[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. Stealth is key with kayak fishing, so take your time and work the shallow flats on the early feeding trout 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 of the fish for me, but feel free to change it up to see what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to move around if you are not getting the results you are looking for. Move to deeper drop-offs during the heat of the day. Allow your bait to have time to sink and reach that lower water column. I am fishing a 1/8 oz pro elite jighead on a Bass Assassin die dapper, or a MirrOlure heavydine in the deeper holes. The weight of the bait helps it fall down right into the strike zone.
Not to miss in August: The IFA Kayak Fishing Tour ins in Lafitte, LA on the 3rd. Remember, you have to fish at least two of these catch, photo, and release tournaments to qualify for the championships in October! Ride the Bull V is in Grand Isle, LA on August 16th out of Bridge Side Marina. Last year, there were over 400 kayakers fishing the pass in this catch and release bull red tournament. Capt. Danny Wray of Calmwater Charters hosts this event, and it is 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, be sure to 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 the day. 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 when it is dark outside and in low-light conditions. Wear a PFD, keep hydrated, and let someone know your float plan.
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