[dropcap]W[/dropcap]inter and cold weather is quickly approaching but don’t let that keep you from getting out on the water. Fish have moved up the bay and you can find plenty of action up in the rivers. Speckled trout are in abundance and I am caching them on the MirrOdine 17mr in colors 21 and 808. As the water gets colder look for deeper holes that the fish will congregate in. Fish become lethargic as the water temperatures begin to drop. I will switch over to a Saltwater Assassin die dapper on a ¼ oz. jig head and fish slowly while deep bouncing your jig and bait off the bottom. During these the cold months look for flats near drop offs that will heat up quicker during a sunny day. Fish these flats in the afternoon were fish will come to feed. Look for reds cruising close to the bank near the grass lines. If we get a few warm days back to back that will bring the water temperature back up make sure to get out and take advantage of it. Some of my best fish have come on these quick warm spells during the winter months.
There isn’t much going on as far as tournaments and seminars in December but start looking ahead to next year. In the spring there will be the B.C.K.F.C Paddlepalooza in Golden Meadow, LA., G.C.K.F.A. Biggest Pair Tournament in Pensacola, Fl., and the M.B.K.F.A Bagwell tournament in Dauphin Island, Al. All are great tournaments where you can have a great time and meet new anglers. We keep a running tab on whats happening in the kayak community on our Kayak Fishing U facebook page.
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
Hobie Regional Team / Fairhope Boat Co.
Pro Staff Fishing Guide
dbparrott@bellsouth.net