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- Fillet Fish on the Spot, Anchor Perfectly, and Hook Giant Lake Trout!
Fillet Fish on the Spot, Anchor Perfectly, and Hook Giant Lake Trout!
Discover the secret to using ChatterBaits for fall bass, control your kayak with an anchor trolley, and hook more fish at drop-offs.
Good morning, Crew!
Welcome to this week's edition of the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter!
We're excited to bring you the latest in kayak fishing news, tips, and stories that make our sport so thrilling.
Now, let’s dive into what you’ll find in this issue—here’s a quick rundown of what’s in store for you!
Discover why kayak fishing is making waves and how ChatterBaits are a must-have for reeling in big bass this fall.
Learn all about anchor trolley systems and how they give you complete control in windy or strong current conditions.
Discover three easy tips for fishing drop-offs effectively and start landing more fish today!
And more…
Whether you're here for the gear advice, the big fish tales, or just a good laugh, we've got something special lined up for you.
Dive in, and let's make the most of our time on the water together!
~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team
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2025 KAYAK ANGLER AWARDS
Cast Your Vote!
VOTING DEADLINE: THURSDAY, OCT 31
The 2025 Kayak Angler Awards are here, celebrating the top products in kayak fishing, from safety gear to the best kayaks and SUPs.
Help us make this inaugural event special by voting for the most innovative gear in kayak fishing!
BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds
Kayak fishing has become a huge hit, and here’s why it’s changing the game for anglers everywhere!
Discover why ChatterBaits are a must-have for reeling in those big bass during the fall season.
Revealed! How to quickly fillet your catch in the field with this easy-to-follow guide.
KAYAK GEAR
Anchor Trolley Systems
✔️ An anchor trolley system gives you full control of where you position your kayak on the water.
Kayak Anchor Trolley
➡️ It lets you move your anchor point from the bow to the stern without having to get out of your seat.
Adjust your anchor position easily
Stay in the best spot for fishing
Great for windy days or strong currents
🎣 With an anchor trolley, you can anchor quietly and avoid spooking fish in the area. You can also position your kayak just right to keep your line in the strike zone.
Helps you fish quietly without drifting
Keeps your kayak steady in one spot
Lets you focus more on fishing
🔧 Installing a trolley system is simple and it works with any type of kayak anchor. Whether you are using a claw anchor or a stake out pole, the system helps you place it exactly where you need it.
Easy to install on most kayaks
Works with different types of anchors
Gives you more control in tough conditions
A kayak anchor trolley system is one of the best upgrades for keeping you steady on the water so you can focus on what matters—catching fish!
KAYAK RIGS
Native Slayer Propel 10
Give Jake Milburn’s pedal drive Native Slayer kayak a lookover!. It looks like he has rigged himself quite a fish-catching machine! 🐟️
At 10 feet long, it’s known for maneuverability in tight spaces, making it perfect for fishing in smaller lakes, rivers, or coastal waters.
The kayak features plenty of storage for tackle and gear, a comfortable seating system, and a stable platform for standing while casting.
FRESHWATER CATCH
Lake Trout
Check out Tom Fornabia from Fish Up North as he lands an impressive lake trout, showing us all how it's done!
🎣 Hooking a trophy lake trout from a kayak is a challenge like no other, offering a thrill that stays with you long after the trip is over.
Using a white or pearl tube jig, especially around 3-4 inches in length, is an easy and effective way for beginners to target lake trout.
Drop it deep, jig it near the bottom, and its natural motion mimics prey, making it ideal for fishing from kayaks.
The tube jig’s versatility allows beginners to fish at various depths with minimal effort, offering a forgiving, productive experience for a great day on the water.
There's nothing quite like battling a powerful fish right from your kayak.
THREE FISHING TIPS
Successfully Fishing Drop-Offs
👉️ Drop-offs are prime fishing spots if you know how to work them right.
Here are three easy tips to help you hook more fish when fishing these underwater edges.
Fish will suspend along drop-offs!
1. Use a Depth Finder
A depth finder is a must-have tool for fishing drop-offs. It helps you locate the edge where shallow water drops into deeper zones, often where fish like to hang out.
Helps you find the drop-off quickly
Pinpoints where fish are holding
2. Cast Parallel to the Drop-Off
Casting parallel to the drop-off keeps your bait in the strike zone longer, increasing your chances of catching fish. This technique works best because it covers more ground where fish are cruising for food.
Increases time in the strike zone
Covers more area along the edge
3. Vary Your Retrieve Speed
Switching up your retrieve speed can trigger different fish behaviors. A slower retrieve can tempt cautious fish, while a quicker one might spark a reaction bite from more aggressive ones.
Slow retrieves for finicky fish
Fast retrieves for reaction strikes
Master these drop-off techniques, and you’ll be landing more fish in no time!
TASTY RECIPES
Easy Lemon Butter Fish
Easy Lemon Butter Fish
Ingredients:
Four firm white fish fillets, about 6 inches long, 1-inch thickness throughout (cod, halibut, or mahi mahi are great )
3 tbsp melted butter
Juice and zest from 1 medium lemon
½ tsp kosher salt, divided, plus extra to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
Freshly chopped basil or parsley leaves for garnish and flavor
Extra lemon slices for serving
Instructions:
Use paper towels to dry excess moisture from fish fillets thoroughly. This step is crucial for the fish to brown nicely in the pan—otherwise, it will steam instead of brown. Set aside.
Combine melted butter, lemon juice, zest, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt in a bowl. Stir to combine well. Taste and add a bit more kosher salt, if desired.
Combine the remaining 1/4 tsp kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Evenly press the spice mixture onto all sides of the fish fillets.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pan over medium-high heat until hot. Once the oil is sizzling, cook two fish fillets at a time to avoid overcrowding and allow even browning.
Cook each side until the fish becomes opaque, feels somewhat firm in the center, and browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Lightly drizzle some lemon butter sauce as you cook, reserving the rest for serving.
Season with extra kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste if desired.
Serve fish with lemon butter sauce, basil or parsley, and lemon wedges.
Recipe - Chew Out Loud
SALTWATER CATCH
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
🔥 A solid fluke catch by Dustin Stevens shows just how rewarding a day on the water can be.
🎣 The #1 bait for fluke (summer flounder) is typically a bucktail jig tipped with Gulp! soft plastics or live bait like squid strips, minnows, or spearing.
The combination of the bucktail’s movement and the scent of the soft plastic or live bait proves highly effective for attracting fluke, as they are ambush predators that rely on both sight and scent.
😮 A little-known fact about Fluke is that they can change their color to blend in with their surroundings.
This camouflage ability helps them hide from predators and ambush prey while lying flat on the ocean floor.
HUMOR
Fishing Memes
THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!
Thank you to all our loyal subscribers and a warm welcome to our new readers!
Your enthusiasm for kayak fishing and support for the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter means the world to us.
We're thrilled to have you on this journey as we share the latest news, tips, and stories from the water.
We also appreciate your patience as we navigate the ins and outs of our new newsletter platform.
Happy fishing, and here's to many more adventures together!
~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team
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