Kayak Fishing and Paddling - The New Standard in Fishing Kayaks. Fishing Kayak Reviews, and Kayak Fishing Trip Reports, Movies, Pictures and Articles By and For Kayak Anglers.
Doug had already contributed a short review of his W300 fishing kayak:
-”Just came in from a couple hours in the inlet after work — 1 14# bass. Got a 30 and a 16 last Sat night. I don’t fish from it too often; I might throw a swimmer out on my way to and fro. For the season so far I have around 75 bass over 10#/30″. I’m running second place in the season long New York Surf Fishing contest. I’m totally satisfied with the Wavewalk. If I wreck this one somehow I’ll order another within a week. It gets me access to good fishing areas and it gets me away from the crowds. Only ‘problem’ is I put a couple pretty deep gouges on the bottom while fishing in mussel beds and around rock jetties –
Doug”
Now Doug sent us some pictures of a special kayak trolley he got for it:
Says Doug:
-”Here are some photos of a cart special made by paddlecart.com I use it all the time. Works over rough terrain, rocks, down embankments,etc”
-”Attached is the drawing I sent to Paddlecart in case users inquire” :
Jeff McGovern to conduct kid’s inshore fishing clinic at Genung’s Fish Camp, Crescent Beach, January 23
Palatka, FL 1/4/10—Come spend an exciting, fun day with Jeff McGovern at Genung’s Fish Camp from 9 AM to Noon on January 23, 2010. Learn how to choose lures, bait, line and rigging to catch more fish in fresh and saltwater.
Emmrods will be featured and there will be a drawing for an Emmrod Packer Combo donated by Jeff’s Tackle Box at the end of the program. This free event is open to youth and youth groups of all ages and their parents and chaperones.
Coffee and donuts will be provided.
Registration is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Genung’s Fish Camp is located at 291 Cubbedge Road (just below the 206 bridge at US 1), Crescent Beach, FL. For more information or to register, please contact Johnny at (904) 471-4144.
I was on the water for a few hours today fishing for snook. Got a nice one just under keeper size when they are in season. Came in at 26 inches, once the season reopens Sept 1 they have to be between 28 and 32 inches to be kept, one per day per angler. I’ve attached a shot of the fish it’s sub tropical species that cannot tolerate cold water.
The northern edge of their range is about where Marineland, Florida is on the map. They are considered an inshore fish and fight like a demon. They have a set of razor sharp gill rakers that can cut heavy leader like kite string if it hits them. I normally use 20lb fluorocarbon leader that most of the time has to be retied after each fish.
At one time they were considered trash fish nick named “soap fish” because the meat tasted like soap. However once anglers learned to skin them they found delicious table fare to be had. The skin was the problem. These fish are one of the more sought after saltwater species because of the dramatic jumps and power the fish have once hooked.
Of course we were fishing in an area that has a reputed 14 foot gator. I’ve not seen this creature but some of the other folks have in fact the latest sighting was last week.
It’s times like that you have to really love fishing.
It’s time for another look at this style of bait and the rigging that works best. I just got back from another of the McGovern family trips to Canada fishing Lake of the Woods. As with the last three years, the Redfish Magic type lures caught the vast majority of the fish for everyone. Even folks not in our group, who we had told about the lures years back, were using them with equal success. It did not even matter what species of fish — northern pike, muskie, walleye, and smallmouth bass all succumbed to these baits. If you have not tried this type of lure (especially if you live in the northern areas), don’t do it unless you are prepared to catch fish after fish.
I’ve gotten to the point where I build them as required from available rigging. But if you chose to tear open a Redfish Magic and use it straight from the package, that’s fine too. They are considered saltwater bait. The original design is called a jig spinner. The first of its type was the Beetle Spin, which you can read about in another article here on this site. Redfish Magic was intended to be a heavy weight version to catch redfish in US coastal inshore waters. It works very well as intended, but when you transition to freshwater, it works even better. The lure is two sections: a jig spinner harness with a blade swivel combo, a safety pin type clasp, and then a jig head which attaches to the clasp. The jig head can be adorned with a variety of trailers from plastic to bucktail. You can vary the weight of the presentation by simply going to a lighter or heavier jig head.
Rigging properly gets the most out of this style lure. I avoid the use of as much hardware as possible for this bait. My preferred method of use is to tie a leader to my main line first. Last week in Canada, it was 15 lb fluorocarbon for 8lb mono line and 20lb fluorocarbon for heavier lines. The leader is attached to the main line using a four turn surgeon’s knot. The lure is tied to the leader using a canoeman’s loop knot. Both those knots can be found and explained here in this site, as well. Most important, before tying on the lure, is to put a small section of 1/8 inch ID clear plastic tubing over the “R” bend of the shaft. This creates a closed attachment loop and prevents the leader loop from sliding onto the shaft of the harness. It also adds a movement or articulation point so the bait has more action in the water. With zero hardware (metal leaders, snaps, and swivels), you will catch more fish. The fluorocarbon leader is tough enough for even toothy fish like pike and muskie.
Our success with this type of lure and rigging is unbelievable. When we introduce it to other anglers, they are a bit skeptical. However, after they make the first attempt, they are solidly hooked. What’s funny is how this usually happens. We talk about the bait and even show pictures. They smile and say “Hey, that’s great!” and give the lure to their kids to try first. You know– too simple, only one hook, great for kids– all that sort of thing. Then, on the first day with it on the water, they are right back casting their expensive baits with loads of gang trebles on them. Of course, the kids are just catching fish right and left with Redfish Magics, while the adults pull in empty lures. By about 10AM, and who knows how much bribery, everyone is fishing them. When the group heads in for the day, the live well is full and there are some great shots in the camera.
For those of you reading this with a little skepticism, I understand. The lure is cheaper than most and does not have flashy lights or a super realistic finish. Put that aside and buy some–you won’t be disappointed. Follow the rigging instructions and make sure you have strong arms for all the pulling you will be doing. The best places to find them in the south are places that sell saltwater tackle. In the north, you can find them online in the saltwater lure sections of fishing gear stores and catalogs.
Robert Fisher is a kayak fisherman from Texas who bought his first W kayak in 2007 - It was a W300 model in today’s terms. A few weeks ago Robert ordered a second fishing kayak for himself, and this time it was a W500. Here is what Robert wrote us:
-”I have had my new W500 kayak out 4 times. The first time was just to see if there was a difference from the older Wavewalk, the next three times it was used to go fishing.”
-”The new W kayak seems to move through the water easier at higher speeds and in a straight line than the old one, it is more stable and easier to stand up in. The extra room is a welcome advantage.
I am 66 years old and am retired, so I use it to go fishing in 2 to 3 times per week.
The only negative I have found is it’s turning radius is larger than the old Wavewalk, this is probably due to the extra length of the W500, but I think with a little more use, that will become unimportant.
It is my opinion that more seniors should look at the W kayak as a source of exercise and entertainment. It is a great source of recreation.
Robert Fisher”
-”I am enjoying both of the W kayaks, but I really do prefer the W500.
I am taking the W300 to Indiana to leave with my son for my use while I am vacationing there.”
The Jacksonville Classic kayak fishing tournament is organized by Mike Kogan and the Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Club members. It’s the world’s biggest fishing tournament of its kind. Jeff McGovern is an active club member, and here is his report from the event:
-”The 2009 Jax Kayak Classic was wonderful. The weather was warm and the wind which has been blowing it seems for weeks finally laid down a little. As you know three of us rented the house right on the water at Shady Oyster Fish Camp right near the base of the 206 bridge. Talk about a great location, we were only a few feet from the water. Saturday morning instead of facing loading the W, packing my gear, driving to the coast, unloading and setting up my stuff, it was just a short stroll down the steps and in the water.
The fishing has been picking up lately and we were not disappointed. Everybody caught fish and that’s were the fun is fighting the fish and reeling them in. We did not catch anything that would place but that was OK since the action was great. I managed a number of little jacks that are more than enough fun for anyone even tiny as the one you see in the picture. Other than that I did catch a half dozen black drum which are superb table fare. By the way note how that measuring board can be placed across the rim of the W. Very easy to measure even while on the water, a task in a sit on top that might loose you a fish. In the W the chances are much less.
We only fished till around noon or so and then headed up to Jacksonville for the checking and dinner. Of course the meal was pure southern style BBQ chicken and pulled pork with baked beans and slaw. To wash it down there was a bar selling beer but my favorite is southern style sweet tea. This time around we raised over 40 thousand dollars for the main charity and had 430 registered participants. I’m sure today a number of folks just slept in to recover from the event. It was a great time and from what I saw a typical southern hospitality for all, everyone had a blast.
The W is well suited for inshore kayak fishing tournaments. Gear is close at hand and everything reached easily. This time around I brought three rods. Two were spinning rods, my little Chaos twins, with the Daiwa 1300SS reels I’ve found so reliable over the years. Those two outfits we spooled with 10lb pink Fireline with 15lb fluorocarbon leaders. The third outfit was a new style Emmord Rugged Flex pack rod set up with a Shimano Curado 200B reel spooled with 15lb Big Game High Catch line and a 20lb fluorocarbon leader. The Emmrod was for topwater work at first light the spinning outfits were for the balance of the fishing day. I’m still surprised at how well a rod can be handled from the W. The distance and control is second to no other paddle craft out there. I’ll send over the shots in a few emails. The first one of me and the W is a required shot for each participant. It must show the person, the boat, and the measuring board at the launch site.—Jeff”
Norm Craig, a fisherman from Rhode Island, could no longer go in canoes because of his back problems. He got his W500 this morning, and became the first client to report his initial experience with it:
“Picked up the new 500 today, spent about 1hr and was standing up and doing some easy paddling after about 45 minutes of getting used to it. Little shaky for about 10 min. Really a different animal but fun and easy. I’m 60 yrs old and just had major lower back surgery and still recovering so I got to go easy.
Had a canoe but after back surgery this looks like the way to go. Never been in a kayak so I don’t have anything to compare it to. So far I love it and will be doing some fishing soon.
Here’s a pic of me about 45 min into my first go around… More coming!
Thanks for talking me into the good paddle - I love it! Norm”
And here is the next segment of Jeff McGovern’s video report from the kayak fishing trip he made together with his fellow kayak fisherman Jeff Moran in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida:
PS–
60-70 lb of kayak fishing gear on board Jeff’s kayak, plus Jeff is a big guy who weighs 245 lbs, that’s a total payload of about 300 lbs, which explains to draft issue in 6″ shallow water.
“I went out yesterday with a couple of the fellows from JaxKayak. We hit the Pellicer area around 8:45AM and had a heck of nice day despite the lack of landed fish. Saw huge schools of redfish in some cases smaller groups of 6 to 8 fish would swim by within inches of our kayaks. The weather was beautiful and the area magnificent with it’s scenery. The water was like gin and in the deeper sections blue in color. I’ve attached a couple of shots I took when we landed for a quick lunch. That’s my friend Jeff Moran sitting in the W getting his waders off. It was the only place to sit comfortably where he could do that. His little [SOT fishing kayak] was not the place to try wrestling waders off, you need to sit upright for that and the W was the only place. I spent quite a bit of time standing and paddling the W searching for reds. It’s times like that you appreciate a kayak you really can stand in and paddle. I was stable, balanced, and quite comfortable, something any of the sit on top boats could not be said of.
One of the fellows I fished with had a sit on top [brand name] kayak. When we got out for lunch I noticed he was wearing rain pants on a bright sunny day. He said he had to wear them because his seat was always wet. Looking at his kayak, no kidding! He had nearly 4 inches of water in the seat well that kept coming in the front scupper holes and running back to fill the seat depression. Got to wonder what the designers were thinking. Of course I made the comment about how dry my seat was all the time. We even got into the discussion of comfortable seats in a kayak. The name [brand] came up and they do indeed make a wonderful seat. But that means you buy a boat and still have to add another nearly 200 dollars to find comfort. I of course mentioned how the W already has the best seat in kayaking and it comes as standard equipment. We are planning a trip Tuesday to Mosquito Lagoon, it’s always best if you can to go there during the week.
This is Jeff’s new, experimental movie that shows him paddling through grass beds in shallow water - first in the riding position, and than standing up, so he can scout for fish.
-”My fishing last Sunday was off the chain. I caught a red an inch bigger than the one a few days before so it was just at the top of the legal limit. It hit a topwater lure that I worked with what we call a “walking the dog” action . Pulled like a freight train and actually had me and the W in tow for almost three minutes. It headed right down a long channel between oyster beds pulling line against the drag at times. Finally I was able to turn it’s head and within another few minutes got it to the net.
I managed to top off the red with three nice chunky legal seatrout so the meal should be great. Other than the fish that went home I caught 11 more trout and 12 redfish of which 4 were actually legal as well but the limit is one per day to take. On top of that I got 4 jacks and three ladyfish. In the interest of the gear heads like me the tackle was as follows:
Redfish 27″ - 16lb Momoi mono line with no leader tied with a loop knot to a Rapala Skitterwalk the smaller size. The rod was a St Croix glass 5′10″ casting rod and the reel an ABU Record 40
All the others - 10lb Fireline with either a 15 or 20 lb FC leader. The lures were a Mirrodine plug or a 1/8oz red jig head with a Sugar Glow Gulp 3 inch shrimp. The rods were St Croix 7′ Med light Premiers and the reels my old favorite Daiwa 1300SS Whisker Series.
I also tried out a new W accessory that worked very well called a shallow water stick pin. I’ll write that up soon after a few more weeks of trials.–Jeff”
Sometimes we tend to forget that kayak fishermen are people with additional interests in life besides fishing… Some have families, and they like to share their experience and even their boat with family members and friends.
Anyway on to the largest fish today. I had gotten out to cool off with a little wading when the big jack hit a minnow style plug. It was like trying to hold back a train. That fish hit with a quick flash and peeled off line against the drag. Thank heavens I was using a stiff bait cast rig with 16lb line. I was barely able to keep the fish from running right around the oyster beds.
Size wise it pulled lots harder than it looked but it’s still a nice sized jack for the inshore waters. The last shot is how a strong fish can actually bend a very strong saltwater treble hook almost open. A few more minutes on the line and this fish would have straighted the hooks and pulled loose.
Last year, Brandon C. - a kayak fisherman from Cape Cod, MA got his first W fishing kayak.
This is a picture of Katie (now Mrs. Brandon C…) posing last year by Brandon’s SUV featuring Brandon’s patent-pending multipurpose vehicle extension - and his green 2007 W fishing kayak.
Katie seemed happy paddling Brandon’s W kayak, so this year Brandon got her a yellow 2008 F2 for her birthday.
As you can see, Brandon likes to attach their W kayaks to his car rack facing down, to keep the rain out.
Brandon from Cape Cod made this ingenious instant release anchor system for his W kayak.
He writes:
-”Here are some pics of an anchor system that worked really well for me last season. The key is to be able to release the Wavewalk kayak from the anchor line in an instant to chase and fight a big fish.
The Genius Carabiner opens at an angle so only one hand is needed. The float allows the angler to find the anchor system after the fight and start fishing again from that productive spot.
Commercial fisherman use a similar (yet much beefier) system to hook, fight and land giant bluefin tuna here on Cape Cod.”
This is a picture of Jeff’s new 2008 F2 Model W Fishing Kayak, fully rigged for fishing:
The rigging includes an the anchor trolley on the side, a milk crate with a battery of three rod holders, and Jeff’s new DIY paddle holders. Note one of the two flush mount rod holders that holds the fishing net’s handle.
You may be asking yourself “What about a fish finder?” Well, Jeff is the kind of kayak fisherman who prefers to use his knowledge and instincts rather than electronics. -”I don’t use electronics too much because the depth can be checked with my paddle. In some cases I actually see the fish before they see me. Kayak fishing like it was years back in my canoe allows me to slip into the areas the fish are holding without alerting them to any danger. So long as you keep as silent as you can and watch your shadow on the water fish will keep tight to the area they are feeding in.” he explains.
And by the way, as a dedicated sportsman that he is, Jeff practices ‘catch and release’ unless he has instructions to bring a particular type of fish back home for dinner…
Jeff drags his W fishing kayak on sand, pebbles, gravel, dirt and grass with all the gear still in place, and since the W Fishing Kayak is a true ‘Toss’n Go’ boat, Jeff simply hauls it onto his pickup’s truck bed, attaches it, and drives away.
This is a picture of Katie (now Mrs. Brandon C…) posing last year by Brandon’s SUV featuring Brandon’s patent-pending multipurpose vehicle extension - and his green 2007 W fishing kayak.
