by Capt. Brent Bensmiller
It’s the perfect time of year to get out and paddle! We usually have light east winds during the month of May, so the gulf is nice and calm, keeping the water clarity at its best. Cleaner water means you will need to use lighter tackle in order to stay stealthy. For inshore kayak fishing we like to use 1/0 hooks with 20# fluorocarbon leader. This time of year, live shrimp or pilchards will be the baits of choice. If you can throw a cast net, there will be plenty of bait in the surf just off the beach and along the inlets.
There will be plenty of species to target during the spring months. Getting on the water at sunrise will provide the most action. Huge migratory Tarpon will be cruising the beaches and looking for a bite to eat along the way. Drifting pilchards behind your kayak through these schools of fish may lead to a hook up and epic battle with one of these silver kings. If you are looking for an easier catch there will be plenty of snook, reds, and sheepshead in the inlets. You can target these fish along the deeper cuts and nearby any structure. Shrimp or any bait fish will work perfectly.
If you’re not into fishing we offer guided eco tours and rentals. If you have never kayaked before we recommend taking the guided tour and we will teach you how to paddle and show you the area. For those of you that have some experience, we offer rentals so you can go explore on your own. There are dolphins around almost daily now and we’ve been seeing manatees showing up too! Come out and spend some time on the water before it gets too hot! See you guys out there!
Brent Bensmiller, the owner of Paddle Naples, is an expert at kayak fishing the local waters. He is available for kayak fishing charters and lessons, as well as guided kayak and paddleboard tours. You can reach Brent by email at brent@paddlenaples.com or by phone at 239-301-8888. Check out www.PaddleNaples. com and our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/paddlenaples/ for more information.
