Benton Parrott
The cold temperatures are still around, but hopefully that will be improving soon! The colder water temperatures have made things difficult to find fish. Dead end deep canals are producing good trout and some reds. Soft plastics like the Saltwater Assassin sea shad and Korky fat boys have been my go-to baits. I fish the sea shads on a 1/8oz. pro-elite jig head and let them fall slowly to the bottom. A slow retrieve with small twitches should get a bite. Same things when fishing Fatboys. Keep tension on the line so you can feel a strike but maintain a slow steady pace. As always when we get a few sunny days in a row, don’t pass up shallow flats near deep water that the fish will come to feed. The shallow water of the flats will heat up first and get the fish that little extra boost to eat. Soft plastics flutter bounced, top waters, and twitch baits all produce reds and trout on these warmer days.
Not to miss in February is the MBKFA Speck-Tacular. Feb.1st -3rd it is a MBKFA members only CPR (Catch, Photo, Release) tournament consisting of the longest 3 speckled the angler can catch. For more info or to join the club go to MBKFA.com.
The KBF is running a month-long online CPR Redfish Challenge based on 3 slot reds. More info can be found at kayakbassfishing.com
The inaugural season of the Hobie Bass Open Series aims to provide a true open format and an elite feel for kayak anglers across the country and it kicks off Feb.23-24 0n Lake Chickamauga, TN. Each open allows the top finishing angler to earn a spot on the North American team for the Hobie Worlds 9!
As always, we have a running tab on what’s going on in the kayak community at our Facebook page Kayak Fishing U.
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 / Pro Staff Fishing Guide
dbparrott@bellsouth.net