stevegibson
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
A sucker is not at all like a carp. A carp WILL take you into your backing……….unlike a sucker.
Are you sure?
Brett,
I talked with Austin today and he confirms that indeed hundreds of snook are belly up. However, the Redfish are tailing! I will be in Boca on Saturday and fishing Sunday through Tuesday. Updates to follow. Sorry you couldn’t make it.
Who did you fish with in Boca Grande? How did you do? Would have loved to taken you fishing.
Scientists estimate that slightly less than 10 percent of the snook on the west coast of Florida were killed during the cold. The good news is that mean more than 90 percent survived.
We had about 18 months of red tide in 2005-06 and it killed thousands of fish. But everything rebounded just fine.
I thought I replied to your message, Cole. Email me at steve@kayakfishingsarasota.com.
Guides with whom I have fished and wholeheartedly recommend include:
Jack Backus
Rusty Albury
Craig Brewer
Duane Baker
Paul TejeraCraft Fur sure makes for some pretty Clousers. However, I find that the stuff tangles impossibly after a couple of casts or a few fish (whichever comes first!).
Craft Fur makes great tails on flies, though.
I have been using Super Hair when bluefish and Spanish macks are in the area. It holds up to their teeth quite well. Plus, it still produces seatrout and pompano.
I am a kayak guide in Florida and I fish out of the Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5. In my opinion, the Ultimate is THE ultimate fishing kayak. It’s fairly fast, very roomy and extremely stable. That I can stand and fly cast is a big plus.
I’ve looked at the Freedom Hawk and it appears to be a quality fishing kayak. Didn’t see anything wrong with it, although it’s a tad pricey.
I like to stand and pole my boat over the flats. The Ultimate is perfect for poling and sight-fishing.
West wind has been a problem for the last month. Took at look this morning and things are starting to settle down. With east wind predicted for the next few days, snook fishing could be good by Sunday.
steve,
nice shots!
how big was that small mouth?Thanks, Todd!
I would guess the smallie weighed between 4 and 5 pounds. I caught several that went 19 to 21 inches.
I sooo wish I felt comfortable enough to use a kayak for my photography. Toons are ok, but so slow and you sit a little too high.
What seems to be your fear?
I take photos from my kayaks all the time with no problem.
My point was that they tend to take on water, not whether they were a kayak or not.Hmmm, interesting. I’ve had my Ultmate 14.5 for three years, but it hasn’t taken on water yet. Something must be wrong.
but… If you’re not planning on doing a lot of long distance paddling I don’t really see the value in spending big money on a paddle. I bought an aluminum paddle, and while I don’t do a ton of paddling around, I’ve done many 10-15 mile days without any trouble. My paddle was ~$40, and it held up to a hard year in the salt with no problems and no visible wear.
Maybe buy a cheaper paddle, and keep an eye out on Steepandcheap.com for a really nice one if you decide you want to upgrade?
IMHO, a paddle is to the yak as the flyrod is to the fly fisherman. Whereever you go in the yak, you will have the paddle in your hands, moving the yak along. It is an indispensible tool. On flat, calm water, almost any paddle will do. But if you take to paddling upstream against current (something yaks are good at), you’ll appreciate the lighter, more efficient paddle. Find yourself out on the flats having to return five miles against the wind and you’ll appreciate the lighter paddle. My 1st paddle was an Aquabound Stingray with carbon shaft. My second was the Finstalker and I can tell the difference. At 61 years old when I am fighting wind, paddling upstream on the Yellowstone or Madison rivers I really appreciate the ease of paddling that a light paddle brings to the river.
I wholeheartedly agree with you! Your paddle should be your second most expensive investment. I suggest a good carbon fiber paddle that you can offset (feather) the blades. Also, spend money not only for a good, strong paddle, but also one that is light. You won’t regret it.
I have an Ultimate 14.5 tandem and an Ultimate 14.5 solo. In the solo, I can add a “seat raiser” from Legacy Paddle Sports. That puts the bottom of the seat at the top of the gunwale. Gives you much better visibility when looking for fish.
I have paddle Ultimates for the last three years and can’t figure out any reason to add a rudder. This boat paddles straight as an arrow, with little or no paddle correction necessary.
Congrats on getting your Ultimate. You’ll love it.
Oh, one more thing: I put a milk crate behind my seat in which I stow various tackle boxes. I also added a 3-rod rack that has slots for pliers, knives, etc.
I have added an anchor trolley to my boat. Plus, covered the metal structural tube with a pool noodle. That way I can lay my rod against without fear of breaking int.
For an anchor, I use a 5-pound, foam-covered hand dumbbell. Works much better than any commercial kayak anchor.
Beach snook season is May through August. We have snook year round, but they’re in the bays or up creeks and rivers after they leave the beaches.
Tim,
I heading that way next week. Would love to try carp. What flies? Rod size?
Also, I’m not familiar with that area, so I’m not sure how to get to the spot.
Thanks!
Steve, is the collar on your DT Special marabou?
No. It’s a white neck hackle. The beauty of this fly is that it’s quick and easy. Tie in four hackles in the rear, add one and palmer it for the collar. Build up head, add eyes and epoxy.
Then, it’s time to fish.
Thanks guys, I am going to get busy on these this week. Is the DT Special a generic fly I can find on line or do you have a step by step I can follow?
Keith,
Like I stated, my version is a varition. I do not splay the hackles, preferring to face each other. I don’t cover the shank with thread. I build the head, tie it off, add 3D prism eyes and coat with epoxy.
I’ve literally caugth several thousand snook on this fly.
