If you’ve run from the Creature from the Black Lagoon or swung through the trees with Tarzan and Jane then you’ve already visited Wakulla, Florida. Wakulla’s crystal-clear springs and miles of undeveloped coast were the setting for classic adventure and horror films. Located between Panama City and the Everglades, Wakulla is in the middle of nowhere. But for kayak anglers looking for trophy largemouth bass and backwater fishing for reds and specks, Wakulla’s lakes and shores are the center of the universe. RIC BURNLEY
Planner
STAY
Best Western Plus
bwwakullainn.com
850-926-3737
EAT
Spring Creek
(850) 926-3751
OUTFITTER
T-n-T Hideaway
850-925-6412
tnthideaway.com
The Wilderness Way
850-877-7200
thewildernessway.net
BAIT AND TACKLE
Jerry’s Bait and Tackle
850-421-3248
GUIDE
Robert Baker
Reel-Fin-Addict
850-210-4375
DON’T MISS
Big Bend Kayak Classic
May 1 and 2, 2015
bigbendkayakclassic.com
Scoop
LOCAL
Robert Baker, professional guide, owner of T-n-T Hideaway
FISHING HOLE
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
WHAT’S BITING
Redfish, speckled trout
TOURIST SEASON
Year-round
RIGGED UP
6.5-foot light-action rod, 3,000- size spinning reel, 20-pound braided line, four-foot 20-pound fluorocarbon leader.
TACKLE BOX
Heddon Super Spook, 114 Sabile Stick Shadd, 1/8-ounce jighead and four-inch Z-Man minnow.
BOAT
Backwater: Canoe/kayak hybrid, stand-up friendly, shallow-draft.
GEAR
Neck gator and long sleeve pants and shirt to protect against sun and sand gnats.
SECRET SPOT
Launch at the public boat ramp and fish oyster bars for redfish and grass flats for speckled trout. In early summer, look for flats around a creek or river mouth. Look for fish pushing water on shallow flats. As water temperature rises, fish move to deeper channels and points. When water is clear, sight cast trout and reds.
This article was first published in the Early Summer 2015 issue of Kayak Angler. Subscribe to Kayak Angler Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
