With the heavy rains we have been having and with some warmer weather fish should be moving down from the rivers to their Spring patterns.
Throw top waters early and late in the day when the water temperature is above 60. In the Spring I like to down size my baits. I will throw a lot of Sebile stick shads and MirrOlure’s Top Dog, Jr. If the water temperature is below 60 go to plastics and twitch baits and slow down your retrieve until you find what is working. Contrasting colors should work best in dirty or stained waters and natural colors for when you can find cleaner water. I like areas with deeper pockets near shallows that fish will congregate in. Finding bait is a must in early Spring that reds, speckled trout, and flounder will be keying in on.
Tournament season is here. March 23rd brings the 10th annual Paddlepalooza tournament held by the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club at Bobby Lynn’s marina in Golden Meadow, LA. There are kayaks and cash awards to at least the top 7 cajun slams (Red fish, trout, and flounder) and top 5 places in the speckled trout, red fish, flounder, and leopard red divisions. With over 200 kayakers fishing down Hwy.1 this is not one to miss! For more information on this 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
dbparrott@bellsouth.net