LIP GRIPPER [TACTICS]
WALK ON WATER W
PRO TIPS FOR WADE-FISHING FROM YOUR KAYAK BY BEN DUCHESNEY
hen the water is shallow and the fish are sketchy,
it’s time to get out and
wade. But stalking fish on foot takes skill and requires safety. Check out these pro wade- angler’s tips and tricks for walking on water.
SANDBAR HOPPING
Kayak fly fishing guide Steve Kean (www.
capecodfishingexpeditions.com) wades the waters of Cape Cod looking for striper. “If you’re not right on top of tailing fish you can wade closer,” says Kean, “because they’re concentrating on feeding.” Kean uses a 10-pound fluke anchor to secure his kayak in fast current. “I want an anchor that could hold a ferry boat,” he says. He suggests using at least three feet of an- chor line for every one foot of water depth. If Kean’s kayak breaks free while he’s wading an isolated bar, he would be stranded. “Stocking-foot waders are more comfort- able for walking,” says Kean. “Look for wad- ing boots with small vent holes that prevent sand from collecting in the toe of the boot.” “Don’t get caught by the tide,” Kean warns, “plan an escape route through deeper water so you can paddle out at low tide.”
REDFISH HUNTING
WHEN THE FISH ARE FINICKY AND THE WATER IS SHALLOW, STEP OFF
THE KAYAK AND FISH ON FOOT. PHOTO:: BEN DUCHESNEY
READER TIP SEND YOUR READER TIP TO
“Fishing the flats is similar to still-hunting,” says Will Myers, an advisory board member of the conservation group, Texas Wade Pad- dle and Pole (
www.wadepaddlepole.com). “Walk quietly and slowly,” he instructs, “then stop and study the area carefully before mov- ing again.” Myers takes a different approach to an- choring. “I attach eight feet of nylon rope to
a camp shovel and stick it in the mud,” he explains, adding that the light shovel doubles as a handhold if he needs to drag his kayak through the marsh. Stingrays are common in Texas, so Myers recommends wearing knee-high ray guards. “Don’t skimp with the quality,” says Myers, “larger rays can hit you far up the calf, so even eight-inch-high boots would be inadequate.”
SNOOK STEPPIN’
Captain Brian Nelli, of Pushin’ Water Kayak Fishing Charters (
www.tckayakfishing.com), guides his clients to trophy snook around southeast Florida. “I’m looking for areas with current and baitfish,” he says, “like structure on the flat, potholes, mangroves and channel edges.”
Nelli recommends wading shoes with lac-
es. “Velcro or zippers aren’t going to keep the shoe on your foot if you step into the mud,” he laughs. Nelli wears shorts instead of long pants, which he says absorb water and weigh him down when he gets into the kayak. All three skippers stress safety when wad- ing. Before taking a step, feel ahead with your toes for drops or rocks. A wading staff will help feel out the bottom and offer extra support in deep or swift water. The guides also recommend wearing a PFD while wad- ing. Not only does a fishing PFD provide a place to carry tackle and tools, but it could save your life if you step into deep water. These pros agree: walk carefully and wad- ing will only be dangerous for the fish.
DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here to get a complete list of kayak wade-fishing accessories.
editor@kayakanglermag.com
TPOOL NOODLE PROJECT I 38…KAYAK ANGLER
URN A TABLE INTO A COOL KAYAK STAND BY SERGE CASALS
bought a six-foot folding table at the hardware store and a couple of six-foot pool noodles from a toy store. I cut each pool noodle in three-foot sections with a serrated knife. Then, I turned the table over and slid a piece of noodle over each leg-end and along each cross support. Adjust the noodle so the kayak doesn’t rub or slip. Now, I have a convenient kayak stand that doesn’t take up much space. I can work on the kayak at table height, and it even holds the hull on its side or upside down. I can move the whole thing around without removing the kayak and the flat table top makes the stand very stable. Best of all, I can still use it as a table.
For sharing this Reader Tip, Serge takes home a Gerber Diesel multi-tool. Send your best tips and tricks to make kayak fishing easier, more effective and more fun to
editor@kayakanglermag.com. Check out more tips from our readers at
www.rapidmedia.com/0164.
PHOTO: SERGE CASALS`
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