Negative Approach

I’m not much of a kayak fisherman. In fact, I have only been on a kayak twice, both times fishing the flats. Never caught a fish out of a kayak yet either. Maybe one day. Not owning one and not seeing myself buy one in the near future, knowledge is and will be lacking of the kayaking fishing experience. Sure, I’ve seen tons of pictures of people in tucked away fishing holes that most boats can’t get to. Pictures of huge fish being caught, lots of videos of dedicated kayakers catching kingfish and tarpon off the local beaches. I am not against or biased towards paddling by any means, I am just not equipped for the experience. Even though the ability to be on the water with no noise, no people, great fishing and our beautiful fishery just surrounding you has to be a relaxing and invigorating experience, I just don’t have the gear and prefer to use a boat; except in the wintertime. I wade the Tampa flats a good bit in the winter. A kayak would really help me reach some better potholes but to be honest, money for other gear is needed.

Even though my knowledge and experience (or lack thereof), has very little benefit to you as an angler that may want to know more about paddling to some nice fish, I figured some reports from a reputable guide and some generalized information of what and how the yakers are catching fish would be helpful.

I called Captain Jason Stock and basically asked him if I could get some reports from time to time. He was cool with it so some reports and advice will be on Inshore Insider periodically.

You probably have heard of Jason. He has been in and on the cover of a few magazines, local TV shows, has an established charter business, gives seminars all around the Tampa bay area, and just got his Captains license. Recently Jason started a clothing line too. I haven’t seen it; you’ll have to check it out, myself as well.

The range of areas he frequents is diverse. Basically this dude can take you out from Tampa to Sarasota and put you on some quality fish. Getting some basic info from him, Jason advised me he will soon be running to spots with the yaks in a 27 foot Carolina skiff to save time on trips, and also be using a mothership. This benefits his clients as it saves time reaching those honey holes, which in turn gives the clients more time for fishing. Of course a trip can be standard without a boat, but at least there is diversity in the options.

The reports I have gotten from Captain Jason have been great from November and December. Fishing the negative low tides has been most productive but basically all tides have been pretty good. Potholes and troughs are the way to go; the fish have been stacked up on the excessive negatives in sand and grassy mixed potholes as well as flats, looking for an easy meal, sometimes not able to even get out of the depression. Normally, Jason stated he has been heading to the spots in his kayaks, and next, getting out wading for an ultra stealth presentation. The water is very clear now. Those fish are spooky.

As of late Jason has been using ¼ ounce jigheads with assorted soft plastics (DOA CAL in Golden Bream is his preference) to catch snook, trout, redfish and a bunch of flounder. Basically, the technique he is using is pretty simple. Dragging the heavier ¼ ounce jig helps the soft plastic create a cloud of mud and sand on the bottom. The fish think this is a shrimp or crustacean and if worked slowly enough, usually a hook up will be made.

I can attest to this; on my wade trips I have slowed down my presentation and gotten into some great hook ups as well. Stick to a soft plastic of your choice. You think you’re already going slowly? Work the jig slower. Especially for those flounder.

Go out and fish these negs, or give Jason a call for some advice or a trip. Now is the time to leave the boat at home and take advantage of these low tides.

Jason Stock can be reached at www.jmsnookykayakcharters.com.