The one and only Jeff McGovern produced these two new kayak fishing movies.
In the first one, Jeff shows a nice sea trout (a keeper), which is his first catch of this year.
In this second movie, Jeff has a guest on board: A Redfish he thinks he recognized from a previous kayak fishing movie he made last year 
Gary got a second W500 GF2 fishing kayak, and sold his old W300 to a friend.
He writes:
-”As per attached, the two 500’s fit nicely in my pickup, still leaving room in the top W500 for paddles, rods, etc. - should work out great when I’m taking a friend out.
We’re finally getting some decent weather. Headed out yesterday. Five hrs without one hit - first time that has happened. The cold water has really done a number on the fish - saw a few big snook belly up on the bottom, and F&G has just canceled the snook season for the year. Hope the redfish and trout didn’t get hit too bad.”
The first unofficial Wavewalk group fishing outing in Florida was held December 14, 2009 at Crystal River, Florida. Gary Rankel, Ed Wheeler and I participated, fishing out of the new 2009 W500 fishing kayaks. Ed and I were in our bright yellow boats and Gary was in his green “Packer Yaker” (the name of which I understood only after asking him about it–seems he is a life long Green Bay Packer fan with as much passion for the team as he has for fishing.)
We started the day at our usual breakfast place right on highway 19 in Crystal River the day with a hearty meal for the task ahead. We hit the road in heavy fog, heading over to the Ozello area for launch from the parking area of a local seafood restaurant. They have a great kayak and canoe launch directly off the lot and, as long as you park well away from the patron spaces, you are fine. Besides, nothing beats a fried grouper sandwich at the end of a day of fishing and, since you are already there, why not partake?
We launched into water that was as smooth as a sheet of glass in the fog. It was wonderful. The temperature was ideal and only a few of the flying teeth (sand gnats) were bothering us. We headed out on a falling tide using a large culvert to take us through to the other side of the bridge. That saved us at least a mile of extra paddling while heading to Gary’s favorite fishing spots that he was anxious to share. Our trip out was aided by the tidal flow, so each stroke was easy and effortless.
We began casting as soon as Gary indicated we had reached his spots. I started right off with a small sea trout and soon after, Gary landed a really nice one. I also managed to land a number of lizard fish on my lures. These fish are not considered a game fish and serve only to keep the fish I really wanted from getting to my baits.
Our rigging was standard inshore Florida style. We used both bait casting and spinning gear. Ed and Gary used superlines, while I relied on mono for my bait casters and reserved the superline for my spinning tackle. We used both fluorocarbon and mono leaders as the presentations dictated. For lures, top waters are always a good choice in the Crystal river area. Gary preferred the IMA Skimmer, a very thin pencil style top water from the Japanese bass fishing market, while Ed and I stayed with our proven Spook Jr’s and Mirrolures. The baits all managed to produce hits, but the actual hookup percentage was low that day. That’s why we call it fishing and not catching.
The entire day was memorable– both for the company and the adventure. We saw lots of new water in a different way and enjoyed the antics of both birds and dolphins. At one point, while we relaxed wading near a small island, two dolphins decided to share our fishing spot. They were in a deeper cut a few feet from us, just ripping into schools of mullet. Times like this show who the really talented anglers are– the ones that swim with the fish, to be exact. Sure they ran off our quarry, but watching them is always fun. Besides, who knows, maybe we can pick up a thing or two from the real experts in these waters?
We ended our day around 2PM and headed in back through the same culvert we used first thing in the morning. With a slightly stronger incoming tide, that short ride was fun with the W500 shooting right through the center, using the paddle only to keep from hitting the sides. A really remarkable thing that struck me about this whole day was the comfort we had fishing from these boats. None of us are young men –I am the youngest at 55, both Ed and Gary are the 70 year old range. Between us there have been back issues ranging from simple sciatic problems to major surgeries. To a man, the W500 is a boat we could use easily and comfortable. In any other fishing kayaks, our range would not have been as great and there would have been many more stops to get out for unkinking. This trip was only the start. There will be many more to come, fishing the waters off Florida’s west coast in the world’s most comfortable and fishable paddle craft.
Jeff
I got out today and thought it would be good to add to the blog. Granted we don’t have the winter weather some folks are getting slammed with but I did brave 52 degree air temps this morning.
Fishing wise the day was awesome, trout after trout, red after red, and of course those darn little blue fish tearing up lures. The trout fell to Mirrodines and DOA shrimp both classic trout lures. I managed 11 of them with all but three in the legal range, a nice bunch of fish. The redfish all hit the same topwater lure a Super Spook Jr in white & chrome with bright red eyes. The blue fish hit anytime a sinking lure got in their way near the surface.
As long as I got it under them the trout could get it. This was typical Florida winter fishing, loads of action so long as you could find the spots holding fish. As it was my final tally was 11 of those trout, 8 redfish, and at least 20 of those crazy little blues. Of course the W500 performed like a champ. By the way when I got back to Genung’s Fish Camp a number of folks were checking out the W. Hopefully some of them will be interested in buying.
Take Care, Jeff
-”Here you go, a true inshore saltwater trophy 36 inches, 37 with a pinched tail, weight at 17 to 18lbs.
This redfish was caught on a topwater plug (Chug Bug) in about 2 feet of water as it cruised the edge of a mangrove island.
The rod of course an Emmrod which I suggested they call a “Topwater Special”. This was the first fish on this new model.
Later this week I’ll be trying the feat again only in the W kayak instead of on board a flats skiff. -Jeff”
Great day on the water. Got a nice redfish and snook, 2 nice trout including a gator, several ladies and a cat, all on topwater. Bring on the Fall.
Gary Rankel
A good day today.
Lots of big redfish in the Crystal River area this month doing their annual thing, most are beyond the reach of us yakers, but I was lucky to get a couple of stragglers.
Gary
Had a relaxing Labor Day on the water with my W500 except for the effort I had to expend keeping this snook out of the mangroves. He treated me to a few cartwheels before bringing him alongside, so I rewarded him with his freedom. Also got a few small trout and redfish giving me a Labor Day Slam. The 500 is great - it’s nice having way more room in a kayak than you need.
Here’s a new report from Gary Rankel:
Was out for 7 hrs yesterday in hot weather and sun.
Ran into lots of redfish yesterday, but most were pretty spooky.
I did manage to get this beautiful 10 pounder on top water just as the sun was coming up.”
Also got a few sea trout and jack crevalle.
I just missed my “West Coast Slam” as a nice snook shook my topwater lure while airborne about 20 feet from the W (sorry I couldn’t snap a picture of that).
I also ran into a visitor who was really interested in your new W 500 (I think he thought he had just found the perfect mate). He entertained me for a good 20 minutes, repeatedly coming right to the side and of the W to get a good look.
Gary Rankel, a kayak fishing aficionado from Florida, got his first W kayak back in 2006 (see his first kayak review). Since then he had spent countless hours in it, until recently, when he got himself a new W500 fishing kayak, that he rigged to perfection.
Gary’s favorite game is redfish, and here’s an account of his latest fishing expedition:
-”Not the hottest day yesterday, but was out for 6 hrs in 90 degree heat and much sun. Got a nice red while it was too dark to take a picture, and then this smaller one. Also one shot of my two fishing buddies after we got back. We’ve had some pretty slow days this summer, but things should pick up as water cools this fall. –Gary”
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.
Jeff McGovern (c) 2009
More kayak fishing articles by Jeff
Here’s a funny movie that Jeff sent us from Florida:
And this is a great view of a Florida sunrise caught by Jeff’s camera:
“Yesterday was the classic fishing day. The sunrise, as you saw from the picture was simply beautiful. Air temps started out with t-shirt conmfort at around 70 degrees and warmed into a humidity free low 80s by noon. They was just enough of a light breeze to ripple the water just a tiny bit but not so much as to hamper casting in any direction you pleased. I figured with the upcoming Jax Kayak Classic it would be a good day to experiment.
I was very surprised by the lure that out caught everything else by a huge margin today. Most of the newer baits we are seeing in stores have some type of wiggle, sound, or eratic action built into them. That is the current fad and of course every lure firm has examples in their lineup of baits. While I was prepareing my tackle Friday night I cam across three little lures long discontinued by by L&S Bait Company under their Mirrolure brand here in Florida. These folks are known for their tough durable saltwater hard baits and I do have a number of them in my tackle stash. What I came upon were three little Mirrolure 3M3 ultralight topwater plugs. The first one I picked up had rusted hook tips so I dug through my hook supply looking for replacements. I found two that would work. One a standard #6 treble and the other a dressed #6 treble. I swithced them out and tied the lure to my old Ugly Stick pack rod with one of my Daiwa 1300SS reels. The line was 8lb test mono with a 15lb Flurocarbon leader. This little lure has no rattles no particular wiggle or wild action. It just glides along and does pretty much nothing looking to all the world like a tiny glass minnow just moving near the surface.
Sometimes that lack of obvious action is what the fish want. I would toss it out and not all that far since it’s very light at 1/8oz and has the aerodinamic flight of a potato chip. Once it hit the water I would just reel it in ever so slowly. There were times yesterday it was a fish on each cast and the type varied.
.JPG)
I caugfht redfish on it, blue fish, sea trout, and ladyfish they all seemed to key in on the almost total lack of action. My fear was on such light tackle I would loose the fish since the bait is so tiny. But those nasty sharp little hooks held on and the fish came to net or hand. I guess the moral here is just beacuse the lure is old fashioned and out of date don’t think the fish will ignore it. At this point it might become my secret weapon.
I guess your website is even seen by seakayakers. I was fishing next to a small island when a group of 10 sea kayakers went through bird watching. As they glided past me I could hear the comments. Words like “hey there is that boat I told you about”,” that is so cool”, and “I’ll bet it’s easier to get around than these things”. I just waved and wished them well.– Jeff”
-”I forgot the chest mount today and what a time to leave it home the fish were quite cooperative. I caught 11 legal sea trout and a load of smaller ones. Managed a half dozen little redfish in the same area. I moved when the bite slowed down and got into a pile of ladyfish who were happy to eat everything that passed in front of them. It was a wonderful morning on the water. What made it even more fun was that I used a very old fishing rod I’ve had since the late 1970s.”
-”The rod itself it a four piece “Ugly Stick” fly/spin packrod. I bought it to carry behind the seat of my truck when I worked in Northern Indiana. That rod has been some miles with me. It was rebuilt around 1995 by a friend in Casselberry Florida. All new Fuji guides and a Fuji spinning reel seat turned it into a wonderful light action rod. It has fished from coast to coast plus in Mexico and Canada. Today it was rigged with one of my little Daiwa reels filled with 8lb mono line. All the fish today were caught on a little 1/8oz jig head with a 3 inch Gulp shrimp in “Nuclear Chicken” or “Sugar Spice Glow” colors. It was nice to get back to a simple outfit with simple rigging.”
-”I made it out yesterday for a few hours in the W. Finally warmer weather without those really cold winds. We had a couple of days here this past week with subzero temps that wreaked havoc with the citrus growers and slowed the fishing way down. A much time as I now have with a stake out pole the W is tailor made for one. I did manage to catch fish and had the makings of a really nice sea trout feast but of course let the fish go back to get bigger. By the way the attached shot is one of the sea trout from yesterday.
For detail purposes, 1/8oz CAL jig in chartruse with a white three inch Fishbites paddletail. Total catch was 4 little redfish well below legal size to keep but the 5 trout were in the legal slot. Beyond that a handful of little bluefish who exist just to tear up tackle but are a riot to catch.
–Jeff”
Jeff McGovern likes to fish in shallow saltwater, in the flats near the 206 bridge.
In this movie Jeff invites the viewer on board his wavewalk fishing kayak, where he casts from and lands two redfish. This is a ‘must see”:
How did he get that fish to talk like that?
Jeff writes from Florida:
-”Yesterday was fishing at it’s best. The action was nonstop and I actually could feel it in my shoulders and arms last night. The fish tally was over 100 redfish most of them were under the slot, but a few managed the minimum 17 inches. All were released to fish another day. Mixed among the reds were 17 trout with most of those in the 15 to 17 inches range. Last of all were the little bluefish that just showed up for a few minutes. The area I fished was no more than a quarter acre and most of the fish came out of section of oyster beds that were maybe 30 feet by 15 feet. The tide was outgoing so water was pouring through the area, the reds were just waiting for anything edible to wash by. I would throw in a lure and just count to three then pull resulting in a hooked fish. Fun beyond belief for a fishing fanatic like me.
The W provided the perfect platform for this amount of action. I never even used the net since it just got in the way landing fish after fish of this smaller size. Just get them close lift the rod and reach down for a quick grab to unhook. Since I was using single hook lures I didn’t have to worry about hooking myself. Being able the have a work space on the seat allowed me to fish far more effectively than dumping stuff in my lap like a sit on top boat. As it was my pants were soaked in fish blood and slime plus one whole side of the W as covered in the same.
Using the Stick Pin Anchor in conjunction with the W really made the difference in being able to hold myself in place. The regular small anchor I carry most of the time would not have held the W in that current or the wind. But with the pin in place in the bottom I was not going anywhere. Comfort wise I was in that boat in place catching for over 5 hours, that would have been really tough in a sit on top. With the W of course I could move around as needed and never worry about losing anything over the side or getting wet.
The gear this trip was as follows. The reels as always the Diawa 1300SS Whisker series. The rods were ones I refer to as the twins, two little 5′ Chaos NBU New Born series sold as kids rods but wonderful for tight places. The lures were 1/16, 1/8. and 1/4 oz saltwater models with either a 3 inch Gulp Shrimp New Penny color or a 3 inch DOA Cal paddle tail in Mullet color. The line was my signature pink Fireline with either a 15 or 20lb FC leader tied on with a 4 turn surgeons knot and then to the lure with a canoeman’s loop knot the two knots we have an article for on the site.
I was so glad to get out and fish. Between paddling the W and fishing it provided me with a great therapy day, I needed that right now.–Jeff”
-”About that big red. The lure I used was a Gulp 3 inch shrimp on a 1/8oz jig head. The line was 10lb Fireline and had an 18 inch leader of 15lb fluorocarbon tied into it. The rod was one of my little custom sticks made by Chaos Rods in South Florida. That company makes a series of kids rods I find very handy in tight places. I had two with my yesterday I refer to them as the “twins”, two little 5′ spinning rods built on what the makers call NBU or “no break um” blanks. Very tough and in this case very pretty with gold and pink hand wrapped thread. The reel was a Daiwa 1300SS Tournament, my all time favorite light spinning reel. So far as working the lure I tossed it out and let it sit on the bottom for maybe five minute before moving it.At the first twitch it got clobbered very hard.
That fish ran me around an entire section of grass bed and then right through it. It took about 8 minutes or so of getting yanked around before net and fish met up.
Having the W’s narrow beam and vertical sides helped since I was able to get right above it and net it before it took off on another romp through the grass. Of course after landing it I just dropped it and the net into the hull and got the rod out of the way. Here is a place sometimes in a sit on top you might lose a rod or at least dunk it.
Having a fish in your lap is no where near as good as being able to drop it into a hull space. In this case I just put net and all down there until I got reorganized. “
For those who have a particular interest in redfish, here’s a couple of pictures from Jeff’s latest catch-
And here is Jeff smiling to the camera (thanks Nina!), holding this 20″ redfish:
BTW, after posing for posterity the fish got released.
