Find More Crappie, Upgrade Your Paddle & Tackle Tough Fights

Good morning, Crew!

Welcome to this week's Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter! We've got fresh tips, gear talk, and fish stories lined up to keep you hooked.

Whether you're here for the latest news, a few laughs, or some solid fishing advice, you're in the right place.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's dive in!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
Chasing Crappie in Southern Reservoirs

Crappie love to school up in southern reservoirs, but finding them from a kayak takes a mix of patience and strategy.

Whether you're fishing Sam Rayburn, Guntersville, or another big lake, knowing where to look and how to present your bait makes all the difference.

➡️ Here are three tips to help you put more crappie in the cooler.

1. Target Brush Piles and Submerged Timber
Crappie hold tight to structure, especially in reservoirs with plenty of sunken trees and brush piles.

Use your fish finder to locate clusters of fish, then drop a jig or minnow right into the strike zone.

• Focus on water 10 to 20 feet deep, depending on the season

• Slowly work jigs vertically to trigger bites from stacked-up crappie

• If one brush pile is slow, move to the next—schools roam but stay near cover

2. Follow the Bait Schools
Crappie are always on the hunt for shad, and if you find the bait, you'll find the fish.

Watch for diving birds or use your electronics to spot clouds of baitfish in open water.

• Troll small jigs or crankbaits near bait schools for roaming crappie

• Fish early morning or late evening when crappie push bait to the surface

• Match the hatch with small shad-imitating plastics or live minnows

3. Dial in the Right Jig Color and Size
Crappie can be picky, and the right jig makes all the difference.

Start with natural colors in clear water and switch to brighter hues in murky conditions.

• Use 1/16- to 1/8-ounce jigs for a slow, enticing fall

• Chartreuse, pink, and white work great in stained water

• If bites slow down, try a smaller jig or add a crappie nibble for scent

🐟️ Next time you're chasing crappie in a big southern reservoir, keep these tips in mind. A little patience and the right approach can turn a slow day into a slab-filled one!

📷️: Andrew Mack

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Want to compete in kayak fishing tournaments but don't know where to begin? This guide will help you get started and join the fun. (On The Water)

• The Everglades is home to trophy snook, tarpon, and redfish—discover how anglers use motorized kayaks to find them. (Sport Fishing)

• Ready to reel in some doormat flounder? Check out these expert tips to enhance your fishing experience. (Florida Sportsman)

KAYAK GEAR
Paddle Upgrades – What Makes a Difference?

Upgrading your kayak paddle might not be the first thing on your mind, but it’s one of the easiest ways to improve your time on the water.

The right paddle reduces fatigue, increases efficiency, and makes covering long distances much easier.

Many kayak anglers start with a basic paddle and don’t realize how much a high-quality one can change their experience.

If you’re spending hours on the water, it’s worth knowing how paddle material, blade shape, and length impact performance.

Material plays a big role in weight, efficiency, and comfort. A lighter paddle means less strain on your arms and shoulders, which matters when you’re paddling for hours or battling wind and current.

Carbon fiber paddles are the lightest and most efficient but can be pricey. Fiberglass is a great middle-ground option that offers durability without the high cost.

Aluminum and plastic paddles are budget-friendly but tend to feel heavier and less responsive, which can lead to quicker fatigue.

• Carbon fiber – Ultra-light, stiff, and highly efficient but comes with a higher price tag

• Fiberglass – Strong, lighter than aluminum, and more affordable than carbon fiber

• Aluminum/plastic – Heavier and best for short trips or budget-conscious anglers

Blade shape and length determine how you move through the water. Wide blades generate more power per stroke, making them ideal for quick acceleration or dealing with strong currents. However, they require more effort over time.

Narrow blades are better for long-distance paddling, offering a smoother, more energy-efficient stroke.

Adjustable-length paddles are a game-changer for kayak anglers, especially if you switch between sitting and standing or have a high-seat position.

• Wide blades – Provide more power per stroke but can be tiring over long distances

• Narrow blades – Offer smoother, more efficient strokes for covering more water with less effort

• Adjustable length – Perfect for anglers who fish from different kayak styles or seating positions

A quality paddle is one of the most overlooked upgrades, but it can make a huge difference in comfort and control.

👉️ Check out a variety of kayak fishing paddles and see which one best fits your style and needs!

If your current paddle feels heavy, strains your shoulders, or isn’t helping you cut through the water efficiently, consider investing in a better one.

The right paddle means more time fishing, less time struggling, and a much better day on the water!

📷️: Pedals & Paddles

KAYAK RIGS
Native Slayer Propel Max 12.5

🐟️ Chris has his Native Slayer Propel Max 12.5 set up for a full day on the water.

The deck is rigged with a fish finder, rod holders, and easy-to-reach storage, giving him a clean and efficient layout for chasing fish.

To get his kayak to the launch, Chris uses a sturdy cart designed to handle rough terrain. A quick lift, and he’s ready to roll his setup straight to the water.

📷️: Chris Taylor

FRESHWATER CATCH
Smallmouth Bass

Alfred Morgan holds up his 3lb 1oz personal best smallmouth bass, a great-looking fish, and a chunky-looking football!

🎣 The smallmouth bass is a hard-fighting freshwater fish known for its aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps.

1. Smallmouth bass prefer clear, rocky waters with strong currents, often found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

2. They are known for their incredible strength, often punching well above their weight when hooked.

3. Unlike largemouth bass, smallmouths have a bronze or brownish-green body with vertical bars along their sides.

4. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish, minnows, and insects, making them opportunistic predators.

5. Smallmouth bass can live over 15 years, with some trophy fish reaching lengths of 20 inches or more.

✅ Whether you're fishing from a kayak or the shore, hooking into a smallmouth is always a battle worth fighting.

📷️: Alfred Morgan

SALTWATER CATCH
Jack Crevalle

Here’s a beautiful Jack! You’ll know you’re into something when you set that hook!

🎣 Jack Crevalle are aggressive, fast-moving predators that put up some of the hardest fights in saltwater fishing.

They travel in large schools, creating chaotic feeding frenzies as they chase down baitfish.

These fish are constantly on the move, making them unpredictable but exciting to target.

• Feeding behavior – Attack baitfish in frenzied schools, often near the surface

• Best spots – Found in inlets, passes, estuaries, and surf zones

• Top baits – Crush topwater plugs, live bait, and even cut bait

• Fighting style – Powerful, relentless, and known for their brute strength

• Bonus tip – Not the best eating, but a top choice for an unforgettable battle

🐟️ If you're looking for a rod-bending fight, Jack Crevalle never disappoint!

📷️: Ryan Wood

TASTY RECIPES
Sauteed Crappie with Butter Sauce

Here’s a simple recipe that delivers a big taste!

Ingredients:

• 8 3-ounce crappie fillets skin removed

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 5 tablespoons butter chilled

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup dry white wine

• 1 lemon juice only

• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves

• 8 slices tomato about 1/4-inch thick

• 1 avocado sliced into eight thin slices

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Dust fish with flour mixture.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fish and brown on one side, about 3 – 4 minutes. Flip the fish over and cook for two more minutes. Remove fish and keep warm.

3. Add wine and lemon juice and stir to loosen bits stuck to the pan. Reduce liquid to just a few tablespoons. Stir in basil and remaining chilled butter, stirring until butter is melted. Remove from heat.

4. For each serving, arrange one slice of tomato on a plate. Top with one piece of fish and then avocado slices. Place tomato over avocado, fish, and then two more slices of avocado. Drizzle butter sauce over and serve.

Recipe -Sporting Chef

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

What you wish you had when you’re quietly fishing and hear their motors coming around the point! 😮 

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thank you to our loyal subscribers, and a big welcome to our new readers!

Your passion for kayak fishing and support for the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter means everything to us.

We’re excited to share the latest news, tips, and stories from the water each week. And we appreciate your patience as we get everything dialed in on our new platform.

Tight lines and happy fishing!

~ 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.