Big Bass Tricks, Smart Gear, and One Tough Catch

Good morning, Crew!

Welcome back to another issue of Kayak Fishing Guide. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just joined, we’re glad to have you paddling along with us.

Here’s a quick look at what’s packed into this week’s newsletter:

• Three Fishing Tips for catching spring bass in submerged grass beds

• Freshwater Catch: Caleb lands his first musky from the kayak

• Saltwater Catch: Jef goes toe-to-fin with a yellowfin on light tackle

• And more...

Thanks for being part of the Crew. Let’s get into it.

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
April Bass Tactics for Submerged Grass Beds

April is prime time for bass to move into submerged grass beds.

As the water warms, these grassy zones become feeding highways, and knowing how to fish them from your kayak can put more bass in your lap.

1. Peg Your Weight to Punch Into the Grass
When bass bury themselves deep in grass, a Texas-rigged bait with a pegged bullet weight can slide in clean without dragging a mess.

That simple trick helps your lure reach where the fish are hiding instead of riding the top of the grass.

• Use a 3/16 to 1/4 oz bullet weight and peg it snug

• Go with creature baits or craws that stir up movement

• Short flips and pitches work better than long casts

2. Target Grass Edges and Isolated Clumps
Bass love to ambush from the edges where open water meets thick grass.

Casting along these seams or near isolated patches can trigger reaction strikes.

• Focus on grass lines in 3 to 8 feet of water

• Swim a jig or chatterbait right along the edge

• Pause near clumps and let your bait flutter down

3. Fish Low Light Windows for Aggressive Bites
Bass are most active during early morning and evening when the sun is low.

That’s when they’ll roam shallower parts of the grass and hit moving baits with force.

• Try a frog or buzzbait at first light

• Switch to a weightless soft plastic once the sun climbs

• Stay quiet and drift into casting range without paddling much

🎣 Give these spots a try this month and let the grass do the work for you. The bass are in there, and now you know how to reach them.

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

➡️ Take a look at what’s been catching our eye online this week!

• Before you drop a chunk of change on a kayak, here’s what you need to know to pick the right one for you. (Game & Fish)

• Kayak fishermen in Southeast Louisiana are seeing more big speckled trout again, and this article explains what’s fueling the rebound. (Louisiana Sportsman)

• Planning your next kayak fishing trip? Discover the top bass lakes across the U.S. that are perfect for anglers like you. (Bass Online)

KAYAK GEAR
Scupper Plugs Made Simple: Stay Drier and Paddle Smarter

If you’re using a sit-on-top kayak, you’ve probably noticed those small holes in the bottom of the kayak. Those are called scupper holes, and they’re there to drain water out.

Scupper plugs are little stoppers that fit into those holes to keep water from coming in. They don’t seem like a big deal, but they can make your trip a lot more comfortable.

• Scupper plugs help keep your seat and feet dry

• They’re great to use in calm water or cold conditions

• Most kayaks need four to six plugs, depending on the model

If you’re paddling on flat water or loading down your kayak with gear, keeping the scupper plugs in can help keep your deck dry.

But if the wind kicks up or you’re paddling through waves, you’ll want to pull them out so water can drain out instead of pooling under you.

• Remove the plugs if you’re taking on splash or rain

• Carry extras in your crate or dry bag in case you lose one

• Some plugs have pull cords or tabs to make removal easier

Foam, rubber, and twist-in plugs all work, and most are inexpensive. One solid choice is the YakAttack Universal Scupper Plug (2-pack), which fits a wide range of kayaks and seals up tight.

Once you get the hang of when to use them, they’re an easy win for staying drier and more comfortable.

KAYAK RIGS
Perception Outlaw 11.5

This Perception Outlaw 11.5 is a clean, fish-ready setup that checks all the right boxes.

Outfitted with a fish finder, tackle crate, rod holders, and a landing net, it’s built for comfort and catchability without being cluttered.

The wide, stable deck makes standing easy, and there’s plenty of open space to move around or customize further.

It’s a great example of how you don’t need to overdo it to be fully ready to fish.

📷️: Shane Bemish

FRESHWATER CATCH
Muskellunge

Caleb got his first musky in the kayak this week, and it’s a nice one.

Musky aren’t easy to catch, especially from a kayak, but with the right approach and some patience, it can be done.

If you’re targeting musky, start by focusing on the right areas. Look for shallow bays with weeds early in the season, then shift toward deeper points, submerged timber, and rocky drop-offs as summer progresses.

Musky often hold near structure that provides cover while they wait to ambush bait.

The best times to fish are during low-light hours, such as early morning or late evening, and just before a weather change.

Always finish your retrieve with a figure-eight move beside the kayak. Many muskies will follow a lure all the way in and strike at the last second.

When it comes to lures, a double-bladed bucktail is a reliable choice for covering water quickly. For a slower presentation, a glide bait like a Phantom Softtail or a Suick can be very effective.

Be sure to use a strong fluorocarbon or wire leader to prevent breakoffs from those sharp teeth.

📷️: Caleb T. Wyatt

SALTWATER CATCH
Yellowfin Tuna

Jef landed a yellowfin tuna from his kayak this week, and he did it using gear most folks would call light for a fish that size.

Tuna don’t give up easy. They hit fast, run long, and stay deep when they’re tired. Fighting one from a kayak is tough, especially when you’re seated low and don’t have much room to move.

If you’re looking to hook one, start by watching for signs of life.

Birds diving, scattered baitfish, and floating weed lines are all good indicators that tuna may be in the area.

Look for:

• Temperature changes and current seams

• Active fish early in the morning or late in the day

• Slow-trolling live sardines or skipjack around surface bait

If they’re near the top, cast a soft swimbait or metal jig ahead of the school. Let it sink, then work it back with a steady retrieve.

Jef was using a 3000-size reel, 20-pound braid, and a medium spinning rod. It wasn’t ideal for tuna, but he stayed patient and got the job done.

Before heading offshore, check your safety gear and make sure your kayak is ready for a long pull in deep water.

Jef’s catch shows that with the right approach and a steady hand, big fish are still within reach.

📷️: Kayak Fishing Lanzarote

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us today, Crew.

We’re glad to have you here each week and appreciate you being part of this growing kayak fishing community.

Hope you have a great weekend ahead, and if the weather holds, get out there and make a few casts.

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

As an Amazon Associate, Kayak Fishing Guide earns from qualifying purchases. This site also participates in other affiliate programs/sponsorships and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.