Color Matters, Clear Water Smallmouth, Spotted Macks

Good morning , Crew!

Whether you're a new reader or a long-time subscriber, we’re glad to have you aboard for another week of kayak fishing goodness.

Here’s a quick look at what’s waiting for you in this issue:

✔️ Three smart lure color tips for catching speckled trout in murky water

✔️ A kayak rig walkthrough featuring a Bonafide SS127 with serious upgrades

✔️ Big smallmouth bass tips for clear desert lakes this spring

And more...

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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

THREE FISHING TIPS
Best Lure Colors for Spring Speckled Trout in Murky Water

When spring brings murky water, speckled trout still feed aggressively—you just need to help them find your bait.

The right lure color and the right way to fish it can make all the difference.

1. Start with chartreuse.
Chartreuse is bright enough to cut through stained water, and it works great with a slow, steady retrieve.

Cast near structure, let the bait sink for a second or two, then swim it back with a steady reel and short rod twitches every few seconds.

• Use a 3-inch paddle tail in solid chartreuse

• Fish it along grass edges or shell bottoms

• Pause briefly after each twitch to mimic a wounded baitfish

2. Go dark for contrast.
Dark colors like purple, black, or plum make a bold silhouette in muddy water.

Rig it on a light jighead, let it fall naturally, and give your rod a pop-pop-rest rhythm to imitate a shrimp or small mullet.

• Use a soft plastic shrimp or minnow in dark hues

• Count to three before the first twitch after casting

• Work slower than usual to stay in the strike zone longer

3. Mix in glitter or gold flake.
Flash helps trout zero in on your bait, especially in cloudy water.

Use a slow hop-and-drag method on the bottom with lures that have gold or silver flakes to get noticed without overdoing it.

• Try root beer or morning glory colors with sparkle

• Bounce it off the bottom, then let it sit for a beat

• Watch your line for subtle ticks or jumps—strikes can be soft

Next time the water’s murky, use these lure colors and techniques to turn tough conditions into a solid day on the water.

📷️: Xavier West

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Discover how one rig can help you land winter flounder, tautog, and striped bass in a single outing. (The Fisherman)

• ​Curious about the latest in fishing kayaks? Check out this first look at the new Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Pro.​ (Outdoor Life)

• Learn why suspending jerkbaits can be your secret weapon for ice-out pike fishing success.​ (FishnCanada)

KAYAK RIGS
Bonafide SS127

Here’s a sharp Bonafide SS127 build that’s ready for long days on the water this summer.

This one was a lucky Craigslist find. The owner picked it up brand new for $800 from someone who never even put it in the water.

It came with YakAttack gear and a paddle, and had been sitting untouched for four years.

He added a Motorguide Xi5 24-volt motor with built-in GPS and transducer, then mounted a Lowrance Hook 7 display to the dry pod.

Power comes from a 100 amp hour lithium battery, which gives him a cruising speed of 5.5 mph and about 10 miles of range on flat water using 80 percent of the battery.

It’s a solid, no-nonsense setup that balances performance and simplicity. If you're considering a motor upgrade this season, this is a good example of how to do it right without overcomplicating the rig.

📷️: Polish_AK_Alfa

FRESHWATER CATCH
Smallmouth Bass

🎣 Irving Johnson landed his personal best smallmouth—a 5lb 3oz, 20-inch beast—on a drop shot with a green pumpkin flat worm at Lake Mohave, proving that finesse tactics rule in clear desert lakes this time of year.

• Target rocky shorelines, gravel flats, and submerged ledges where smallmouth cruise for baitfish as the water hits the mid-50s

• Use a drop shot rig with a short 6–8" leader to keep your bait just above the rocky bottom where smallies hunt

• Stick with natural-colored baits like green pumpkin, watermelon, or shad patterns—these match the clear water and sparse cover

• Cast, let the bait settle, then gently shake the rod tip while keeping slack out of your line to trigger subtle bites

• Ned rigs and small swimbaits also work well—drag them slowly along the bottom and pause often to mimic craws or stunned baitfish

Smallmouth in desert lakes are smart and aggressive, especially in spring when they’re feeding up before the spawn.

These fish stick tight to structure, hunt in packs, and often strike out of reaction—so once you hook one, don’t be surprised if it turns into a flurry.

With water temps rising and fish moving shallow, now’s a great time to finesse your way into some of the best smallmouth action the Southwest has to offer.

📷️: Irvin Johnson

SALTWATER CATCH
Spotted Mackerel

🎣 A calm morning paddle for Hannes Bezuidenhout to the 2 Mile Reef paid off with a solid Spotted Mackerel. It just goes to show that even a short trip on the water can be worth it.

Spotted mackerel are fast, aggressive feeders that often show up in spring nearshore waters, especially around reefs, bait schools, and current lines.

They hit hard, run fast, and make great table fare when bled and iced down quickly.

• Look for surface activity or birds working bait just offshore

• Cast small metal jigs, flashy spoons, or diving plugs at high speed

• Add quick twitches during your retrieve to trigger reaction strikes

They are visual feeders, so speed and flash are key to drawing bites.

Many kayak anglers either drift the outside of reef edges or anchor just off the bait to stay in the zone without pushing fish away.

• Use a light wire leader to prevent cut-offs from sharp teeth

• Stick with spinning setups for long, accurate casts

• A quick morning session can be just as productive as a full-day trip

If you’re planning a spring paddle along the coast, keep a rod ready for speedsters like these. You don’t need much time on the water to hook into something exciting.

📷️: Hannes Bezuidenhout

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

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

Hope you have a great weekend ahead, and if the weather cooperates, we hope you can sneak out on the water for a little time in the seat.

~ 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.