North Carolina holds the world record for red drum, and Wilderness Systems pro and kayak guide Rob Alderman (OuterBanksKayakFishing.com) is in the middle of the biggest run of the biggest drum in the world. The lessons he learns are relevant to any red school.
Learn To Read
Targeting red drum in the Graveyard of the Atlantic requires the highest-level seamanship. “Take time to read the current and waves before launching” Al- derman explains that breaking waves signal shallow water and a plume of dirty water moving down the beach could be a rip current. “Look for a cut in the bar or a slough of calm water and time the sets.”
Current is a serious issue, too. “Line up something on the beach with a distant landmark and watch how they pass. Stay alert, conditions change quickly.” Alderman stresses the ability to pull the plug before conditions get too hairy, and admitting defeat when the sea throws more than you can catch. “Don’t be afraid to paddle back to a different section of beach and do the walk of shame back to your truck!”
Watch Your Fingers
Anglers targeting open-ocean trophies often encounter unwanted sea monsters. Sharks, sting-rays and other weird fish will take baits intended for trophy fish. To handle the by-catch, Alderman recommends a dehooker. “It saves time and fingers,” he jokes. Slide the hook at the end of the dehooker over the fish hook. Hold the dehooker handle up, pull the line down, and the weight of the fish will pull the hook out of its mouth. Alderman also looks for a long handle. “A really, really long handle,” he laughs.
Can’t Stand It
Alderman spends most of the year chasing redfish in the skinny water behind Hatteras Island. Standing in the kayak gives him a better view of the water. To reduce glare, Alderman wears a hat with a dark brim and dark-colored neck gaiter and clothes. He paints the deck of the kayak a dark color to keep light from shining into his eyes.
Love Handles
“God gave every fish a handle,” Alderman points out. Red drum have a tough spot under their chin where the gills joint. “Without sticking your hands in their gills, grab this natural handle to control the fish’s head.”
Gear & Gadgets
SeaDek Padding:
One way to change the color of the kayak is to add SeaDek’s foam padding to the deck. The padding comes stock or custom cut, in a variety of textures and colors. And it provides extra support and solid non-slip footing when standing and sight casting all day.
This article was first published in the Summer/Fall 2015 issue of Kayak Angler. Subscribe to Kayak Angler Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
