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Kayak Fishing Tournaments - Taking Time to Enjoy Yourself

Kayak fishing tournaments were very easy for me to jump into when I first began fishing from a kayak. Since starting, I have fished all over the state of Pennsylvania along with many other states, even making my way as far south as South Carolina just to chase tournament trails.

Some tournaments I have done well in and others I was simply not able catch a fish. This, in turn, has left me feeling extremely frustrated, irritated, and just downright miserable. Along with all of the ups and downs that come with kayak fishing tournaments, I have been lucky enough to have met a tremendous amount of new people who I am now able to consider good friends. Men and women who literally open their homes to me for a night if I am in their area to fish. The fact that I have made more friends over the past 4 years just by traveling and participating in fishing tournaments adds to the amount of fun these trips can be.

The first few tournaments I have fished this year did not go too well for me. Although each and every kayak fishing tournament trail is geared towards having fun I have found myself not actually having an ounce of fun at all because of my competitive nature. I decided to change that ASAP!. Over the last two and a half months, along with some of the friends I have met over the years I "relearned" what kayak fishing is all about and why I started fishing from a kayak in the first place. Have you ever just paddled out to the middle of your favorite river or lake or to the remote ends where no boats can go and just watched and listened? Have you seen how beautiful mother nature truly is? I challenge you to go out one day on your kayak and (after that top water bite of course) sit there for an hour, half hour, even ten minutes before you get back to throwing that lure and I want you to just relax and take it all in. I have done this quite a few times now while I am out fishing and it has brought back the fun in all of this for me. I have spent countless hours now just fishing for fun and in turn I have been catching some of the biggest fish I have ever caught with some new and old friends that enjoy this sport as much as I do. I also have several overnight float trips planned for later this year to get the full effect. I have found that just taking a break every once and awhile; by just stepping back from a tournament to go fish with a friend for fun, can make a world of difference. If you find yourself getting irritated like I was, please take my advice and just get out on the water and fish for fun. Do not prefish the next lake for the upcoming tournament because you then lose the fun factor of a new exciting body of water. Your focus then becomes on the tournament, and not on the moment. Travel as far as you can to a new body of water and just FISH, FLOAT, and HAVE FUN.

I forgot where this all started for me, but luckily with the help of all the friends I have met along the way I realized why I do this. It is not just the next tournament or the next fish, it is the scenery, the escape from the everyday worries and woes. It is a place to forget, or maybe, a place to remember. So get out and have fun. Do not get wrapped up into the competitive nature like I did. I am not saying to stop fishing kayak tournaments, I know i never will. Just make it a point to do what you loved before the tournaments came around and I bet you will have a better time while you are trying to catch that 20"+ bass in your next tournament.

As always, Tight lines!

The Ned Rig is the Ultimate Bass Fishing Rig

You whip that pool cue of a fishing rod and send your 2 oz swimbait what seems like a mile, splash. Plop, plop, plop it goes that near musky sized topwater bait that you just know will catch the big one. You start that steady slow retrieve and wait for the tug. Send a few more casts and wait again. More casts, more waiting, and waiting, and casting, and retrieving. The anticipation of that monster strike quickly turns into a sore shoulder and a tight neck. Reality sets in, its hot, the river is at near record lows and surface temps are approaching record highs. Every ripple your bait makes can be seen for what seems like miles due to the gin clear water. That’s when you realize it’s time to put down the trophy chasing glory stick and double digit $$ bait and pick up the lightest rod, lightest line, and lightest presentation in your tackle box. It’s Ned Rig Season!

Arguably the ultimate modern day finesse fishing technique, the “Ned Rig”, as it’s known is simply a small natural looking bait that is fished with little weight and not much “angler input”. Most often fished in or near some kind of current allowing the water to do most of the work. In its infancy it was merely a Senko style worm cut in half and slid on a traditional ball head jig. Fast forward a few years and you can now see specifically marketed products such as Z Man’s TRD series which is full line of Ned Rig ready products. The  Z-Man Finesse TRD Worm and Finesse ShroomZ jig head are a perfect match and are a great choice for your traditional Ned Rig style fishing and rigging. This bait excels in semi open water, with somewhat rocky bottom. Some type of current via natural current in a river, or wind drawn current in your favorite lake is ideal. The whole Ned Rig deal is quite simple, grab a medium light spinning rod, 6’6” – 7’ in length rated for 1/16th to 1/8th oz baits, add some 10-20 lb braided line and tie on a 2-15 foot, depending on water depth, fluorocarbon leader in the 6-8lb test range. If fishing deep clear lakes a full spool of fluorocarbon is also an option. Simply cast out your bait, with the lightest weight possible to keep it on/near the bottom, across any kind of current, current break, or current seam and just let it do its thing. You can swing it, bounce it, or just let it sit.

Now that we have the basics of the Ned Rig down let me tell you about a recent trip through Central and Western PA where we were met with these same low, clear, and steamy hot conditions most us are currently facing on our local waters. I’ll admit that when we planned this trip to fish multiple known PA trophy flows that I may have been caught up in the romance of catching huge fish with fairly large baits. I was expecting violent strikes as bronze rose and crushed your topwater offering. Well as you can assume by now, that was not the case. Yes there was a topwater bite, but it didn’t last very long and wasn’t very consistent. I knew it was time to scale it down and rig up a Ned Rig of my own.

My personal take on the Ned Rig is a little bit different than the norm. I start with a product from 412 Bait Co called the  Free Minnow in the 3.5” size. It differs from the TRD in the sense that the tail tapers so it has much more action when doing “nothing at all", but also gives the ability to swim the bait if needed. I trim the slightest bit off the tip of the worm and add it to an Owner Ultrahead Finesse Type Jig. The bait is essentially Texas rigged with this jig head so it’s also much more weed-less and snag-free than a traditional Ned head. The Free Minnow (and Free Worm) actually comes in 2 formulas and both have their place with this presentation. When you just can’t seem to find a bite the Tournament Series formula is hard to beat. Its softer more salted nature gives the bait a ton of action and makes it swim very well. The standard formula is a great choice for all day long durability and a little more buoyancy for a little better bounce and pause presentation. This bait alone helped to turn long hot fishless floats into a fish catching frenzy, often boating double digit numbers each day on each river. Admittedly not the biggest fish, but a few good ones were caught in fairly tough conditions and hey catching is catching. In clear water and though conditions I would recommend green pumpkin black, green pumpkin special, and watermelon red, with a nod going to dreamsicle and cold steal if looking for more of a lone baitfish presentation.

Whether you fish lakes or rivers, shallow water or slightly deeper depths, the Ned Rig has a place in your tackle box. With multiple ways to rig various style worms and jig heads, from open water to slightly thicker cover there is without doubt a way it can work for you. When the temperature is hot and the water is low or even when the fish are cold and sluggish it is sure to get the job done. When you’re ready to tie on a bait you know will work check out the options here at Fishing Online!

Catch ya later!

The Versatility of the Chatterbait

Call it competitive nature or call it a tackle addiction. As anglers, we are always looking for the next best lure that hits the market. We all watch the videos from ICAST of the newest baits that are set to be released, because we think they will give us an upper hand. We think it is what we need to catch our next personal best. Some of them are “flash in the pan” lures and some are staples in fishermen’s plano boxes for years to come.

One particular bait that has been tied on the end of my line lately, was for me, a bait that I hadn't really given the time of day. I thought it was one of those late night commercial baits that swore to catch every big fish in the water. I thought it was a lure that had been marketed really well and caught a few fish.

Today is the day, I tell you that I was wrong. This lure is a fish catching machine. It can be fished in so many different ways. It can be fished at many depths. It can be fished at different speeds with various retrieves. It catches both bronze and green fish. It is a combination between two lures that have been catching fish for years. This lure is the Chatterbait. There are companies that have similar products, but specifically the ZMAN Chatterbait is the original bladed jig on the market.

Essentially the Chatterbait is the equivalent of a crank bait and spinnerbait mashed together both in action and looks. It doesn't look anything like a crank bait, but wiggles through the water with the same side to side shimmy. It does sport the silicone skirt and lead jig head that the spinnerbait offers, but has a more compact design. The beauty of this lure is ultimately the versatility. That versatility comes from the patented blade on the front that makes this lure catch fish... BIG fish.

What started as a supposition, quickly turned into reality. I was forming my plan for an upcoming kayak tournament. I prepared my tackle and spoke with a friend that recently fished the water. I came to the conclusion that it was time to try the once rejected lure. I stopped by the local tackle shop, grabbed a black/red chatter bait, and headed to the lake for pre-fishing. I immediately tied on the lure and started going to work. It didn't take long to feel the unique vibrations that are sent through the rod as the bait pulsates in the water. Apparently it didn't take the fish long to feel that same unique vibration. In the first 30 minutes we had boated to 2 fish, both over 18 inches. Its tournament day and this lure that I thought would be my saving grace absolutely flopped. It just would not catch a fish, and I was almost ready to write it off as the “flash in the pan” lure.

I went home only to give this lure another chance. I thought the farm pond would be a great place to give it another try. Well, I wasn't disappointed with the results this time and was able to gain supreme confidence with this lure. I casted near a down tree and start to burn the lure back when it gets inhaled by a giant largemouth. It was the largest fish that had ever came from that pond and it solidified the versatility of this lure. I wasted no time ordering more Chatterbaits from the Fishing Online website.

When they came in, I had to test their effectiveness on my favorite species. I went straight to the river in search of the smallmouth bass. The water was slightly stained and moving fast; an area when the bait can really shine. In murky water most fish rely on their lateral line in order to pick up vibrations in order to feed without the use of sight. The ability to fish the lure in fast flowing water was paramount and the specific vibration emitted definitely garnished the attention of many smallmouth that day, including a solid 19 inch bruiser.

Here is the concluding breakdown: First and foremost, it catches fish. It is something that requires confidence, so fish it early and often. Try to add a soft plastic trailer, for both bulk in profile appearance and extra vibration. My favorite trailers are the 412 Bait Co Yoda swim bait and the 412 Bait Co SmallJaw Craw. Vary your retrieves and speeds to tailor the technique to what the fish want. Some want it fished like a jig, raising and lowering it of the bottom. Some fish want it bouncing off cover like a crank bait. Some want it slow rolled like a spinnerbait. Fish it any way you like, but you should unquestionably fish it!

Tips for Bass Fishing with Senkos

Since the invention of the  Senko by Gary Yamamoto, the stick bait has become a staple in the bass fishing community. Regardless of location or time of the season, you can be sure a Senko will generate some bites. Today we will cover some of the basics of this versatile bait.

Rod, Reel, and Line Selection:

I personally like to use a spinning reel paired with a rod that has a fast action tip. I will use 10lb braid as my main line with 3 to 4 feet of 10lb monofilament leader. To connect the 2, use a double-uni knot to combine the braid with the mono.

Rigging:

There are 2 main ways I like to rig this bait. Weightless Texas Rig and Wacky Rig. The Texas Rig option can “Texpose” the point of the hook into the senko to make it weed-less. This just means that you can tuck the hook back into the bait so it will not get snagged into weeds, grass, etc. The second option is the Wacky Rig and this adds a little more action to the bait when working it. A great tip for the Wacky Rig is to use an O-ring around the Senko and then put your hook through the ring. This helps prevent the Senko from ripping so that you can catch more fish on that one bait.

Colors:

There is a wide variety of colors available. Try to keep it simple and use 3 main colors. Watermelon with black and red flake, green pumpkin with black flake, and black with blue flake. My go-to is the green pumpkin option. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with colors to see what works best on the body of water you are fishing.

Working the Bait:

They call this the do-nothing bait. That is because you really do not need to work it much. The most popular way to throw this bait is to simply cast it out and let it fall on a semi-slack line. Keep an eye on your line and wait for it to move or tick; if it does then set the hook immediately! If it doesn’t, once the bait hits the bottom, just lift up and let the bait fall again. Do this 2-3 times and then reel in and make another cast.

Check out this video where I briefly talk about the points I made in this article or skip to 1:43 to get right into some action of me fishing using Senkos.

Must Have Gear for the River Kayak Angler

I spend the majority of my time chasing smallmouth bass on the New River in West Virginia. Many kayak anglers share the same passion for moving water, but river fishing can be rigorous. If you are on a moving body of water, there may be some obstacles that are not as easily avoidable as if you were on a still body of water. All those obstructions must be dealt with as you're maneuvering the fast flowing waterway. Rivers should never be underestimated or taken lightly. The New River for one is known for its world class whitewater rapids, but also provides outstanding angling opportunities for the kayak angler. In order to combat formidable rivers, I always bring along the gear to help my day progress smoothly. Safety is first and foremost anytime on the water, regardless the type of drink you're paddling. I stress that, in order to start with my initial must have gear for the river angler.

1. The Personal Floatation Device (PFD): Paddle sport companies have manufactured comfortable, lightweight, marine approved PFD’s for every type of paddler. Specifically companies like  NRS, ASTRAL, and  STOHLQUIST have developed distinct life vests just for the kayak angling community. In my opinion wearing your PFD is not an option, it is a necessity. The difference could be life, serious injury, or death. Your family and the fishing community do not want to see the subsequent consequences that can be avoided by wearing a PFD. We as a group should always lead by example for the future generations of kayak anglers. I’m not preaching, but only encouraging the use of a PFD at all times. I myself, once had a close call on the river and eventually it happens to all of us. Don't get caught in a situation when you need something the most.

2. The Multitool: The Multitool is an essential piece of equipment. I prefer the Leatherman Wave manufactured with the fishermen is mind. It transcends perfectly with the kayak angler. The Leatherman Wave sports 15 plus tools in one. Including pliers, screwdriver, hook file, knife, just to name a few. We all know how important space is when fishing from a kayak, so the multitool gives you tremendous benefits in a small package. I like to keep mine in the front pocket of my PFD for easy access. It can also find a home in the dry box or your day hatch. I always like to keep a smaller, inexpensive back up in my tackle bag just in case I would forget the Wave. The uses are endless and range from removing those pesky treble hooks, sharpening dull jig heads, or tightening the screws on you spinning reel. Absolutely indispensable gear for any kayak angler.

4.  The Net: Finally getting down to the fishing. Everyone has experienced that gut wrenching, vomit inducing heartbreak! You know what I'm talking about? I’m talking about losing the big one. I’m talking about the one that got away. Yes, I know exactly what it feels like, I have been there. We as anglers have to minimize the variables that are associated with angling. You tie the perfect knot, and play the fish with precision only to lose the fish 3 feet from the kayak. I know, I know, we have to buy new lures and line. Breakdown and buy a net, because it will pay for itself in the long run. A good tip to try if you have the cloth netting on your net is plasti-dip. You can spray your net creating a plastic barrier to avoid snagging or destroying your net with unwarranted hooks. I also tightly bungee the net with a floating pool noodle in case it finds itself overboard. Save yourself the agony and pain. Nobody wants to say “I LOST HER AT THE BOAT”

5. Last but not least and my most used, most critical tool of all. The fish grip is a very affordable plastic locking grip to hold your fish as you would with your thumb and index finger. I speak for the majority if not all kayak bass fishermen when I say “Catch. Photo. Release.” is something we live by. Ensuring the bass that just gave you the fight of a lifetime deserves the same respect. All kayak anglers should own the fish grip or a grip of sorts. I use the fish grip to allow the fish to gain some dexterity while I'm preparing my camera and hawg trough. After being landed I immediately put the fish on the grip that is attached to the side of the boat. T-Reign makes an exceptional retractable leash that gives the fish some leeway or just attach a bungee. This way the fish is back in his element and can start to relax while you get ready for that hero shot or grip and grin. As a tournament angler there is no other way to do it in my opinion. The fish is safe and secure while you are getting ready to attempt the sometimes dreaded hawg trough pose. At the end of it all you know you were able to handle the fish with minimal strain and certainty of survival. Get A GRIP!!!!

This is my insight from my experiences. I hope it may shed some light for any new or seasoned kayak angler. Thanks for your time and always tight lines.

What is 412 Bait Company?

Settled in a suburb just outside of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania is a flourishing small business that produces some of the finest soft-plastic baits. So how did a non-kayak angler from Tennessee discover this hidden gem?

Pure. Luck.

What started out as a Google search for lead molds turned into a 3 hour journey into the land of custom plastic baits and the discovery of 412 Bait Company by Donald Corbett. I immediately placed my first order. Within 24 hours of receiving that order I had landed over a dozen largemouth in a 100-yard stretch of river bank that I’d never fished before.

Call me a believer!

Flash-forward a year, and I proudly represent a great company with an expanding line up. Spinnerbaits, jigs, swim jigs, swing jigs, creatures, craws, tubes, sticks, worms, swimbaits, frogs; you name it, Corbett’s got it. He’s even designed custom colors, such as Greensicle, Real PA Blue Craw, River Raider (with the help of Team Angler Josh Agee), Frog Belly, Filthy Pumpkin, and Dreamsicle, some of which are only available right here at FishingOnline.com.

In addition to the various molds, 412 Bait Co. offers anglers a choice between two formulas: the super-soft, sinking Tournament Series, and the somewhat-buoyant Standard Formula. Both formulas receive a healthy dose of the secret recipe scent that the fish hold onto, allowing more time to detect the bite and drive the hook home.

As far as favorite baits go, I can’t pick just one. Corbett offers such a wide variety of baits, colors, and sizes that can be easily matched to the conditions. For instance, it’s a cloudy day, gentle breeze, fairly clear water flowing through a backwoods creek, I’m going to throw a Phase III spinnerbait in Chartreuse Shad coupled with a Pearl White 3.5” Yoda, or bang the bottom with a Texas-rigged  Greensicle Small Jaw Craw. Or bright, blue-sky day with a little more wind, run a Cold Steel Yoda on a Tennessee Shad swim jig. The possibilities are virtually endless!

So what are you waiting for? View all of the  412 Baits here!