Benton Parrott
The cold temperatures are still around but hopefully that will be improving soon! The colder water temperatures have made things difficult to find fish. Dead end deep canals are producing good trout and some reds. Soft plastics like the Saltwater Assassin sea shad and Korky fat boys have been my go to baits. I fish the sea shads on a 1/8oz. pro-elite jig head and let them fall slowly to the bottom. A slow retrieve with small twitches should get a bite. Same things when fishing fatboys. Keep tension on the line so you can feel a strike but maintain a slow steady pace. As always when we get a few sunny days in a row don’t pass up shallow flats near deep water that the fish will come to feed. The shallow water of the flats will heat up first and get the fish that little extra boost to eat. Soft plastics flutter bounced, top waters, and twitch baits all produce reds and trout on these warmer days.
Not to miss in February is the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour that starts off the 9th in Titusville, Fl. And will be in Jacksonville, Fl. On the 17th. These are CPR tournaments based on 1 speckled trout and one redfish. The Hobie Bass Open Series aims to provide a true open format and an elite feel feel for kayak anglers across the country and it kicks off Feb.1 0n Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, GA.! The Hobie B.O.S will be in Wood County, Texas at Lake Fork on the 22nd. As always we have a running tab on what’s going on in the kayak community at our Facebook page Kayak Fishing U.
Always dress for the water temperature and not the air. One wrong move could spell disaster if you aren’t prepared. 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 / Pro Staff Fishing Guide
dbparrott@bellsouth.net