[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ish Early and beat the heat! Slipping your kayak before the Sun rises with anticipation while listening to bait getting crashed in the distance is hard to beat. StealThis the key with kayak fishing so take your time and work the shallow flats on the early feeding trout’s and reds. Natural shiner Sebiles stikk shads and MirrOlure top pups have been my go to bait lately. Slow retrieves have been what gets the attention for me but change it up to see what is working best for you. Don’t be afraid to move around if you are not getting the results you want. Move to deeper drop offs during the heat of the day. Give your bait time to sink and reach that lower water column. I am fishing a 1/8 oz. pro elite jig head on a Bass Assassin die dapper or a MirrOlure heavydine in the deeper holes. The weight of the baits helps it fall down in the strike zone.
Not to miss in August! The IFA Kayak Fishing Tour is in Savannah, GA. on the 3rd and in Grand Isle, LA. on the 25th. Remember you have to fish at least 2 of these catch, photo, and release tournaments to qualify for the Championship in October. Ride the Bull IV is in Grand Isle, LA. on Aug.17th out of Bridge Side Marina. Last year there was over a 200 kayakers fishing the pass in this Catch and Release bull red tournament. Capt. Danny Wray of Calmwater charters puts on this event and it an absolute blast to fish! We keep a running tab on what’s happening in the kayak community on our Facebook page Kayak Fishing U.
With these longer days out in the sun take care of yourself. Wear protective clothing, a buff, and sunscreen when out fishing. I use Beyond Coastal sunscreen SPF 30 and put it on before I leave for the day and reapply with a face stick throughout. It makes a huge difference in how I feel at the end of a day and how long I can stay out and fish.
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 / Fairhope Boat Co. Pro Staff Fishing Guide dbparrott@bellsouth.net