Posted on

Kayak Fishing for King Mackerel

Offshore Kayak Fishing Charters Kayak Fishing for King Mackerel

Kayak Fishing for King Mackerel

Kayak Fishing for King Mackerel is an awesome way to spend time on the water along the Emerald Coast.

Fortunately, the majority of the Emerald Coast provides instant access to the Gulf of Mexico and the King Mackerel are plentiful from May – October.

If you’re new to Offshore Kayak Fishing, check out our blogs Conditions for Offshore Kayak Fishing and Offshore Kayak Fishing.

How to catch them?

There are several ways to catch King Mackerel from a kayak and we are going to briefly highlight two of them.

Live Bait / Frozen Bait

When targeting the majority of offshore fish it’s hard to beat a live Cigar Minnow.

But somedays live bait will be hard to come by and you should always bring a bag of frozen Cigar Minnows to be on the safe side.

Some of our biggest King Mackerel came on frozen Cigar Minnows last year!

Offshore Kayak Fishing Charters Kayak Fishing for King Mackerel

Drifting

Drifting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to catch King Mackerel.

When drifting we prefer to use a “pier rig” and 3-4″ Cigar Minnow.

We use 12-18″ of 27 lb. Berkley 7Strand with a swivel and an Eagle Claw Treble Hook (Size 2) attached at opposite ends. We snell the hook and attach the swivel using a Haywire Twist.

This rig is highly customizable and provides a simple starting point for those interested in Kayak Fishing for King Mackerel. We recommend tying several and placing them inside individual ziplock bags for quick access.

King Mackerel are slash feeders and will often bite the bait in half, by presenting a smaller bait you increase the chances of the hook finding the corner of their mouths.

Trolling

There’s a ton of water out there and most anglers like to move, after all, you never know what you’re going to find!

While trolling you might just find a bottom spot loaded with Red Snapper, if you want to catch them, check out Kayak Fishing for Red Snapper.

While trolling we use a “stinger rig” instead of a “pier rig.”

A “stinger rig” uses multiple hooks and allows you to use larger baits while on the move.

The larger baits will stay alive longer and freely swim behind the kayak when you slow down or change directions.

You can purchase pre-made trolling rigs like the Sea Striker at a variety of tackle shops.

However, we prefer to tie our own. This allows us to customize the length of the wire, hook spacing, and skirt color prior to hitting the water.

We will release “King Mackerel Rigs” soon, so keep an eye out!!!

Conclusion

Kayak Fishing for King Mackerel is great way to spend time on the water.

The two methods listed above will make your time on the water more productive.

If you are interested in catching a King Mackerel, schedule an Offshore Kayak Fishing Charter.

Kayak Fishing for King Mackerel | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

www.NavarreKayakFishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayakFishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navarrekayakfishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q

Posted on

Kayak Fishing for Speckled Trout

Kayak Fishing for Speckled Trout

Kayak Fishing for Speckled Trout | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Kayak Fishing for Speckled Trout is an excellent way to enjoy Inshore kayak Fishing.

Here, in Northwest Florida, we are able to target Speckled Trout all year and a kayak provides the perfect platform.

If you are having a tough time locating Speckled Trout along the Emerald Coast, try applying the following tips and techniques.

We are sure they will increase your chances of catching the fish of a lifetime.

Kayak

There are a large number of well-made kayaks on the market today that are perfect for Kayak Fishing for Speckled Trout.

After fishing from multiple paddle and pedal kayaks, our kayak of choice is the Old Town Predator PDL.

The PDL is stable, quiet, and provides a dry ride throughout the year. Staying dry is very important during the winter months and we recommend you check out our blog/video “Waders For Kayak Fishing.

The Old Town Predator PDL has the ability to go backwards and coming to a quiet, hands-free stop makes a huge difference when positioning or approaching feeding fish.

Gear / Tackle

When targeting Speckled Trout along the Emerald Coast the majority of anglers prefer to use spinning equipment.

A seven-foot medium action rod paired with a 2500 size-spinning reel is perfect for targeting Trout. A soft tip is important and plays a crucial roll in fighting the fish. The stiffer the rod, the more likely you are to lose mature Trout.

The reel should be spooled with 10-20 pound braid and a five-foot section of fifteen-pound fluorocarbon should be attached to the main line using an Albright or FG knot.

When attaching a lure to the fluorocarbon, I prefer to use a non-slip mono loop knot; the loop knot allows the lure to move as freely as possible.

Lures

If you are new to inshore fishing, lure selection can be overwhelming.

You can ease the pain by visiting your local tackle shop and ask a few questions or by checking out our blog “Simply Your Tackle Selection.”

When we target Speckled Trout, we prefer to carry three rods.

The rod that see’s the most action will be rigged with a 1/4 ounce jig head and a “Mini Swim Bait.” Both of these are available at https://navarrekayakfishing.com/store/

The second rod will be rigged with a suspending lure, such as an Rapala X-Rap 08.

The third rod will be rigged with a top water lure, such as a Jackall Bonnie 95.

Background

The Speckled Trout or Spotted Seatrout inhabit coastal waters throughout the Southeastern United States.

Spawning season varies by location but can last from March – April depending on the water temperatures.

Speckled Trout feed primarily on crustaceans and a variety of small finfish.

Seasons

As the weather changes fish behave in different ways.

It’s important to consider the time of year when Kayak Fishing for Speckled Trout.

Summer

During the summer months, we prefer to target Speckled Trout in the Santa Rosa Sound.

On the north side of the Sound, there are several boat ramps.

These ramps allow easy access to endless miles of grass flats.

Woodlawn Beach Boat Ramp, Oriole Beach Boat Ramp, and Shoreline Park Boat Ramp are three of the most common.

Come summer, Trout are most active early in the morning and they primarily feed on small crabs, shrimp, and minnows.

At first light, Speckled Trout will ambush bait and can be seen chasing baitfish across shallow flats.

Trout are easily caught throwing topwater lures but floating grass often prevents the use of topwater lures in the middle of summer.

In these situations, a weedless presentation is key.

We have found using a weightless lure; such as “Soft Jerk Bait“, to be most effective. We recommend pairing it with a 5/0 EWG Hook, the extra weight will help get the lure down into the strike zone.

When fishing a weightless lure it’s important to keep constant contact with the lure. If you can’t “feel” the lure you can’t “feel” the bite.

The “Soft Jerk Bait” will flutter through the water column and become an irresistible snack for any nearby Trout and is an important lure to carry when Kayak Fishing for Speckled Trout.

Fall

As the water temperature cools the fish will stay on the flats throughout the day.

That makes the fishing phenomenal from September to November.

We like to slowly move across the flats, scanning the grass and potholes for any signs of life.

A quality pair of polarized sunglasses is essential when searching for potholes in shallow, crystal clear flats.

Once a desired area is located, we prefer to work a soft plastic through the strike zone very quickly. The fish are aggressive and will hit just about anything when they are actively feeding.

Winter

From December to February, Speckled Trout can be hard to locate especially if it’s your first time chasing them in the cold.

During the winter months, anglers rush north to the river systems and fish deep water because that’s what they have been told to do.

It’s a huge misconception that we watch inexperienced anglers fall for every single year.

If a Speckled Trout was located in the middle of the Santa Rosa Sound it would be an 80 mile round trip migration to the nearest river system.

The location doesn’t need to change, however, the pattern does and it’s worth taking the time to figure out.

Simply put, we fish the Santa Rosa Sound for Speckled Trout in the middle of winter with excellent results.

It’s important to remember to slow down!

Spring

March brings unpredictable weather and unreliable fish.

Fortunately, bait will begin moving back on to the grass flats first thing in the morning and the Speckled Trout will follow.

As spring progresses the Trout will become more and more aggressive, making them vulnerable to anglers throughout the Panhandle.

By April, the flats will be teaming with bait and the Speckled Trout will be feeding heavily on small minnows.

Conclusion

Chasing Speckled Trout can prove to be challenging.  I hope these tips provide a little insight and help you catch more fish!

Until next time, stay safe and always wear a quality lifejacket.

Kayak Fishing for Speckled Trout | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

www.NavarreKayakFishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayakFishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navarrekayakfishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q

Posted on

Inshore Kayak Fishing

Inshore Kayak Fishing

Inshore Kayak Fishing | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Anglers enjoy Inshore Kayak Fishing throughout the Southeastern United States and for good reason, it’s a blast!

Last year more than 150 anglers scheduled Inshore Kayak Fishing Charters with Navarre Kayak Fishing and the majority had one goal, catch a Redfish.

Red Drum are one of the most sought after gamefish in North America and anglers visit the coast each year looking to catch their first.

Let’s get into the basics…

Inshore

Inshore Fishing means a variety of things throughout the world and is defined by fishing waters less than 100′ deep.

When we refer to Inshore Fishing, we are referring to catching Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Redfish.

Typically we remain in water that is less than 5′ deep and use artificial lures to catch are desired species.

Kayak

There are a ton of kayaks on the market and they all get the job done.

However, we prefer to pedal and spend all of our time fishing out of Old Town Predator PDL’s.

These kayaks allow us to keep our hands free, which means more fishing.

They come with a comfortable seat, keeping you high and dry throughout the fishing trip.

Fishing

The headline “FISHING” will draw the most attention and for good reason. Inshore Fishing is a blast, add a kayak and you have an entirely new viewpoint of how to spend time on the water.

When we target Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder we prefer to use lures. They allow us to cover more water and keep the by-catch to a minimum.

Throughout the year we will change lures and techniques to remain productive.

We discuss targeting Redfish and Trout throughout the year in our blog “Kayak Fishing for Redfish” and “Kayak Fishing for Speckled Trout.”

Conclusion

Inshore Kayak Fishing provides an incredible experience and we recommend it to everyone.

It’s peaceful, relaxing, and sometimes a little chaotic!

Inshore Kayak Fishing | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

www.NavarreKayakFishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayakFishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navarrekayakfishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q

Posted on

Offshore Kayak Fishing

Offshore Kayak Fishing Charters Kayak Fishing for King Mackerel

Offshore Kayak Fishing | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Anglers enjoy Offshore Kayak Fishing all over the world and for good reason, it’s exciting and you never know what you might hook.

(Let’s take a second and make one thing clear, wear your lifejacket!)

However, Offshore Kayak Fishing has its dangers and every year a new group of inexperienced anglers attempt to launch kayaks into the surf.

They lack experience and the lack of experience leads to costly mistakes.

(We will get to the good stuff but lets take a few minutes and make sure you know it’s not all fun and games.)

Mistakes…

  • They fail to check the radar.
  • They fail to check the wind.
  • They fail to check the tides.
  • They fail to check the surf report.
  • They aren’t familiar with their kayaks.
  • They have never attempted a deep water re-entry.
  • They forget paddles and life jackets.

We spend the majority of our summer launching kayaks into the Gulf of Mexico and we see these mistakes every morning. (That list is short, we could continue) We delay Offshore Kayak Fishing Charters to help strangers launch and our clients look in amazement as people fail over and over again.

Launching

Every coastline has its own set of challenges. The surf forecast changes daily and can be monitored at https://magicseaweed.com/Navarre-Beach-Surf-Report/651/.

It’s important to realize that the wind and tides will manipulate what the surf is doing. In Navarre, a strong North wind will lay down the surf but it will blow you way off of the beach. A strong South wind will quickly turn the 1′ waves into 4′ of crashing white water.

Fishing

Offshore Kayak Fishing opens the door to endless possibilities. While trolling you can run into everything from King Mackerel to Sailfish. When you’re bottom fishing you can catch a ton of different reef species, such as Red Snapper, Triggerfish, and even Gag Grouper.

If you’re looking to target Red Snapper check out Kayak Fishing For Red Snapper.

If you’re unexperienced and looking to experience Offshore Kayak Fishing for the first time, visit Offshore Kayak Charters and Book Your Adventure!

Landing

Launching is easy but landing can go sideways very quickly. More often than not, the winds will increase throughout the day. As the SE wind increases the surf will become rather sloppy along the beaches from Destin – Pensacola. Ideally, you’re on the beach before conditions get out of hand. If you’re not, slow and steady if the best approach.

If conditions are really bad, we recommend getting out of the kayak and holding onto the rear. The waves will push you into the beach and prevent you from rolling in the surf.

Pick Your Days

Offshore Kayak Fishing is a blast and the majority of coastal kayak anglers look forward to it every year. However, if the weathers bad you should play it safe and stick to fishing the protective waterways. There will always be another day!

Offshore Kayak Fishing | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

www.NavarreKayakFishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayakFishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navarrekayakfishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q

Posted on

Kayak Fishing for Bull Redfish

Kayak Fishing for Bull Redfish

Kayak Fishing for Bull Redfish | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Kayak Fishing for Bull Redfish is an awesome way to spend time on the water.

Fortunately, the Emerald Coast is loaded with Redfish of every size.

If you’re looking to target slot Redfish, check out Kayak Fishing for Redfish.

Did you know?

Red Drum (AKA Redfish) can live more more than 40 years and grow an average of 6″ per year for the first four years of their lives.

Males become sexually mature very early in life but the females often fail to reach sexual maturity until they are six years old and nearly 37″.

The Florida state record is 52 lbs 5 oz and was caught near Cocoa, FL in 1996.

How to catch them?

There are a number of ways to catch Bull Redfish.

If you’re in Northwest, Florida the easiest way to catch them is at night.

Bridge Fishing

Bridges like Three Mile Bridge (Pensacola, FL) have lights and fill with fish at night.

The most important part of fishing these large bodies of water is tidal movement.

It’s important to have a swift incoming or outgoing tide.  We prefer the tide to be outgoing!

The moving water pushes baitfish around and makes it easy for the Bull Redfish to feed.

On some nights the Redfish will be on top and you can sight cast them with a variety of lures.

These fish aren’t all that picky and just about any lure will do the trick if they are actively feeding.

Some nights the water is rough and dirty.  Sight casting may not be an option but the fish are still present.

The bridges have an abundance of White Trout around them and they can be caught on a variety of small jigs.

Catch one, hook it to a Carolina Rig, and send it to the bottom.

This method will allow you to catch Redfish, Red Snapper, Sharks, and a variety of other species.

Shallow Water

Our favorite way of targeting Bull Redfish involves very little water and tons of excitement.

We prefer to throw topwater lures across shallow flats as the sunrises.

Redfish are very aggressive and are forced to bring the top part of their body out of the water as they eat the lure.

This tends to cause huge explosions on the surface.

After the fish is hooked up they run across the flat and bait flees in every direction.

After the sun comes up we transition into throwing soft plastics.

We prefer to use a naturally colored 3″ soft plastic and pair it with a 5/16th ounce jig head.

We drift across shallow flats looking for large Redfish.

Once you see the fish, a quick and accurate cast is all it takes.

If the fish is hungry the jig won’t ever reach the bottom.

Shallow water Redfish can be a bit spooky and it’s important that you take the time to use six feet of Fluorocarbon.

Kayak Fishing for Bull Redfish | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

www.NavarreKayakFishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayakFishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navarrekayakfishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q

Posted on

Kayak Fishing for Red Snapper

Kayak Fishing for Red Snapper Kayak Fishing Charters

Kayak Fishing for Red Snapper | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Kayak Fishing for Red Snapper is an incredible experience that anglers along the Emerald Coast take advantage of year after year.

In 2018, Red Snapper season was only 40 days long and the fish were beyond plentiful!

We decided we would take the time to break down exactly what you need to catch a Red Snapper from the kayak in 2019.

Call (850)264-3957 if you’re interested in booking an Offshore Kayak Fishing Charter.

Did you know?

Red Snapper can live for over 20 years and are found in large numbers along the Gulf Coast.

The majority of fish are found offshore on various forms of structure but they can also be found in Pensacola Bay, FL.

The Florida state record is 46 lbs 8 oz and was caught near Destin, FL in 1985.

For additional information on Red Snapper visit FWC – Red Snapper.

How to catch them?

It’s simple, find them. (We will help in a second…)

Once you find structure, Red Snapper can be caught a variety of ways and the technique depends on the conditions.

Rough Conditions

If conditions are rough and the current is flowing quickly you will need to use lead to get your bait in the strike-zone.

But you don’t need to use several ounces of lead to catch a fish that’s in 60′ of water.

When the currents are heavy and the wind is ripping we use Circle Hook Jigs up to 1-ounce.

We attach the jig to 30 lb. Fluorocarbon using a non-slip mono loop knot.

For this method we prefer to use live bait.

Pinfish and small Cigar Minnows do a wonderful job.

Simply hook them in the tail and drop the jig over the school of fish and hang on tight.

The live bait does a great job of keeping the Triggerfish and smaller Red Snapper away.

Calm Conditions

Unfortunately, conditions can’t always be perfect but when they are we prefer to sight cast Red Snapper.

Wait, how do you sight cast a fish in 70′ of water?

It’s simple, you chum them up and pick the one you want to catch.

Typically, you can present a hook and a single piece of chum directly in front of the fish you prefer to catch.

This is a great method when attempting to avoid undersized Red Snapper or Triggerfish.

It’s in important to remember that the water is crystal clear and the fish can see you just as good as you can see them.

Don’t get carried away with the chum.  It takes very little to get the fish interested and Kayak Fishing for Red Snapper is a blast!

Finding Structure

Catching Red Snapper is extremely easy and that’s one of the reasons the limits are so tightly regulated.

A good fish finder goes a long ways and if you buy a good one you won’t need to replace it!

In 2015, I strapped a Garmin EchoMap 74SV onto my kayak and off I went.

The machine is pricey and the model has been updated several times since.

Fortunately, I have had no need to upgrade and I am still using the original unit!

Side scan played a huge part in finding places that were loaded with Red Snapper.

Did it take a ton of time to locate them? Yes, but if you can find a “private” spot keep it to yourself.

It will continually produce Red Snapper for years.  Be mindful of how many you keep from each location.

It’s going to take time but it’s worth the work and reward.

Public Structure

There’s a ton of public structure in the Gulf of Mexico.

These spots will get hit hard by recreational anglers and charter boats in the first few weeks of the season.

The following links will make it easy for you to input public numbers into your fish finder:

Destin Public Fishing Reefs

Pensacola Public Fishing Reefs

Offshore Kayak Fishing Checklist

Kayak Fishing for Red Snapper | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

www.NavarreKayakFishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayakFishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navarrekayakfishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q

Posted on

Red Snapper Season | Opening Day 2018

Red Snapper Season

Red Snapper Season | Opening Day 2018

Recreational Red Snapper season opened in Florida today.

As normal the weather was all over the place.

My alarm went off and I double checked the weather.

There was an opening and decided to make the best of it!

I loaded everything up and drove out to the beach.

I could hear the waves from the parking lot and walked down to investigate.

The surf wasn’t as bad as expected but the wind was moving out of the West.

I stood around for a few minutes debating on whether or not I was going to make the pedal.

Derrick Benton arrived at the beach and we decided it was worth the launch.

We went separate ways once pass the surf.

The current was moving very quickly for the Gulf of Mexico and I knew it would make the fishing a little difficult.

Conditions were far from ideal!

After a choppy pedal south I was on top of the fish and ready to catch dinner.

It wasn’t long before the first fish was in the kayak!

The current/wind was pushing me East at roughly 3MPH.

I pedaled back on top of the spot several times before I decided it was time to go home.

I was back on the beach at 730AM and off to work.

Give us a call at (850)264-3957 and Book Your Adventure!

Summer Fishing Trips

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

www.NavarreKayakFishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayakFishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navarrekayakfishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q

Posted on

Hurlburt Field Outdoor Recreation Center

Hurlburt Field Outdoor Recreation Center

Hurlburt Field Outdoor Recreation Center | Navarre Kayak Fishing

This weekend we ran the first of several scheduled trips for the Hurlburt Field Outdoor Recreation Center.

All active duty members are eligible to sign-up and spots fill quickly.

If you’re interested please call/visit the Hurlburt Marina for additional information.

Saturday morning we took four active duty members out for a relaxing day on the water.

These trips are designed to be easy going and our main goal is to enjoy the time on the water.

Oh ya, and catch a few fish!

We launched into the Santa Rosa Sound around 6AM.

The sun was up and there were plenty of people on the water.

The weather was gorgeous and it seemed that no one was going to miss the opportunity.

Three out of the four were able to land Speckled Trout up to 18″ and had a blast.

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

www.NavarreKayakFishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayak… / https://www.facebook.com/Lytle.N

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n.lytle

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q

Posted on

Kayak Fishing for Redfish

Kayak Fishing for Redfish

Kayak Fishing for Redfish | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Here, in Northwest Florida, we have the opportunity to target Redfish all year and a kayak is the perfect platform!

If you are having a tough time locating Redfish in the Panhandle, try applying the following tips and techniques.

I’m sure they will increase your chances of catching the fish of a lifetime.

Kayak

There are a large number of well-made kayaks on the market today.

After fishing from multiple paddle and pedal kayaks, my kayak of choice is the Old Town Predator PDL.

The PDL is stable, quiet, and provides a dry ride throughout the year. Staying dry is very important during the winter months and we recommend you check out our blog/video “Waders For Kayak Fishing.

The pedal system has reverse and the ability to come to a quiet, hands-free stop makes a huge difference when approaching feeding fish.

Gear / Tackle

When targeting Redfish, the majority of anglers prefer to use spinning equipment.

A seven-foot medium action rod paired with a 2500 size-spinning reel is perfect for targeting slot Redfish.

The reel should be spooled with 10-20 pound braid and a five-foot section of fifteen-pound fluorocarbon should be attached to the main line using an

Albright or FG knot.

When attaching a lure to the fluorocarbon, I prefer to use a non-slip mono loop knot; the loop knot allows the lure to move as freely as possible.

Lures

If new too fishing for Redfish, lure selection can be overwhelming.

You can ease the pain by visiting your local tackle shop and ask a few questions.

If in Navarre, stop by Broxson Outdoors or Half Hitch.  Both stores carry a wide selection of tackle and will point you in the right direction.

If you’re shopping online visit the Navarre Kayak Fishing Amazon Store.

When we target slot Redfish, we prefer carry three rods.

The rod that see’s the most action will be rigged with a 1/4 ounce Golden Eye Jig Head and a Matrix Shad.

The second rod will be rigged with a suspending lure, such as an Rapala X-Rap 08.

The third rod will be rigged with a top water lure, such as a Jackall Bonnie 95.

Background

Red Drum are commonly referred to as Redfish and the species thrives throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Redfish are a highly sought after sports fish and attract anglers from all over the world.

Slot Redfish are typically found in shallow water estuaries, while in the estuaries the fish feed mainly on crustaceans.

Once sexually mature, Redfish leave the estuaries to spawn.

A female will produce anywhere between 200,000 and three million eggs per spawning cycle.

Safely releasing breeding stock is vital to the rebounding populations, so please handle fish responsibly.

Seasons

As the weather changes fish behave in different ways.

It’s important to take in the time of year when Kayak Fishing for Redfish.

Summer

During the summer months, we prefer to target Redfish in the Santa Rosa Sound.

On the north side of the Sound, there are several boat ramps.

These ramps allow easy access to endless miles of grass flats.

Woodlawn Beach Boat Ramp, Oriole Beach Boat Ramp, and Shoreline Park Boat Ramp are three of the most common.

Come summer, Redfish are most active early in the morning as they feed on small crabs, shrimp, and minnows.

At first light, these Redfish can easily be spotted on shallow flats, tailing or pushing water.

In these situations, a subtle presentation is key.

We have found using a weightless lure; such as Zoom Fluke, to be most effective.

When fishing a weightless lure, remember slower is always better.

The Fluke will flutter through the water column and become an irresistible snack for any nearby Redfish. 

Fall

As the water temperature cools the fish will stay on the flats throughout the day.

That makes sight fishing phenomenal from September to November.

We like to slowly pole along, scanning the grass and potholes for any signs of life.

A quality pair of polarized sunglasses is essential when searching for Redfish on shallow, crystal clear flats.

Once a Redfish is spotted, quietly pitch a soft plastic towards the fish, ensuring the lure doesn’t land to close and spook the fish.

Redfish will often pick the lure up as it lies on the bottom.

Winter

From December to February, we prefer to target Redfish in the afternoon.

Around midday the fish will begin moving from deep channels to adjacent shallow flats.

This time of the year, we spend the majority of my time in the upper bays, fishing areas with small feeder creeks.

The top water bite is not as effective this time of year, so we prefer to use a Matrix Shad with a 1/8th to 5-16th jig head.

A slow “twitch, twitch, pause” is not always required when targeting these Redfish.

Aggressive Redfish are willing to chase bait in the coldest of weather.  Occasionally, we will find Redfish cruising these shallow flats and opt to throw a suspending lure.

Spring 

March brings unpredictable weather and unreliable fish.

Fortunately, bait will begin moving back on to the grass flats and the Redfish will follow.

As spring progresses, Redfish will become more and more aggressive, making them vulnerable to anglers throughout the Panhandle.

By April, the flats will be teaming with bait and the Redfish will be feeding heavily on small minnows.

Conclusion

Chasing Redfish can prove to be challenging.  We hope these tips provide a little insight and help you catch more fish!

Until next time, stay safe and always wear a quality lifejacket.

Kayak Fishing for Redfish | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Check out our Kayak Charters and Book Your Adventure!

Inshore Kayak Fishing Charters

Kayak Fishing for Redfish | Navarre Kayak Fishing

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

www.NavarreKayakFishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayakFishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navarrekayakfishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q

Posted on

Navarre Kayak Fishing – The Adventure Awaits | Kayak Fishing Adventures

Kayak Fishing Adventures

Navarre Kayak Fishing – The Adventure Awaits | Kayak Fishing Adventures

Are you interested in booking a Kayak Fishing Adventures?

If so, this article will help you understand exactly what you’re getting into!

 

What to expect…

During the summer, the kayaks are in the water before the sun crest the horizon and there’s not a soul in sight.

Dark, calm, silent, and peaceful start to paint a picture that is hard to imagine and impossible to forget.

As the sun peaks over the horizon, baitfish begin skipping across the surface and the flat comes to life.

Spring, Summer, and Fall provide the perfect opportunity to throw topwater lures for Speckled Trout and Redfish.

Calm mornings provide the perfect environment for throwing topwater lures and the first explosion is sure to increase your heart rate.

As the lure walks across the waters surface, bait scatters, the lure disappears, and the drag begins to sing.

As the drag ceases, the head shakes begin.

A solid fish will make several runs before tiring and sliding into the net.

The trips are scheduled for four hours but often run a little longer.

Our goal is to ensure the best possible experience and we don’t mind putting in the extra time!

After returning to the ramp, we clean and bag the fish so you can enjoy the results of a hard day of fishing.

Inshore Trips

We run Inshore Kayak Fishing Charters year round in Northwest Florida and target a variety of species throughout the year.

In the Spring (March – May) we focus our efforts on chasing Bull Redfish in shallow water.

Sight fishing these 30″-35″ fish is an incredible experience and is guaranteed to excite.

During the Summer (June – September) we start off chasing Speckled Trout using topwater lures and than transition into sight fishing for slot Redfish using soft plastic lures.

During the Fall (October – November) focus on completing an Inshore Slam.

Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder are the three species we focus on during these months and we catch them in a variety of ways.

In the Winter (December – February) we switch gears completely.

The cold weather provides us with opportunities to chase giant Speckled Trout and Striped Bass.

It’s cold; but if you’re willing to fish, we know where to find them.

Offshore Trips

We run Offshore Kayak Fishing Charters from May to October.

Anglers have the opportunity to target a variety of species, to include, Red Snapper, Triggerfish, Mahi-Mahi, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Sailfish.

Offshore trips are easily affected by the weather and safety is our first concern.

Kayaks – Old Town Predator PDL’s

We run all of our Kayak Fishing Adventures using Old Town Predator PDL’s.

We use the Old Town’s because they are reliable, stable, and easy to pedal.

They allowed us to put well over one hundred anglers on quality fish in the last six months, with ages ranging from 13-85!

Kayak Fishing Adventures

Every part of kayak fishing is an adventure!

Gives us a call at (850)264-3957 and Book Your Adventure.

We now offer hotel lodging!!!

What to bring… (Recommended Items / Not Required)

Spring Fishing Trips –  https://navarrekayakfishing.com/spring-fishing-trips/

Summer Fishing Trips – https://navarrekayakfishing.com/summer-fishing-trips/

Fall Fishing Trips – https://navarrekayakfishing.com/what-to-bring-fall/

Winter Fishing Trips – https://navarrekayakfishing.com/what-to-bring-winter/

Navarre Kayak Fishing – The Adventure Awaits | Kayak Fishing Adventures

Stay Connected and Say Hello!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavarreKayakfishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navarrekayakfishing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRap5thrXhU2B7WUMpuC8Q