FLORIDA - HARDCORE KAYAK ANGLER'S PLAYGROUND!
Every year more and more anglers discover kayak fishing. Kayak fishing used to be limited to the bays and rivers but there are a select few that continue to take the sport to new levels every year. Whether it is pier and bridge anglers looking for ways to expand their capabilities or boat anglers looking to do more with less. With kayak clubs popping up all over the state information on how to get started or make a trip to an unknown location is very easy to come by. Below are the Top four Florida kayak fishing trips of a lifetime…
Destin, FL - Anglers from Pensacola to Panama City Beach are successfully targeting bottom species such as Red Snapper and Gag Grouper off the beaches in their kayaks. Many have perfected fishing the near shore wrecks and are regularly out fishing the charter boats that target the same areas. Some of the more common wrecks to target are the Miss Louise which is a sucnken tug a half mile off the beach that lies in 55ft of water. Another popular spot is the Urchin Reefs which are a series of pyramids one mile off the beach that are in 60' of water. Common species at these locations are Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, King Mackerel, Amberjack, and Triggerfish. It's not too uncommon to catch a Sailfish while trolling to and from the spots during the summer months.
Pictured below is Chris Lewis holding a 30" Gag Grouper taken one mile off the beach in Destin.
A typical trip goes something like this. Launch at the Pompano Public Beach access at 6:00am. Catch bait using a sabiki rig for a half hour while keeping your eyes peeled for signs of tarpon or cobia. Troll out to any near shore wreck by using a 40lb steel leader. You will most likely catch king mackerel and bonita. Once at the location anglers use knocker rigs and 60 mono leaders attached to a large circle hook. Anglers can expect very violent strikes from aggressive snapper and grouper. Be sure to get your catch to the boat quickly so that the fish doesn’t take you in the structure or so your dinner doesn’t become the dinner of a hungry shark!
Below is Captain Linda Cavitt who is also the President of the Panama City Beach Kayak Fishing Association.
Biscayne Bay , FL – If you are up for the ultimate challenge than Biscayne Bay is the place to go. The thought of a Grand Slam from the kayak is enough to make any die hard angler excited. Kayak anglers here target bonefish, tarpon, permit and snook. During any month of the year these species can be caught on the flats of the bay.
Below is Angler Doug Schallmoser with a 30” Biscayne Bay bonefish!
A typical trip starts with a stop at the bait shop for a couple of crabs and 2 dozen shrimp. For bonefish your best bet is to pinch the tail off the shrimp and rig it weed less with a bass worm hook and a small split shot on a 15lb flouro carbon leader. For the crab use a sharp sturdy short shank hook on a 20 lb flour leader.
There are many public launches on the west side of the bay with Matheson Hammock Park and Deering Estates being the more popular ones. Once on the flats for targeting bonefish patrol knee deep waters first thing in the morning. Once you spot the tailing bonefish now is not the time to lose your cool. Lead the fish by about 7ft and try to be as stealthy as possible.
If you get the bite be prepared for one of the most intense 30 seconds of your life! For targeting permit you will want to head to deeper water to look for wakes and fins. Once you spot them put the crab way out in front of their path and let the crab fall naturally. For tarpon you will want to see the rolling on the edges of the flats in the early morning and late evening. A well placed live shrimp is a good bet for a hookup on the leaping silver king!
Pictured below is Chris Lewis President of the Hard Core Kayak Anglers South Chapter.
Tampa Bay , FL - Anglers here have access to one of the best fisheries in the state. Every year the tarpon migrate of the beaches of Pinellas county during the late spring early summer months. A common by catches while fishing for tarpon are king mackerel an snook. Pictured below is angler John Lenges with a 35” snook taken in Tampa Bay .
To get your silver king sleigh ride you will want to launch at any public beach access in Pinellas County. Use a sabiki rig to catch pinfish, grunts or large threadfin herring. A 60lb flouro carbon leader is essential as these fish have abrasive mouths and long fights. A cork is commonly used to keep your bait 6ft under the water. Watch for rollers as use troll up and down the beach. Once you hook up safety becomes a factor as these fish are very strong and capable of towing you for miles. It is best to always fish with a partner. Once the beast is subdued be sure to get your glory shot but be sure to watch for sharks as large hammerheads and big bull sharks are known to attack hooked tarpon!
Pictured below is angler Merrick Westlund with a 72” tarpon.
Mosquito Lagoon, FL – If you ever wanted to catch the biggest redfish of your life the “Goon” is the location. The reds here push the 50” mark and can be found tailing in 2-3ft of water.
Pictured below is angler Jose Chavez with a 46” red!
To target these giant redfish a kayak is almost necessary as these reds receive a lot of pressure from boats. Kayak angler regularly get these fish to eat when motor boats cannot even get close. These fish have seen every trick and the book. A trick to get them to eat is use use chunks of mullet placed out in front of the school. Let the reds find the bait themselves and hang on! Be sure to do a good job reviving these fish as they can be some long battles on light tackle.
Pictured below is angler Robert Duerscheidt with a personal best 50” red drum taken from Indian River Lagoon.
In closing kayak fishing has come a long way from bass fishing in the local lake. The sense of accomplishment after catching a trophy cannot be compared to. Anglers are going bigger better and deeper everyday in Florida!
Pictured below is Chris “Tex” Lewis with a huge sailfish taken off the beach of Destin, FL in 35ft of water.
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