Casting Tips, Monster Tarpon, and Must-Have Kayak Gear!

Good morning, Crew!

This week’s edition is packed with tips, tricks, and a little fun to keep your kayak fishing game strong. Here’s what’s inside:

• Casting Smarter – Three simple tweaks to improve your cast from a kayak.

• Tarpon Tactics – Meet the fish that jumps like crazy and learn the best baits to hook one.

• Kayak Essentials – Why a solid kayak cart can save your back and make launching easier.

• And more…

Grab your coffee, dig in, and get ready to hit the water with a few new tricks up your sleeve!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

As an Amazon Associate, Kayak Fishing Guide earns from qualifying purchases.

THREE FISHING TIPS
Improve Your Cast from a Kayak

Casting from a kayak can be tricky, but a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

Whether you are chasing bass in the shallows or working the flats for redfish, a smoother, more accurate cast will help you land more fish.

1. Use Your Whole Body
Casting from a seated position can limit your power, so engage your core and shoulders instead of just your arm.

A smooth, controlled motion will keep your kayak steady and improve accuracy.

• Keep your feet planted and your posture upright for balance

• Rotate your torso slightly to add power without tipping

• Let your rod do the work—don’t force the cast

2. Shorten Your Rod for Better Control
A shorter rod helps with accuracy, especially in tight spaces like mangroves or under docks.

You won’t need as much room to cast, and you’ll have more control over your lure placement.

• Try a 6’6” to 7’ rod for better maneuverability

• Sidearm and underhand casts work great in low-clearance areas

• Use a softer tip rod for finesse techniques

3. Watch Your Drift
Wind and current can move your kayak mid-cast, throwing off your aim.

Position yourself upwind or up-current so the water helps, rather than hurts, your accuracy.

• Use a stakeout pole or anchor to hold position when needed

• Cast ahead of your drift to keep your lure in the strike zone longer

• Adjust your foot position to counterbalance sudden shifts

Give these tips a shot next time you are on the water.

A little practice goes a long way, and before you know it, your casts will be landing exactly where you want them!

📷️: Jackson Kayak Fishing

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Discover how popular kayak fishing woman Kristine Fischer overcame challenges in a male-dominated sport and her advice for fellow female anglers. (Wired2Fish)

• Find out how reading river gauges can give you an edge in kayak fishing, helping you locate the hottest bite. (Florida Sportsman)

• March is prime time for largemouth bass—learn how to take advantage of the season’s best fishing opportunities. (Carolina Sportsman)

KAYAK GEAR
Kayak Cart

Dragging a loaded kayak across sand, gravel, or long ramps can wear you out before you even start fishing.

A good kayak cart takes the strain off your back and makes launching easier.

The key is choosing one that fits your kayak’s hull and the terrain you launch from.

• Scupper hole carts work well for sit-on-top kayaks but can stress the hull if overloaded.

• Strap-on carts with padded supports offer better weight distribution and fit more kayak styles.

• Large wheels handle sand and rough terrain better than small, hard plastic ones.

A reliable kayak cart is one of those upgrades you don’t realize you need until you use one.

It saves time, effort, and frustration, letting you focus on what really matters - catching fish.

Keep it simple and find one that’s sturdy, easy to store, and built for the places you fish most.

📷️: Totally Immersed Watersports

KAYAK RIGS
Crescent Lite Tackle

Not every kayak angler needs the latest and greatest to catch fish.

Just ask 76-year-old Bo, this seasoned fisherman who has spent years perfecting his setup and enjoying every moment on the water.

His story is proof that it's not about having the most gear, but about knowing how to use what you have.

So fish on and make the most of your time on the water!

📷️: Bo Ingram

FRESHWATER CATCH
Largemouth Bass

Andrew with an 8lb+ bucket mouth!

Bass Facts:
Largemouth bass are ambush predators that rely on their eyesight and lateral line to detect vibrations from prey.

They thrive in warm, freshwater lakes and rivers, often hiding near structure like submerged logs, weed beds, and rocky points.

Top Three Baits for Largemouth Bass:

• Soft Plastic Worms – Versatile and effective year-round, especially when fished slowly along the bottom.

• Crankbaits – Great for covering water quickly and triggering reaction strikes near drop-offs and structure.

• Topwater Frogs – Perfect for explosive strikes in heavy vegetation and lily pads, especially during warmer months.

No matter the season, having these baits in your tackle box will keep you ready for whatever mood the bass are in, so tie one on and get casting!

📷️: Andrew Pinter

SALTWATER CATCH
Tarpon

While in Florida, John caught the fish of a lifetime, a gorgeous tarpon!

Tarpon Facts:
Tarpon are powerful, acrobatic fish known for their incredible jumps and tough, bony mouths that make them difficult to hook.

These saltwater giants thrive in warm coastal waters, often found in estuaries, bays, and near mangrove shorelines.

Top Three Baits for Tarpon:

• Live Mullet or Pinfish – A top choice for enticing big tarpon, especially when free-lined or under a float.

• Soft Plastic Swimbaits – Great for mimicking baitfish and triggering aggressive strikes in both clear and murky water.

• Topwater Plugs – Perfect for early mornings or low-light conditions when tarpon are actively feeding near the surface.

Hooking a tarpon is one thing, but landing one is another challenge entirely, so be ready for a fight and enjoy the ride!

📷️: Deep Blue Kayak Fishing Charters

TASTY RECIPES
Perch & Chips

A heaping side of tartar sauce and some ketchup is all I need!

Ingredients:

Crispy Fish:
1 1/2 lbs white fish fillets (e.g., cod, tilapia, or haddock)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cold club soda or beer
1 large egg
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Fries:
2 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Fries

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   

2. Toss the potato fries with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
   

3. Spread in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Make the Batter for the Fish

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
   

2. Add cold club soda or beer and the beaten egg, mixing until smooth.
   Fry the Fish:

3. Pat the fish fillets dry, then season with salt and black pepper.
   

4. Dip each fillet into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off.
   

5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
   

6. Fry the fish in batches for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Arrange the crispy fish and fries on a serving platter. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Recipe - Reddit

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

Be honest! Is this you or somebody you know? 😂 

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thank you for being part of the Crew!

To our longtime subscribers, we appreciate your support and trust in us as your go-to source for all things kayak fishing.

To our new subscribers, welcome aboard! We’re excited to have you join our growing community of passionate anglers.

Your love for kayak fishing keeps us inspired, and we’re proud to share tips, stories, and gear recommendations to help you make the most of every trip.

Whether you’re on the water every weekend or counting down the days until your next adventure, we’re glad to be part of your journey.

Tight lines, and we’ll see you in the next edition!

~ 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.