Southern Kayak Fishing Issue 11

issue #11

www.sokayakfishing.com

May 2017

Southern Kayak Fishing

Lee County, Southwest Virginia’s Kayak Fishing Paradise 2 l Southern Kayak Fishing l March 2017

Editor’s Message

T

here has never been a point in the human story where we had more fishermen or more information about how to fish. Our ancestors, even those from a measly 100 years ago, would be astounded by the tools we have at our fingertips. Google Earth would be beyond the framework of their imagination. Today, we legitimately have a way to dissect the water we choose to fish. We can find our entry point, find the grass flat or sand hole we wish to focus on, and map a course between the two.

This is not to mention the wealth of information found online. There are blogposts and forums, magazines and online books. From any internet accessible point in the world, you can instantly have all the information you need on a given river or bay.

People post what they caught, what they fished with, and a general sense of where they went. Sometimes, those posters are

even “jazz’d up” enough to post a detailed account of where they put-in and caught fish.

I do not view these resources as cheating. It’s preposterous to think of these opportunities as negative. Anything read on these posts was willingly given away.

Whether it was by an editor, a writer or an unpaid fisherman just telling his or her story, this information was offered to you. Taking advantage of these words or the images provided by mapping services, such as Google Earth, is just common sense.

I say all this to reach the crowd who takes it a step further out of my moral comfort zone. Information is there for those who wish to spend the time researching. I am not even referring to the type of research that requires hours of diligent searching in a dark library. I mean 30 minutes spent with a beer, or three, and a laptop. The ease of this venture is why we get frustrated with the “where should I fish this weekend” guys.

Anyon who has visited a fishing forum has seen this phenomenon. A newcomer asks the general body of the forum for a specific fishing spot. Some of the time, a gullible soul gives away information. Most of the time, the poster is viciously attacked by those on the forum who believe they are trying to take a shortcut. I am not defending those trolls who attack someone for asking the question. Many times, they take the insults too far. People should be allowed to make mistakes. There is simply no room for that kind of personal attacking in the fishing world I wish to live in.

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Editor’s Message

Southern

(cont.)

This is not to say I don’t agree with the overall sentiment of those who get upset. It angers me when I see those inquisitive posts. I just wish the Publisher Don Kirk response number would stick to “0”.

I would never ask for such Don@Southerntrout.com Personally, information, because I understand Assoc. Pubisher Jerry Davis the value of hard work in this arena.

JD@Southerntrout.com People who haven’t gone through the Editor Ragan Whitlock progression of researching to planning and fishing to catching just wouldn’t Ragan@Southerntrout.com understand the joy you receive. It Managing Editor Leah Kirk parallels how a trout fisherman feels Leah@Southerntrout.com after catching the first fish on a fly he Assoc. Managing Editor Loryn Latham or she tied. The accomplishment is tangible.

Loryn@Southerntrout.com Use the resources available to Technical Advisor Tim Perkins you. Each fisherman has the tools to Field Editor Steve Moore map out his own adventure. Continue to use these forums responsibly.

Editorial Conslutant Olive K. Nynne Continue to read our magazine and contact us about more information on Contributors a given area. Call fly shops and guide Rob Baker services for fishing reports. Go the Tony Chavers distance for the fishing trip you want to take. You will be surprised by how Steve Gibson much more you value the fish you Danny Holmes catch.

Phillip Landry Ragan Whitlock Tim Perkins Editor

Kayak Fishing

Steve Sammons John Williams Captain Kristen Wray

ON THE COVER

Southern Kayak Fishing is a publication of Southern Unlimited, LLC. It is produced in conjunction with Southern Trout Magazine and Southerntrout.com. Copyright 2017 Southern Unlimited, LLC All rights reserved.

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DEEPBLUEKAYAKFISHING.COM

April 2017

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This Issue Editor’s Letter

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Discovery:

Oldies are Goldies Grandpa’s Creekchubs

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Okuma Helios SX SST Twicking Spinning Rod

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‘Bama Coastal Solitude Fishing Kayaks on the Water

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The Line Forms Here

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The Fish Series

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YO-SHURI Inshore 3d Series

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10

22

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Hobie Mirage vs Native 72

Propel: Pros and Cons of

Kayak Propulsion Pensacola: The Panhandle’s Jackpot

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A getaway to HARDY COUNTY changes everything.

Protected lands, recreational waterways and the only natural lake in West Virginia Experience the Hardy Effect!

visithardywv.com #HardyCounty

Grampa’s Old Creek Chub Baits Are Classics That Still Deliver

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Discovery: Oldies Are Goldies

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ak anglers seem to enjoy perceiving themselves as being on the virtual cutting edge of what is the latest in fishing, which is ironic since the origins of kayak predates the bass boat by about 10,000 years. While not dating back to the Stone Age, fish catching lures made by Creek Chub Bait Company (CCBC) have been around since Teddy Roosevelt was president. These wood bodied lures were legendary fish takers, evident in the fact the yet that to be topped 1932 World Record Largemouth Bass was caught on a wooden CCBC Wigglefish.

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For a couple of decades ago CCBC was acquired by Pradco, an Arkansas company that hangs its hat on it mastery of the high tech manufacturing of plastic injection molded fishing lures. The ownership of the old Garrett, Indiana CCBC operation was but one of several other classic tackle brands that include Heddon, Arbogast and Bomber acquired by Pradco. CCBC’s Pikies, Plunkers and others remain forever embedded in North America’s angling lexicon. Collectors look for old wooden Pikies and Plunkers, which when held by fishermen who still rely on them for catching fish, can be darn near impossible to pry from their owners’ hands, and it is never an inexpensive to acquire.

While the lure offerings of the modern CCBC is scaled back from the days when scores of different lures, the tradition of high quality workmanship is a CCBC hallmark. And for we wood heart, diehards, a couple of baits in the current CCBC line are constructed of yes…WOOD. The Creek Chub ChugA-Lug is a solid favorite among kayak fishermen frequently coastal waters for big fish. Clearly modeled after CCBC’s old line of Plunkers, the Creek Chub Chug-A-Lug is a super-tough, super durable big top water chugger made to hold up to the biggest, toughest gamefish that saltwater has to offer.

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Constructed out of super-tough hardwood with stainless steel through-wire construction, the Chug-A-Lug won’t back down from teeth or the vicious attacks.

The oversized eye with a giant black pupil gives fish a quick target to strike at, and the cupped mouth and ribbed sizes create huge surface disturbance. Built for combat, the Chug-A-Lug is 7.25-inches long, and rocks the scales at 4-ounces. If so inclined, you can cast this chunk of wood into the neighboring time zone.

Equipped with 5/0 saltwater hooks, this is an extremely serious surface bait.

The Chug-A-Lug was created for surf fisherman after stripers and blues, and for tuna fisherman alike need a lure that casts extreme long distances, holds up to the punishment the fish dish out and above all, catches fish. The Creek Chub Chug-ALug was quickly discovered by coastal kayak fishermen plying waters from the Chesapeake Bay southward to the Carolina’s.

The big bait’s look and action provides universal appeal to big predator fish no matter where they swim.

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Adrenaline jacked yak anglers who have already discovered the Creek Chub Six Pin Popper is the perfect top water lure for saltwater big predator fish. Also constructed of durable, tough hardwood, the baits 6-inch model weights 2.5-ounces. Creek Chub Six Pin Poppers are available in 6- to 9.5-inch models, and are anything but subtle. These audacious baits are made for attracting attention and stimulating. These long casting baits enable you to walk the dog with huge surface disturbance to call in aggressive predators. The Creek Chub Six Pin Popper is especially suited use on windy days when the water is rough. The 9-inch Pin Popper sports a big profile, and throws a lot of water.

When talking about CCBC saltwater surface baits geared toward kayak fishing, it is impossible not to mention the Striper Strike, which arguably is the bestselling popper style surface lure of all time. It was introduced in 1959 in an era when most other bait manufacturers, including Creek Chub had already began building plugs from plastic. It premiered as the #1900 "Striper Striker", but was later shortened to the "Striper Strike". Since 1978, Creek Chub Bait Company was sold and the Garrett, Indiana factory closed, production of the Striper Strike continued. These baits were never made in wood.

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CBCC’s current generation of the Striper Strike is available in four models (3-inches, ½-ounce, # 4 saltwater hooks; 3.5-inches, ¾-ounce, # 2 saltwater hooks; 4.25-inches, 1 ½-ounce, # 1/0 saltwater hooks; 5-inches, 2 1/8 ounce, # 3/0 saltwater hooks), and in a half dozen colors/patterns. The Striper Strike was engineered to be cast farther than other lures, perfect for anglers plying the surf, fishing below dams or anywhere long casts are required. As a slow-sinking lure, the Striper Strike should be retrieved quickly on top to mimic an escaping baitfish, a presentation that drives stripers, redfish and other gamefish wild.

It’ nice to know that CBCC’s legendary heritage is safe in the hands of Pradco.

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JOURNEYS OF SGI St. George Island, Florida 240EE3rd 3rdStreet, Street,St. St. George George Island 40 (850)927-3259 www.sgislandjourneys.com info@sgislandjourneys.com

Product Review

Holy

Heli

Okuma Helios SX & SST Twicking Spinn

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ios

& ning Rod

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f you are a serious saltwater and freshwater yak angler who demands stellar performance, the bar just got a higher in regards to spinning reel/ spinning rod combos thanks to the recent introduction of Okuma’s Helios SX and SST series of spinning rods. These yak fishing tools are the latest from a company that has a longer history than legendary brands which includes Shimano and Abu Garcia.

The parent company was founded in 1898 in Japan, as the Okuma Noodle Machine Co., to manufacture and sell noodle-making machines. Based in Ontario, California, Okuma Fishing Tackle Corporation came into being in 1987 as a leading manufacturer and supplier of fishing equipment. It offers fishing reels, including mooching reels, linecounters, fly and float reels, lever drag reels, baitcast reels, and spinning reels.

They also offer rods and reel combos; apparel, such as jerseys, outerwear, and T-shirts; and accessories that include pliers, gear bags, reel and rod accessories, and fly boxes.

Okuma’s Helios SX is an outstanding example of thoughtful advanced design, ultra-smooth performance and surprising value. These eye-pleasing spin reels are packed with more features and technologies than other reels at their price point.

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Product Review

Feather light, the Helios SX features a C-40X carbon frame and side plates. The model 30 we field tested weighs 7.3-ounces. Its machined, anodized Torsion Control Armor makes the reel extremely rigid, which greatly reduces twist and torque and keeps all of the internal parts in perfect alignment. Okuma’s new CFR (Cyclonic Flow Rotor) features a ported design, which allows the reel to dry much faster and greatly decreases corrosion.

The reel boasts an ALG-Precision AlumiLite alloy machine cut, a main gear and oscillating gears that deliver incredible power and durability, and a RESII: Computer Balanced Rotor Equalizing System that keeps the functions impossibly smooth and balanced. Other noteworthy features on this Okuma Helios 30 are its rigid, machined aluminum, anodized handle with lightweight EVA handle knobs, and a heavy duty, solid aluminum bail wire. The Okuma Helios 30 has a 5:01 ratio and when spooling 8-pound test line, has a capacity of 170 yards (10-pound test line capacity it 120 yards.)

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Five things about the Okuma Helios 30 really impressed us. The first was its light design.

The second was the flawless operation of its bell, something that seems to ebb with time on many of today’s spinning reels. Most of all we were impressed with the smooth operation of the Okuma Helios 30. As Clint Eastwood once said, “smoother than a prom queen’s thighs.”

Smooth and easily was the drag system which was a breath of fresh air for a reel in this price range. Speaking of price range, the MSRP is $129, but on the Internet we found these reels at significantly less. On a scale of 1-to-10, the Okuma Helios 30 is a solid 9.7, a rating we also found on numerous websites.

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We coupled our Okuma Helios 30 test reel satisfactorily with an Okuma SST-S-761M-CG “Twitching” spinning rod. A 1-piece medium/fast action, the “Twitch” (as we nicknamed it) is a stout, 7’ 6” rod designed for casting 8 to 15 pound test line. Okuma’s SST line of spinning rods consists of over a dozen models that come in technique and species specific rod actions that are built on sensitive IM-8 graphite rod blank constructions.

They feature durable stainless steel guide frames with Zirconium guide inserts to reduce friction from braided lines. We really like the Twick’s 3K woven carbon fore and rear grips on all models and its integrated compressed EVA butt cap.

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Backbone on our Twick was more than adequate for easily subduing the mackerel, cobia, and grouper we hooked up with in the Gulf near Mexico Beach. The design of the rod is especially well suited for use in kayak fishing, and in three trips we did not manage to break the rod despite some fairly focused effort to find its breaking point. It rated 8.9 which is commendable to say the least.

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FISH TALES TOLD HERE

Experience the Hardy Effect!

'Bama Coastal Solit Fishing Kayaks on t

By Ed Mashburn

A

labama and its coastline can't offer kayak anglers the flash and fame of Florida coastal waters. Likewise, the Yellowhammer State can't claim to have the total numbers of redfish and speckled trout of Louisiana- no other place in the world can't, either.

However, Alabama has a world of spots for kayak anglers to easily access the water and soon find themselves right in the middle of great paddle craft fishing.

Here's a short rundown of some of a Gulf Coast resident's favorite kayak fishing spots.

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tude the Water

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Mobile Bay- Eastern Shore- Daphne Pilings On the eastern shore of massive Mobile Bay lies the very attractive town of Daphne. This upscale community has a number of things to recommend it, but one of the finest things to recommend Daphne to kayak anglers is the presence of the "Daphne Pilings" These groups of wooden poles set in the bottom of Mobile Bay waters are all that remain of old piers and docks which have been killed by hurricanes and tropical storms. The pilings are nothing short of fish magnets, and they are within very easy paddle range. Just out from Mayday Park at Daphne, the pilings collect great numbers of speckled trout, redfish, and flounder in spring and summer. Kayakers can launch at Mayday Park and be in the middle of good fishing in a very short period of time.

A hint to anglers not familiar with the Mobile Bay fishing: look for birds working over the water.

Most of the time, these birds are chasing baitfish or shrimp driven to the top by actively feeding fish. Paddle within casting distance, toss a 1/4 oz jig into the feeding area and hold on.

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West Fowl River On the west side of Mobile Bay, West Fowl River is a small stream that empties into the big Mississippi Sound east of Mobile Bay. There is a very good launch facility just off Hwy 188 in south Mobile County which allows anglers to paddle a short distance and get into some great fishing.West Fowl River is a very good place to find redfish in great abundance, and it's a very quiet, calm, and not heavily fished area. Lots of birds are always around, and when the fishing is slow, just paddling and watching the birds is very nice.

Kayak anglers need to be ready for some big reds here. A live shrimp fished under a cork or free-lined behind the kayak as it is slowly paddled down the deeper river channels can results on some very hard strikes and very tough fights.

By the way, this is one of my favorite kayak fishing locations on the Alabama coast. Quiet, easy to get to, protected from wind, and consistent great fishing.

This is a perfect kayak fishing river.

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Wolf Creek Just east of Foley and the massive shopping centers on Highway 59, Wolf Creek gives kayak anglers a chance to get away from the heavy traffic and bustle of the tourist areas of the Alabama coast.Kayak anglers have a super-good launch area on upper Wolf Creek at a park constructed by Baldwin County just off Highway 20. Kayak anglers can put in at this park and be in Wolf Creek and its gentle tidal currents in just a moment.

Wolf creek is prime water for some very big redfish, and the quiet and calm of the Wolf Creek surrounding are often shattered by the strike and battle of megasized redfish. This creek is prime bird and wildlife viewing water, too. Ospreys, bald eagles, and a wide range of water birds live here, and porpoises travel up from the ICW to visit the upper Wolf Creek waters quite often.This is a great place for kayak anglers.

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Lake Shelby For something quite different- but a lot the samekayak anglers can travel down Highway 59 to its end at the Gulf and then drive a few miles east on Highway 180 to reach Lake Shelby at Gulf State Park. Kayak anglers can slide the boat in at a great many locations on Lake Shelby or its connected and similar lakesMiddle and Little- and be in some great fishing for freshwater species such as bass, catfish, bream and crappie in just a bit of paddling.

In addition to the freshwater fish, kayak anglers can also find good numbers of redfish and speckled trout in the freshwater lakes, and these saltwater game fish are doing very well. It's not often that kayak anglers can find great freshwater and saltwater fishing in the same lake, but that's part of the charm of Lake Shelby. Kayak anglers can enjoy the quiet and calm of the lake while hearing the roar and rumble of the surf on the beach. The Gulf is less than a half-mile away here. There are lots of birds here, and in spite of being in the middle of Alabama's most popular and heavily used park, kayak anglers can find lots of quiet and calm here- as well as great fishing.

It's hard to beat a live shrimp fished under a cork here for all species. A catfish or largemouth bass will not turn down a shrimp, and redfish and speck trout simply love shrimp.And Lake Shelby puts anglers right in the middle of some first-rate seafood restaurants at Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and other Alabama coastal locations.

Oh, yes. There are some alligators at Shelby- lots of them- and some of them have become used to people and will approach them. Kayak anglers just need to be aware that gators very rarely bother boaters and just give them some extra room, 40 l Southern Kayak Fishing

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Paul Pesson

The Line Forms

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t is so easy to get into the car and make our way to the local tackle shop.

The brands and types of fishing lines available are plentiful. As recreational anglers, we would never have gone through the painstaking measures that our ancestors did to

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drop a line in the water.

Fishing meant survival, through innovation, fishing line has evolved with the needs of the times.

There is evidence as early as 7000 BC of the first anglers. An angler is one that uses a line and hook

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to catch fish. Our ancestors used bone and wood to create a hook and twisted (braid) vines as fishing line. Tombs from the early Egyptians were discovered with depictions of hook and line fishing. Ancient Greeks and Romans also fished with hook and line, not

Here much is mentioned about this because it was a poor man’s venture.

In the 4th Century, the Chinese began to use braided silk for fishing line.

This was far better than the materials used in the past, but could be brittle and was easily damaged

by ultraviolet light. They were also the first to use bamboo for fishing poles.

As time went by, new ways of making line evolved. It is hard to image having to go out to the barn and cut hair off of your horse’s tail just to go fishing, but this is how it was done. Anglers May 2017

also used “catgut”, twisting the intestines of cows or horses to create braided line. Linen, cotton, and flax were also used to make line, these materials were less than ideal for fishing.

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In the 1950's, the DuPont company was instrumental in changing the face of fishing and making it feasible for the hobbyist.

They invented Dacron, a manmade braid made out of polyester. In 1959 DuPont released a nylon monofilament called “Stren” and this revolutionized fishing.

Mono-filament is a single strand, low visibility line of manmade fibers created by mixing and melting polymers and extruding this mixture through tiny holes. The size of the hole equates to the tensile strength or “test line”. This new line started the sport fishing explosion.

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It seems that fishing line has come “full circle�.

Many anglers are back to using braid line. In 1987 Spectra was invented and Spiderwire came on the market. Made of Dacron, spectra, and Dyneema, these braided lines are smaller in diameter, abrasion resistant, and have very little memory.

The downside is with little stretch, braid can break off due to a strong strike. Braid is opaque.

Fluorocarbon is usually attached between the braided line and the hook.

Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible in the water and is generally much tougher than mono.

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There are also specialty lines for different types of fishing. Fly fishing requires different chemicals and processes to ensure the line will float. Trolling may require a stronger wire line, titanium, copper, and stainless steel are some of the substances used to create this heavy-duty line.

We have come a long way since the days of horsehair fishing line.

New technology has been instrumental in the enormous growth of sport fishing. Just like everything else, newer, better ways to make fishing line will be discovered. But right now, the fishing lines we have are more than sufficient to get out there and catch that “trophy� fish!

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The Fish Series Paul Presson

The Crab Eaters

Cobia, Rachycentron Canadum, also called lemonfish, black kingfish, and ling, are an exciting inshore/near-shore fish to catch. These fish are opportunistic scavengers, roaming the seas with rays and sea turtles. A newer angler, not familiar with this species, may confuse them for a remora (sucker fish) or even a shark.

With a torpedo-shaped body, they can grow to over five feet long and weigh as much as 170 lbs. Cobia have flattened heads and a lower protruding jaw. They are brown with a white belly and have two dark horizontal bands, one on the spine and the other running from the eye to the tail.

As a subtropical species, cobia are pelagic and migrate as far north as Virginia and south to the Florida Keys. They are a very inquisitive fish and can be found by wrecks, reefs, channel markers, and buoys. They also cruise the beaches and mangroves when the water temperature reaches 68 degrees or higher.

Sight-fishing is the general method of catching cobia. Whether using live bait (crabs, squid, bait fish) or artificial (bucktails, jigs, plastic worms or eels), these fish can test your equipment. Heavier fishing equipment is required to haul in cobia; thirty to sixty pound fluorocarbon is recommended. An angler can use weights to fish reefs and wrecks, or freeline your favorite bait on the flats.

Cobia can put up a spectacular fight and once caught are delicious table fare. The next time you are out fishing, look below that school of Rays and see if you can spot one or two of these mighty fish. They may end up being one of your favorite fish to catch, and the taste certainly won't disappoint.

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The Bait Snatchers

Archosargus Probatocephalus, better know as sheepshead, are a member of the porgy family. It is said that ,to catch sheepshead, you have to set the hook before the fish has even touched your bait! These elusive prison-striped thieves are delicious eating.

Sheepshead are a hearty fish. They have five to six black bars covering their grey bodies. A characteristic that stands out is their prominent “goat-like� teeth.

They average 10-20 inches in length and 3-4 pounds. The largest of this species can be as long as 30 inches.

Sheepshead can be found as far north as Nova Scotia and as far south as Brazil. Their favorite habitats are bridges, jetties, piers, wrecks, and reefs. They spawn near shore in late winter and early spring.

It is relatively easy to catch sheepshead as a by-catch, but to target them is a different story. A small hook must be used, with the proper line and equipment. An effective way to chum for these fish is to scrape the barnacles off of bridges and piers. This can be done easily using a simple garden tool.

Artificial lures are not an effective way to catch sheepshead. Shrimp, sand fleas, fiddler crabs, and mussels are all very good baits to lure these finicky fish. With their sharp gill covers and mouth full of teeth, expect some cut offs. To compound the problem, their preferred environments (bridges and piers), can cause some difficulty.

Sheepshead can be difficult to clean, but it is well worth the trouble. Their diet consists of mainly crustaceans. Their meat is flaky and has an excellent taste. With some research and plenty of practice, you will be able to catch this elusive convict.

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The “Big Ugly”

Pogonias Cromis, the Black Drum also known by Sea Drum, Oyster Cracker,and Banded Drum. These “slow movers” are members of the Drum family.

They may be the most overlooked fish of all the inshore breeds. They can be a test for any angler once hooked, the fight is on.

Black Drum are the largest fish of the Drum family, they are usually grey or black in color and the juveniles have stripes and can be confused with Sheepshead. The telltale signs are the barbels located under the mouth that are used for sensory hunting. Black Drum are bottom feeders, they use their sense of smell to locate their prey, once located they have “cobblestone” type teeth that assist them in cracking shells and eating Crustaceans.

These lumbering creatures can be found as far North as Nova Scotia and as far South as Argentina. They can live up to 60 years and have weighed as much as 120 lbs. The younger fish can be found inbrackish waters and as they mature they move to areas with higher salinity. In the Southern regions, Drum spawn in late Winter to early Spring.

Just like other members of the Drum family, Black Drum use their air bladders as a defense mechanism and a lure to attract mates during spawning. Black Drum's diets consist of oysters, mussels, crabs, shrimp and other small fish. The easiest way to catch them is by dead sticking their favorite delicacies. They do not move fast and they mouth their catch, waiting while the fish is chewing on the bait is the key. Artificial lures can be used, but are not near as effective as live or dead bait.

These fish can be targeted by deep drop offs located by oyster beds, bridges and structure. Once caught, they are worthy adversaries, holding to the bottom with a fight much like their cousin, the Redfish.

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As the Black Drum increases in size, the meat gets tougher and the parasites move in. Mature Drum are known to contain Spaghetti worms and are not worth the effort of cleaning and attempting to eat.

The younger fish have some of the same taste qualities as other members of the Drum family.

Don't forget this species when targeting some of your favorite fish. The “Big Ugly� can put up a tremendous fight and possibly be one of the largest inshore fish you will ever catch.

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VisitWakulla The Natural Place to Be in Florida

With 73 miles of coastline and 4 fresh water rivers Wakulla County is the destination to fish! For launch areas, marinas and guides/outfitters visit our website at

VisitWakulla.com or call (850) 984-3966 Wakulla County Tourist Development Council

Product Review

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YO-ZURI Inshore 3-D Series W

e are living in the space age of fishing lures. The first thing I noticed after buying a few Yo-Zuri Inshore lures was how much fishing has changed over the years. Lures have developed over time, just as every aspect of fishing and boating have. Every time there is a new advancement in either, some people think to themselves, “this has to be as far as we can go.” I try to stay away from that line of thinking, knowing that something else will always come along.

Still, when you use a Yo-Zuri for the first time, it’s hard not to let that thought creep in. Each member of this Inshore 3d series is an absolute machine for catching Redfish. In my first 3 days of fishing with these lures, I was hit by Trout, Cobia, Redfish, and Snook. I have never seen a lure with so much dance as the Inshore Twitchbait, or a topwater lure with the natural propensity to “walk-the-dog” as the Inshore Pencil.

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Obviously, those fishermen who use live bait will always get a few more hits. It is just natural for fish to be attracted to their normal table fare. I have no delusions that a Yo-Zuri could outfish live shrimp, but I can say the hits will be much more exciting. An overslot Redfish hitting one of these lures feels like a freight train just rocking off the tracks. The initial boom is incredible, but you know hell is about to break loose. The ferocity with which fish try to “kill� these lures is unparalleled.

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Fishermen who have heard of Yo-Zuri usually have one major reason why they don’t buy the products.

“They are too expensive,” you always hear. Well, yes, each lure may be a few dollars more than the standard lines you find at Walmart or Academy. The difference between the lures, though, is worth a whole lot more than a few dollars.

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It baffles me that most people who mention the price of these lures are usually throwing a rod combo that costs $300, while sitting in a kayak that costs more than $1,000. Those purchases are explained away because they are “quality” and the difference matters. Investing in proper ways to get near the fish, but not in the actual product the fish sees, doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.

Take it from me, someone who is undeniably hooked on what Yo-Zuri provides.

Buy one of each Inshore series lure. Fish with it for a few weeks, and I promise you will be coming back for more. These lures catch more fish, can withstand more fish, and make for some incredible fights once they are on. Do not sacrifice quality in front of the fish’s mouth.

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Professional Fishing Guide & Instructor Whether you fish with family, friends, colleagues - or if you are new to the sport come and be my honored guest on the water.

Tell me your goals for the outing, ask all the questions you want and learn all you can.

I specialize in coaching conventional and fly fishing techniques on Texas lakes and rivers.

Exchange stress for relaxation, fun and memories.

Lakes: Canyon, Dunlap & LBJ Rivers: Guadalupe, Blanco & San Marcos Boat, Kayak or Wading

(210) 771-0123 www.TeachEmToFish.net May 2017 l Southern Kayak Fishing l 69

Hobie Mirage Vs K

ayaks are evolving at an incredible pace. Our beloved products are getting faster, more durable, and can hold more trinkets than ever. The newest addition that is taking over the Kayaking community comes in the form of pedals. Several companies have begun to add propulsion systems, a Fred Flintstone meets bicycling sort of apparatus. Each system is a little different, but all are incredibly effective.

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s. Native Propel Once the kayaker gets used to the rudder system and can make directional changes with ease, the benefit of these devices really shines. In effect, this form of propulsion takes the place of a paddle altogether. While I would never recommend leaving the paddle at home, I find myself never needing one while I have the pedals on board.

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All of this said, the obvious pro of these systems is the ability to go really, really fast with very little effort. The amount of energy generated from the pedals in either system is incredible compared to the amount needed to operate them.

If you are focused on getting to your direction fast, you can even use a paddle and the pedals at the same time.

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Regardless of how much you use these systems, you will notice a serious difference in your stamina throughout the day. Turning direction or changing from forward to reverse with a simple move of your hand on the rudder is a pretty space age concept in a kayak.

Moving on from why you should be interested in these products, the productivity of each needs to be addressed.

Both products have significant pros and cons and are geared towards specific types of fishermen.

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Hobie Mirage (and 180 version) Pros - The use of fins instead of metal propellers allows the kayak to run more shallow than the other versions because the fins can bend around structure.

There is less worry of something hitting the fins with such impact that they break. The fins are also lower profile and take up less space in and around the kayak than the Native Propel does.

Cons - The original Mirage Drive does not have a reverse component, though the more expensive 180 version does feature it. I would absolutely not purchase a system without a reverse. It is ridiculously easy to back away from a group of fish or realign yourself on a drift by backing up. Having to turn and circle back to an area while going forward is just frustrating.

Native Propel Pros - In my un-statistically founded opinion, the metal propellers on the Native propel seem to generate more power than the Hobie. The rudder system is more streamlined and easy to use, which may play into the feeling of going faster or generating more power. The Native propel also comes standard with a reverse feature. It is as easy to use as changing the direction you manipulate bike pedals.

Cons - The Native propel system is a beast. You are essentially putting the guts of a bicycle into the middle of your kayak. Storage is easy, because the system can be removed, but there is no good way to store it away while on the water. Because the propellers are metal, when the kayak runs shallow near oysters or structure, you must pull the whole system up. Pulling it removes the system from danger of breaking or rubbing, but is now taking up all sorts of space inside the kayak.

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Overall, it is easy to see where these systems differ.

Some people who are constantly going over grass flats or shallow water may prefer the Hobie for ease and durability. Others, who are paddling longer distances and stick to canals or bays, would prefer the powerful construction of the Native.

Personally, I would choose the Native over and over again. I prefer to wade next to the kayak when the water gets shallow and the ease of using the Native is incredible. If the propeller ever breaks, it is as simple as replacing a part for a trolling motor prop. In a sense, I am choosing power over finesse. Now, find what works best for you.

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Pensacola:

The Panhand

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:

dle’s Jackpot!

F

lorida’s Emerald Coast may be more famous for partying than fishing, but the local anglers love the misconception that the area does not produce fish.

Tourist anglers, a term most appropriate for those “weekend warriors” who can only travel to an area a few times a year, flock to the Nature or Sun Coasts while leaving gems like Pensacola to the locals. This is not to say the water can’t get crowded in Pensacola, but you would be much more likely to see a waiting time for your favorite watering hole than fishing hole.

The incredible fish diversity in Pensacola may be the most alluring part to fishermen who dabble in both fresh and saltwater tactics. Not many places offer a fishermen the ability to catch Chain Pickerel, or “Jacks”, within a paddle distance of Redfish. Freshwater rivers flow into the Gulf of Mexico everywhere on Florida’s coast, but Pensacola may have the quickest change from ecosystem to ecosystem.

Anglers who frequent the area know that I-10, the interstate that can be seen over Blackwater and Escambia bays, is a somewhat accurate marker for saltwater/freshwater delineation.

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The water around these areas may not always have the beautifully clear qualities of Crystal River or the endless grass flats of Tampa Bay, but there are dozens of shelves and pinch points around these rivers. The water gets deep quickly, and the fish grow large.

To best plan a trip around this area, Google Earth is your best tool. Less fishing information can be found online about these waterways than many, so trial and error is the best move. When planning a trip to the Emerald Coast, river mouths are the first thing I search for. Large river systems dump into Blackwater bay and fish stack at the dropoffs. Plan to fish those drop-offs hard, and then move deeper into the bay or up the rivers depending on which species you wish to target. Google Earth also gives away several ponds and flats near these river systems. Some teem with Largemouth and Jacks, while others will hold Redfish and Trout.

Proximity to the bay will usually give a tip to the salinity and fish species, but a large selection of lures is always good to have on board.

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Buzzbaits, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits are always preferred for those “Pike-like� agressions of a Chain Pickerel. Anytime a river or pond becomes freshwater, tying on those noise-makers is a must.

Backing towards the bay, a deep diving Yo Zuri lure will attract everything around. If you wish not to change too often, a Redfish Magic swimbait and weedless head would work all weekend in every type of water. Regardless of effectiveness, there is a rewarding quality to catching multiple species, in multiple ecosystems; all on the same lure.

While there are many places to launch in and around Pensacola, a favorite of mine will always be at Bagdad Mill. Many fishermen who have success, perhaps more than I, prefer areas slightly closer to the Gulf. Still, a day on the water is based on personal preference.

My preference lies in diversity and a lack of other fishermen. Study the area you want to fish and base a trip around your ideal day on the water. For the area, my ideal trip will always include a little bit of everything. When the system has it, why not try to catch it all in one day?

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