KAYAKiNG FORECAST

Temperatures are rising and there’s nothing better than taking a kayak out on the beautiful Tomoka River to explore nature and take advantage of the amazing fishery. The launch at Sanchez Park is extremely kayakfriendly and during this time of year, you will be seeing tarpon rolling within 5 minutes. I like to free-line finger mullet or throw very small profile baits that resemble glass minnows when targeting tarpon.

The other day, I launched around 7am and started throwing a top water spook. I landed a few undersized snook early in the morning working the banks and around some lay downs. The Tomoka River has lots of swordspine snook that I find fascinating and always a fun fish to catch. After about 20 minutes on the water, I was greeted by an absolutely amazing Barred Owl. The pictures and video I captured of this owl are worth the trip alone. It was absolutely incredible to see a creature like that in the wild up close and personal. This trip only got better when I switched to my spinnerbait around 8:30am and hooked an absolute unit of a largemouth bass. However, it was short lived as she spit my bait on her first jump. I couldn’t believe it, but carried on with my g oogan squad spinnerbait (bluegill color) and ended up landing 4 bowfin that were so thick I could have caught them all day if I chose to. Bowfin are native to Florida and a lot of fun to catch if you’re just looking for a tug and roll. As the sun came overhead, I headed to the docks since I usually get my afternoon snook bite under any road- ways or bridges. I was pleasantly surprised when I landed a 30 inch slot snook on my third cast under a shady dock. It was an epic battle that I barely won after she got me hung up on a tree and had to carefully work her out. At this point my day felt complete, but I had a hunch to head back to the exact spot that I lost that “gi rth Brooks” (that tank bass) from earlier in the morning. As I approached the spot, I stood up on my Old Town salty pdl 12 and saw her bedlocked and couldn’t believe my eyes. I grabbed my rod with a ga mbler black and blue Senko tied on and it literally didn’t have a chance. This bass smoked it mid-fall and it was game-on. I was able to get her in the kayak and paddle over to a friend’s dock to snap a quick photo. What a way to complete an absolutely epic day. The Tomoka State Park is also a great place to launch or even anywhere on the side of the road on Highbridge. The possibilities are endless. Make sure to stop by Yellowdog Bait and Tackle if you are in the area and get outfitted for your next adventure!

BlaKE aBBEy

Follow his social media: @blake_jay_abbey