Cold Weather Gear for Kayak Fishing

After the large number of requests, I was thinking of doing a post on cold weather gear.  But then Kayak Kevin put out a great video that made my life a little easier.  Here's what he uses, which I've adopted most of. 

I also utilize a full drysuit made by Kokatat in the coldest of months.  

And I prefer boots over sandals. 

Here's another video that tests the outerwear.

Werner TV (Hooked on Kayak Fishing)

This is the first of 6 weekly videos that Werner Paddles is coming out with specifically for kayak anglers.  For more info on what I believe are the best paddles out there, check out their newly designed website and other Werner TV videos.

Recent Critters

After hearing from a friend that near trophy sized spot were being caught at Rudee, I made the 2 hour trip down to Virginia Beach.  I found decent numbers on the incoming tide, with the biggest going 10.5".   They were all short of the 13" or 1 pound citation requirement.  Also included in the mix were pinfish, pigfish, baby croaker, sand perch, small puffers, oystertoads, baby black seabass, 2 speckled trout (15" and 18"), a 6" black drum, and a 13" sheepshead.  Just about every species likes bloodworms. 

Pinfish

If only it had been a tournament for most species in a day.

Baby Gag Grouper from a previous trip

Baby Cuttlefish from a previous trip

Puffer

Side note:  I also caught an 18" speckled trout while trolling a 1/4oz jighead / 3" white grub on the way out to the entrance of the inlet.

Watershed Ocoee and Tote Drybag Review

My search for a quality drybag started when I bought a nice digital SLR to take out on the water.  The scrutinizing investigation took me through the world of waterproof housings, pelican/otter type hard cases, and various other drybag options.  I needed it to be strong, durable, easy to access, as well as provide proper padding for the camera and lenses.  To make things harder, I also needed it to be small enough to fit in my Trident 13's rod pod hatch. 

Previous experiences with cheap drybags left bad impressions as seams started leaking and exposure to UV had my confidence waning.  Water proof camera housings were out of my budget and most cases that fit a 300mm lens didn't fit in the rod pod hatch.

After recommendations from professional on-the-water camera guys like Will Richardson of Heliconia Press (camera man for The Kayak Fishing Show with Jim Sammons) and Cory Routh (guide and photographer), I checked out Watershed.  I could tell immediately that these were a step above the drybags I was used to...  A big step.

The seams are welded shut using some crazy high tech radio frequency stuff so they never come undone.  The materials are top notch with layers of polyurethane film to hold up to years of abrasion, UV exposure, extreme temps, you name it.  The unique closure system is water/air tight, but also easy to get into.  The duffel style bags make loading and unloading a breeze and it all fit right in my rod pod hatch.  On top of all that, they're made here in the U.S. so you can feel good about supporting one of us.

The Ocoee is perfect for DSLR cameras while the larger Tote is great for a change of clothes, perhaps a towel or two, or just about anything you need to keep dry. 

If you're in the market for a drybag and don't want to have to buy another one ever, or worse yet, ruin an expensive piece of equipment, this is it.  

I honestly believe that Watershed makes the best drybags

you will ever own.

Please visit their website for more info.

TackleWebs Review

Every once in a while, I get a need for an extra pocket or two on my kayak.  I usually like to keep it simple, but there are times when I just need to bring along a few extra things or simply want easier access to certain items.  That's where TackleWebs came into play for me.  

I attached a 12"x10" TackleWebs behind my seat with the bungees and a 10"x12" under my front hatch with hook-n-loop adhesive strips.  

The one behind my seat is perfect for quick easy camera access (waterproof camera), maybe a few snacks or just about anything you don't want tumbling around in your tank well or under the deck.  It's come in handy for my tagging kit many times along with my beef jerky.  It's also great for holding trash like wrappers, discarded line, etc.  I attached it to my Surf to Summit GTS Pro seat by passing the included bungee through the snap buckles so it's easy to remove if desired.

The one under the front hatch is for items that I want to keep out of the way.  On any given trip, there several things in my rod pod, so keeping things like extra rope, a first aid kit, bilge sponges, and other things out of the way but available is great.

After several months of usage, I'm happy with the quality of the products and highly recommend them.

Check out their website for more info.

Foul Weather Flatheads

My plans for the salt were thwarted by the incessant wind.

But it wasn't enough to keep me from getting my fix.  

After a few halfling smallmouths, I set up the Predator MX over a drop off and put out two live bluegills on 8/0 circle hooks; one under a float and one on a carolina rig.  It was nice not dragging a flowtroll since the Engel 19qt aerated livewell/cooler kept the dozen or so flathead confections lively and ready to go.  

As the light dimmed, the action turned on and after several kitties in the mid 20" range, I got what I was after.  My new small game spinning reel got a proper work out on a ~38" James River jelly belly.

Gotta love 10lb braid on a 2500 spinning reel.

It's nice having a productive sweetwater hole when my salt spots are blown out.  

But you know I can't wait to get back.

The togs are calling me.

10/5/13 Video Report

Food for Thought

I didn't create this video, but have thought the same thing many times...
doncha know...