Catch More Bass, Upgrade Your Gear & Tuna Tale

Good morning, Crew!

Whether you’re new here or have been with us a while, we’re glad to have you with us this week.

We’ve got some great stuff lined up to get you ready for spring fishing and beyond.

Here’s what you’ll find in this issue:

• Three smart tips for catching April bass with a spinnerbait

• Why every kayak angler should carry a bilge pump (and a clever way to upgrade it)

• A downrigger-ready kayak rig that’s been putting lake trout in the net

• And more...

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
April Bass Tip: Hit Staging Areas with a Spinnerbait

April’s when bass start getting serious about spawning, and they love to hang out just outside their shallow water spots.

If you're out in your kayak and not sure what to throw, a spinnerbait is a smart option.

It covers water quickly, looks like a fleeing baitfish, and gets reaction bites from fish that aren't quite locked in yet.

1. Fish the Edges of Spawning Coves
Bass like to pause and hang out on points or drops near their spawning areas.

These are great places to slow-roll a spinnerbait and find fish waiting for the right conditions.

• Look for rocky or brushy spots just outside the cove

• Cast past the structure and retrieve through it

• Keep your bait in 3 to 8 feet of water

2. Work Windy Banks When You Can
Wind pushes baitfish and adds movement to the water, which makes your lure even more convincing.

Spinnerbaits shine in these spots and help you cover shoreline fast.

• Target shorelines and points with a light chop

• Use white or chartreuse skirts for better visibility

• Keep your rod tip down for better feel and control

3. Go Slower After a Cold Snap
If a front moves through and the bite slows, don’t put your spinnerbait away.

Try creeping it along the bottom where bass might be sulking.

• Choose a heavier bait to keep it down deep

• Retrieve at a slow, steady pace with a few pauses

• Focus on logs, rocks, or deeper brush

Next time you're on the water, give these spots and tactics a shot. April bass can be tricky, but a spinnerbait in the right place can make all the difference.

📷️: Derek Halas

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Are you rigged up right for spring bass fishing? Find out what you're missing. (Midwest Outdoors)

• This incredible story of a kayak angler battling a 140-pound tuna has already made waves across the fishing world, and it's one you won't want to miss. (Wavy)

• Kayak anglers are hooking into massive bluefin tuna just off the Outer Banks, and the action is closer to shore than you'd ever expect. (Sport Fishing)

KAYAK GEAR
Bilge Pump

Even if you're fishing calm water, a bilge pump is one piece of safety gear every kayak angler should carry.

Wind, paddle splash, rain, or even landing a big fish can let water collect inside your kayak. Over time, that extra water adds weight, slows you down, and makes your kayak feel less stable.

• Helps clear water quickly after rain, waves, or rough landings

• Especially helpful in sit-inside kayaks without scupper holes

• Takes up very little space and adds peace of mind

Most kayak anglers go with a manual pump because it’s simple, light, and doesn't require power. The best ones float, have a bright handle, and are easy to use one-handed if needed.

You don’t need to spend a ton—just make sure it’s built for kayaking, not a general-use one meant for a larger boat.

• Keep it within reach under your seat or bungeed to your crate

• Foam sleeves help it float if dropped

• Try it once before a real trip so you know how it works

✅ Steal This Tactic:
Cut a small piece of pool noodle and zip-tie it around the base of your bilge pump handle. It not only helps it float but gives you a better grip when your hands are wet or cold. It’s a five-minute fix that might save you on the water.

📷️: Confluence Outdoors

KAYAK RIGS
Bonafde RS117

Here’s a simple rig that’s worked well for lake trout: a sit-on-top kayak rigged with a Minn Kota PowerDrive 55 and a compact downrigger.

The trolling motor helps maintain a steady pace while targeting deeper fish, and the downrigger keeps your bait right in the strike zone.

• Kayak needs to be stable enough to handle the downrigger and motor

• PowerDrive 55 provides quiet, slow control for trolling

• Ideal for fishing 60 to 100 feet down for lakers

If you’re trying to reach deeper water without getting too complicated, this setup is a good place to start. Just make sure your kayak is balanced and secure before heading out.

📷️: Guy Lafreniere

FRESHWATER CATCH
Lake Trout

This lake trout was picked up in the evening in about 17 feet of water.

Most of the season, they’ve been holding shallow, but it looks like they're starting to slide deeper. Lakers usually prefer cooler, deeper water, so this might be the start of that shift.

• Caught in 17 feet during evening light

• Fish had been shallow most of the season

• Watch for a move to deeper structure as temps rise

Keep an eye on your sonar and start checking those 20 to 60 foot zones if they’re not where they’ve been. The change happens quick this time of year.

📷️: Up North Kayak Fishing

SALTWATER CATCH
Halibut

A nice flattie hooked up by Greg off the California coast

If you're looking to hook into something big from your kayak, Pacific halibut are a solid choice. They tend to hold on flat, sandy bottoms near drop-offs, reefs, or channels, especially in 50 to 150 feet of water.

Drift fishing works best. Use a heavy jig tipped with herring or squid and keep it moving just above the bottom.

• Focus on sandy or gravel areas near structure

• Match your jig weight to the depth and current (8 to 16 ounces usually works)

• Use short, slow lifts to catch their attention, then let it settle back down

A good drift and steady bottom contact give you the best shot at a bite. When you feel a tap, pause for a second before setting the hook. Halibut often grab and chew before they commit.

📷️: Greg Heredia

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thanks for Reading, Crew!

We’re glad to have you with us each week and appreciate you being part of the Crew.

Hope you get some time on the water this weekend, or at least a chance to sort tackle and plan your next trip.

Enjoy the weekend and fish on!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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