Fall Red Fish Action

Is there anything better than fishing in the Fall? Of course there isn't! I absolutely love fishing in the Fall. Not only is it a much needed break from the hot Florida summer, but it's incredible fishing too. I catch more fish in the Fall, than any other time of the year, and this year has been no exception.

As you'll notice these were caught from a boat rather than a kayak. The reason for this is, all of these trips were spur of the moment right after work. Since my boss has a boat that just needs to be lowered into the water it's just quicker to use the boat. It also allows us to get to those areas that are just too far away to kayak too, which happens to be some of the best Red fish areas.

This 32" Red and the 22" Red on the right were caught off the Eglin grass flats. I was using my Shimano Sienna 2500 on a 7' St. Croix Triumph Medium rod. Spooled with 15 pound braid and 20 pound Fluorocarbon leader. Bait was Berkley's Gulp Jerk Shad, color "New Penny" with 1/4 ounce Jighead.


These little guys were caught near the Coast Guard Station using the same bait and equipment as above. We also caught a few Ladyfish and Bluefish as well.

This healthy 24" Red was caught near the Destin grass flats. As always, the bait and tackle was the same. These Red fish love those Berkley Jerk Shad. Color seems to be very important, because they didn't seem to like the "Camo" or "New Penny Fleck" I tried. Jighead weight, shape or color doesn't seem to matter though. 

I've caught about a dozen more in the 12"-16" range. All in the three locations that I have listed. Just need to find that grass. Trout and flounder seem to really like the Gulps as well. I've caught about half a dozen Trout so far with many more to come I hope. Below is a nice Trout caught near Destin.

I think I'm really starting to enjoy Red fishing more than Bass fishing. Maybe it's because I catch bigger Reds.

D.S

Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Ride X 115 MAX

I had the pleasure of trying out the new RideX 115 MAX, with the all new Phase 3 AirPro MAX high/low seating system and the removable console. Here are the specs.

Length: 11'6"/ 351 cm

Width: 33"/ 84 cm

Max Capacity: 500 lbs/ 227 kg
Weight: 82 lbs/ 37 kg

                             

Wilderness Systems kayaks are very well built, and the RideX is no exception. It feels very sturdy, the handles are rigid and makes carrying this heavy kayak easier. Of course there are the usual refinements like SlideTrax, Orbix hatches and adjustable foot braces that come standard.

The first thing I noticed about this kayak, it's built for one thing, fishing! This was not the Angler edition, however it was outfitted with flush-mount rod holders and an anchor trolley. Paddling this kayak was what I expected for it's width, a bit slow. It also felt a bit uncomfortable paddling from the elevated position, but I'll get into the new seat shortly. Speed was average as was the maneuverability. It also handled light chop and windy conditions with no problems.

Okay, on to the new stuff.

The removable console is just plain cool. It would really make installing a depth/fish finder very simple. It's extremely easy to take on and off, and can easily house a battery. The integrated transducer mount is also a very nice touch. It keeps the transducer up tight to the kayak and out of the way.

        

Now on to  the new Phase 3 AirPro MAX seat. I don't think their could ever be a more comfortable seat for a kayak. It literally feels like you're sitting in your recliner. The kayak is easy to paddle in the down position, however in the up position, it takes some getting used to. I would recommend a slighter longer paddle if you plan to paddle while in the up position. The adjustments are easy to make on the water, and it makes standing up very easy. I have absolutely no complaints about the AirPro MAX, very well done Wilderness Systems.

The only negatives that I found are more personal preference, rather than manufacturing issues. First thing I don't like is the weight. I car-top my kayak which would be very difficult with the 82 lb RideX. The other issue was just the way it felt paddling from an elevated position. Again, this is just a personal issue, since I have always sat in a tradition kayak seat. I'm sure in time it would feel more natural.

All in all, the RideX 115 MAX is a great kayak for fishing. With the new AirPro MAX seat, you'll be able to fish as long as you like with no numbness in your backside.  So, if you have been thinking of buying a new kayak, take a look at the Ride Series from Wilderness Systems, you won't be disappointed.

Where can you get one of these great kayaks you ask. Well HOOK1 Kayak Fishing Gear of course!

D.S
#HOOK1KFG

Trip planning

T'was the night before the fishing trip, and all through the house, not a creature bait was stirring, not even the Power Team Lures Craw D,oeuvre.

Okay so maybe it's not quite like that. In this article I want to talk about trip planning. In my opinion it's the most important part of any trip, then again I have been accused of thinking and/or planning too much in the past. What can I say, I like to be thorough. 

The first thing I do, is decide where I want to fish. I'm blessed to live in an area that has endless angling opportunities. I can choose to fish a lake, river, bay or even the Gulf of Mexico. Once I've decided where I want to fish, then I need to decide where I will launch from.

A good map or Google Maps/Earth are great ways to find launch points. I try to stay away from boat ramps if possible, so  I look for "Day Use" areas or parking areas with easy access to the water. Luckily the areas I fish allow me to do this.

The next thing I think about is season and weather conditions. Obviously season is extremely important. I need to know what the pattern is so I know what tactics I want to use. Knowing this will help me decide what gear and tackle to bring along. The weather is equally important, as is solunar data. For researching this I use Scout Look. Their App allows me to pick any location and find all the weather data and solunar data I need. I highly recommend downloading the Scout Look App to your smartphone. Knowing the weather also helps with dressing for the conditions and taking any necessary precautions.

Obviously, if you fish the same water regularly, some of this isn't always necessary for each trip. However, when you fish new water I suggest you take the time to research and plan ahead. Planning not only gives you the best shot at catching fish, it also allows you to be safer on the water. 

Be as thorough as you can, to avoid any surprises. On one occasion, I was going to fish a lake I had never been before. I did my research, felt confident I knew what I needed to know, loaded up and headed there. I got to the lake, which was over an hour from my house only to find it wasn't there. I don't mean I got lost or I was mistaken, I mean it was GONE! Apparently this particular lake is known to dry up every five to six years. I didn't do much fishing that day.  As I said do your research and be thorough. It can only help you and make for a more pleasant fishing experience.

D.S

HOOK1 Kayak Fishing Gear

Have you just gotten into kayak fishing and not sure what to do next? Or maybe you've been kayak fishing for awhile now, and realized it's time for an upgrade or some modifications. Well, look no further, HOOK1 Kayak Fishing Gear has anything and everything you need.

HOOK1 has been at the forefront of kayak fishing for over twelve years. The Vice President is none other than Chad Hoover, arguably the man who single-handedly caused this kayak fishing explosion. Chad is a "Rock Star" in the kayak fishing community. Not only is he a published author of Kayak Bass Fishing, but you may know him from Kayak Bassin TV on WFN or Knot Right Kayak Fishing on NBC Sports. If that isn't enough, every employee at HOOK1 is obsessed with kayak angling. They are always there to assist newcomers and veterans with any and all kayak fishing questions.

HOOK1 has three locations, two in Central Tennessee and one in Oklahoma. Their online store carries just about anything you could imagine, relating to kayak fishing. They carry several brands of kayaks, paddlesports gear, fishing gear and equipment, tackle and even hunting gear. Their knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you have about this wonderful sport. They also have an extensive "Field Staff," HOOK1 Team and HOOK1 Crew that can assist you.

Something new that was just created, is the HOOK1 Gear Talk page. This page is a direct link to the HOOK1 "Field Staff" for tips, tricks and advice. HOOK1 is more than just a retail shop, it's made up of over a hundred ambassadors of this great sport.  A "Band of Brothers and Sisters" in the kayak fishing community, that is always willing to help out fellow anglers.  So whether you are new to the sport, a veteran angler or just curious about this whole kayak fishing epidemic, check out HOOK1KFG for all your kayak fishing needs.

D.S
HOOK1 Team Member

Gear Review: CRB Custom Rods

   

With all the options out there, finding the right fishing rod can be a daunting task. Of course, there is no perfect rod for every situation. However, a custom built rod can be pretty darn close.

Building a fishing rod isn't as difficult as you may think. Oh sure, there is some special equipment that is needed, but actually building the rod is very straight forward. Mud Hole makes this even easier by selling complete rod kits with instructions, to guide you through the process. Alas, this post isn't an instructional "How-To," instead it's a review about the CRB Value Spinning/Casting rod kits sold by Mud Hole.

These kits come complete with rod blank, cork grips, deluxe Graphite reel seats and Halide guides with tip top. They also come in an array of colors such as, Blue, Green Orange, Pink, Lime, Yellow, Purple and of course Black. The kit does not include thread, epoxy, thread finish or any of the tools or equipment to build the rod. Mud Hole does sell starter kits that are reasonably priced though, that will get you going quickly and easily.

So lets start with the most important part of any rod, the blank. The CRB Value kits, feature a high quality blank constructed of IM6 Graphite (44 million modules) that guarantee a high-strength low-weight rod. These blanks are all 1-piece construction. The reel seat is also made from high quality Graphite, to ensure many years of abuse. The cork handles are of good quality, and come pre-shaped and ready to install. Finally, the guides are made of Halide, which is the highest grade of aluminum oxide you can get.

These kits come in Lite action 5'6", 6' and 7' lengths, Medium action 6', 6'6", and 7' or Heavy action in 7'. The overall feel of these rods is fantastic. They are well balanced and very lite. If assembled properly they fish extremely well.  The 6'6" versions that I built, cast well and the action is incredible. Obviously, you can design these rods to whatever your taste, which is another great feature.  These rods easily stack up to rods that cost twice as much. I currently have several spinning and casting versions, and they all perform flawlessly. The guides hold up well to braided line too. I currently own a few St. Croix rods as well, but prefer these CRB rods. They actually feel better to use. Maybe that's just because I built them, but they have become my new favorite.

So, if you are looking to buy some high quality rods, and are willing to try your hand at custom building them, try the Value Rod kits from Mud Hole. You won't be disappointed.  The price won't break the bank either.

D.S

   www.mudhole.com

Too Much Paddling, Not Enough Fishing

Do you ever find yourself spending more time paddling from spot to spot then actually fishing? I know I do.

The problem is we are impatient. We're impatient waiting in lines, expecially at the DMV, we're impatient in traffic and we're impatient while fishing. There are a million and one things that cause us to lose our patience, but fishing shouldn't be one of them. Isn't it funny how we say we're going fishing to relax, yet we often get frustrated and impatient?

The best way to avoid this fishing faux pas, is to plan in advance how and where you will be fishing. Do some research before you go, that way you can spend more time fishing instead of searching. The old saying, 90% of the fish are only in 10% of the water. So it stands to reason if you know where the fish are, you shouldn't have to move constantly, right?

Start by asking yourself, what time of year is it? What's the temperature? What moon phase are we in? The answers to these questions should narrow down your search. If it's July with temperatures in the 90's, then you can almost bank on the fish being deep. So there is no real reason to fish the shallow areas. I'm not saying fish won't be shallow, but the percentage of success is higher in the deeper areas in this example.

As kayak anglers, our range is already more limited than those fishing in a boat. We can't just crank up a 250 horsepower Mercury and cut over to the other side of the lake. That could take us hours.  Personally I would rather have my line in the water instead of my paddle. I've never caught a fish with my paddle.  Wouldn't that be something though?

My point is, if you spend all your time overthinking it and relocating, you won't catch any fish. Don't allow yourself to get impatient.  If you did your research and feel confident, that the fish should be where you are, then spend the time there. Instead of moving, try different techniques and presentations. I'm 100% certain you'll catch more fish trying this.  Why so confident you ask? Well if your paddle is in the water and not your line, you have a 0% chance of catching anything. I know that for sure .

D.S

Ardent Reels

Ardent has been the leading designer and manufacturer of freshwater fishing reels and reel care products and accessories since 2003. Made by fishermen for fishermen, the design of every Ardent reel and accessory is the result of input from professional anglers that are members of Team Ardent. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Ardent is proud to be an American owned and operated company. Every Ardent reel is hand assembled and performance tested prior to shipment, and each reel is backed by the industry's best 3-year warranty to ensure years of great performance.

Ardent's Apex series comes in three versions. The Tournament weighs only 6.3 ounces, has 9 ball bearings and a gear ratio of 6.5:1. The Pro weighs 6.3 ounces, has 11 ball bearings and a 7.3:1 gear ratio. Finally the Elite weighs under 6 ounces, has 13 ball bearings and a 6.5:1 gear ratio. Prices range from $100 for the Tournament up to $150 for the Elite. These are by far the best baitcasting reels I have ever used.

Ardent's Horizon series is great for budget minded anglers. With 6.2:1 and 7.0:1 gear ratios to choose from, it should handle any situation. At only $70, it's in a class all by itself. I own several of these fantastic reels and couldn't be happier with them.

Ardent also manufactures two series of spinning reels, with 1000, 2000 and 3000 sizes to choose from. The Forge with a forged aluminum frame & aluminum spool or the Edgewater, with Graphite frame & aluminum spool. You can choose either a Carbon Fiber finish or the ever popular Fishouflage.

Ardent Forge

Ardent Edgewater

Ardent also sells unique NCAA, Military & Fishouflage spinning combos, for those who like a little flair while on the lake.  Along with a full line of Denny Brauer Pro Series rods.

Finally Ardent sells a complete array of reel care products like cleaning kits, line conditioners and Reel Butter grease and oil. Check out all of Ardent's great products at www.ardentreels.com

D.S