uncomfortable. You do not have Aluminum, as I use it as a push pole
to worry about this with the Dio quite often and it has held up very
F-Spec as it has a very high back well.
to accommodate whatever seat
you might be using. Although the It might seem a little wasteful to
Dio F-Spec is designed to save invest in a paddle when you can just
your life, it has also been designed pick up one for $19.99 at your local
for fishing. On the front of the PFD store. I thought about this a little
is a few pockets that can be used as well but after I switched to the
to store some loose bags of soft Manta Ray Aluminum I never looked
plastics, some snacks, or even back. The blades of the Manta Ray
your flies if you fly fish, as there is Aluminum really make a tremendous
a white sponge to store some of difference and can provide a lot of
your flies on. On the outside of the efficiency when paddling through
front left pocket is a spot to store the water. The craftsmanship you
your pliers so they can easily be will find from Aquabound is also far
found when you catch that big fish. past exceptional, as the Manta Ray
MTI has really done an incredible Aluminum is very well crafted. If
job on the Dio F-Spec and I highly you are looking into a new paddle
recommend checking out the Dio or purchasing your first one be
F-Spec and the many other great sure to take a look at the Manta
PFDs from MTI Adventurewear. Ray Aluminum as it has served me
tremendously.
________________________________________

What Do You Want
There are several reasons that you may want to stand in your kayak while
fishing. FIrst and foremost is to improve your ability to find fish. Sight fishing for Reds
To Catch Today?
and other species is exponentially easier while standing. The angle of your vision into
These three pieces of equipment have helped me to travel all over Texas and take on the water is greatly improved with a higher sight angle. Along with sight fishing, you
any body of water that I run into. I like to think of your paddle, kayak, and life jacket as may want to stand to get a better view of where you want to head in the marsh, to look
the Big Three they are absolutely necessary to have. If you are looking into getting for a way into that back pond that you hear the Reds crushing bait in, and even to give
into kayak fishing or thinking about getting some new gear, take some time to research
what will suit you best. The gear I use has certainly helped me out a lot while keeping
Brown Trout
your bottom and your back a break during a long day on the water. Standing in a kayak
has so many advantages for the angler, but youll need to work on your skills to be
my safe too. If you are not sure where to start, go ahead and check out Jackson Kay- successful. Rainbow Trout
ak, MTI Adventurewear, and Aquabound Paddlesports as these companies sure do Your football or basketball coach taught you in high school that spreading your
produce some great products.
Brook Trout
feet and keeping your knees bent make you more stable and powerful. This concept
Palomino Trout
is very important when standing in a kayak. Your head should be up and your eyes
scanning the marsh ahead of you. Keep in mind that your paddle is your biggest
Steelhead
external stabilizer while standing. Hold the blade of the paddle with one hand and the
Smallmouth Bass
shaft with the other. Brace off the bottom if the water is shallow or use a sculling stroke
for stability in deeper water. Youll find that if you paddle is engaged with the water or
Largemouth Bass
the bottom, youll feel much more stable. Bring your kayak to a local pond (leave your
fishing gear at home) to practice this skill. You will be amazed how much better you will
White Bass
feel after only an hour of practice. If you go back to the pond several more times, youll
Kentucky Spotted Bass
be feeling great liding across the water in your new standing position. Like anything
else, having the right tools helps tremendously, and in this case having the right boat
Walleye
can make all the difference.
A kayak designed for stand up fishing has several very important design
Muskie
characteristics. First off, the kayak should have enough width. I prefer to have 30
Crappie
inches or more of width. The floor of the kayak should be flat and wide. This allows you
to comfortably stand and to spread your feet as wide as possible. Lastly, the bottom
Bluegill
hull of the boat should be flat or even better, have a tunnel hull design. For interior
marsh fishing I love the Native Ultimate kayak. Its the most stable and comfortable
Yellow Perch
boat you can imagine for stand up kayak fishing. If you also like to fish waters with
Flathead Catfish
more chop or surf, I like the Jackson Cuda and the Wilderness Systems Ride. These
provide self draining scupper holes that allow water to escape the cockpit without
Channel Catfish
bailing. If you like the idea of a pedal drive boat thats stand up capable, check out
the new Hobie Pro Angler 12. Its got a tricked out new seat that adjusts up and down
Carp
vertically to make it much easier to get up and down.
Theres no bigger thrill in kayak fishing than standing and poling while sight cast-
ing for big fish in shallow water. Committing to having the right kayak and then prac-
Theyre all standing
ticing your waiting forskills
youuntil
in Swain County,nature
its second NC onewillofmake all the difference for your
the most diverseinfishing
effectiveness habitats
shallow water in situations.
the world with four rivers,
dozens of mountain streams throughout the Smoky Mountains,
PackPadde
and the deep, cold waters ofLafayette, La lakes. www.packpaddle.com
Fontana and Cheoah
Visit GreatSmokiesFishing.com for a map and profiles
of 26 great fishing locations near Bryson City, NC.
174 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015
Stetson No Fly Zone Fishing Hat
Of all gear that kayak anglers use, probably
the one that gets least attention and yet can
make the difference between a great sunny
day fishing trip and a miserable time on the
Quickie water, a good hat is the one thing that should

be addressed.
The Stetson No fly Zone Fishing Hat looks
Kayak
like the kind of headgear Indiana Jones would
choose if he was a kayak angler. It is com-
fortable when worn, and being a full-brim hat,
it doesnt drip rain water down the back of my
Fishing
neck like baseball caps do.
But the good elements of this hat dont end
here. The fabric in this hat has been treated
with Permethrin, which repels mosquitoes,
Gear ants. ticks, chiggers, flies- and the bug repel-

lant stays effective for up to 70 hand-wash-
ings. If this hat will keep Gulf Coast bugs out
Review
of my face, it might just get my vote as kayak
fishing product of the year.
The hat is UPF rated at 50+.
So, even if I dont use a whip or fly my biplane
out of danger like Indiana Jones, I do like this
safari-style fishing hat very much.
Reviewers Note: Ive tested this fishing hat

hard since I received it. It even keeps deer-
flies away from my face and neck. I do like
my new Stetson No-Fly Zone hat. Its a no-
doubt-aboutit keeper.
Stetson No Fly Zone Fishing Hat

Dorfman Pacific
1-800-DORFMAN
www.dorfman-pacific.com
176 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015 July 2015

April l Southern Kayak Fishing l 177
Making Decisions To Go or Not to Go
Water Conditions on Tailrace Rivers
By Philip Landry
Editors Note-Some of the best fishing and kayaking water to be found in the
South are tailrace waters. The massive dams built on formerly free-flowing
streams create electricity, big lakes above the dams, and some wonderful fish-
ing conditions below the dams.
T
he dams and the periodic release of water through the dams also cre-
ate some of the most challenging and lets be honest- dangerous- kayak
fishing conditions in the South. Our friend Philip Landry has lots of expe-
rience floating and fishing the tailrace conditions of various rivers in the South,
and he offers us his thoughts on how to be safe on the fast-flowing, high level
conditions of the tailrace waters.
He specifically looks at the conditions below Greers Ferry Dam in north
central Arkansas, and how knowing how to read the water and access infor-
mation sources can make deciding to float the river or try another day much
easier- and safer. So even though the information in this article looks specifi-
cally at the Little Red River, the tools and techniques used in evaluated water
flow and generation conditions apply to all tailrace situations.
US Army Corps of Engineers Data
Kayak Anglers on the Little Red have a few tools at their disposal to help with
making the decision about where to fish. As mentioned earlier, the water can rise 6 to
10 feet if both generators are turned on full blast. Big flows are very hard to fish on this
river and are not recommended for kayak anglers. The first tool anglers need to use is
the Corps of Engineers current release data.
For current generation information there are two sources. Calling the recording
will tell anglers when current generation began or ceased and how many units (1 or 2)
were or are online. {(501) 362-5150} Calling the recording is useful to find out how
soon water may arrive in your vicinity. Naturally all fisher-folk, no matter if wading or
boating should look for signs of rising water. Many times there will be noticeably more
debris in the water, small floating branches on the surface, and a slight color change in
the water before the level seems noticeably higher. Waders will see the level change
easier, but noticing rising water while drifting or paddling in a moving boat is not quite
as simple.
For more detailed data, but not always updated within an hour, anglers can ac-
cess the Corps website. This can take a minute to figure out how to read, but here is
the cliff notes version, or Greers Ferry Dam for Dummies!
http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/pages/data/tabular/htm/greersf.htm
At the top of this page there is some tabular data. The lake power pool levels are
displayed first. There is a little fluctuation seasonally in where the Corps likes to keep
the level of the lake.
The Elevation column refers to the lake level.
Tailwater is the rivers water elevation height.
Turbine Release, measured in Cubic Feet per Second, is the volume of water
being released. *A value of 20 CFS means there is no generation.
Generation refers to the Mega Watt Hours of power that the release through the
turbines created.
Each unit or generator in the damn can run 3500 CFS at max volume and create
50 MWH per hour. Rarely do they run at full bore. The above illustration shows that at
7:00 am 2 units (both generators) were running near full capacity for 3 hours. Water in
the river rose almost 10 feet.
Water spreads down river at a rate of 4-7 mph. A general rule of thumb is to take
the amount of time it takes for water to reach a given spot on the river and triple it to
know when the water would be all the way back down after generation ceases.
After the tabular data, there are tables of graphic data that illustrate the last sev-
en days. The only information that is not presented in the tabular section is the pre-
cipitation gauge. That, combined with the lake elevation (RED) is a good indicator of
future conditions.
The last two graphs almost always mirror each other. The only time they do
not is when water is being released over the spillways at the top of the dam. It is very
useful to learn the correlation between CFS and MWH, as you will see when it comes
to predicted releases through Southwestern Powers website.
Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) Data generation the previous
At 5:00 PM the SWPA will update their page with the predicted loading schedule evening you would probably
for all the dams in the district the following day. On Fridays at 5:00 PM they will usually want to pick Dripping Springs
update both Saturday and Sunday. Make sure the date at the top of the page matches > Ramsey Access as your float
and you are not looking at last weeks projection! section and know that water
First of all, please remember that this forecast is not at all 100% correct. It was coming to give you a ride
does give anglers an idea of what they might expect, but there are times that this pre- out. That far down river, the
diction is way off as well. Sometimes water will be released when it wasnt predicted. rise would be slower and the
Other times, the times may be off a little bit etc. USE THIS AS A GUIDELINE AND water would be spread out
CALL THE PHONE # FOR THE DAM DURING THE DAY TO CHECK. more if the generation ceased
www.swpa.gov/generationschedules.aspx and didnt keep running
constantly. In this scenario,
if water had been run like it
shows for the evening period
between 6:00 pm and 9:00
pm the day before, the kayak
fisherman is out of luck as far
as getting a whole days float
in
Hopefully this crash
Go to the SWPAs site course in generation data
and click on the next day. helps out in planning your
Make sure the site has kayak fishing trip on the Little
been updated by matching Red River. There are a few
the next day with the date. other things to consider of
Remember MWH? course. Currently, there is
Each dam is abbreviated not a business that is running
with a 3 letter code. regular shuttles between boat
Greers Ferry is GFD. The ramps. So, if you are planning
numbers on the chart are on getting your vehicle
the projected Mega Watt shuttled, you will need to make
Hours generated by each some friends at a ramp and
dam in the system each offer a decent bribe! This
hour. usually isnt too hard to do, but
So looking at this dont be offended if guides tell
data, an angler would you they cant because their
assume that 2 units will meter is running so to speak.
come online at 7:00 am Anglers who are complete solo
and run for 3 hours. That artists can also cable lock a
is a tough schedule to fish bike up at the planned take
in a kayak if there was out, then cable lock your yak
generation the evening through the scupper holes and
before. If there was not ride back to the car.

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Inside: Featured Kayak Fishing Destination

- Navarre Beach Florida

Southern Kayak Fishing

July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l3

Southern Kayak Fishing is a publication See you on the water,

Editors Letter 3 Little River TN: Great Trout 122

Kayak Hacks 48 Quickie Kayak Fishing Gear Review 156

The Navarre Beach Marine 116

V isitors to Floridas Emerald

SKF-How do you rig for summer inshore fishing?

SKF- What about weather conditions there in summer?

So, enjoy the Beach, but Dont ignore

Its understandable for visitors to the

Many times when the wind and high

Important Contact Information:

Big Red Kayak Fishing Charter

And his artwork can be very effective fishing tools, too.

Join us as we look at an artist in the building of wooden kayaks. We

Nick Schade- No formal training. I went to school for electrical engineering

SKF- what kind of tools would a kayak builder need?

SKF- What are the best woods for kayak building?

Nick Schade- My website has a bunch of information about kayak build-

And to that last statement, we at SKF can only say, Amen!

To contact Nick Schade: Guillemot Sea Kayaks, 54 South Rd., Groton, CT

SKF- What do you feel Can You REALLY build a Wooden

With 73 miles of coastline and 4 fresh water rivers

Equipment: Drop-shot is a style of finesse fishing. Open face spinning tackle is

Watch this video to learn how to tie the Dodd Knot.

Tell me your goals for

Exchange stress for

Shaft material: Carbon blend with a standard

Length: 220 cm -260 cm

Length adjustment: 0-10 cm

The Problem: When using a traditional anchor, you must anticipate

8 foot section of PVC

48 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July2015 July 2015 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 49

Rob Baker- The clear, spring-fed Wakulla

SKF- How has kayak fishing interest

Rob Baker- A whole lot! Kayak fishing is the

SKF- How long has your shop been in

Rob Baker- Our kayak rental business- TnT

Wilderness Way developed from Tnt

Rob Baker- Its crucial for us to

SKF- In an average month, how

Rob Baker- Well get newcomers

Rob Baker- We have forty years

SKF- What do you offer would-be kayak

Rob Baker- Nearly all newcomers want advice-

We offer a lot of classes and instruction both

SKF- What would you most like to convey to

Rob Baker- Were a friendly, knowledgeable

If it doesnt deal with paddle sports, we dont do

To contact Wilderness Way:

3152 Shadeville Road

Wilderness Way is closed on Mondays

Come fish the great Arkansas Tailwaters

We offer Jet Boat trips, Drift Boat trips and

850-877-7200 Authorized Dealer for Hobie and Jackson Kayaks

If you like to fish standing up, use a paddle clip

Learn to paddle without making that "toilet

The ultimate in stealth is to not paddle at all.

68 l Southern Kayak Fishing l July 2015 April

Wilderness Systems makes high

There are few high-rise buildings to mar the sightlines, and