Big Snook, Blue Cats, and Spinnerbait Gold

Good morning, Crew!

We’re glad to have you here, whether you’ve been with us from the start or just hopped aboard. You’re in for another great issue packed with tips, gear, and real kayak fishing stories from the water.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ve got lined up for you this week:

✔️ Tips on how to choose the right spinner blade for bass fishing

✔️ A milestone 30-inch snook catch and what it takes to join the “Dirty 30” club

✔️ A budget-friendly kayak rig build using the Perception Outlaw 11.5

And more...

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
Three Types of Spinner Blades for Bass Fishing: Aglia, Comet, and Aglia Long

🎣 If you've ever wondered why some spinnerbaits seem to outfish others, it often comes down to the blade.

The shape and spin of the blade affect how deep it runs, how much it flashes, and how it moves through the water.

Let’s take a closer look at three popular blade styles and when to use each one.

Why Inline Spinners Work So Well for Bass
Inline spinner lures are easy to cast, simple to retrieve, and give off flash and vibration that bass can’t ignore.

They shine in smaller waters, and they're especially effective when cast near weeds, stumps, or along the edges of lily pads where largemouth like to ambush prey.

• Cast along shorelines or near shallow cover

• Work well in ponds, creeks, and calm lakes

• Keep your retrieve steady for best results

1. Aglia Blade – Best for Calm, Shallow Water
The Aglia blade has a wide spin that sends out strong vibration and flash, making it easy for bass to find in stained or shallow water.

It's a great option when you’re fishing slow and need to grab attention.

• Ideal for ponds and quiet coves

• Creates strong thump and flash

• Works best with a slow, steady retrieve

2. Comet Blade – A Solid All-Around Option
The Comet blade rides a little deeper and spins closer to the body, giving it a more balanced action.

This makes it a go-to choice when conditions are mixed or you’re fishing new water.

• Great in light current or breeze

• Keeps good control at medium depths

• Pairs well with a small trailer

3. Aglia Long Blade – Built for Depth and Current
The Aglia Long has a narrow blade that sinks faster and stays down, which helps in deeper spots or rivers with moving water.

It’s perfect for those times when bass are holding low and not chasing fast.

• Cuts through current more easily

• Runs deeper than other blade styles

• Best with a steady or slightly faster retrieve

Choosing the right blade style doesn’t need to be complicated, but it sure can make a big difference.

Next time you're out, tie on a spinner and see how a simple switch can turn a few casts into a solid day on the water.

📷️: Fishing Life

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Early spring brings hungry panfish to the shallows—learn where and how to catch them with these expert strategies.​ (Wired2Fish)

• A 10-year-old boy in China survived a solo fishing trip that took a dangerous turn when he was swept out to sea for an entire day. Read the full story of his incredible rescue. (The Straits Times)

• Ready to up your bass fishing game from your kayak? Learn how to identify prime bass spots and make your trips more productive with this insightful article. (Bending Branches)

KAYAK GEAR
Why a Marine Radio Belongs on Your Kayak

A good marine radio is one of the smartest pieces of safety gear you can carry. It lets you listen to weather updates, contact the Coast Guard, or call out to nearby boats if something goes wrong.

Cell phones are nice to have, but they don’t always work well out on the water.

• Helps you stay aware of sudden weather changes

• Lets you call for help even without cell signal

• Some models can even float and flash if dropped

VHF vs GMRS: What’s the Difference?

VHF radios are what most boaters and rescue services use, which is why they’re the top choice for kayak fishing.

GMRS radios are great for short-distance talk between friends on the same lake, but they won’t connect you to marine channels or emergency help. Stick with a VHF if you're fishing big water or paddling alone.

• VHF covers more distance over open water

• You can listen to NOAA weather alerts anytime

• Requires no license for most marine use

What to Look for and a Solid Pick

Make sure your radio is waterproof, floats, and has a clear screen you can read in the sun. A model with a long battery life and weather alert features is worth the few extra bucks.

• Floats and flashes a strobe when it hits the water

• Battery lasts over 10 hours on a charge

• Easy to use and built for rough conditions

Where and How to Keep It

Keep your radio where you can grab it quickly, not buried in a crate or hatch. Many paddlers clip it to their life jacket using a tether or keep it in a dedicated gear pocket.

Always test the battery before heading out and scan local channels to see what’s active.

• Clip it high on your PFD or seat

• Use a float strap just in case

• Recharge it after every trip

🛟 If you fish alone or paddle off the beaten path, a marine radio isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential.

It’s one of those small pieces of gear that could make a big difference when things don’t go as planned.

📷️: Ed Mori

KAYAK RIGS
Perception Outlaw 11.5

MacP95 bought a used Perception Outlaw 11.5 last summer and quickly got hooked. After 20 trips without a motor or electronics, he realized it was time to upgrade.

Over the winter, he built a budget tournament setup starting with a $650 Marketplace deal.

He added a Humminbird Helix 7 with side imaging, Lakemaster map card, dual Nocqua batteries, and a RAM mount with Switchblade arm.

To save his arms, he installed a MinnKota Endura 45 trolling motor powered by a 100ah LiTime battery in a Newport box.

Finishing touches included an anchor trolley, bump board, side saddle, and a transport cart. Total cost stayed under $1900.

It’s a clean, practical build that proves you can fish competitively without spending a fortune.

📷️: MacP95

FRESHWATER CATCH
Blue Catfish

🎣 Richard landed a triple of big blue cats from his kayak using cut bait, proving that patience and the right setup can lead to monster fish.

If you're targeting trophy blue cats, anchoring up with fresh cut bait under a float is a simple but deadly tactic.

Use large chunks of shad or skipjack and suspend them just off the bottom using a slip float rig. Look for deep river holes, current breaks, or channel edges where big cats cruise.

• Use strong circle hooks, size 8/0 or larger

• Set your float stop to keep bait just above bottom

• Let the fish load up before reeling to improve hookups

Early morning and evening are prime times, but don’t overlook overcast days when cats feed longer.

Big blues fight hard, so keep your drag loose and let the kayak work in your favor.

📷️: Richard Smith

SALTWATER CATCH
Snook

A hard-working angler hit a big milestone this week, landing a snook over 30 inches from his kayak on a windy Florida day and earning a spot in the “Dirty 30” club.

Landing a 30-inch snook from a kayak isn’t easy, but it just goes to show what can happen if you keep showing up and grinding it out.

Catching a big snook from a kayak takes time, patience, and putting your bait right where it needs to be.

They don’t leave their hiding spots often, so you’ve got to get it close. Mangroves, oyster bars, dock pilings, and points with steady current are all good bets.

Big fish won’t chase far, so aim tight and fish slow.

• Use 30 to 40 lb fluorocarbon leader to prevent break-offs

• Cast up-current and let your bait drift right into their zone

• Fish moving water early, late, or under cloud cover

Live baits like pilchards, pinfish, or mullet are top choices, but a well-placed soft plastic paddle tail can work wonders, especially when skipped under docks or overhangs.

When a snook hits, it’s sudden and strong, so keep your drag snug and be ready to pull them away from structure fast.

Move quietly, watch your shadow, and don’t get too close too fast.

🎣 Once you join the Dirty 30 club, don’t be surprised if that 40-inch goal sneaks into your head before the day’s even over.

📷️: Timothy Fesler

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thanks for Reading!

We appreciate you being part of the Crew and spending a few minutes with us each week.

Whether you’re on the water or planning your next trip, we hope you have a relaxing and fish-filled weekend.

Enjoy the time out there and stay safe!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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