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Taking Notes

take notes fishing notes planning a fishing trip

Taking Notes | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Correctly planning a fishing trip makes the difference between being successful and it starts with Taking Notes!

We recommend using this: https://amzn.to/2CZStMA

It’s much easier to plan a fishing trip when you have information/data to look back on and thats why taking notes after every trip is important.

The information you gather when you are learning is valuable but its very easy to forget or overlook.

When I first started fishing along the coast I had a lot to learn and I started taking notes.

These notes laid the foundation for everything I know and have made difference time and time again.

Background

I have had opportunities to fish with some excellent anglers over the years and they all have had one thing in common.

They knew where the fish were going to be and why they were going to be there.

Many years ago, an older gentleman told me to document the conditions of every trip.

I was young and didn’t understand why it mattered, but now I realize that this man didn’t catch fish because he had the best rod or reel.

He caught fish because he knew where the fish were going to be and why they were going to be there.

When attempting to figure an area out, be sure to document what you find.

In doing so, you will find trends.

Once you find the trends, you won’t need to take notes.

Identifying Trends

Here’s a short story and perfect example:

A few years ago, I began fishing a body of water that many said was a difficult area to fish.

I had previously fished the area several times without much success, and my opinion started to align with everyone else’s.

After reviewing my notes, I realized that all of my trips, on this particular body of water, had one thing in common — the tidal stage.

Even though these trips were spread out over the course of the year, I knew I needed to fish it under different conditions.

Let me tell you, that place is one of the most productive Speckled Trout fisheries in the area!

The moral of the story is simple. You will never know what you are doing wrong if there’s nothing to look back on.

Take notes and use them when planning a fishing trip.

Those fishing notes will make a huge difference in the number of fish you land.

Taking Notes | Navarre Kayak Fishing

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Florida Kayak Regulations

Florida Kayak Regulations

 Florida Kayak Regulations

Knowing the Florida Kayak Regulations goes along ways towards staying safe while on the water.

Unfortunately, it’s an overlooked topic and I was glad the question was asked!

Mr. Leathers wrote in and asked if I had ever published anything on the topic.

Short answer…

Nope!

So, we’re taking the time to let you know everything that is required for all of your  kayaking adventures.

Life Jackets

Each child under the age of 6 must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD), while the kayak is moving.

Each person riding in the kayak must have an approved PFD available inside the kayak.

  • IF you choose to use an Inflatable Life Jacket (Type V PFD) it must remain on the entire time you’re in the kayak because it is considered a Class V until inflated. Once inflated they are considered Class II or III depending on the model.
  • You are not required to wear a Class II or III if it is on the kayak but it is recommended.
  • My PFD of choice: http://amzn.to/2rgNwKa

Sounding Device

A sound-making device is required while you are kayaking and could save your life.

There are several options but I prefer to use a marine whistle.

Attach the whistle to your PFD and it will always be in arms reach!

Marine Whistles: https://amzn.to/2RBYkiZ

Lights

When kayaking between sunset and sunrise, a white light is required. The kayaker is to display the light if another vessel approaches, to avoid a possible collision.

  • At night I prefer to carry a headlamp and a flashlight!
  •  I keep the headlamp around my neck and the flashlight in a dry box under my seat.  If the headlamp isn’t doing the job I shine 500 Lumens in their direction to ensure they see me!!!
  • My Flashlight of choice: http://amzn.to/2rt1XYN

Registration

Registration is a requirement for all kayaks using a gas or electric motor but isn’t required if you are paddling or pedaling.

General Safety

If you are new to kayaking, I recommend spending a few months fishing in protected bodies of water.

The calm waters are the perfect place to work out any kinks and learn how to safely land fish in your kayak.

There’s no reason to risk your life for a fish!

Review this information for yourself at – http://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/equipment/vessels-under-16-feet/

Florida Kayak Regulations

Full list of recommended items – https://www.amazon.com/shop/lytle_n

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Lure Review: X-Rap Saltwater Series – Part II

When Rapala released their new Coastal Series at ICAST 2016, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on these new hard baits!

After spending months fishing with these lures, I’m finally ready to let you in on my 100% honest, unbiased opinion.

In fact, I have so much to say about the X-Rap Saltwater Series that we broke it up into a two part review!

If you missed Part I,  be sure to check it out Here:

Lure Review: X-Rap Saltwater Series – Part I

If you have a line of lures that you want us to review, be sure to let us know in the comment section Below!

X-Rap Saltwater Series – Part II

We are going to start Part II with the Rapala Twitchin’ Minnow

This Redfish tried to bite me!

Rapala Twitchin’ Minnow

The Twitchin’ Minnow is a lipless jerkbait and it’s available in sizes 10 and 12.

The lure slowly sinks and is very erratic when worked correctly.

I prefer to use the Twitchin’ Minnow in water 2-3′ deep.

When the bite is slow, I like to work this lure very quickly and cover a ton of water.

The darting action causes reaction strikes.

(The Rapala Twitchin’ Minnow (Olive Green) Found Here >>> http://amzn.to/2r9YFJT)

Experimenting with different colors and catching healthy Trout.

I have used the Twitchin’ Mullet in a variety of colors and prefer the natural look of Olive Green.

It may be pure confidence but Olive Green produces fish!

Do you have a favorite color?

Let us know in the comment section!

Pro’s and Con’s?

The lure produces fish and has plenty of action.  I love the single hooks and haven’t had any issues losing fish!

It cast’s great, is durable, and at 4″ (size 10) it represents a perfect size bait fish.

Con’s, hmm…I can’t think of anything pressing!

If you’re in the market and looking for a new lure to test this is an excellent choice.

Subwalk gets it done!

Rapala X-Rap Saltwater Subwalk

The Subwalk is available in sizes 07 and 09.

The 07 is an amazing bait and excelled this Spring.

As Spring begins, small bait fish flood the flats and Speckled Trout gorge themselves.

Often, its hard to “match the hatch” and anglers end up throwing lures that don’t meet the correct profile.

This lure produced a ton of slot fish for me this Spring and it’s always in my tackle box.

If I’m fishing in the Santa Rosa Sound, I prefer to use the color Glass Ghost or Albino Shiner.

(The Rapala Saltwater Subwalk 07 (Albino Shiner) Found Here >>> http://amzn.to/2pGlgeY)

These Subwalks have a few battle scars!

Pro’s and Con’s?

The Subwalk is a fantastic subsurface lure.

It cast’s great and the single hooks ensure you wont pull the hooks on a solid fish.

The front hook will become wrapped around the leader line from time to time.

However, you won’t be to worried about that if it’s getting crushed on every cast!

I recommend carrying one of these little guys in your tackle box.

You will never know when you’re going to encounter a school of Trout that’s keyed in a small baitfish.

Conclusion

Rapala has been making high quality lures since 1959!

The Coastal Series was a step forward.

The Rapala Skitter V, Twitchin’ Mullet, Twitchin’ Minnow and Saltwater Subwalk are going to catch fish.

Feed with such ID does not exist

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Lure Review: X-Rap Saltwater Series – Part I

As someone who is a big fan of fishing with hard baits, the new Rapala Coastal Series really caught my attention.

Needless to say, when the opportunity arose, I did not hesitate to get my hands on one of the new models.

Our first ‘official’ product review is going to let you in on my honest opinion of the Rapala Skitter V and the Rapala Twitchin’ Mullet.

In fact, it is going to be such a thorough review that we are breaking it up into a two part series!

 

X-Rap Saltwater Series – Part I

Rapala’s new Coastal Series was released at ICAST in 2016.

The week prior to ICAST, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on one of the models.

Obviously, I had one mission on my mind — catch a few quality fish and test out this new bait!

The first time on the water, I quickly caught several keeper Trout and then disaster struck …

That’s right, a small Bull Shark decided he had other plans for the lure.

And just like that the new X-Rap Twitchin’ Minnow was GONE!

After impatiently waiting, the lure finally arrived.

Fortunately, it was just in time for a fantastic fall bite.

Over the past 8 months, these lures have proven to produce quality fish.

Biggest Redfish on the Rapala Skitter V.

Rapala Skitter V.

We’re going to start off the series review with the Rapala Skitter V.

I initially started throwing this lure in Hot Pink!

(The Rapala Skitter V (Hot Pink) Found Here >>> http://amzn.to/2pTKsCu)

Rapala modified the shape to allow the lure to “walk” easier and It Worked!

If you’re just learning to “walk the dog” then this is the topwater for you!

It catches everything!

I used this lure for several months and caught a ton of different species.

From trash fish to trophies and everything in between.

Rapala has always produced a quality product and this lure is no exception.

It sits low and displaces a ton of water.

Fish were willing to travel long distances to eat.

If you see one on the shelf then I recommend that you pick it up and take it home!

Overall, its durable, casts great, and the fish like it!

A beautiful photo of a Redfish!

Rapala Twitchin’ Mullet

Out of the entire Coastal Series, the Twitchin’ Mullet was the first lure to really catch my eye.

This lure floats and it is perfect for shallow grass flats.

I have seen several “sponsored” fisherman speak about this lure with zero hands on experience and it’s beyond frustrating.

It does not sink like a Mirrodine, it suspends to less then 2′ when twitched and slowly rises on the pause.

Redfish simply cannot resist this lure.  When I’m covering water quickly, it’s a go to!

(The Rapala Twitchin’ Mullet (Olive Green) Found Here >>> http://amzn.to/2pjU4mk)

Rapala X-Rap Twitchin’ Mullet

When Redfish refuse to strike a topwater, I tie on the Twitchin’ Mullet and catch fish!

The sub-surface action is amazing and Redfish love to crush it on the pause.

Overall, its durable and casts great.

Cons?

Just one –  The front hook flips over the main line from time to time.

It’s preventable and it’s caused by the user!

Before “twitching” the lure, reel in any slack line and you won’t have any issues.

Conclusion

Rapala has been making high quality lures since 1959!

The Coastal Series was a step forward.

The Rapala Skitter V and Twitchin’ Mullet are two lures that catch fish.

Part II will be out next week, so stay tuned!

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Insane Find While Cleaning Redfish! (Graphic)

Whats the craziest thing that you have ever seen come out of a Redfish?

Kevin McDonald, a biologist with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sent us a photo.

He had just arrived home from a successful fishing trip and began cleaning his catch.

Most anglers expect to find baitfish, crabs, and shrimp.

However, Kevin found a Mole!

Is that insane?

This Mole must have dug his last hole a little to close to the water!

Have a Cool Experience that You Want to Share?

Tell us about it in an email and it just might become our next blog topic!

Have Questions or Feedback?

Let us know in the comments and we’ll get back to you shortly!

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Conditions for Offshore Kayak Fishing

Conditions for Offshore Kayak Fishing

Understanding safe conditions for Offshore Kayak Fishing

The temperatures begin to rise in May rising and the conditions for Offshore Kayak Fishing are just around the corner.

The Gulf Coast is filling with tourist and the locals are beginning to think about chasing King Mackerel.

As the world of kayak fishing grows daily, more and more anglers are venturing offshore. This often leads inexperienced kayak anglers into dangerous situations.

Understanding the weather is one of the most important aspects of Offshore Kayak Fishing.

Weather Checklist for Kayak Fishing Offshore

This blog is going to briefly cover a set of guidelines that we use to avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Knowing the limits of your kayak, yourself, and your gear is key when Kayak Fishing Offshore.

Remember – There’s no fish worth risking your life.

Wind – How much is too much?

The wind is pretty calm in the mornings this time of the year, but increases in strength as the day goes on.  Anytime the wind is forecasted to be equal or greater than 10 MPH, we get off of the water.

  • As the wind increases, the surf will grow.
  • Northern winds push water off of the beach. This will calm the surf, making for an easy launch and landing.
  • South winds push water to the beach. This increases the height of surf, making a more challenging launch and landing.

(NOTE: North wind will continually push you south and make returning to the beach difficult. Last Spring, there were multiple kayakers rescued by Cobia boats because they did not understand how much the wind affects a kayak in open water)

For accurate wind information we use:

https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/santa_rosa_island_navarre_pier_beach.

Surf – How much is too much?

Like the wind, the surf is pretty calm first thing in the morning, and usually increases as the day progresses. It is important to keep that in the back of your mind.  Summer time breezes shift to the South East around midday and the surf will be much larger than it was at first light.

We never launch my kayak if the surf is 2-3 ft and growing.

For accurate surf information we use:  http://magicseaweed.com/Navarre-Beach-Surf-Report/651/.

Wind and Surf conditions are equally important and should always be monitored together.

Offshore Kayak Fishing is a lot of fun, but remember that things can quickly take a turn for the worst.

Continue to monitor the conditions for Offshore Kayak Fishing throughout your trip.

Stay Safe. Have Fun. Go Fishing.

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Navarre Kayak Fishing – Introduction

Welcome to Navarre Kayak Fishing!

If you love fishing, kayaking, and the great outdoors, you’ll feel right at home!

My name is Nicholas Lytle, I am the owner and lead guide at Navarre Kayak Fishing.

We launched our company in 2016 as Nick’s Guide Service, a small kayak charter that taught our clients how to target and catch fish. The company quickly started to grow, so we decided to expand our business to better serve our community. With this expansion came a new company name — Navarre Kayak Fishing!

Our goal is to create a family oriented kayak fishing company that encourages more time on the water, teaches anglers how to catch more fish through guided trips and professional tips, and brings our community together through special fishing events.

Whether it’s a family excursion on one of the beautiful rivers in Northwest, FL or an offshore kayak fishing trip, we’ve got you covered!

Ready to have a fun filled day on the water? 

We are open 24/7 and do our best to meet any accommodation. Let us know if you have a special request.

Book your trip today and let’s catch some fish!

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