First bass caught on video in my new camera:
Three back surgeries over the years and 10 hours on a Wavewalk is absolutely no problem for this old river rat. This would not be possible in any other kayak!
Joe
There is a whole other world out there on the Florida Bay Flats that few of us get to properly explore.
I took the W500 down to Flamingo to paddle the flats and sight fish. I was hoping for a serene day of solitude and tight lines. That’s exactly what I was given.
I arrived pre dawn and quickly set up the W500. The dreaded mosquitos, like the wind, were light and variable. That is until one got on the sea. Then it was Tora, Tora, Tora on the water.
Once afloat I could see nothing but nervous water. It was Mullet mayhem. School after school of Finger Mullet were throwing wakes and cavorting. This lasted all day.
The calm surface was thick with floating grass as I paddled out toward Snake Bight. Normally I try to avoid getting close to the mangroves at this time of day because of the mosquitos but I could see so many Snook and small Tarpon finning and rolling that I had to start casting.
I was rigged with T & A weedless jigs and Monster 3 X shrimp. The small Snookers were slamming my shrimp and I boated a few right off the bat. I also jumped a bunch of small Tarpon but couldn’t land one. I have a love hate relationship with this ancient species.
It seemed every time that I threw under the mangroves I got something small. With so many mullet running up and down the channel I figured a swim bait might get me something bigger. I switched one rig and “blammo”. My reel started screaming and I was being quickly pulled into the mangroves by a beautiful Snook.
I had no choice but to tighten down the drag and try to muscle the snook and myself out of the foliage. It worked and I boated this fat, 32 inch Snook. Wow! Serenity and chaos all mixed together. That’s why I love Flamingo.
Steve
By John Fabina
I took my camera and fishing rods and headed to the Fox river, again.
I had some good action today. A couple of small pike where the Mukwonago River joins the Fox River.
It is a challenge to land Largemouth bass when using a frog. These fish know how to use the river current, weeds, and submerged branches to escape your hooks.
I lost so many nice fish today but it is still such an exciting way to fish.
Had the whole place to myself today. Peacefulness so close to an urban area. My own slice of heaven. Having a Wavewalk makes it so easy to enjoy. Less then five minutes of load time and you can hit the road and find your relaxing journey.
John
Read more paddling, photography and fishing trips with John »
By Michael Chesloff
Earlier this summer I spent a week in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which is famous for its saltwater fishing. The Cape is also rich with small lakes and ponds which just don’t seem to be under much fishing pressure, perhaps because most anglers are focused on offshore action.
I stayed inland and pursued the bass. All week I was catching 2, 3 and 4 pounders. The fishing was just astounding as the bass smashed Wacky Worms and Frog Imitations in water that was often less than 6 inches deep, which is not a problem with this kayak.
Best week of fishing I’ve ever had. All the bass were released unharmed.
Michael
And then, this:
I estimate this 22 inch monster weighed between 5 1/2 and 6 pounds.
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Amazing finding – an 8″ perch inside a bass (click images to enlarge):
By John Fabina
Frogging is a fun way to fish, watching them strike.
These lily pads that come to a point looked like a good place to flip a frog…
This spot held a half dozen Largemouth bass.
Posted while on the road…
John
