Cold Water Kayaking, Gear Fixes, and Tasty Bass

Good morning, Crew!

Welcome to this week’s Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter!

We’re thrilled to share the best in kayak fishing news, tips, and stories that keep our community hooked.

From gear insights to epic catches and a little humor along the way, there’s something here for every angler.

Let’s paddle into it and make this week on the water unforgettable!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

P.S. You can earn some awesome gifts when you share the newsletter with others! Spread the word and enjoy the perks!

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BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Are you following the 120 rule when kayak fishing in cold water? Stay safe with these essential tips. (Old Town)

• Ever wondered if you’re the only one paddling out when the temps drop? Check out how late others keep fishing! (Reddit)

• Discover how to target fall river walleyes and make the most of this prime fishing season. (River Certified)

• Uncover the secrets to successful snook fishing in Florida and take your skills to the next level. (Any Creek)

KAYAK GEAR
Repairing Kayak Hull Scratches

Every kayak earns its scratches, but keeping your hull in good shape is key for performance and durability.

The good news? Repairing minor scratches is simple with the right tools and a little know-how. 🛠️

Whether you're dealing with shallow scrapes or deeper gouges, a few basic items can restore your kayak to its former glory.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 🪵 Fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block: Perfect for smoothing out shallow scratches.

• 🔥 Plastic welding kit or heat gun: Great for filling deeper gouges, especially on polyethylene hulls.

• 💧 Marine-grade sealant: Ensures a watertight finish for cracks or repairs.

👉️ For step-by-step instructions and more tips, check out our full guide on repairing kayak scratches. Taking care of these dings now can save you from bigger problems later—and keep you paddling smoothly for seasons to come.

KAYAK RIGS
Jackson Kayak

A sweet kayak setup and gorgeous-looking water in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, too!

📸: Wilberto Marrero

FRESHWATER CATCH
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

The tiger shovelnose catfish is a stunning and powerful freshwater fish found in the rivers of Brazil.

Known for its bold striped pattern and long, flat snout, this catfish is a prized catch for anglers seeking a challenge.

Living in the Amazon and other South American river systems, it thrives in fast-moving waters and can grow to impressive sizes, making it a true trophy fish for adventurous kayak fishermen.

📸: Anderson Guedes

THREE FISHING TIPS
Maximizing your Fish Finder’s Potential

Your fish finder is one of the most powerful tools on your kayak, but using it effectively can make all the difference.

These simple tips will help you unlock its full potential and find more fish on your trips.

1. Fine-tune your settings
Adjusting your fish finder’s sensitivity, contrast, and frequency can greatly improve its accuracy. Spend a few minutes dialing it in before you start fishing.

• Set sensitivity high enough to pick up fish, but not clutter.

• Use lower frequencies for deep water and higher for shallow areas.

• Adjust brightness and contrast to match the day’s light conditions.

2. Learn to read the screen
Interpreting what you see on the fish finder is key to spotting fish and structure. Pay attention to the shapes and patterns on the display.

• Arches typically indicate fish moving through the sonar beam.

• Identify underwater structures like drop-offs and vegetation.

• Look for baitfish schools as a sign of predator activity.

3. Mark and revisit productive spots
Use your fish finder to mark areas where you find fish or good structure. This helps you build a map of reliable fishing locations.

• Save waypoints directly on your fish finder.

• Note depth and bottom composition for each spot.

• Check marked locations on future trips for consistent results.

🐟️ With a little practice and these tips, your fish finder can become your best friend on the water. Use it wisely, and you’ll spend less time searching and more time catching.

📸 : Josh Welch

TASTY RECIPES
Cajun Fried Bass

Cajun fried bass is a crispy, spicy bite of Southern heaven that’ll keep you coming back for more! 😋 

Ingredients:

• ¼ Cup Hot Sauce

• 1 Cup Buttermilk

• Up To a Dozen Bass Fillets

• 10 oz. Cajun Fish Fry Seasoning Mix

• Peanut Oil

• Salt

Instructions:

1. In a lidded container, combine your favorite hot sauce (everyone who likes hot sauce has a favorite) and buttermilk. Soak fillets in this mixture for no less than 2 hours. Soaking overnight gives the best results.

2. Allow fillets to drip-dry in a strainer before seasoning.

3. In a flat pan, add the seasoning mix and press the fillets firmly into the meal on each side. Do this two or three times to create a nice crust.

4. Heat oil to 375 degrees, in a skillet or deep fryer. Fry the fish until they float and turn crispy and golden (approximately 2 minutes).

5. Once fillets are done, salt immediately on both sides as you remove the fish from the oil.

After that, they’re ready to be gobbled up! If you are going to wait a couple of minutes to eat, put those puppies on a tray lined with paper towels so they don’t get soggy.

Recipe - Georgia Wildlife Blog

SALTWATER CATCH
Halibut

Halibut fishing from a kayak in Homer, Alaska, is an adventure you’ll never forget.

Homer, known as the "Halibut Capital of the World," is the perfect spot to hook into these giant flatfish while paddling through the beautiful waters of Kachemak Bay.

🎣 With a little planning and the right gear, you can enjoy incredible fishing and some of the most amazing views around—it’s a must-try for any angler.

📸: Steve Hill

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thank you for being part of the Crew!

To our loyal subscribers, we truly appreciate your support and trust as your go-to source for kayak fishing.

To our new subscribers, welcome aboard—we’re excited to have you join our growing community.

Your love for kayak fishing drives everything we do, and we’re proud to be part of your journey.

Whether you’re paddling out every weekend or planning your next adventure, we’re here to keep you inspired.

Tight lines, and see you in the next edition!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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