My Yak is all Salty!

[vakayakangler]

Makes me miss Florida all over again... that water is beautiful.
When I did most of my fishing in FL as a kid though, I lived inshore and fished the backwaters and smaller lakes. Congrats on your saltwater trips, up here we get more reds and striper, I haven't had a shot at snook yet. Maybe my next trip down. Guess you are hooked now.

[Bass & BBQ]

Dang that report brought back memories! I just realized you aren't that far from my old stomping grounds to the south. While I was reading the part where you came to a canal and had a vicious strike my first thought was big jack.

Great report.

Next thing you know you'll be headed down to Biscayne Bay for these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcPnI1Ds0eQ

Yep, I was fishing in Jupiter, west of the inlet.

I think I need to learn to be a whole lot quieter in the kayak before I can worry about bonefish.

[watertime]

Congrats on your first kayak snook, I'm sure there will be many more.

I used to keep my anchor ready when fishing around structure for snook from a kayak. I could just drop it when I hooked a big fish to keep from getting pulled into mangroves, docks etc.

[Lt.FireDog]

Nice first time out on the salt! You have some good snook area where you are at. You are going to love the salt! Don't take Greg with you, because he just wants to know where that monster Snook is that got away for the DOA tournament.

Jose, are you coming for the DOA?
Fingers crossed that the damn winds lay down...there are whitecaps on the river today!

[Bass & BBQ]

Definitely crazy wind today. So far, looks like tomorrow will be better. I'm considering sneaking out for a bit if it does. Maybe Munyon.

[pepi]

Nice first time out on the salt! You have some good snook area where you are at. You are going to love the salt! Don't take Greg with you, because he just wants to know where that monster Snook is that got away for the DOA tournament.

Jose, are you coming for the DOA?
Fingers crossed that the damn winds lay down...there are whitecaps on the river today!

Yep...I'll be there. Going to pre-fish on Friday and have a whole lots of drinks and fun! I tried to fish today with this wind, but it almost looked like an episode of "Deadliest Catch" with this wind.

[jslager]

Nice catches B&B.

I just got back from Chokoloskee. I am beat from fighting that wind the last few days. Lost a snook with 30 mins to go that would have put me ion the podium and put me in the running for big fish.

I sure hope the wind dies down.

[Linc]

Congrats on your first kayak snook, I'm sure there will be many more.

I used to keep my anchor ready when fishing around structure for snook from a kayak. I could just drop it when I hooked a big fish to keep from getting pulled into mangroves, docks etc.

I'm glad you said that. I do that every time I'm hooked up, unless it's deep water. For me it just seems common sense, cause you don't want to get dragged into a school or over a good pothole either. So far I've been able to keep the fish out of the anchor line, but I know it's a possibility.

[Bass & BBQ]

Congrats on your first kayak snook, I'm sure there will be many more.

I used to keep my anchor ready when fishing around structure for snook from a kayak. I could just drop it when I hooked a big fish to keep from getting pulled into mangroves, docks etc.

I'm glad you said that. I do that every time I'm hooked up, unless it's deep water. For me it just seems common sense, cause you don't want to get dragged into a school or over a good pothole either. So far I've been able to keep the fish out of the anchor line, but I know it's a possibility.

I learned a lot from this trip. First, I've learned that fishing this area requires my heavier setups. If I would have anchored on that fish, I would have probably broken off sooner than I did. I was using 15lb test mono and needed to turn him and wasnt able to.

I also learned to be conscious of where the kayak might go if pulled and be more proactive about getting into a better position............... to anticipate better.

I learned I need some more salt water lures to use when it gets windy or at least have more options available.

I learned to close the bail by hand ALL THE TIME or end up with ridiculous knots.


And I learned that I love fishing salt water and need to do it as often as I can.

[RhynoNC]

I know it may seem like a hassle but every few trips out I like to cut off any hooks or lures and troll out 100-150 feet of line and let it untwist for a while. Reel it back in with the tip in the water and retie your hook. I've done this for a few years now and have only gotten the wind knots with BRAND NEW line. I know its common knowledge but it works great.

I can't wait to fish in Florida. My little brother just got stationed in key west. Im going to visit him in June.