Northeast Florida Kayak Fishing
Hook 'em & Cook 'em
Once you get your kayak in the water, the next challenge is finding and catching fish. On this page, you'll find some helpful information about local saltwater gamefish, tips on how to catch them with artificial lures and bait, and some tasty recipes for cooking your catch. Please manage our fisheries responsibly and only keep those fish you and your family will consume right away. Otherwise, save a (fish's) life by practicing CPR - Catch, Photo & Release! Obey all fishing regulations and observe size & possession limits.
FL & GA Regulations Artificial Lures Bait Rigs Recipes
How to Catch 'em
Local Gamefish
Below are descriptions and some simple techniques for catching a variety of local gamefish, all of which make excellent table fare (some of you may disagree with me about the bluefish; that's why he's listed last). It is by no means complete; there are as many different baits, lures and techniques for catching these fish as there are anglers who fish for them. If you really want to know more about the habits and ecology of inshore gamefish, pick up a copy of Fisherman's Coast by Aaron J. Adams, Ph.D. Pay special attention to Chapter 4 - Oyster Bars and to Chapter 5 - Salt Marshes. While parts of the book get a little technical, you will definitely know how to think like a fish after reading it.
Below are descriptions and some simple techniques for catching a variety of local gamefish, all of which make excellent table fare (some of you may disagree with me about the bluefish; that's why he's listed last). It is by no means complete; there are as many different baits, lures and techniques for catching these fish as there are anglers who fish for them. If you really want to know more about the habits and ecology of inshore gamefish, pick up a copy of Fisherman's Coast by Aaron J. Adams, Ph.D. Pay special attention to Chapter 4 - Oyster Bars and to Chapter 5 - Salt Marshes. While parts of the book get a little technical, you will definitely know how to think like a fish after reading it.
Redfish -- Also known as red drum or sometimes red bass, redfish are probably THE most popular inshore game fish in the southeast. They are terrific fighters when hooked, and can be caught all year long. Sciaenops ocellatus inhabit inshore waters until reaching a length of 30 inches or so (4 years) when they leave the rivers and estuaries to join the offshore breeding population. Along with the trademark spot near the tail, redfish may have more than one spot on their bodies. They are typically copper colored, but may be more silver in clear waters. The trailing edge of the tail often has a beautiful blue hue. Tactics for catching redfish vary. Typically bottom feeders, they often forage near oyster bars and grass beds for crabs, shrimp and other crustaceans, but they will also dine on mud minnows and finger mullet. You can catch them on gold spoons and topwater plugs, as well as using lead head jigs baited with live mud minnows, shrimp, fiddler crabs, or blue crab sections. During
colder weather, jigs rigged with live bait or soft plastics fished slowly on the bottom may do the trick. Most anglers time their redfish trips closely with the tides. These fish tend to follow baitfish out of the creeks and toward a nearby inlet or jetty on a falling tide, and you can often find them in deep holes along a salt marsh creek at low tide, awaiting the return of higher water. In the winter, redfish will often linger in the shallow water over dark mud flats, where the sun warms this shallow water faster than the water in cold, deep holes. Look for them in or near the flooded spartina grass during high tide. Read The Redfish Book by Frank Seargent to learn more about how to catch these beautiful (and tasty) fish.
colder weather, jigs rigged with live bait or soft plastics fished slowly on the bottom may do the trick. Most anglers time their redfish trips closely with the tides. These fish tend to follow baitfish out of the creeks and toward a nearby inlet or jetty on a falling tide, and you can often find them in deep holes along a salt marsh creek at low tide, awaiting the return of higher water. In the winter, redfish will often linger in the shallow water over dark mud flats, where the sun warms this shallow water faster than the water in cold, deep holes. Look for them in or near the flooded spartina grass during high tide. Read The Redfish Book by Frank Seargent to learn more about how to catch these beautiful (and tasty) fish.Flounder -- Found inshore on both sandy and mud bottoms, often near creek mouths. Flounder are ambush feeders, preferring to lie semi-buried in the sand or sediment, waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to swim by. Experts at camouflage, flounders can vary the spot pattern on their bodies to match the bottom. “Lefteye” flounders (Paralichthys albigutta) have 3 prominent dark eye-like spots in the shape of a triangle and commonly weigh around 2 pounds. They may also display other spots and blotches as part of their camouflage pattern. Their relative, the southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma), grows larger and does not have the 3 distinctive spots. A common fishing technique is to hook a live mud minnow or finger mullet through the lips with a lead jig head or a fish-finder rig and fish it slowly along the bottom. Live shrimp or artificial soft plastics can also be used. Gulp! shrimp (marketed by Berkley) are very effective baits as well. As you slowly work the bait along the bottom, pause when you feel a tap or encounter resistance. Count slowly to ten, then slowly raise the rod tip. If you feel resistance, go ahead and set the hook. Flounder commonly rise up to seize their prey, then settle b
ack down to swallow it. If you set the hook as soon as you feel the strike, you will likely yank the bait from the fish’s mouth and miss the hook set. Not only can flounder be difficult to hook in the first place, but once on the hook, they also apply some violent headshakes that often "throw" the hook from the tender membranes surrounding their mouths. This typically occurs just as you are about to lift the flounder into your kayak. Recommended reading for this fabulous flatfish is Flounder Fever, by Chester Moore, Jr. The author is from Texas and refers to flounder caught in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the habits and techniques described are easily applied to Florida waters.
ack down to swallow it. If you set the hook as soon as you feel the strike, you will likely yank the bait from the fish’s mouth and miss the hook set. Not only can flounder be difficult to hook in the first place, but once on the hook, they also apply some violent headshakes that often "throw" the hook from the tender membranes surrounding their mouths. This typically occurs just as you are about to lift the flounder into your kayak. Recommended reading for this fabulous flatfish is Flounder Fever, by Chester Moore, Jr. The author is from Texas and refers to flounder caught in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the habits and techniques described are easily applied to Florida waters.Spotted Seatrout -- Okay, so this fish isn't really a trout. While they don’t resemble their cousins, the black drum and the redfish, these members of the drum family are plentiful year round and are fun to catch. Whether you simply call them trout, speckled trout, specks, or the more formal Latin name, Cynoscion nebulosus, these fish are a tasty addition to the dinner table (except in February, when the spotted seatrout season is closed in northeast Florida). Typical size is 2 to 6 pounds, but they can grow up to 15 pounds and over 20 inches in length. Seatrout can be found in creeks and inlets, as well as in the surf. They will hit topwater plugs, sp
oons, and jigs baited with live shrimp, minnows, or plastic grubs. Diving or suspending plugs are also effective. A favorite technique is to fish a live bait or soft plastic suspended 2 feet or so under a “popping” cork. Yank back on your rod, causing the cork to make a splash in the water. This temporarily brings your bait up and causes it to drop back down under the float. The splash sounds like a feeding fish to the seatrout, who then swims over to investigate and (hopefully) inhales your bait. Discover more ways to locate and catch spotted seatrout by reading Frank Seargent's book, The Trout Book.
oons, and jigs baited with live shrimp, minnows, or plastic grubs. Diving or suspending plugs are also effective. A favorite technique is to fish a live bait or soft plastic suspended 2 feet or so under a “popping” cork. Yank back on your rod, causing the cork to make a splash in the water. This temporarily brings your bait up and causes it to drop back down under the float. The splash sounds like a feeding fish to the seatrout, who then swims over to investigate and (hopefully) inhales your bait. Discover more ways to locate and catch spotted seatrout by reading Frank Seargent's book, The Trout Book. Sheepshead -- This tasty member of the porgy family is most commonly pursued along rock jetties and dock or bridge pilings, but they are also abundant in tidal creeks and inlets. You can find Archosargus probatocephalus near flooded grass, oyster bars, and deeper water along the edges of sand bars. For bait, use shrimp (alive or dead), clams, or live fiddler crabs (see “crab kabob” above). You can fish these baits on the bottom with a lead head jig or a fish-finder / Carolina rig, or you can try a dropshot rig with a circle hook. Some anglers will tell you a circle hook is the worst way to catch sheepshead, but I’ve found it to be successful as a passive fishin
g method. For the other rigs, you’ll need to pay careful attention to your line. If you see the line moving or feel a slight nibble, gently raise the rod tip. If there is resistance, go ahead and set the hook. These critters have tough mouths (they eat barnacles, after all), so be very firm with your hook set. If using a circle hook, skip the hook set (you’ll pull it out of the fish’s mouth) and simply start reeling. If the fish hasn’t already hooked himself, he will when you start reeling. To learn more about how to catch these tasty and often elusive "convict" fish, check out Captain Dave Sipler's DVD, Inshore Sportfishing for Sheepshead. He also offers tips for catching black drum, seatrout and flounder.
g method. For the other rigs, you’ll need to pay careful attention to your line. If you see the line moving or feel a slight nibble, gently raise the rod tip. If there is resistance, go ahead and set the hook. These critters have tough mouths (they eat barnacles, after all), so be very firm with your hook set. If using a circle hook, skip the hook set (you’ll pull it out of the fish’s mouth) and simply start reeling. If the fish hasn’t already hooked himself, he will when you start reeling. To learn more about how to catch these tasty and often elusive "convict" fish, check out Captain Dave Sipler's DVD, Inshore Sportfishing for Sheepshead. He also offers tips for catching black drum, seatrout and flounder.Black Drum -- This bottom-dweller is often found near oyster beds, and feeds on shrimp, crabs, oysters, clams and sometimes minnows. Pogonias cromis is a member of the drum family, related to the red drum (redfish) and spotted sea trout. Younger fish have black and white stripes similar to a sheepshead. Unlike sheepshead, black drum do not have prominent teeth, and they do have chin barbells. Be careful with your fish identification and make sure you know what you’ve caught. You can locate black drum around bends in creeks, near oyster beds, pilings or other structure, and in deep pockets. Use a lead head jig or fish finder (Carolina) rig fished on the bottom. Bait the hook with fresh dead shrimp, live shrimp, fiddler crabs or quartered blue crab sections. These fish put up a respectable fight when hooked, and fish 5 lbs and under make excellent table fare. Mature adults can get quite large, weighing in at 30 lbs or more.
Bluefish -- A voracious feeder with a large mouth and sharp teeth, the bluefish is found inshore in creeks & inlets, as well as near the beach. Be careful when handling Pomatomus saltatrix; they bite! Average weight is 3 to 14 lbs. They usually travel in schools and will feed on just about anything, including another fish you are attempting to land. Anglers often catch bluefish while targeting other species, using live bait, dead bait, and a variety of lures. Some consider them a nuisance; others find them fun to catch. They make strong runs and will jump when hooked. As table fare, they can be tasty, but the dark red meat near the lateral line tastes gamy. Cut it out before cooking. Smoked bluefish is a special treat.
Favorite Artificial Lures
Artificials are a great way to add additional challenge and excitement to your fishing. They also provide the added convenience of not having to deal with the mess and hassle of obtaining and keeping bait alive while kayak fishing. Below are a few of my favorites. Come back often to see what's new. Like most anglers, I often can't resist those shiny new packages when I visit the local bait & tackle shop and get the itch to try something new. (For you die-hard bait-chunkers, skip ahead to the next section to see some of my favorite bait rigs.)
MirrOlure MirrOdine 17MR Suspending Twitchbait - If topwater lures aren't drawing strikes, try goi
ng a little deeper with one of these. As the name suggests, try a twitch-pause-reel type of retrieve, varying your speed and technique until you draw a strike. This handy little lure can also be trolled behind the kayak as you paddle from one spot to another. For maximum lure action, tie a mirrOdine on to your line with a loop knot.
Berkley Gulp! - Berkley makes a variety of artificial soft baits - shrimp, crabs, minnows, swim shad,
etc. Packaged in recloseable packages, these soft, biodegradable "plastics" include a supply of their own juice that imparts a fish attracting smell and taste. To catch redfish, seatrout and flounder, put a Gulp! shrimp on a lead jig head and fish it slowly on the bottom. While still classified as an artificial bait, Gulp! products are about as close as you can come to using natural bait without having to go out and catch it.
D.O.A. Shrimp - The folks at D.O.A. Lures make a soft plastic imitation shrimp that is pretty darn close to the real thing. These lures are superbly weighted and detailed to look and act just like a live shrimp when properly fished. Catching fish with a D.O.A. shrimp is as easy as casting it out into the water, then s-l-o-w-l-y reeling it back in. The idea is to let the shrimp crawl along the bottom. Pause now and then and give the rod tip a small jerk to cause the shrimp to jump, as if it were avoiding a predator. As the shrimp settles back down to the bottom, get ready to feel a strike. Many fish prefer to take the bait as it is falling. Nice and easy is the key with this lure. You can't fish it too slowly.
D.O.A. C.A.L. Shad Tail - Place one of these on a jig head, and fish it just about any way you want to. Bounced along the bottom, jigged up and down, or retreived in a straight line; all will draw strikes from gamefish. The paddle tail also makes these effective for trolling as you paddle from place to place. The shape of the tail causes the lure to vibrate in the water, simulating the movement of a baitfish.
D.O.A. C.A.L. Jerkbait - These soft plastic baits feature a slot for the hook, making them ideal for weedless rigs you
can fish right in the flooded marsh grass with little fear of a snag. You're likely to hook up with a hungry redfish or a spotted seatrout with this rig. You can also fish these on a lead jig head, similar to the shad tails. For a weedless presentation, use an offset worm hook or a Daichi weighted hook.
Cajun Thunder Rattlin' Float - This isn't the little red & white plastic bobber you used as a kid. A
stiff length of wire, onto which is threaded a foam float and a couple of brass and plastic beads, the float rig can be deadly for spotted seatrout, redfish, and even flounder. One end of the rig is tied to your standing line, and the other end is tied to a leader (1 -2 ft). On the end of the leader, tie on your favorite soft plastic lure (the D.O.A. shrimp is a good choice). Cast this rig out into the water, and give the line a couple of quick jerks. This causes the brass beads to rattle, imitating the sound of feeding fish and fleeing prey. When Mr. Gamefish swims over to investigate the noise, hopefully he sees your bait slowly falling through the water column and decides to take a bite.
Redfish Magic Spinnerbait - Manufactured by the Strike King Lure(R) Company, this ingenious lure adds t
he flash and action of a spinning gold blade to the simple effectiveness and versatility of a soft plastic paddletail on a jig head. Fish a steady retrieve to attract redfish, or slowly bump it along the bottom to target flounder. For best results, tie a redfish magic lure directly to your leader. The metal wire doesn't attach well to snap swivels, as the swivel has a tendency to slide down to the spinner blade and throw off the natural action of the lure.
Storm Chug Bug - This topwater lure rattles and chugs its way along the surface, darting like a fleein
g baitfish. You'll experience explosive strikes from spotted seatrout and redfish when you work the chug bug lure aggressively across the surface, pausing now and then to give it a twitch. With a weighted tail, this lure is also a breeze to cast.
Rapala Skitterwalk -
As topwater lures go, the skitterwalk is probably the most popular among local kayak anglers. It's big, it rattles, and the side to side action it makes when you retrieve it is deadly for attracting strikes from seatrout and redfish. For the best action, tie this one directly to your leader using a loop knot.
Johnson Silver Minnow - Sure, it's marketed as a "silver" minnow, but this basic spoon is most often purchased
in the gold finish. Superbly weighted and with a weedless hook guard, this could easily be the only lure in your tackle box. Available in a variety of colors and patterns. It is most effective when worked slowly across the bottom, just fast enough to give it some side-to-side wobble.
Artificials are a great way to add additional challenge and excitement to your fishing. They also provide the added convenience of not having to deal with the mess and hassle of obtaining and keeping bait alive while kayak fishing. Below are a few of my favorites. Come back often to see what's new. Like most anglers, I often can't resist those shiny new packages when I visit the local bait & tackle shop and get the itch to try something new. (For you die-hard bait-chunkers, skip ahead to the next section to see some of my favorite bait rigs.)
MirrOlure MirrOdine 17MR Suspending Twitchbait - If topwater lures aren't drawing strikes, try goi
ng a little deeper with one of these. As the name suggests, try a twitch-pause-reel type of retrieve, varying your speed and technique until you draw a strike. This handy little lure can also be trolled behind the kayak as you paddle from one spot to another. For maximum lure action, tie a mirrOdine on to your line with a loop knot.Berkley Gulp! - Berkley makes a variety of artificial soft baits - shrimp, crabs, minnows, swim shad,
etc. Packaged in recloseable packages, these soft, biodegradable "plastics" include a supply of their own juice that imparts a fish attracting smell and taste. To catch redfish, seatrout and flounder, put a Gulp! shrimp on a lead jig head and fish it slowly on the bottom. While still classified as an artificial bait, Gulp! products are about as close as you can come to using natural bait without having to go out and catch it.D.O.A. Shrimp - The folks at D.O.A. Lures make a soft plastic imitation shrimp that is pretty darn close to the real thing. These lures are superbly weighted and detailed to look and act just like a live shrimp when properly fished. Catching fish with a D.O.A. shrimp is as easy as casting it out into the water, then s-l-o-w-l-y reeling it back in. The idea is to let the shrimp crawl along the bottom. Pause now and then and give the rod tip a small jerk to cause the shrimp to jump, as if it were avoiding a predator. As the shrimp settles back down to the bottom, get ready to feel a strike. Many fish prefer to take the bait as it is falling. Nice and easy is the key with this lure. You can't fish it too slowly.
D.O.A. C.A.L. Shad Tail - Place one of these on a jig head, and fish it just about any way you want to. Bounced along the bottom, jigged up and down, or retreived in a straight line; all will draw strikes from gamefish. The paddle tail also makes these effective for trolling as you paddle from place to place. The shape of the tail causes the lure to vibrate in the water, simulating the movement of a baitfish.
D.O.A. C.A.L. Jerkbait - These soft plastic baits feature a slot for the hook, making them ideal for weedless rigs you
can fish right in the flooded marsh grass with little fear of a snag. You're likely to hook up with a hungry redfish or a spotted seatrout with this rig. You can also fish these on a lead jig head, similar to the shad tails. For a weedless presentation, use an offset worm hook or a Daichi weighted hook. Cajun Thunder Rattlin' Float - This isn't the little red & white plastic bobber you used as a kid. A
stiff length of wire, onto which is threaded a foam float and a couple of brass and plastic beads, the float rig can be deadly for spotted seatrout, redfish, and even flounder. One end of the rig is tied to your standing line, and the other end is tied to a leader (1 -2 ft). On the end of the leader, tie on your favorite soft plastic lure (the D.O.A. shrimp is a good choice). Cast this rig out into the water, and give the line a couple of quick jerks. This causes the brass beads to rattle, imitating the sound of feeding fish and fleeing prey. When Mr. Gamefish swims over to investigate the noise, hopefully he sees your bait slowly falling through the water column and decides to take a bite.Redfish Magic Spinnerbait - Manufactured by the Strike King Lure(R) Company, this ingenious lure adds t
he flash and action of a spinning gold blade to the simple effectiveness and versatility of a soft plastic paddletail on a jig head. Fish a steady retrieve to attract redfish, or slowly bump it along the bottom to target flounder. For best results, tie a redfish magic lure directly to your leader. The metal wire doesn't attach well to snap swivels, as the swivel has a tendency to slide down to the spinner blade and throw off the natural action of the lure.Storm Chug Bug - This topwater lure rattles and chugs its way along the surface, darting like a fleein
g baitfish. You'll experience explosive strikes from spotted seatrout and redfish when you work the chug bug lure aggressively across the surface, pausing now and then to give it a twitch. With a weighted tail, this lure is also a breeze to cast.Rapala Skitterwalk -
As topwater lures go, the skitterwalk is probably the most popular among local kayak anglers. It's big, it rattles, and the side to side action it makes when you retrieve it is deadly for attracting strikes from seatrout and redfish. For the best action, tie this one directly to your leader using a loop knot.Johnson Silver Minnow - Sure, it's marketed as a "silver" minnow, but this basic spoon is most often purchased
in the gold finish. Superbly weighted and with a weedless hook guard, this could easily be the only lure in your tackle box. Available in a variety of colors and patterns. It is most effective when worked slowly across the bottom, just fast enough to give it some side-to-side wobble.
Favorite Bait Rigs
In addition to fishing a variety of artificial lures, there are several rigs I like to use with both live and dead bait.
Fish Finder Rig– One of the simplest and most commonly used rigs, it is sometimes referred to as a "Carolina" rig. Whatever you call it, it is quick and easy to set up. All you need are an egg sinker, a barrel swivel, a 1 - 2 foot length of flurocarbon leader, and a circle hook. For the "main" line on my reel, I prefer to use 20 lb. test braided line. Whatever type of line you prefer to use, begin by sliding the end of your line through a 1/2 ounce egg sinker. In areas of strong current, you may need a heavier sinker. Next, slip an optional plastic bead onto the line and tie on a barrel swivel using a uni knot. The bead will help prevent the heavy sinker from chafing the knot. To the other end of the swivel, tie on the leader, again using a uni knot. Finally, tie a circle hook onto the remaining end of the leader. Trim the tag ends from all knots.
Cast the fish finder rig into your favorite fishing hole and wait for the fun to begin. As a fish picks up the bait, the egg sinker will allow the fish to run with the line for a bit before he feels the weight. When using a circle hook,do not set the hook when you feel a bite. Otherwise, you will likely pull the bait out of the fish's mouth and miss the hook set. Instead, simply begin to reel in your line. Circle hooks are designed to partially pull out ouf the mouth, with the curved barb sliding neatly into the corner of the mouth and hooking the fish. With this rig, the fish practically hook themselves. For this reason, I like to use the fish finder rig as a "passive" rig, leaving the rod in a rod holder while I use a second rod to actively work an artificial lure nearby.
Dropshot Rig – commonly used by bass anglers, this versatile rig often saves the day for me when other lures and rigs aren’t doing the job. I’ve caught flounder, spotted seatrout, black drum, redfish and even sheepshead on this rig. The rig has a weight on the bottom, with a hook tied directly to the line a foot or more above the weight. Tying this rig is fairly simple. Start by tying on a circle hook using a palomar knot, and leave the tag end long – the distance you want the hook to be above the bottom. After tying the hook bring the tag end back through the hook eye from the front (the side of the eye that faces the barb) and pull the line tight to make the hook stand out at a right angle when you hold the line vertically. Attach a couple of split shots at the tag end of the line, using enough weight to keep your line down in the current. If you need more weight, slip on an egg sinker, followed by a plastic bead, then tie a couple of knots in the tag end to hold the weight on the line. Finish up by tying a loop or barrel swivel on the other end of the rig and attach it to your main line. You can now fish this rig vertically in deep water, or troll it behind your kayak while you are on the move. I find the trolling method helps me not only locate fish, but it also maximizes my fishing time by keeping a bait in the water the entire time I’m out. If your weight gets hung up on a snag, just give your line a good pull to free it. The weight may slip off, but you save your hook, bait and leader. Just slip on another weight and resume fishing. For more info on how to tie a dropshot rig, click here.
Lead-head Jig– Perhaps the simplest way to fish bait on the bottom, lead head jigs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. For most inshore fishing in this area, jigs weighing 1/8 to 1/4 ounce do nicely. Simply tie your chosen jig onto the end of your leader with a uni knot (or whatever your favorite knot may be), add bait and start fishing. You can "dead stick" the bait by letting it sit on the bottom and wait for a nibble, or you can slowly reel in your line, working the bait along the bottom. Stop reeling now and then to let your bait "rest." A fish will often strike when the bait stops moving. Alternately, you can lightly twitch your rod tip, making the jig bounce along the bottom. Reel in the slack line as you go, and remember to rest in between twitches.
"Crab Kabob" – I discovered this technique from fellow kayak fisherman, John Stewart, after he tried it out to catch redfish. He soon discovered that it is very effective when targeting any fish that feeds on crabs. This includes not only redfish, but also black drum and sheepshead. Use live fiddler crabs and place 3 at a time on a lead head jig, then fish it right on the bottom in your favorite fishy area. This bait can be particularly deadly at hooking the wary, bait-stealing sheepshead. Whereas one fiddler crab on the hook is easily stolen by these “convict fish,” 3 crabs at a time cause them to linger longer at the dinner table, giving the angler a better chance at detecting them and setting the hook in time.
In addition to fishing a variety of artificial lures, there are several rigs I like to use with both live and dead bait.
Fish Finder Rig– One of the simplest and most commonly used rigs, it is sometimes referred to as a "Carolina" rig. Whatever you call it, it is quick and easy to set up. All you need are an egg sinker, a barrel swivel, a 1 - 2 foot length of flurocarbon leader, and a circle hook. For the "main" line on my reel, I prefer to use 20 lb. test braided line. Whatever type of line you prefer to use, begin by sliding the end of your line through a 1/2 ounce egg sinker. In areas of strong current, you may need a heavier sinker. Next, slip an optional plastic bead onto the line and tie on a barrel swivel using a uni knot. The bead will help prevent the heavy sinker from chafing the knot. To the other end of the swivel, tie on the leader, again using a uni knot. Finally, tie a circle hook onto the remaining end of the leader. Trim the tag ends from all knots.
Cast the fish finder rig into your favorite fishing hole and wait for the fun to begin. As a fish picks up the bait, the egg sinker will allow the fish to run with the line for a bit before he feels the weight. When using a circle hook,do not set the hook when you feel a bite. Otherwise, you will likely pull the bait out of the fish's mouth and miss the hook set. Instead, simply begin to reel in your line. Circle hooks are designed to partially pull out ouf the mouth, with the curved barb sliding neatly into the corner of the mouth and hooking the fish. With this rig, the fish practically hook themselves. For this reason, I like to use the fish finder rig as a "passive" rig, leaving the rod in a rod holder while I use a second rod to actively work an artificial lure nearby.
Dropshot Rig – commonly used by bass anglers, this versatile rig often saves the day for me when other lures and rigs aren’t doing the job. I’ve caught flounder, spotted seatrout, black drum, redfish and even sheepshead on this rig. The rig has a weight on the bottom, with a hook tied directly to the line a foot or more above the weight. Tying this rig is fairly simple. Start by tying on a circle hook using a palomar knot, and leave the tag end long – the distance you want the hook to be above the bottom. After tying the hook bring the tag end back through the hook eye from the front (the side of the eye that faces the barb) and pull the line tight to make the hook stand out at a right angle when you hold the line vertically. Attach a couple of split shots at the tag end of the line, using enough weight to keep your line down in the current. If you need more weight, slip on an egg sinker, followed by a plastic bead, then tie a couple of knots in the tag end to hold the weight on the line. Finish up by tying a loop or barrel swivel on the other end of the rig and attach it to your main line. You can now fish this rig vertically in deep water, or troll it behind your kayak while you are on the move. I find the trolling method helps me not only locate fish, but it also maximizes my fishing time by keeping a bait in the water the entire time I’m out. If your weight gets hung up on a snag, just give your line a good pull to free it. The weight may slip off, but you save your hook, bait and leader. Just slip on another weight and resume fishing. For more info on how to tie a dropshot rig, click here.
Lead-head Jig– Perhaps the simplest way to fish bait on the bottom, lead head jigs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. For most inshore fishing in this area, jigs weighing 1/8 to 1/4 ounce do nicely. Simply tie your chosen jig onto the end of your leader with a uni knot (or whatever your favorite knot may be), add bait and start fishing. You can "dead stick" the bait by letting it sit on the bottom and wait for a nibble, or you can slowly reel in your line, working the bait along the bottom. Stop reeling now and then to let your bait "rest." A fish will often strike when the bait stops moving. Alternately, you can lightly twitch your rod tip, making the jig bounce along the bottom. Reel in the slack line as you go, and remember to rest in between twitches.
"Crab Kabob" – I discovered this technique from fellow kayak fisherman, John Stewart, after he tried it out to catch redfish. He soon discovered that it is very effective when targeting any fish that feeds on crabs. This includes not only redfish, but also black drum and sheepshead. Use live fiddler crabs and place 3 at a time on a lead head jig, then fish it right on the bottom in your favorite fishy area. This bait can be particularly deadly at hooking the wary, bait-stealing sheepshead. Whereas one fiddler crab on the hook is easily stolen by these “convict fish,” 3 crabs at a time cause them to linger longer at the dinner table, giving the angler a better chance at detecting them and setting the hook in time.
How to Cook 'em
Almost as much fun as catching fish, preparing and enjoying a meal of freshly caught fish is a wonderful way to end the fishing day. Below, you will find a featured recipe, which changes periodically, along with links to tasty recipes for all major species of local inshore gamefish.
Almost as much fun as catching fish, preparing and enjoying a meal of freshly caught fish is a wonderful way to end the fishing day. Below, you will find a featured recipe, which changes periodically, along with links to tasty recipes for all major species of local inshore gamefish.
Featured Recipe
Whole Fish with Oriental Black Bean Sauce
Sheepshead, black drum, or redfish are excellent when baked whole and served with this black bean sauce.
Note: DO NOT use canned black beans from the grocery store!
What you want are "salted black beans" from your local oriental food store. Look for the ones that are sold in a vacuum sealed bag -- NOT in a jar or can!
Ingredients
* Olive oil
* 1 inch piece fresh ginger grated or finely minced
* 2-4 tablespoons salted black beans (from oriental store not regular black beans)
* Water or chicken broth for as much sauce as you need to make
* Cornstarch to thicken sauce
Bake, steam or fry a whole cleaned fish (scaled, gutted & gills removed).
To bake fish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large cookie sheet with heavy duty foil and brush with olive oil to prevent fish from sticking. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper on both sides of the fish. Bake for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on the size of the fish. Check for doneness after about an hour. Transfer to a serving plate.
While fish is cooking, make the sauce!
Saute ginger in 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium for a few minutes, add black beans and saute for another minute or two until black beans plump up a bit. Add water or chicken stock to make as much sauce as you need. Start with 1/2 cup and add more for bigger fish (1 to 2 cups), heating to a boil. Dissolve a spoonful of cornstarch in a small amout of water (maybe 1/4 cup) and add to pan. Stir to combine and bring back to boil to thicken.
Pour sauce over cooked fish and EAT!!!
Whole Fish with Oriental Black Bean Sauce
Sheepshead, black drum, or redfish are excellent when baked whole and served with this black bean sauce.
Note: DO NOT use canned black beans from the grocery store!
What you want are "salted black beans" from your local oriental food store. Look for the ones that are sold in a vacuum sealed bag -- NOT in a jar or can! Ingredients
* Olive oil
* 1 inch piece fresh ginger grated or finely minced
* 2-4 tablespoons salted black beans (from oriental store not regular black beans)
* Water or chicken broth for as much sauce as you need to make
* Cornstarch to thicken sauce
Bake, steam or fry a whole cleaned fish (scaled, gutted & gills removed).
To bake fish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large cookie sheet with heavy duty foil and brush with olive oil to prevent fish from sticking. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper on both sides of the fish. Bake for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on the size of the fish. Check for doneness after about an hour. Transfer to a serving plate.
While fish is cooking, make the sauce!
Saute ginger in 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium for a few minutes, add black beans and saute for another minute or two until black beans plump up a bit. Add water or chicken stock to make as much sauce as you need. Start with 1/2 cup and add more for bigger fish (1 to 2 cups), heating to a boil. Dissolve a spoonful of cornstarch in a small amout of water (maybe 1/4 cup) and add to pan. Stir to combine and bring back to boil to thicken.
Pour sauce over cooked fish and EAT!!!
More Tasty Fish Recipes:
Click on these links to discover more ways to prepare your catch for the dinner table.
Black Drum Bluefish Flounder Redfish Sheepshead Spotted Seatrout
Click on these links to discover more ways to prepare your catch for the dinner table.
Black Drum Bluefish Flounder Redfish Sheepshead Spotted Seatrout