KAYAKiNG FORECAST

Spring is one of my favorite times to hit the backwaters and really explore Kayak-friendly areas. These spots are hard to get to for most, and have little to no boat traffic making them ideal for kayak fishing.

Bulow Creek is one of my all time favorite spots and most productive areas this time of year. I usually start off my day by picking up live shrimp and paddle tails from Yellow Dog Bait and Tackle, conveniently located on Highbridge road. I launch at the Walter Boardman Bridge where parking can be limited, but there are spots along the side of Highbridge as well. I always bring 3 rods with me. My first rod is a live bait set up: 1/0 or 2/0 circle hook with a split shot about 12 inches above the hook. I like to use a 15-20lb monofilament or florocarbon liter. My second rod is a Heddon Spook jr. in the bone color. And my third rod, a nlbn 1/4 oz jig head with a nlbn paddle tail.

On my most recent trip, I arrived at a school of snook busting top water right under the bridge. I was hooked up within minutes of casting my spook from the kayak. There are always fish that hang around bridges, but this bridge is sometimes a 10-15 fish spot if you hit it right when the tide changes. Beware of the skinny water oyster beds when crossing under it and make sure you make your presence known so someone doesn’t throw a cast net on you when going under.

As I started to work my way north, I free-lined a live shrimp behind my kayak while throwing my spook parallel to the banks on both sides. I always look for cut-outs or something unique, like a branch hanging in the water, rocks or oyster beds. Different looking areas usually yield fish for me. As I got around the first bend, I landed another 26” snook on the spook that put on an air show after blowing my bait up in a foot of water. As I continued farther north, I got my first bite on my live shrimp which was a slot red drum. I continued to explore, checking out all the points and banks for about a quarter of a mile when I saw a few tarpon rolling. I cast my shrimp in front of my kayak and drifted it over where I saw them and hooked up on my 3rd drift. What a fun time landing juvi tarpon on a kayak! Nothing like it.

I rounded out my day catching one largemouth bass on my spook in the 2-3lb range which was really cool.

If you are scared of big alligators, this is not an area for you. There are some dinosaurs that are locals on this stretch of water, and they will often be lying on the banks. From my experience, if you don’t mess with them, they won’t mess with you. If you’re a Florida local I’m sure you’re rolling your eyes because you already know this, but for all of you out-of-town folks, DON’T feed the gators!!!

Bulow Creek has a lot to offer for a fun paddle and/or an epic fishing trip. The brackish water allows for multiple species and a surprisingly vast mixed bag of quality fish. Definitely check out Bulow Creek for quality fishing grounds! If you are into catching blue crabs this is also an amazing spot for that! Have fun out there! Be safe and hit me up if you need a local tour guide!

Follow his social media: @blake_jay_abbey

Millie’s south 3218 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores 386-275-1492

Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

386-275-1492

Millie’s North 330 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach

386-275-1492

Hours: