In the 2015 Winter Issue of Kayak Angler, we took you to some of the hottest kayak fishing destinations with the pros who live there and fish there. Here is more info on those hot-spots and more hot spots for you to take your imagination.
Pompano Beach, Florida
Joe Hector
Pompano Beach, Home of Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament
Main Sponsors – Nautical Ventures, Costa Sun Glasses, Turbo USA, Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce
Target species – Kingfish, Black Fin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Cobia & Sailfish
Go-to lure/tactic – Jigging
Rod/reel combo – Daiwa Saltiga conventional & Adrenaline Custom Live Bait Rod (Medium Heavy)
Best season – From May to September is prime in South FL
Best launch – 16th street in Pompano Beach. 2nd street is a good spot as well. Anglers are NOT permitted to launch from Pompano Beach Pier unless its tournament day.
Plan of attack – Talking to locals and always doing your research. Fishing in between the pier and lighthouse is full of wrecks and reefs.
Stay – Budget Inn Pompano Beach. Sands Hotel & the Marriott on the beach. All are very close to Pompano Beach Pier.
See – Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament & of course the Fishing Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale
Eat – Brus Room in Pompano Beach & the Rustic Inn
New England
Tim Moore
Sponsors/Accolades/Accomplishments
Johnson Outdoors Premier Pro Staff; Daddy Mac Lures, Vexilar Inc., G2 Gemini pro staffs.
Have held four New Hampshire state records (two current, two previous)
Five time New Hampshire trophy fish patch recipient.
Target species: What are most popular species to target?
Northern Pike and striped bass
Go-to lure/tactic: What is the most productive tactic? Describe best lures/rigs.
Northern Pike:
Shallow flats early or late in the day. Sight fishing is common when fish are sunning, especially in the fall when water cools.
Juice Mini 8 from Bigtooth tackle; cast and retrieve, and hang on.
Whisperer Series (pearl color) from Daddy Mac Lures; Rig on a 3/0 offset Trokar hook. Cast into shore and twitch slowly toward you. Be ready for fish to hit on the pause.
Striped Bass:
Eddies and Rips in 5’ – 25’ of water. Casting in shallow water and vertical jigging in deeper water. Look for larger fish to be below the smaller fish in deeper water.
6” paddletail shad. Rip and pause, keeping your line tight at all times. Be ready for a strike on the pause.
Rod/reel combo: What qualities do you look for in rod and reel for this fishery?
Strong and light. I fish 7’ medium to medium/heavy rods. They are strong enough to get the job done, but not so big that they wear you out in a kayak.
Best season: What is best season. What are target seasons for specific species? Is there a kayak fishing event/tournament?
June 1st through October is best for striped bass.
Spring and fall are the best times to catch northern pike.
Best launch: Specific place visiting angler can launch kayak for fishing.
Striped Bass: Goat Island Access Site Rt. 1B Newcastle, NH (muddy 2 hours before – two hours after low tide)
Northern Pike: Moore Reservoir – Moore Dam Picnic Area/Boat Ramp (Off of I-93 Exit #43 in New Hampshire)
Dodge Hill Boat Ramp, Old Waterford Rd., Littleton, NH.
Plan of attack: What is the best strategy? What structure/scenarios will lead anglers to fish?
Pike:
When water is cool, wait for the sun to rise and head for shallow flats. Fan cast your way in. Pay attention to rocks on cool or cold mornings, big pike will lay next to them for heat absorbed by the sun.
Striped Bass:
Watch for diving terns and gulls. Where there is birds there is bait; where there is bait there is usually striped bass. Also, deeper structure such as rocks and ledges create rips and almost always hold fish.
Stay:
New Hampshire coast:
Pebble Cove Motel – Rye, NH
http://pebblecovemotel.com/index.php
Moore Reservoir:
The Littleton Motel – Littleton, NH
http://www.littletonmotel.com/Pages/default.aspx
See: What are some other attractions? Don’t miss events?
Prescott Park Chowder Fest (early June)
Prescott Park Arts Festival
Strawberry Bank Museum
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
Eat: Recommend a local-owned place to eat/drink.
Jumpin’ Jays Fish Café
Portsmouth Brewery
Littleton Diner – Littleton, NH
I should also add that the closest kayak fishing tournament for striped bass is the annual New England Kayak Fishing – Mass Bay Striper Shootout in Salem, MA in August.
Tim Moore
Tim Moore Outdoors, LLC
603-842-3572
www.TimMooreOutdoors.com
Name: Elias Vaisberg
Sponsors: Eposeidon and Hobie
Accolades/Accomplishments: NY Kayak Fishing Guide Services Owner, Two-time Jamaica Bay Kayak Tournament Winner, 20th Hobie
Fishing Worlds, three time KFA-NY Saltwater Angler of the Year
Target Species: Striped Bass, Fluke, Bluefish
Tactic: Most productive tactic for striped bass is the “tube n worm” very easy to use and catch fish. I like to rely on fishing live bunker (pogy) as I consistently catch big fish on them as well. For fluke I like Spro bucktails and Gulp! Swimming Mullets.
Rod/Reel Combo: My two main rod/reel combos are set ups for live bunker fishing or good multi purposes spinning set ups for popping/vertical jigging. I like the 6′ 6″ Daiwa Saltist Rod M Action with an Ecooda Tiro 30A series, or an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 both spooled with 30 to 50-pound KastKing Braid. For spinners a rod rated from about 1/2oz to 2oz tops. I use KastKing Kayak Phantom Rods with 2000 series spinners in general. No more than 30-pound braided lines on my spinning reels.
Best Season: Late May, Late October. Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Classic is in Mid May. Striped Bass is typically best late April through early June, and again in mid October to Mid November. Fluke fishing is best late May-July. Bluefish tend to be around for about three weeks typically early May to the third week of May, and can occasionally show up again in the fall.
Best Launch: Floyd Bennett Field main ramp in Jamaica Bay
Plan Of Attack: Trolling Tube N Worms up in the shallow flats during the spring in no deeper than 15 feet should catch fish. When the fish are thick in Raritan Bay it’s pretty easy to catch striped bass and bluefish on just about anything. Long drifts over channel ledges work best for fluke in deciding how to locate them.
During the fall covering lots of ground to hunt for stripers is the norm. Look for heavy fish marks and topwater swirls.
Stay: During the Jamaica Bay Tournament most people camp on site. Otherwise there are a few hotels in Sheepshead Bay NY that are fifteen minutes from Jamaica Bay or 30 minutes from Raritan Bay.
See: Checking out NY Harbor via kayak. There is a launch in Red Hook, Brooklyn NY to travel up and check out the Statue of Liberty from the yak.
Eat: Pizza, pizza, pizza. L & B Spumoni Gardens is a favorite among the JBAY tourney guys. Patsy’s (former Grimaldi’s owner), and Tottonnos’s in Coney Island are standard pizza places. Harold’s Delicatessen after a day of kayak fishing in the Raritan Bay from the Northern Jersey side is a must have.
Kevin Nakada
Sponsors/Accolades/Accomplishments Hobie Fishing, Seeker Rods, Sato Custom Rods
Hobie Fishing Team Coordinator, Owner of Sea Samurai
Target species: What are most popular species to target? Yellowtail and Seabass
Go-to lure/tactic: What is the most productive tactic? Describe best lures/rigs. Slow trolled fly-lined mackerel. Simply put, use a 2/0 Ringed j-hook on 30 to 40 pound Fluorocarbon attached to straight 65-pound braided line. Pinned a mackerel through the nostrils and let him out about 100 ft. Troll around and wait for the strike.
Rod/reel combo: What qualities do you look for in rod and reel for this fishery? Seeker Beacon 7040 and 7330. These rods excel at bringing big strong fish out of the kelp. Getting caught in the thickest kelp often means you will lose the fish if you aren’t fully equipped with a rigid rod, 65 lb+ braided line and 40 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Best season: Summer is very good with lots of yellowtail and some seabass. Yellowtail are around year round every month. Seabass are thick around early spring through fall. 2015 James Lebowitz Memorial Kayak Fishing Tournament is going to be on September 12th.
Best launch: The most used launch ramp is the La Jolla Shores boat launch ramp. Very accessible and relatively small surf to go through.
Plan of attack: The best strategy is to find zones with lots of activity. Bait schools moving, birds circling or diving, obvious yellowtail blow ups are indicators that the fish are feeding in that area. The most prevalent structure found in California is kelp. Fish are usually associating themselves with it sometimes in the kelp and sometimes far off of it. It basically comes down to finding the fish because these fish aren’t necessarily committed to staying in one area like a largemouth bass or snapper. These fish are constantly moving in search of prey.
Stay: The best place to stay is the La Jolla Shores Hotel which is literally 30 feet from the launch ramp. You can wake up and eat breakfast then walk your kayak out to the launch ramp or meet your guide without driving.
See: Birch Aquarium is great place to see the fish that are prolific up and down the coast. Whales come around in the winter and are a cast away most of the time while you are fishing. Wine tasting in Temecula (45 mins away from La Jolla) is pretty incredible and wines are comparable to Napa Valley.
Eat: Recommend a local-owned place to eat/drink. One cannot go to San Diego and be content eating at only one restaurant! All restaurants suggested are within 15 mins or less from La Jolla Shores Hotel.
Casual Mexican Food: Bahia Don Bravo – Octopus Burrito (amazingly tender)
Up Scale: Georges at the Cove (Everything is amazing, great bar with overlooking view of La Jolla where you fish)
High End Sushi: Sushi Ota (finest sushi in San Diego)
Casual Real deal burgers and shakes: Hodad’s
Casual Authentic Japanese yakitori and ramen stop: Yakyudori (No doubt the most authentic just a little further than other recommendations)
High end steaks: Donovan’s
High End Seafood: Trulucks
North Carolina
Gary Ribet
My name is Gary Ribet I am the founder of froggy waters outdoors a kayak guide service based in North Carolina.
Our approach to kayak angling has landed us numerous sponsors and affiliations . We take pride in sharing our rivers with folks . Our destination is a place not a river . the place is Stokes county North Carolina. Why? Because the location offers more than what any one river can. Here in Stokes County we offer beautiful relaxing scenery .With many rivers (plural) full of fish close by in just a short time you can be on the water in prime small mouth habitat on the Yadkin the Mitchell the Ararat the Fisher the Dan the New as well as the Mayo. All which have many species to target trout largemouth and spotted bass are a few along with small mouth bass with the small mouth bass the most popular gamefish in the area .
Small mouth in this area can be caught on a variety of different tackle from top water prop baits all the way through the water column to on the bottom with jigs some of the most productive ways are reaction strikes from top water baits although a finesse worm holds a very strong second.
Depending on which baits you use terminal tackle becomes very important. When fishing a finesse worm you will need a very sensitive rod something you can really feel the strike on if you are fishing top water a good medium action rod works better so when the fish strikes you do not rip the bait away make sure you pack the right rods for the tackle you plan on using things you need to target will be boulders and logs that provide current breaks . these areas tend to disrupt bait and the predators lay in wait to attack current seams are caused by many different things but they are an excellent place to start.
Summer is by far the best time to catch large numbers of fish. With daily limits near triple those in the late fall and early winter however if you have what it takes to brave the winter conditions the river tends to yield far larger fish with a lot of the biggest catches made from Nov/march.
River access in North Carolina can sometime be tricky.
Again in this area we are very lucky to have many possibilities for float plans and paddle trips either a short couple hour paddle or an over night trip. A lot of the towns have public access as well as the state parks which cater to the paddlers interest with maps and documented trails.
When you begin planning your trip out things like accommodations and shuttle services need to be taking into account we have a variety of options when it comes to accommodations. We have state parks that offer tent camping. And cabin rentals to romantic rustic cabins nestled in hammer-stern wilderness preserve overlooking the Dan River also available are multiple bed and breakfast stops.
While you are fishing the family could enjoy many of the attractions such as Hanging Rock State Park with multiple water falls and plenty of hiking also Carolina Zip Lines offers tree top flying on the zip lines.While lazy river tubing is available at the Danbury General Store if a peaceful float is more your style.
As the day comes to a close, you can unwind with a glass of wine or a craft brew at the green heron and depending on the day you may have a local live band to listen too. As for food we have Hillbilly Hide Away with a home style buffet all you can eat on your table. Froggy Waters Outdoors is a kayak guide service based in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. Our approach to kayak angling has landed us numerous sponsors and affiliations. We are adept at satisfying our clients’ specific interest and level of expertise. Because of our unique location and experience in these waters, we can offer our clients the best possible opportunity for them to catch the fish they dream of catching.
We consider our destination a “place,” not just one river, and we take pride in this place.
The place is Northern Stokes County, North Carolina. This location offers more than what any one river can. Here near Hanging Rock State Park, we offer not only beautiful relaxing vistas and views, we offer many rivers full of fish close by. In a short time you can be on the water in prime small mouth habitat on the Yadkin River, the Mitchell, the Ararat, the Fisher, the Dan, the New, as well as the Mayo River. All which have many species to target; trout, largemouth, spotted bass and smallmouth are a few. Smallmouth bass is the most popular gamefish in the area.
Smallmouth bass in this area can be caught on a variety of different tackle from top water propbaits all the way through the water column to on the bottom with jigs.
Some of the most productive methods are reaction strikes from top water baits, although a finesse worm holds a very strong second.
Depending on which baits you use, terminal tackle becomes very important. When fishing a finesse worm you will need a very sensitive rod; something you can really feel the strike on. If you are fishing top water a good medium action rod works better so when the fish strikes you do not rip the bait away.
Make sure you pack the right rods for the tackle you plan on using.
Things you need to target will be boulders and logs that provide current breaks. These areas tend to disrupt bait and the predators lay in wait to attack. Current seams are caused by many different things, but they are an excellent place to start.
Summer is by far the best time to catch large numbers of fish because of daily limits that are near triple those in the late fall and early winter. However if you have what it takes to brave the winter conditions, the river tends to yield far larger fish with a lot of the biggest catches made from November-March.
River access in North Carolina can sometimes be tricky. Again, in this area we are very lucky to have many possibilities for float plans and paddle trips – either a short couple hour paddle or an over night trip. A lot of the small towns have public access as well as the State Parks which cater to the paddlers interest with maps and documented trails.
When you begin planning your trip, things like accommodations and shuttle services need to be taken into account. We have a variety of options when it comes to accommodations. From tent camping in the State Park, to cabins- rustic or romantic, lovely farmhouses and B & Bs, to the upscale Singletree Gun & Plough Resort; whatever your pleasure, this area can deliver.
While you are fishing your family can enjoy many of the attractions such as Hanging Rock State Park with five water falls, 24 miles of hiking trails, a 12 acre lake with swimming and boating, and a beautiful Visitor Center. There is also the award winning Carolina Zip Lines, the Dan River Company -a kayaking/canoe outfitter, three tubing companies, horse trail riding, golf, antique stores, and nearby Pilot Mountain and historic Mount Airy. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a short ride away.
As the day comes to a close you can unwind with a glass of wine or a craft brew at the ever popular river-side Green Heron Alehouse which has live Blue Grass on the weekends. As for food we have many Mom & Pop Diners, as well as the famous Hillbilly Hide Away with “all you can eat” served right to your table.
—
Chris Funk
Sponsors/Accolades/Accomplishments
Jackson, Bending Branches, Astral, Nocqua, Manley rods
Target species: What are most popular species to target?
In Georgia and Alabama you can target all species of black bass except for the Guadalupe! Alabama is home to the Cahaba River, one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in the world. My area is the western edge of the Shoal bass range and is probably the most specialized targeted species due the limited area of occurrence. In spring there is a tidal wave of species running up the river including large stripers, hybrid striped bass and catfish. Both states also have outstanding saltwater fishing so it is the best of both worlds for the kayak fisherman. I can be catching rainbow trout in four hours north or speckled trout four hours south.
Go-to lure/tactic: What is the most productive tactic? Describe best lures/rigs.
Most of my water is moving and rocky. It is hard to beat a soft plastic bait fished weightless in the current or bounced on the bottom of deeper holes on a stand up jighead.
Rod/reel combo: What qualities do you look for in rod and reel for this fishery?
I trade rods and reels depending on where I am going or the tactic I am using but one rod I refuse to hit the river without is my Manley Gold Series spinning rod in medium action. With 10-pound braid, it can chunk a weightless soft plastic a ridiculous distance and that helps a lot when the water is low and clear. It is light enough to fish all day but has enough hind end to muscle shoal bass out of the rocks if needed.
Best season: What is best season. What are target seasons for specific species? Is there a kayak fishing event/tournament?
The best season is when you can go. Thankfully it rarely gets too cold here to fish. The southern areas can be in spawn as early as late February so if you are crafty you can fish the spawn from then to late April with a little bit of travel. In spring the crappie and stripers keep us running and by late March the water is usually warm enough to wade the shallows in search of shoal bass. When the redbud and dogwood trees are blooming, you better be fishing!
There is a Riverbassin event here at Outside World Outfitters in Columbus, Georgia on October 3rd, come join us!
Best launch: Specific place visiting angler can launch kayak for fishing.
There are plenty of local launches, outfitters and guides around. The best launches are harder to get to and rarely talked about in public.
Plan of attack: What is the best strategy? What structure/scenarios will lead anglers to fish?
Follow the forage! With tons of shad on the river, make sure you match the hatch. If the target shad are three-inch long, throw a bait that sized or smaller to get bit. If they are not on shad, watch the banks, if the forage is bluegill you will see packs of bass cruising the bank and pushing bait up. If not on shad or bluegill, look to the crawfish for inspiration. Note the color of any you see and try to match it as close as possible.
Stay:
I use campgrounds as often as I can when I travel. Just be aware of strong thunderstorms that occur almost every evening in the hotter months.
See: What are some other attractions? Don’t miss events?
Don’t miss the Okefenokee Swamp, my second favorite place on earth!
Eat: Recommend a local-owned place to eat/drink.
Country’s barbeque in Columbus is always a good option. Best sweet tea in the southeast too !
Danny Wray
Venice LA
Capt. Danny Wray
Owner/operator of Calmwater Charters hosts of Ride the Bull, the world ‘s largest kayak tournament.
If saltwater kayak fishing runs in your blood and if you dream of shallow redfish ponds, seeing redfish making wakes like small nuclear subs, its certain you will fall in love with Grand Isle.
About a dozen years ago a few kayak fishermen made their way down to Grand Isle and I was lucky enough to be in that number. The popularity of the sport has continued to grow but the vastness of the Louisiana marsh makes it a definite top destination. It’s very possible to go catch a dozen redfish and never see another kayak. It’s just huge. As you get closer to the island on your drive in you will see what I mean.
The game plan is simple. Get in your kayak using LA 1, the road that gets you to and from Grand Isle, as a launching point and begin fishing. If you are a beginner follow these simple steps. Get a medium action spinning outfit, spooled up with 30-pound braid. Now, attach a popping cork. Under the cork tie fifteen inches of 30-pound fluorocarbon and attach a #2 Kahle hook. Before launching, go to any of the local marinas, buy 25 minnows and put them in a floating live well.
Check the water clarity and pick the side of the road with the cleanest water and begin to paddle slowly looking for reds prowling along the shoreline. They are easy to see as they chase bait, however, if they are not actively feeding, begin fishing the drains or cuts along the shore lines. Moving water is a good sign as these fish are ambush predators and lie in the slow current waiting for the opportunity of an easy meal.
Most importantly, when you catch a redfish don’t move…you are very close to more fish catching opportunities. Slow down and fish this productive area again.
For more advanced angles, spinning baits, Zarra Spooks and plastic all work. This water is 100-percent saltwater, so seeing poisonous snakes and alligators is highly unlikely. However, wading is a bad idea as oyster beds silted in by currents can leave a nasty wound.
If you like tournaments, Grand Isle hosts Ride the Bull kayak event held every year at Bridgeside Marina. Big bull red fish in the twenty to thirty-five pound range begin staging in the passes. A short paddle out of the marina will put you in the right area to catch these big fish. For this you will need heavier tackle and a small anchor. Cut mullet is my favorite bait. Standard redfish rigs can be bought at the marina. If you enjoy company, Ride the Bull had over 700 kayaks in the water on tournament day last year.
Grand Isle has lots of rental properties and lots of small mom & pop motels, nothing fancy. Grand Isle has a state park and a great grocery store, restaurants and bars. Judging from the number of visitors hauling kayaks, I think it’s safe to say Grand Isle is definitely a place you would want to visit and fish!
Pablo Hein
Name: Sea Kayak Adventures, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Started 2010
Owners : Pablo Hein , Martin Petersson , Alex Gaham
tel (506)26400853
usa (978) 356-5341
www.pescatica.com
Accolades/Accomplishments:
http://www.blt.se/blekinge/han-bytte-karlskrona-mot-costa-rica/ (An article in Swedish, published in one newspaper and one kayak magazine)
https://www.fischen.ch/magazin/story/topwater-paradies-costa-rica_953829 (An article in Swiss/German)
Targets/species: Roosterfish, Snapper (cubera, spotted ,silk , rockero, and more), Jacks (yellow tail, blue,big eye), Barracuda, Amberjack, Tuna (Yellowfin ,mackerel , black), grouper, needlefish, mackerel, snook ,sea bass , catfish , sting rays ,and very lucky Mahi Mahi, wahoo & Sailfish
Go-to lure/tactic: we do trolling spinning jigging and bait fishing trolling here is very efficient using different kind of Rapalas. Topwater action is the most fun , using poppers and subsurface lures you will try the power of aggressive predators . Following birds and looking for bait balls is the easiest way to find the fish here. Now we use all technology for jigging expeditions with GPS and fish finder will paddle to deep reefs to catch bigger fish. Also do bait fishing when people don’t want to paddle alot.
Rod/reel combo: Spinning reels are our favourites Penn Spinfisher Battle And Sargus from 4000 to 7000 . Braided line 30 – 40 pound , leader 80 – 100 fluorocarbon and rods 5 to 7 feet .
Best season: Best fishing season is November thru May , when waves are smaller and sardines schools stay close to the beach , excellent for top water and rubber jigs . September and October are good for whale watching during migration also dolphins , mantarays and sea turtles are spotted all year . From may to October fishing depends on weather conditions (sometimes big swell keeps us out of the water for a while) Weather here is the best in the world , always between 25 C and 35C and water temp around 25C all year .
Best launch: Mal Pais fishing village is our homebase; always good fishing, sometimes sardines get trapped in the bay, and there are a few reefs within an easy paddle. Manzanillo is about 45 minutes north with a large reef, good for popping for cubera snapper and roosterfish. There is also a river mouth at the north end of the beach, which can provide good fishing from January-March when the swell is small.
Plan of attack: The heat here during the day can be prohibitive, so we like to leave early in the morning for coolest conditions, which will allow more time and energy to spend fishing. Early mornings also mean less wind. For jigging expeditions paddle out is around 4 am. Water and sunscreen is the most important .
Stay: Makanas Beach Bungalows, Hotel Raratonga, Don Jon’s Hostel, Fuego Lodge.
See: World famous surf break, miles of white sand beaches, waterfalls, rivers, jungle hikes, canopy zip-line. During the high season, Santa Teresa has a thriving nightlife. Don’t stay out too late, you’ll miss the good fishing!
Eat: Chicken Joes , Restaurante Caracolas
Eastern Canada
Name as you want it to appear in the magazine.
Joe Tilley
Sponsors/Accolades/Accomplishments
Founder of the Greater Saint John Kayak Anglers
Blog: NBKayakFishing.ca
Johnson Outdoors Watercraft Elite Pro Staff
Pure Fishing Brand Ambassador
Target species: What are most popular species to target?
I have landed over 20 species in kayak here in my backyard, so the variety of fish available in different parts of New Brunswick is amazing. While shortnose sturgeon is the species I’m most known for, striped bass, muskie, salmon, trout, smallmouth, chain pickerel are all popular just to name a few.
Then there are all the saltwater offerings!
Go-to lure/tactic: What is the most productive tactic? Describe best lures/rigs.
My favourite fish to target is shortnose sturgeon, essentially because everytime I go out, I have a very good shot at landing them over three-feet, sometimes over four-feet long! My rig consists of a weight on a slider attached to the mainline, a snap swivel to connect the leader and then three hooks loaded with nightcrawlers. While the rig is important, the technique is really the key, and that’s a trade secret reserved for those who come fishing with me!
Rod/reel combo: What qualities do you look for in rod and reel for this fishery?
I love a very strong, light and sensitive baitcaster combo. Ideally not longer than seven-feet, the harder it is to control the fish next to your kayak. An Abu Garcia Veracity (MH or H) rod with an Abu Garcia Orra SX baitcaster reel is more than enough for even the four-foot or bigger dinosaurs.
Best season: What is best season. What are target seasons for specific species? Is there a kayak fishing event/tournament?
For sturgeon, the colder the water the better, as they winter in a very specific area of the Kennebacasis River. The bite starts around the end of September and gets better and better as we move into winter. Just before the river freezes over in early December you can landed 20+ in a single outing. Again in the spring, as soon as the ice breaks up, the sturgeon fishing is great, but only lasts a couple of weeks before they move out into more open waters.
Best launch: Specific place visiting angler can launch kayak for fishing.
The Darlings Island Covered Bridge on the beautiful Hammond River. You have a 30-minute paddle to get to the best sturgeon fishing, but along the way there is a lot of beautiful scenery and fantastic fishing for several other species.
Plan of attack: What is the best strategy? What structure/scenarios will lead anglers to fish?
Sturgeon are bottom feeders with terrible vision. Just anchor down, get your bait below your kayak on the floor of the river and never let go of your rod. Their bite is extremely soft so you have to be waiting and aware, otherwise later when you check your hooks you could find them bare with no fish to show for it!
Stay:
www.shadowlawninn.com
The Shadow Lawn Inn, just 15 min from the Hammond River, is a wonderfully restored old mansion that has several beautiful rooms, and a world class chef who loves to source his ingredients locally wherever possible.
See: What are some other attractions? Don’t miss events?
We have the biggest tides in the world in the Bay of Fundy and from those tides we have Reversing Falls. Located in Saint John NB , this is a very dangerous rapids that switches direction with the tide. Kayaking around (but not too close!) to reversing falls is an experience, especially at night when you have to be aware of all the currents in the water. Even in 200 feet of water, the swirls and rips will turn you 180 degrees in seconds.
Eat: Recommend a local-owned place to eat/drink.
www.thebarrelshead.com
The Barrel’s Head in Rothesay is a great place to meet and enjoy one of several local and Canadian microbrews they have on tab.
Austin Texas
Name
Ray Martinez
Sponsors/Accolades/Accomplishments
Nucanoe prostaff / KATS 2015 Lady Bird Lake Winner / KATS 2015 classic qualifier
Target species: Large mouth bass / white bass hybrids
Go-to lure/tactic: What is the most productive tactic? Describe best lures/rigs.
Texas rig seems to be the most successful (weighted and weightless). Jigs with creature bait trailers also work very well. Last but not least topwater frogs.
Rod/reel combo: What qualities do you look for in rod and reel for this fishery?
I like a 7:1:1 ratio reel for fast retrieves. As for the rod, it’s wise to use a medium heavy or heavy for this body of water. You never know when that share lunker will be hungry for soft plastic
Best season: What is best season. What are target seasons for specific species? Is there a kayak fishing event/tournament?
Fall through spring this fishery can push out some toads. Yes there has been several over the years. One series in particular is the KATS. Which is the largest kayak tournament series in Texas and possible the U.S. This event is hosted by Austin Canoe and Kayak.
Best launch: Specific place visiting angler can launch kayak for fishing.
I35 bridge boat ramp.
Plan of attack: What is the best strategy? What structure/scenarios will lead anglers to fish?
There are large amounts of grass in this lake. The grass holds a ton of fish. Many people find success under the tree branches.
Stay: Where is the best place to stay? Local-owned establishments are preferred.
See: What are some other attractions? Don’t miss events?
Congress bridge: the bats come out of it night. You can be on the water at the same time as they fly out.
Eat: Recommend a local-owned place to eat/drink.
Bangers on Rainey Street has great sausages /brats and over 100 beer on tap.
Torchys Taco on South 1st Street.
This article first appeared in the Winter 2015 print issue of Kayak Angler magazine. For more great kayak fishing content, subscribe to Kayak Angler’s print editions and digital editions, download issues on your device or view this issue for free on your desktop.
