The Old Town ePDL+ Bigwater 132 fishing kayak won Best in Show at ICAST 2023 — and raised a few eyebrows with its $6,000 price tag. That’s a lot of money, but it’s not much more than other ground-breaking boats we’ve seen over the past decade. Hobie’s Pro Angler was scoffed at when it was introduced in 2009. “Too different,” they said. “Too expensive.” Now it’s one of the best selling fishing kayaks of all time. Old Town itself was no stranger to such skepticism. Their paradigm-breaking Autopilot, with its built-in Minn Kota trolling motor, received a similar mixture of applause and sticker shock but now is almost universally regarded as one of the most effective sight-fishing platforms you can buy. So when Old Town launched it’s new electric-assisted pedal kayak I wondered, how would this new boat compare?

Here’s the thing. I love the Autopilot (I fish one all the time), but I am most comfortable fishing from a kayak with manual controls. What makes the ePDL unique is that it lets you maintain the same level of manual control as a non-electric pedal kayak. You’re not filtering inputs through a remote control, you’re just pedaling forwards (or backwards) the same way you do in a manual boat. The electric motor just makes everything effortless. After fishing extensively from the ePDL for the last three months I’ve determined that there is something truly exceptional about the performance of this kayak. There’s nothing else like it on the market. Despite the high price, it’s a compelling option for avid anglers seeking to conquer the open waters or to run miles through creeks efficiently and in comfort.

How I Tested

I’ve used this kayak for more than 3 months, fishing it hard in over 30 trips to a wide variety of spots, from open water to tight creeks in the Northeast to the Mid-Atlantic to the Everglades. Heading two miles out to jig Florida Keys patch reefs was an absolute blast. Fighting ripping tides to fish tight bridge structures and micro rocks with precision was also plenty doable. Want to cover a big creek and hit all the tight bends you think are going to hold fish? Easy stuff as well. I have been jigging and bottom bouncing out of a kayak for over 15 years and I can’t think of a better platform that helps you spend more time fishing and less time traveling, while also retaining that manual kayak feel that made me fall in love with kayak jigging to begin with. The biggest challenge you’ll face is that it’s too easy to cover water, running over fish by accident. Let’s break the boat down by its components.

A Hull Designed for Fishing

The Old Town Predator ePDL+ Bigwater 132 fishing kayak is purpose built for fishing. With a length of 13 feet, 2 inches, and a width of 36 inches, this kayak strikes a good balance between stability and maneuverability, ensuring anglers can navigate diverse water conditions with confidence. The bow is designed to cut through slop. The tri-hull design makes it more efficient than flatter-bottomed kayaks, helping it maintain high speeds and track straighter while still retaining enough stability for me to stand up with ease.

High Speeds at Low Effort

I’ve fished this boat for more than 100 full fishing days and am primarily running the pedal assist at its top speed all day. In flat water with no current, the assist lets you cruise comfortably at 5 miles an hour. You can reach that speed with a manual drive, but your legs will be burning in pretty short order. The controls are simple and installing and removing the drive is simple and intuitive. A truly plug-and-play product.

A Long-Lasting 36v Battery

I have yet to run out of juice in this kayak. A ten-mile (round trip) fishing day only knocks the battery down two bars. The way I fish it is to run from spot to spot at full speed, then turn off the electric assist after I get to a fishy looking spot. I primarily do a lot of vertical jigging or shallow water casting so having those 5 mph speeds on tight fishing spots is counter productive.

Surprisingly Easy to Transport

I rarely use boat ramps to launch my kayak, so I love how easy the Old Town ePDL is to carry around. This is a kayak I can throw up onto my pickup truck rack without risking injury to my shoulders and back. Wheeling it down to the beach for 150 feet through mud, soft sand, and occasionally rocks isn’t impossible, either, the way it is with many of the other big electrified kayaks on the market. The 36v battery is feather-light and does not impede on transporting the kayak from beach to launch.  

The Takeaway

The Old Town Predator ePDL Bigwater 132 is a standout choice for anglers seeking a high-performance vessel that excels in both functionality and versatility. This kayak offers an unparalleled combination of stability, maneuverability, and saltwater fishing-centric features. Whether you’re exploring remote fishing spots or covering miles of open water searching for big game species I can’t think of a better way to do it from a plastic vessel.

The post ePDL+ Review: After 30 Trips, Does Old Town’s New Electric Kayak Stand Up to the Hype? appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Four anglers, four fishing kayaks, two target species, eight inches of water. Skinny Water Adventures presented by BIG Adventures Kayaks brings anglers from all sides of the fishing world together for a kayak fishing trip in Keaton Beach, Florida. The mission: chase speckled trout and redfish in the skinniest of skinny water.

The post Skinny Water Adventures appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

I realize that I’m not the first kayak angler to change electronics brands and encounter installation issues. But I figured that the more information and tips available online, the less complicated the task might be for others. Let me start at the beginning.

I like to change the electronics on my kayaks and boats every three to five years. Because I write about electronics for our publications, I usually swap electronics brands each time so that I can become more familiar with the user interfaces.

When I bought my Hobie Compass kayak several years ago, we installed a Lowrance display and transducer, using Hobie’s Lowrance-Ready transducer mounting system — which positions the long slender transom-mount sensor into a pocket beneath the hull. The transducer fastens to the hull using a plastic adapter plate and screws. Easy-peasy.

After three years, I decided to install a Garmin EchoMap UHD 74sv. However, the holes on the Garmin transducer did not match up with the holes on the adapter plate. My own internet search began. I found the BerleyPro Hobie Transducer Mount.

My initial excitement waned as I noticed the company was located in Australia. Shipping would be possible, but costly. Another search located the same product at fishingonline.com. At $73.14 with free shipping, I hit buy.

Once I found this product, the rest of the install went fairly easily, although I managed to fasten on the new adapter plate upside down at first. Attaching the Garmin’s power cord to a Nocqua cable to plug into my Li-ion battery was a simple matter of matching red wires and black wires.

Read Next: How to Choose a Fishing Kayak

I feel great satisfaction when I plug in something and it works instantly. I used Garmin’s Active Captain app to download and install g3 Vision charts to my MFD. My first fishing trip with the new Garmin showed me all kinds of new functionality as well as pointing out fish and bait schools.

Here’s the short video capture of the process:

Chris Woodward / Sport Fishing

The post Kayak How-To Video: Swapping in a Garmin Transducer appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Why You Need a Motorized Kayak

Motors deliver propulsion and range—all while sparing your quads and deltoids. Dial in trolling speeds, or set a GPS anchor to hold position. These are the mini microskiffs of the inshore world. Old Town builds its Sportsman Autopilot kayaks with an integral Minn Kota trolling motor (both brands are owned by the same company). Bixpy and Torqeedo each build lightweight aftermarket motor kits. Bixpy’s comes with a floating battery, wireless remote and countless mount options, and it delivers run times up to 10 hours. Most states require a fee and a manufacturer’s certificate of origin to register a motorized kayak. Check your local laws.

Why You Need a Pedal Kayak

Sneak a peek at the underbelly of a pedal kayak, and you might find fins or a propeller. While neither signifies gender, the two styles still operate quite differently. Hobie first popularized the fins, and Native Watercraft first promoted the propeller. Now—post the patent period—other kayak-makers can employ either drive. Fins excel when fishing shallow waters and weedy areas with submerged structure. Props facilitate positioning in a current, and excel when fishing tight quarters around docks, where they transition quickly between forward and reverse. Some fin drives can switch to reverse with the pull of a cord. Most anglers appreciate pedals because they can use both hands to cast.

Why You Need a Paddle Kayak

Paddle kayaks scream versatility. Scull them in the shallowest of waters, chasing redfish over saltwater flats, or push them through beach swells to coastal waters. Unlike pedalers, paddlers can skim over the thickest marshes to target tailers. Paddle kayaks typically weigh less, so anglers can more easily manhandle them to fish remote off-road locations. Before purchasing your paddle boat, though, remember to budget for a lightweight, quality paddle in the correct length (typically 94 to 102 inches, or 240 to 260 centimeters). Your arms and back will applaud you.

The post How to Choose a Fishing Kayak appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

West Marine Coastal Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket

Drab? Perhaps. Critical? Absolutely. Don’t fool yourself, anything can happen on the water. West Marine’s coastal jacket inflates automatically: Even if you’re knocked silly, you’ll float face up. This jacket’s low profile means you’ll barely know it’s there—until you need it. $149.99; westmarine.com.

YakAttack Omega

A fishing kayak without rod holders is an expensive plastic cork. Doll up your ride with a few YakAttack Omega track-mounted holders. They keep your reels out of the water and rotate to point any direction. They adapt to fly, spin, baitcast and even conventional tackle. $30; yakattack.us.

Bending Branches Angler Pro Plus

Your paddle might grow cobwebs on your pedal kayak, but when you must blade home after a freak grounding, you’ll beg for carbon fiber. Heavy kayaks with elevated frame seats require high-power paddles like the 30-ounce Angler Pro Plus. A telescoping ferrule allows multiple feathering angles and paddle lengths. $324.95; bendingbranches.com.

Yeti Hopper Flip 12

The perfect passenger for a SUP or kayak, this chill cube can be bungeed anywhere on deck. Fill it with a 4-pound Yeti ice pack, lunch, and drinks or slime it up with bait. The outer shell is made from the same stuff they use for whitewater rafts. $249.99; yeti.com.

Garmin GPSMap 86sci

Kayaks and SUPs take us way off the main channel, but with a handheld GPS and satellite communicator like the 86sci, you’re never off the grid. With two-way messaging, you can even start the brag chain before you get home. $649.99; garmin.com.

The post Must-Have Gear & Accessories for Your Fishing Kayak or SUP appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Credit: Chris Woodward, Justin Lammers/kayakdiy.com

The region encompassing Lee County in southwest Florida—including Matlacha, Pine Island and Sanibel—ranks as one of my most favorite domestic fishing locations. Acres of mangrove-lined islets, quiet grass flats and quaint towns combine to slow the hurry of life and spark the soul-soothing effects of repetitive lure casting.

So when Hobie asked me last fall to join a small group of marine media to test some new inflatable kayaks—based out of Matlacha’s Tiny Village—I seized the chance. They explained that we’d be taking full precautions with regard to the COVID virus. Amen to all of that.

Once I arrived in colorful Matlacha, Hobie introduced our group to the new Mirage iTrek inflatables—the iTrek 9 Ultralight and the iTrek 11—which lay on the dock with an assortment of Hobie’s current line of hard-bodied kayaks. Representatives from AFTCO and Lowrance also debuted their new gear, including Lowrance’s Elite FS multifunction displays.

I’ve kayakfished for many years, but have never tried an inflatable boat. I was intrigued by the idea of a 20- to 28-pound hull that deflates to stow inside a duffel bag. What a concept for anglers who live in apartments and smaller homes, and for those who struggle with a 12- to 14-footer that weighs 75 to 100 pounds. But how would an inflatable fish?

The iTrek 9 Ultralight measures 9 feet, 5 inches long with a 3-foot-4-inch beam (350-pound capacity). The iTrek 11 measures 10 feet, 8 inches long with the same beam (400-pound capacity). The longer boat also sports single-chamber pontoons port and starboard. Both boats feature a 550 Denier PVC hull and come with MirageDrive GT pedals with Kick-Up Fins, a rudder system and a three-piece paddle.

The iTreks handled light chop well, though it was a little easier to feel the boats’ movements because of their flexibility. Both absolutely turn on a dime, more or less spinning within a boat’s length, and they accelerate very quickly.

Read Next: Kayak Fishing the Pacific from Hobie’s New Outback

The MirageDrive GT doesn’t come with Hobie’s 180-degree steering (in other words, no reverse), but because the light inflatables are so responsive, I found it easy to avoid close encounters with the mangroves.

I could stand up to cast or look for fish from both boats, as could everyone else—even fairly tall men—who tried. An EVA deck pad just ahead of the seat provides sure footing.

I found the elevated mesh seat comfortable and cool. An optional kayak crate easily bungees to the deck behind the seat and holds most of what you’d need.

Dining and Entertainment in Lee County

During two fishing days, we kept our social distance, covering many miles of winding creeks and open flats. We caught a smattering of seatrout, redfish and snook, despite a recent tropical storm that had just blown through. We sampled a little Matlacha culture at the Olde Fish House and the Blue Dog Bar & Grill. And, we gained new respect for lightweight, inflatable boats. The convenience, fishability and simplicity really can’t be beat.

The iTrek 9 costs $2,199, and the iTrek 11 costs $2,499.

The post Kayak Fishing in Florida from Hobie’s New Inflatables appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Hobie has introduced the new Mirage Passport 10.5 pedal-driven fishing kayak, built with simplicity and versatility in mind. The 10½-foot hull features a 34-inch beam and can carry 325 pounds. Unrigged, the kayak itself weighs 65 pounds, and comes with Hobie’s classic MirageDrive pedals and ST fins, two rod holders, a twist-and-seal hatch, accessory-mounting tracks and a mesh aluminum-frame seat. Available with a slate-blue or ­sea-grass-green deck paired with a white hull bottom, the Passport costs $1,299.

The post Hobie Mirage Passport 10.5 appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Line tumbled off the open spool. I shifted my body weight in the direction of my rod tip while sliding fully upright on the mesh seat of my Hobie kayak. I set my shoulders as I neared the end of my five-second countdown.

Closing the bail on my reel, I watched the line pull tight. As the rod tip bowed heavily toward the chop lapping against my hull, I reeled and lifted, driving the circle hook firmly into place. Immediately I felt the weight and wide body of my target species, a large and very angry offshore permit.

I was fairly certain I had hooked what I was after. During late April, only a handful of fish readily gobble a live, 3-inch blue crab suspended midwater over the offshore wrecks of southwest Florida.

I adjusted my kayak rudder to steer the bow opposite the permit’s direction. This additional surface drag allowed me to pull deep into the rod. I slowly and methodically played tug of war against this heavyweight.

I began pedaling the kayak away from the underwater structure: an old shrimp boat that had found its final resting place in nearly 60 feet of water, about 14 miles off Sanibel Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. As I gained distance from the wreck, the fish quickly shifted directions. I spun the rod behind my head, switching hands as the permit sped from port to starboard.

Finally, the endgame: a vertical seesaw battle. After 10 minutes, I saw a flash about 20 feet below. “We’ve got color!” I shouted to my fishing partner, Hobie’s Morgan Promnitz. The bright-silver body of a 20-pound permit shimmered in the green water.

Hitch a Ride
The popularity of kayak-fishing has exploded over the past decade, bringing more-adventurous anglers into the sport. After years of successfully targeting easily accessible species, some of us have sought harder-to-reach targets that swim far beyond the daily travel range for most fishing-style kayaks. This desire has created a niche market for local captains and anglers piloting larger center-console boats who can reach distant destinations with kayaks aboard or in tow.

In fact, as a southwest Florida transplant of nearly 15 years, I’ve targeted a majority of our inshore and nearshore species from my ’yak. While tarpon, sawfish and inshore grouper challenged me, the one species I’ve wanted to knock off the bucket list is permit.

Permit aren’t especially difficult to catch in our local waters, but successfully landing one of these fish by kayak requires some advanced planning and the assist of a mothership. Locally, these full, eight-hour day trips can cost $750, which includes a livewell full of crabs. I’ve only occasionally needed a powerboat to reach the fishing grounds. The first time, I was in an isolated portion of jungle along the Panamanian coastline. The second time: this permit trip.

I could have spent an extremely long day trekking to some shallower wrecks 8 to 10 miles offshore. But employing the help of Capt. Matt Johnson and his 24-foot Blue Wave bay boat made the experience all the more enjoyable.

Johnson picked us up from our launch point at South Seas Island Resort. Our group of two anglers, one videographer and a photographer had gathered there with the ultimate goal of capturing permit from the local shipwreck offshore of the barrier islands.

It took a bit of muscle, but we loaded our three Hobie Pro Anglers aboard the center-console at the marina dock. We lashed the 14-foot kayaks alongside the gunwale, two on the port side and the third to starboard. With calm seas expected, we felt comfortable making the long haul offshore.

Crab Bounty
Beginning in March, from the Ten Thousand Islands to Boca Grande, massive aggregations of adult permit head offshore to feed and spawn. Schools can number into the thousands of individuals. Anglers often see these permit swimming with their dorsal fins breaking the water’s surface.

The fish begin venturing into local regions as the water temperatures hover around 75 degrees. They can be found in wrecks as shallow as 20 feet, just a few miles offshore, or as far out as 50 miles or more, in wrecks over 100 feet deep. Fortunately, this migration continues into early fall, with permit still available until the first cold fronts arrive in late October.

The spring movements coincide perfectly with the spring crab flushes that pour from the coastal waters of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. For several months, millions of crabs float along the surface during outgoing tides. They drift in masses to offshore waters on their own spawning journey, much to the delight of hungry permit.

Read Next: Tarpon on the Dark Side — Fishing Florida After Hours

Prevailing winds tend to dictate how shallow you can find the permit schools. The shallowest and most accessible wrecks hold fish, but often only during a period of light winds. Once the turbidity kicks up in those shallow locations, permit head farther offshore. They find more-comfortable conditions in 40 to 60 feet depths, where the water clarity generally remains more stable.

Fortunately, for anglers looking to target their first permit, the coordinates for artificial reefs can be easily found with a quick online search. Such publicized locations might receive more pressure, but they can still be quite productive when the boat traffic subsides. Private wrecks can offer more solitude, but their locations often remain a closely guarded secret.

Spin Up
Fortunately, targeting these offshore permit involves pretty standard gear. For smaller permit, commonly found in shallower waters, you can use any 3000- to 5000-size spinning reel spooled with 20-pound braided line. I like to pair that with a 7-foot medium-weight rod — probably similar to an outfit for catching flats redfish and snook.

If you’re lucky and follow through on proper planning, you might encounter the largest permit — 40 pounds or more — that haunt the deeper structures. To target those fish, upgrade to heavier gear to keep them out of structure.

My favorite setup is a 6000- to 8000-size spinning reel spooled with 30-pound braid. Bump up to a medium-heavy or heavy 7-foot spinning rod with some serious backbone. Half the effort in catching larger permit comes during the vertical battle. A stout rod quickly proves handy.

Line-shy permit require lightweight fluorocarbon leaders. I start with a 40-inch section of 25-pound-test fluoro, and go down to 20- or even 15-pound-test if fish are around but not feeding. If the bite is aggressive, you can sometimes get away with bumping up to 30- or 40-pound leader. Often, the lighter leader can create at least a few opportunities versus none.

I don’t use any fancy knots for light-tackle permit fishing. A standard uni-to-uni-knot connection works great between line and leader, and shouldn’t fail with the lighter drag pressure you need to use during a battle.

Match the Hatch
Few fish seem as picky as an old permit on our offshore wrecks. I’m an avid artificial-bait angler and rarely use natural or live offerings. However, I do make an exception when targeting these permit. They focus on crabs and rarely look at other offerings.

You occasionally can hook up on shrimp- or crab-imitating lures. More often, though, you’ll see hundreds of fish swimming around your lure without the slightest interest.

Permit anglers find two options for live crabs during the spring migration in southwest Florida: blue crabs and pass crabs. Blue crabs dominate the scene early in the season and make for excellent bait. The best-size crabs for offshore permit measure two to three fingers in width. Permit tend to ignore larger crabs.

Pass crabs, also called iridescent swimming crabs, can be used later in the season. They’re smaller and more delicate than blue crabs but can work pretty well if that’s all that’s available.

Most reputable tackle shops in southwest Florida sell crabs, but be prepared to fork over $2 to $4 apiece. If you’ve got plenty of time, you can dip-net crabs yourself near the local passes — such as Redfish and Captiva — during spring outgoing tides.

Crabs can be kept alive for several days by removing all but an inch or so of water from a five-gallon bucket. Add a cloth towel to the bucket to allow the crabs dry space. Make sure to clean the water every day or so to remove waste.

I prefer to rig crabs one of two ways: With a snelled 1/0 to 2/0 Mustad 2x circle hook, pierce them sideways through the corner of the horn that protrudes from the side of the body, allowing for a nice sideways swimming motion along and just below the surface. Or place the hook between the fold of their abdominal flap and the smallest rear leg. Run the hook point about 1/8 inch from the edge of the shell, going through the crease on the belly and exiting through the top of the shell. Don’t go too far into the body or you’ll injure their organs and cause them to perish quickly.

A properly hooked crab should swim freely on an open spool and last for repeated casts before it expires. If you notice that your crab isn’t swimming much but is still alive, remove it from the hook and put it back in the livewell. Lively baits work best, but as you run lower on bait, those sluggish-but-still-alive crabs can draw bites from frisky permit.

Stealth Approach
Permit swim throughout the water column. At times, they sun themselves on the surface, making a relatively easy target. Approach these fish quietly. A revving outboard or deck hatch slamming can push them down quickly.

When fish visibly fin on the surface, an unweighted circle hook keeps the crab positioned in the strike zone. Use a light sweeping motion of the rod to move a few feet of line and keep the bait near the surface. Gently feather your line and allow the crab to swim naturally with the wind or current.

To maximize your fishing time, position your kayak upwind and slightly off the school. Cast at the school while working toward them. I often deploy a ¼-ounce jig head when fish hold deep, or on windy days when the surface chop makes it difficult to keep track of the crab’s movement.

Pay close attention to your fish finder while navigating around the wreck. A permit school often hangs on one side of the structure, usually at midwater. If you see a cluster of suspended fish on the screen, odds are you’ve located permit.

Cast your jig-and-crab combo up-current and ahead of where you mark the school. Keep in mind that the light jig head will sink slowly toward the strike zone, taking 30 to 40 seconds, depending on depth.

One Fine Day
Our time on the water flew. By late afternoon, the sea breeze kicked up, and my shoulders began to feel the dozen permit I had landed on light tackle. As I was sliding into the afterglow, I saw Promnitz hook up again. He was a glutton for punishment and was taking advantage of every moment we had left on the water.

After he landed his final fish and we snapped some ­celebratory photos, we high-fived and called it a very successful outing. Covered in salt, sweat, and a bit of permit slime and crab juice, we pulled alongside Johnson’s boat and began loading the kayaks back on deck. I’ll always think back to that first subtle, quick tick of the line — my first kayak permit — a memory that will last a lifetime.

Sanibel Sources
Endless Summer Charters
Fort Myers, Florida
239-691-1966
sanibelislandfishingcharters.com

Tween Waters Inn Resort & Spa
Captiva Island, Florida
800-223-5865
tween-waters.com

South Seas Island Resort
Captiva Island, Florida
239-472-5111
southseas.com

Anderson’s Tackle Shop
Fort Myers, Florida
239-334-3474
andersontackle.com

Whitney’s Bait and Tackle
Sanibel Island, Florida
239-579-0399
whitneysbaitandtackle.com

Tip: While you’re there, try the great shore-fishing opportunities. Check out Blind Pass for snook and redfish, and Sanibel Causeway for snook and tarpon.

About the Author
Capt. Ross Gallagher has fished the waters of southwest Florida for nearly 15 years. An avid kayak angler, he frequently pursues big-game species on his custom-outfitted Hobie Pro Angler 14. You can follow his fishing adventures, product reviews and exciting fishing videos on his blog at theintrepidangler.com.

The post Kayak-Fish Southwest Florida’s Offshore Wrecks from a Mini Mothership appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Fri., Nov. 23

During this holiday time, I’m thankful for so many moments this year that I can scarcely count them. As it relates to fishing, I’m thankful I can pedal my Hobie kayak through a glorious saltmarsh on a bright autumn day. And more specifically, I’m thankful for the precious two hours I spent in October, catching a Georgia inshore slam.

That’s all it took, and that’s all I needed. A trout, a flounder and a redfish.

Sometimes your day can be absolutely made in a tiny sliver of time. The beauty and promise of fishing lie in how it fulfills the needs you tend to ignore during your daily work grind.

As I learn more about fishing my kayak, I realize I am accomplishing so much.

I have enjoyed trying out new gear as well, and having complete hands-on control of my Lowrance HDS Carbon 7. On my kayak, it’s within arm’s reach all the time. Tweaking and trying new settings gives me almost as much joy as casting.

I also discovered the amazing ease with which I can update my Navionics Platinum Plus chip. After installing software on my laptop, the Navionics Freshest Data app opens whenever I need to update. All I do is insert the micro SD card, log in, select my updates, and click “start.”

I have also just tried the latest C-Map chart software, which is showing me some inshore contours I now need to explore and study. Local water depths are highly impacted by volatile tides of 6 to 9 feet twice daily, which shifts sediments constantly. I’m looking forward to further groundtruthing.

I’ve also settled on three tackle outfits I enjoy using aboard the yak, including two lightweight G. Loomis rods with Shimano reels and one slightly larger St. Croix yak rod with a Penn reel. I have found that the lighter weight the outfit the better, as I’m usually working a lure with my hands up higher, chest level from my seated position.

Of course, those choices could evolve as I try new things, but three rods, each tipped with different artificial offerings have served me well so far — I’ve yet to explore live-baiting.

I find that I’m not in a hurry, though, to become a storied kayak angler. I am thoroughly satisfied with the learning process. Is that a cause-and-effect thing? Because I’m now engaged in a slower-moving fishing experience, am I in less of a hurry to improve and notch more catches? Hmm, I’ll have to think on that one.

As the water cools — it registered 61 degrees during my most recent outing — I must switch fishing tactics and switch clothing. I found myself wondering the other day whether I could pedal wearing my XtraTuf boots. I decided to don some XtraTuf sneaker-style water shoes, and those surprised me with their traction on the slippery boat ramp. Thankfully, the day warmed up enough that I avoided frozen toes. I think the boots might be in my future.

The fish will also change patterns and slow down. I am able to see temperature patterns as an overlay on my charts, so I can see where water warms with the sun, and where deeper patches remain cool. Of course, my electronics show me surface temps. Trout will locate those deeper holes as the water further cools into December.

If I can, I’ll continue to fish through December, most likely switching to live shrimp and deeper, slower tactics. Stay tuned for more updates!

Installment #2

Sat., Sept. 24

I’ve found my happy place. It lies near a boat ramp off a rural, two-lane south Georgia highway.

I notched my first legit fish from the kayak — a small seatrout. I also had a spectacular nature moment as dozens of garfish fed on bait surrounding my Hobie. At first, the rolling fish seemed like small tarpon. They creased the surface in slow motion, their dorsals and backs riding some unseen swell.

My Lowrance HDS Carbon 7 presented an amazing FishReveal view. I saw fish stacked up along the lee of submerged humps along a creek oxbow. The ebbing tide created an ambush location. I floated and pedaled, seemingly unnoticed by the fauna.

I kept casting, though I wasn’t particularly keen on hooking a gar. So I was secretly happy that I didn’t really have the right lure setup. But clearly this creek was alive with more bait and predators than I had seen in my previous launches.

This is where I will return. This is where I’ll begin my in-depth location scouting. On my next several trips, I plan to log sonar to better map out this waterway. Charts can’t keep up with ever-changing coastal erosion and sedimentation.

Everything I’ve done up until now has been an exercise in learning and patience. For instance, in early September, I learned that when there’s an 8-plus-foot tide, you don’t try launching into a small coastal river.

There’s a beautifully maintained ramp just 5 miles from my house on the Little Satilla River. However, the river necks down in that area, and the flow through the nearby bridge and the ramp’s floating dock create swirling eddies.

I successfully launched, but when I tried to pedal and paddle against the current, no way. This was much more than 2 knots; I’d rate it at about 5 knots.

I theorized that I could let the current drift me along the bank downriver, and once the tide neared slack low, I’d be able to pedal back to the launch. However, I had only an hour or so for testing before I needed to be back at my desk, so I aborted.

I also learned that rods must be stowed as far toward the back of the kayak as possible to avoid tangling on a backcast. My macramé skills are now choice.

It also pays to completely rig four rods or more before the trip. Trying to deal with a 7-foot-long fishing rod aboard a kayak takes too much time. Just retying a new jighead or hook, or changing out leader must be done in steps as you work to maintain boat position with your feet and an occasional left hand on the rudder.

I used my Yeti Flip 12 cooler for the first time this past weekend, and was impressed by its cooling capability and its size. It’s perfect just behind my seat and ahead of the Yakgear crate I’ve begun to customize. I went a little overboard with the picnic lunch I packed — cold fried chicken, Kalamata and green olives, slices of cheddar cheese and fresh strawberries — but that’s the beauty of controlling your own details.

I also settled on a launch and retrieve plan that’s based on the tide stage and on ramp security. When the tide’s high, it’s easy to pack the boat full before pulling it on level ground with my Trax cart to the water’s edge. However, when I’m ready to deploy the boat, I have to remove everything so that I can turn the boat on its side to remove the cart wheels.

Removing the cart wheels while the boat is floating just doesn’t work. The balloon-style wheels are too buoyant.

I use the cart rather than backing the trailer into the water for two reasons: One, I don’t want to submerge the trailer in salt water, and two, the trailer is fairly short. I can see its path on my small backup-camera screen but when I look out the back window, I can only see a very small part of the stern. I think that’s a function of my height and the size of the back window. So I’ll stick with using the cart.

When the tide is low, I launch and retrieve an empty kayak — choosing to pile the gear at the top of the ramp.

Now that I’m knocking out the basics, I’m very anxious to jump to the next level: Live-bait fishing, and launching from the beach. The only way I can fish bull reds off our coast is by launching from the sand. Stay tuned!

Installment #1

Earlier this summer, I decided I wanted to really explore the world of kayak fishing. Call it a mid-life crisis, perhaps? A desire to commune a little closer with the marsh, maybe?

I live in south coastal Georgia, near Brunswick and Jekyll and St. Simons islands: low country, land of dramatic tides. In this spartina-grass, oyster-reef region, redfish and trout thrive. On a 7-foot tide, you can pole through the marsh grass and find tailing reds that will take a shrimp, an artificial and sometimes a fly.

We have a sightfishery for tripletail each spring, just off the beach. For the very adventurous kayaker, we also have tarpon and sharks near shore, as well as bull reds and Spanish mackerel.

Georgia’s multiple river systems flow into the coastal estuaries. In the fresh water, we have bass, crappie, bream, catfish, and redbreast sunfish.

I’ve fished here by boat many times, but my new Hobie Mirage Compass kayak is so… portable. I’m looking forward to fishing a microcosm, where I learn every dip and ridge, every oyster reef and stream. You might also be new to kayakfishing or considering it for the first time. Join me and share your experiences with me on social media.

…But first, there’s rigging.

Sat., Aug. 11:

Took delivery of my new Hobie Mirage Compass kayak this afternoon at Southeast Adventure Outfitters. All in one moment, I was giddy, I was overwhelmed and I was relieved.

Giddy for obvious reasons: My BOAT is here!!! I can fish on the marsh during high tides. I can take it upriver for some freshwater species. I can get the fly rod out again. Thoughts swirled.

Overwhelmed, because I now had so many choices to make: How do I mount my Lowrance HDS Carbon 7? How do I secure all my gear? Do I need a kayak crate, or will the tackle hatch suffice? Where and how do I secure the cooler? Which cooler? Ditto my iPhone and new Fusion StereoActive — where and how? What’s the best way to launch this? Where should I launch?

Relieved, because I had finally started down a road toward completely self-sufficient fishing.

With the help of Kurt Meng from SAO, we unpacked the kayak from its clear-plastic cocoon and carried it to my new Trailex trailer. I had decided to buy a trailer for the boat because I’m getting to an age where lifting a 12-foot-long kayak onto the roof rack of my Toyota Rav4 would be a bit strenuous.

Yes, I know there are devices that help you load a yak on top of a vehicle, but I felt like I’d have more flexibility and get more use out of a trailer. In fact, I’ve already found that the trailer serves as a work table, of sorts, when I need to adjust gear. And Hobie tells me my kayak can be stored on the trailer since it comes with a cradle.

Leading up to this point, I had assembled the trailer mostly by myself. My husband wired the lights. I had registered the trailer, so I have a legal tag, and inflated the tires. And I bought good tiedown straps for the boat.

Though I was itching to splash the boat at the first ramp I found, I feel like I did good just getting the kayak home on the trailer. I calmed my enthusiasm by telling myself I still had some work to do to make sure everything was put together and working.

Sun., Aug. 12:

Hobie sells Compass models with minimal accessories, which helps keep the price down. I had chosen this model after testing a Pro Angler 12 and an Outback (the original model vs. the one just introduced). This boat tracked better, floated higher and was altogether much lighter.

However, I wanted to order some extras from Hobie, including the MirageDrive 180 (Compass comes with a standard MirageDrive) with Turbo Fins. Our tidal current here can run 2 knots or more; I’d need all the power I could get, and I wanted the ability to switch from forward to reverse when trying to fish pilings and channel markers.

I also wanted the Livewell V2, since we use a lot of live bait in this region, the Trax 2 cart for launching, a larger hatch in front of the seat, pockets, a push pole/stab anchor, and a marine mat kit.

To wire up for electronics, I’d need the lithium fish-finder installation kit from Hobie, and I had chosen a Lowrance HDS Carbon 7 head unit. The TotalScan transducer is compatible with Lowrance-ready kayaks from Hobie, and I wanted to test the sidescan and downscan technologies and Lowrance’s new FishReveal to better explore the flooded shallows as well as channel markers and other structure.

Sunday morning, I eagerly studied the kayak bow to stern. I’d had the transducer and deck mats professionally installed, but I still needed to mount the electronics head unit and finish putting together the MirageDrive pedals. Before the yak arrived, I had charged the livewell battery and made sure the other accessories were ready.

I realized quickly that I had neglected to order an electronics mount. I also needed a mount for my iPhone (I have iNavX installed for testing), and one for my Fusion StereoActive unit. I made note to contact RAM Mounts. I’ve used RAM to mount electronics on my bay boat, so I was already familiar with the design and reliability.

Though I still had details to manage, I just had to splash the kayak — and explore an entirely different set of new skills to launch and retrieve this boat.

I chose a populated ramp and pulled my trailer into the parking lot. I chose to pull the kayak off the trailer stern first and insert the Trax 2 Cart into the ready-made holes aft of the seat. I piled all my gear on top and pulled — very easily — the cart and kayak to the ramp.

My first quandary: Placing the kayak in the water without scraping the transducer while also battling the current and removing the cart. After a little bit of fumbling, I launched. With the kayak floating nearby, I inserted the MirageDrive.

“Ok,” I thought to myself, “I really can do this by myself.”

In no time, I was pedaling around the floating docks and heading upriver to cast along some oyster reefs and around the pilings of a bridge. I’d spent virtually no time rigging rods; in fact, I carried just one rod with me.

I’m consumed by the feeling that I want everything finished and the learning curve conquered. But I know I have to take one step at a time.

Fri., Aug. 24: Fast forward two weeks, during which time work called me away. The RAM Mounts are in, and I can set up the Lowrance.

After finding the appropriate-length screws, I fastened the RAM mounting plate to the Lowrance bracket. I slid the track ball into the starboard rails, plugged in the battery, and wow, there it was all fired up and working. Note to self, though: Remember to order the Navionics chart chip.

I charged the StereoActive and placed that onto a RAM mount. After work, I rigged two rods, decided which cooler to use until my Yeti Hopper Flip 12 arrives, and made sure I’d packed some leader material and Z-Man lures along with my life jacket, VHF and personal locater beacon.

Sat., Aug. 25:

I headed to Jekyll Island’s boat ramp at high tide. A section of accessible flooded marsh lies nearby, and I hoped to test out the push pole I’d purchased.

The launch was pretty simple this time, as the high tide had just peaked. In truth, if I could have set out a tad bit earlier, I would have preferred fishing the last of the flood. But I have to be patient with this process and enjoy any opportunities I have.

I Bluetoothed the StereoActive to my iPhone and set the speaker to shuffle my songs. I also took the additional step to bungee the stereo to the mount. I didn’t need to, but since the mount was out of my immediate reach, I chose to play it safe. I’ll probably forego that step next time.

The Lowrance powered on, and while my Navionics chip had not yet arrived, I was still able to see the basemaps and look at the sidescan sonar. In just 3 to 4 feet of water, the sidescan would help show me some of the oyster reefs.

You must understand too that I’m an electronics editor/writer, so just playing with the new MFD was reason enough to be on the water. Still, I pedaled quickly to the marsh.

My Hobie push-pole worked quite well, though the coastal Georgia mud is like quicksand. I also realized that I must remember earlier on to raise the rudder and remove the MirageDrive to more effectively negotiate the spartina grass. (Talk about your “duhhhh” moments.)

I poled up onto the marsh and saw mullet pushing head wakes. I watched for redfish tails and larger head wakes, and cast to likely funnel areas where reds might be lying in wait. As the water really started to move off the flat, I pushed my way out to the grass edge and cast to the creek openings.

Fishing with even scented artificials can be tough in my region, and though I had two sniffs, the fish did not commit. I moved to more open water to continue playing with the sonar, setting preferences and looking at various views — all of which look different on a slow-moving kayak compared with a powerboat.

Retrieving the kayak at the ramp proved a bit more difficult now that the receding tide had uncovered slick, wet algae. I noted the need for shoes with better traction.

Fri., Aug. 30:

I’ve returned from another work trip to find the Navionics Platinum+ chip has arrived and I found and downloaded a software update for the Lowrance. I also now have the proper RAM mount for my iPhone and I bought a YakGear Starter Crate. I’m itching to get on the water. However, this long Labor Day holiday weekend posed two issues: Huge crowds at the ramps and periodic thunderstorms all day every day.

This is also the opening weekend for dove season. Let’s see, how many more years do I have before I can retire???

To be continued…..WITH fish pictures!

The post Diary of a New Kayak Angler appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Caught up in the moment, I pretty much forgot I had a bait in the water. In fact, I momentarily forgot everything as I sat in a kayak in the low rolling swells of the Pacific, 40 miles off the Guatemala coast, mesmerized at the scene unfolding about 100 feet away.

I watched a dude in a green kayak holding onto a rod and reel with what looked like a two-handed death grip as an angry Pacific sailfish came flying out of the ocean right between our two kayaks.

I recall being impressed — while also hoping the fish’s next launch wouldn’t be in my direction. But it took off, pulling the excited angler away.

And about that time, I felt the light conventional rod in my hands being pulled toward the stern of my kayak. That brought me back to planet earth in a hurry. Suddenly tense, I let line slip away with minimal pressure as I continued to pedal the Old Town Predator PDL kayak gently forward. Then, as the spool began whirring in earnest, I pushed the lever to strike and held my breath as the line came tight.

The circle hook found its mark, and suddenly, I saw another angry sailfish leaping, off to my right, this one on my line. Quickly, I turned the rudder to starboard and began pedaling hard to position the kayak so the fish was roughly off the bow. Dealing with a big fish near the kayak when it’s off to the side or astern is asking for trouble.

By then, Capt. Chris Sheeder had moved our mothership away, with all eyes on the angler who’d first hooked up — David Hadden — and who was close to releasing his fish.
I did the same shortly after that, following an exhilarating battle I had dreamed of. As always, I experienced the particular buzz that kayak anglers derive from fighting a large fish completely on their own and at water level.

A Veteran Skippers Scores a First

That was the first day of three exploring the potential of kayak-fishing for Guatemala’s abundant sailfish with Sheeder, on his 40-foot Gamefisherman, Rum Line.

I was joined on this adventure by Hadden, with Old Town, and Rob Sherman, a kayakero from Los Angeles (who released his share of sails during this adventure). Hadden had sent a fleet of Predator kayaks down to the lodge, giving us the chance to fish the new PDL pedal-drive units on the wide, stable fishing kayaks.

This trip marked my first experience with Old Town’s entry in the pedal-powered-kayak market, the Predator PDL. The PDL Drive’s prop can move the kayak along at 4 knots pretty readily, and faster if you have the leg power. Its adjustable seating offered good comfort for many hours of pedaling and fish fighting. With 3 feet of width at its beamiest point, the kayak allowed all three anglers to handle a fair chop. The best part of the PDL design for fishermen, of course, is that the pedals leave both hands free to fish. More information on the Predator is available from the manufacturer..

Sheeder had expressed real interest in the whole project from the get-go. The skipper who’d guided fishermen to tens of thousands of sailfish and marlin liked the idea of a new angle — which would hopefully prove a new option for some anglers.

Live Baits on Downsized Tackle

While Rum Line, like all Casa Vieja sport-fishers, is admirably equipped with fly and conventional tackle perfect for fishing from those boats, we wanted something a bit lighter for the kayaks. We had brought Accurate’s little Valiant 400 reels filled with 40-pound braided line and a mono top shot, and these proved ideal for our needs.

Sheeder also accommodated us with a baitwell full of small live blue runners, a departure from standard operating procedure here, where rigged ballyhoo are the norm for teasers, as well as trolled and pitch baits. Although Sheeder said he suspected the 3- to 4-knot trolling speeds we could maintain in the kayaks would move a ballyhoo sufficiently to catch the attention of sails, he acceded to our preference for liveys, which the crew bridled with circle hooks.

Also a departure from the usual, on these days, Rum Line worked in tandem with one of its Contender 35 ST center consoles, which shadowed the big boat.

The Contender carried the kayaks to the grounds and offered a second chase boat, primarily for safety. (In retrospect, I would say Rum Line could easily carry the kayaks out in its cockpit and, with anglers staying reasonably close together, would suffice as a single mothership for the yakkers.)

Once launched, we made sure we had gloves, water, snacks, a working VHF radio, a quick-release knife and any other essentials, the idea being that each of us would need to fish self-sufficiently.

That, of course, is in many respects the whole point for those who love the challenge of kayak-fishing: There is no captain or deckhand to help you. You’re the one to hook the fish, fight it and resuscitate and release it. It’s all on you.

I’ve noted a few kayak enthusiasts who haunt online forums are quick to maintain that “real” kayak anglers should launch from shore and accept no help from that point. To that, I say more power to you, boys, if you’re up for the pedal or paddle out 40 miles and back. But I’ll gladly hop a ride offshore (which even under power can take a couple of hours) to get my butt out to the fishing grounds and get hooked up.

From Calm to Sloppy — Negotiating the Seas from a Kayak

While the Pacific off Guatemala is often pretty calm, “pretty calm” is relative, and kayak anglers here would need to pick their days. Our first day was the most kayak-friendly. Since all three of us are experienced kayak guys, loading up boat-side that day was a piece of cake. The other days, a bit choppier, made loading a bit more of a challenge, though very doable. That would likely not be the case for a newbie to kayak-angling, however.

By the third day, the seas — particularly in our 13-foot no-freeboard vessels — proved pretty sloppy. While, again, this could be a recipe for trouble with a beginner, none of us felt that fishing in those conditions was iffy. However, the sea state did require a degree of vigilance we hadn’t needed the first day. All that added to the challenge we faced, though we rose to it, particularly Hadden, who, well into the afternoon when his was the last kayak still out, fought and released two sails back to back.

Mixed Feeling About Marlin

Given those conditions, Sheeder found a way to offer an assist. Trolling its usual spread of teasers nearby, Rum Line raised a pair of sails and quickly changed course to cross just in back of Hadden’s kayak. Sure enough, one of the lit-up sails caught sight of his live bait, and that was all she wrote.

With some blue marlin in the area, we were all holding our breath, particularly at every live-bait take-down, simultaneously hoping to hook one while being worried about getting what we wished for. It wasn’t to happen this trip, but if it had, someone would have been in for an excursion a few notches wilder than the rides we enjoyed while towed behind sailfish.

Bucket-List Experience for Kayak Anglers

“I haven’t had a chance to fish for billfish yet from these kayaks,” Sheeder told me later, “but I could see that it’s a huge rush.”

Sheeder’s assessment is that kayak-fishing for sails here has its pros and cons, including the fact that you can cover only so much ground while looking for fish. “But everything you hook seems so much bigger, given your close proximity,” he said, “with a man-versus-animal factor, with each battle brought to its essentials.”

“The fishing wasn’t exactly Guatemala-great during this adventure, but we still hooked fish every day,” he added.

But best of all for this veteran skipper was what he calls “the joy factor,” seeing anglers who hooked sails “totally stoked.”

Sheeder offers a critical caveat. Although the lodge’s Old Town Predator PDL kayaks are on hand and available, he notes, “This sort of adventurous fishing should be attempted only by experienced kayakers. This should be a kayak-angling enthusiast’s bucket-list experience, and not the place for a beginner to try his hand at kayak-fishing.”

But for enthusiasts of yak-fishing (and there seem to be more and more of them all the time), a day or two here when weather permits hooking, fighting and releasing sailfish in this manner is worth considering.

“I’m always on the lookout for different, innovative ways to catch these fish, and Guatemala, with our tremendous fishery, is a perfect place to try out such techniques. Kayak-fishing takes the angler off the boat,” says Sheeder, “and puts him basically as close as one can get to the fish in his environment, and that’s pretty cool.”

Planning a Trip to Casa Vieja

If you’re hoping to exercise the kayak option off Guatemala on one or more of your days fishing there, let the lodge know in advance.

Beyond the usual and recommended list of items to bring with you, any plan to fish from kayaks here entails some additional, specific gear. Suggestions: a reliable handheld waterproof VHF radio (I wouldn’t get in a kayak offshore without mine, which happens to be an ICOM IC-M25), an easily accessed quick-release line-cutting tool, a pair of good fishing pliers (I always pack a spare as well), GoPro with appropriate mounts/bands, and good fishing gloves (sailfish bills can be pretty tough on bare hands).

I fashion lanyards with cord and carabiner clips to attach VHF, cutting tool and pliers either to me or to the kayak because it’s all too easy for things to slide off the side of a kayak, plus it’s good to know exactly where such tools are when needed. I also pack along some extra cord, carabiners and small bungee cords.

In this sort of a fishery, I prefer having just one rod to keep things as simple as possible. However, if you plan to carry a second rod — and particularly if you have the cojones to troll two rods — you should use a rod leash.

Also, as noted in the main text, Casa Vieja has lots of rods and reels, but you might want to bring one of the small “mini-mite” lever-drag reels that several manufacturers offer. The 400-size Accurate Valiants we used with 40- or 50-pound braid seemed perfect.

Since my feet and ankles are probably the most exposed parts of me all day under the sun in a kayak, I’ve taken to putting on a pair of light socks rather than repeatedly smearing my feet with sunscreen throughout the day.

Finally, I have to mention what should be obvious: a life jacket. The lodge has ’em. I can’t imagine they’d let a kayakero out on the Pacific without one. Keep it on and fastened.

The post Kayak Fishing for Pacific Sailfish in Guatemala appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.