By Chris Tryon:
December is here! We knew it was coming since mid-October when all the Halloween decorations were replaced by Christmas decorations. Sometimes I forget that Thanksgiving fits some were in the middle, but I digress. So we can say that the weather outside is getting frightful, but in my kayak it is so delightful! I hear so many people this time of year talk about putting up their fishing kayak till spring. Why? There are still so many days of fishing during the winter.
Yes, the fishing slows down but the fish are still there. We never get sot cold here in southeastern North Carolina that we canât get out and enjoy the bounties of winter kayak fishing. My target inshore species in the winter are reds and trout. The main thing to remember is to slow down your fishing and work your baits slower than you would during warmer water conditions. As the water cools, reds especially will not be as aggressive. Trout do like the water a little cooler, so you can almost fish for them the same way as in early fall. Again, remember to just work your baits a little slower.
When fishing for reds in the winter, I like to use gold Johnson spoons with the weed guard on them. These spoons give you the ability to work them very slowly across the bottom and with the weed guard you will have a better chance not getting caught up something. Another great bait to use is soft plastics…again, they are something you can work slowly on the bottom for sluggish reds. Using soft plastic also allows you to choose the color best suited for the water you are fishing.
For trout fishing this time of year, I am still a big fan of using smaller MirrOlures MR 17 and MR 14 Suspending. The action of these baits still get the trout all fired up and because they are suspending baits, you can work them slowly in the water column. I also like a popping cork because it can also be worked the same way… after popping the cork, let it sit a few seconds longer than you would have in the fall.
Another trick you can use inshore in wintertime kayak fishing is fishing in areas you know have a darker bottom. The dark bottom will hold the heat from the sun and warm the water around it more than an area with a lighter colored bottom. That is because the darker bottom will absorb more sun radiation while the lighter bottom will reflect it back.
This time of year on the water also gives you the opportunity to do more than just fish from your kayak. The oystering is great this time of year. That cold water gives them such a clean taste! Another option is to clam. Now, there are some great clam rakes on the market; some are expensive but I bet you all have a steel garden rake and that will work just fine for clams.
Remember, while out paddling and fishing from your kayak in colder weather, proper clothing is important. For me I wear waterproof boots, a splash pant and a splash top to keep the water off. I wear mine a size too big so I can layer non-cotton wicking thermal layers underneath. One other smart thing to do is carry a complete change of clothes with you in a dry bag. If you do have the misfortune of falling in, you have the ability to get out of your wet clothes and into some dry ones to get home safely. Lastly, always wear your life jacket! It will save your life and also will act as another insulation layer in colder weather. So donât get into the winter funk this year, stay on the water and enjoy fishing from your kayak.