LIP GRIPPER [ TACTICS ]
CARRY A BIG STICK O
HOW CALIFORNIA ANGLERS DIAL LONG DISTANCE
BY KEVIN NAKADA
ne day while packing up on the beach I was asked by a gentleman, “What are those ridiculously long rods for?” The question was no
surprise. The man was looking at an arsenal of rods nearly twice my height. What possible use could a 10-foot rod have on a kayak? These long, parabolic rods are known as jigs sticks, a West Coast style designed to launch surface irons long distances, as far as 100 yards. Born on the wide-open decks of sport fishing vessels, they were rarely seen on a kayak until recently. They are awkward to cast from a seated position. The long rod also gives the fish a leverage advantage. No matter—the jig stick’s proven effectiveness has made it a kayak angler’s lethal weapon.
RODS SO LONG, THEY
DON’T FIT IN THE PHOTO. PHOTO: KEVIN NAKADA
If a kayak poses some challenges to fishing the long rod, it also packs some advantages. Cloaked in stealthy quiet, anglers can sneak unbeliev- ably close to fish that would take off at the slightest hint of an engine. The school doesn’t know what is about to hit them.
Success In Sight
For targeting yellowtail in the summer season, no other technique comes close. Not even live bait! What makes surface iron fishing so effective? Anglers are compelled to cover large areas of water quickly, not unleashing that long cast until a lightning fast reaction strike is likely. As you cruise, watch for anything on the surface of the water that looks unusual. It could be a change in the texture, a color variation or bird activity. They are all clues an active school of yellows could be breezing through. If in doubt, take a chance and make a cast.
Drive Fish Nuts
Minus the threat of a large boat with 20 or so lines in the water and deafening diesel engines roaring, there’s little to give away the game. For the yellowtail, the iron jig you swim across their noses is a part of the natural environment—not just a chunk of aluminum. When a school of yellowtail sees a lonely baitfish attempting to es- cape, what else is it going to do? Attack without hesitation. The fish are compelled to a frenzy. There are many days when they won’t attack live bait but will trounce a properly presented surface iron. Triggering a reac- tion bite is the kayak angler’s clear advantage. It isn’t the only way. Sometimes it’s best to double up. Troll live bait while searching. But feeling the strike rip across the backbone of the long rod resonates forever in a kayak angler’s memory. Make this sum- mer sizzle with a fired-up jig-bashing yellowtail. Kevin Nakada’s Sea Samurai guide service is patrolling La Jolla this very minute, long rods at the ready, vigilant eyes unblinking.
A Smart Paddle
Introducing the Smart-View™ Adjustable Ferrule. Werner Paddles Smart-View allows you to view the degree of offset you have chosen. Select your offset in 15 degree increments to accommodate your paddling style. The patented Smart-View Adjustable Ferrule looks and feels like a one piece paddle. Pretty smart huh!
Available on all of Werner’s bent and straight shaft touring paddles. To choose your custom Werner paddle visit our on-line interactive Paddle Fit Guide:
www.WernerPaddles.com.
For your chance to WIN A PADDLE scan or log on:
www.wernerpaddles.com/kayakangler WIN A PADDLE
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