We should have some great weather in May keeping the fish biting. In the Spring I like to down size my baits matching the new bait cycle. My topwaters of choice for this month are the MirrOlure top dog jr., she pup, and the Sebile stick shadd floater. I use the stick shadd in dead calm conditions, the top dog jr. in a light chop and the she pup when the wind is blowing. All 3 produce some nice trout and reds. Retrieve at different speeds until you find out what is working best for that day. Saltwater Assassin sea shad are always tied on my rod for a quiet approach around the grass, structure, and drop offs. You can straight retrieve them like an injured bait fish or flutter them off the bottom. The silver mullet and bone white have been good colors of choice in the clear water and I am still going to the 10w40 with chartreuse tail in the dirty water. I have been catching flounder, reds, and trout with these on a 1/8oz. pro-elite jig head.
Not to miss this month is the Big Bend Classic May3-4th in Crawfordville, FL. There is salt, fresh, and youth divisions. On May 10-11th is the MBKFA Bagwell tournament in Dauphin Island and the Captain Hook Classic on Fort Morgan, Al. The IFA Kayak Tour is in Empire, LA. May 18-19. IFA kayak tour is a catch, photo, and release tournament based on length of a 2 fish aggregate (Speckle trout and red). There is plenty going on to keep you on the water. For more information on these and other events we keep a running tab on our Kayak Fishing U Facebook page.
Remember while fishing from a kayak to always think safety. We are low to the water and not always easily seen. Keep a 360 degree light on at dark and low light conditions, wear a PFD, keep hydrated, and let someone know your float plan.
Benton Parrott
Hobie Regional Team / Everything Kayak Pro Staff / Fishing Guide dbparrott@bellsouth.net