Benton Parrott
The weather is cooling off and making it much nicer to be out on the water. Reds and flounder are still falling for soft plastics slow rolled and bounced off the bottom. We are using saltwater assassins chicken on a chain or anything with a chartreuse tail in the stained water. In clearer water move to a more natural color like the silver mullet and try to choose a color to match the bait is in the area you are fishing. Good trout are still hitting top water at all times of the day. My plug of choice lately has been the top dog jr. in the prism shiner color. I am finding it matches the splashing schools of pogies. Take your time and slow your presentations down. I find big trout will often attack that slow and easy meal. Also work the water columns to find suspended fish with suspending baits like mirrodines and shad raps.
Kayaks are light, easy to travel with, and you can launch almost any where so don’t be afraid to get out of the norm and check out some new areas. Centrally located in the Gulf we are a short drive in any direction to some great fishing. On any given weekend you can find me somewhere on the water between Florida and Louisiana.
Not to miss in September is the IFA Kayak fishing tour! It will be in Georgetown, S.C. on September 23th and back in Jacksonville, FL. on the 30th. This is a CPR (catch photo, and release) tournament based on the total length of one red fish and one speckled trout. These are always great events that lead to the Championship in Grand Isle, LA. Later this fall. September 21-22nd The King of the Island tournament in Pensacola. You can buy tickets and get all info at www.kingoftheislandpensacola.com We keep a running tab of all the events going on in the kayak community on our Kayak Fishing U facebook page.
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 / Pro Staff Fishing Guide
dbparrott@bellsouth.net