[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is official! I am over this winter! Done with the cold dreary days! Spring is here bringing warmer weather and longer days. Big trout and winds should be showing up. Don’t let that discourage you. I am having success throwing the mirrOlure she dog early and late in the days. Its high frequency rattles really give the trout something to key in on in choppy water. Walk the dog with a fast retrieve and get ready for action. Getting under that rough water works well too, Mirrodines have been handling the job. Change up the speeds of your retrieves until you find what’s working best for you. Keep to natural colors in the cleaner water. Slow bumps with soft plastics across the bottom have been money on reds and flounders at creek mouths on outgoing tides. I am throwing the saltwater assassin 4” sea shads on a1/4 oz pro elite jig head.
Not to miss this month is the IFA Kayak Tour in Port Aransas, TX. April 5-6. The IFA kayak tour is a catch, photo, and release tournament based on length of a 2 fish aggregate (Speckle trout and red). On April 11-12 the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club is having Paddlepalooza XI at Bobby Lynns Marina in Leeville, LA. This is a well run event with slam, red, trout, flounder, and leopard red categories. Early next month we have the Big Bend Classic in Crawfordville, FL. and the GCKFA Spring Tournament in Pensacola, FL.
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