From Cold Streams to Tropical Waters: Tips for Trout, Bluegills, and Roosterfish!

Good morning, Crew!

We’re thrilled to have both new and loyal readers joining us for another issue of the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter. Your support and enthusiasm fuel this incredible community of passionate anglers.

Sharing tips, stories, and gear recommendations with you has been an absolute joy, and we’re grateful for the feedback that helps us keep growing together.

This week’s issue is loaded with practical tips, impressive catches, and a must-try recipe - let’s get started!

~ The Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
Targeting Trout in Cold Water Streams

🐟️ Fishing for rainbow and brown trout in clear, cold streams is a unique challenge that combines precision and patience.

Here are three practical tips to help you land these elusive fish while enjoying the beauty of Southeast and Midwest rivers.

1. Focus on Current Breaks and Eddies

Trout love to hang out in areas where they can conserve energy while food flows past them. Position your kayak near these spots, but approach quietly to avoid spooking the fish.

• Look for rocks, logs, or bends in the river that create slower water.

• Cast your lure or fly upstream and let it drift naturally into the eddy.

• Keep your distance; a stealthy approach can make all the difference.

2. Use Natural-Looking Baits and Lures

Clear, cold water means trout can see everything. Stick with realistic patterns and colors to mimic their natural diet.

• Opt for small spinners, spoons, or nymph patterns in muted tones.

• Try live bait like worms or minnows when lures aren't working.

• Adjust your presentation speed; slower retrieves often perform better in cold water.

3. Master the Art of Casting from Your Kayak

Casting accuracy is crucial when targeting specific spots in narrow streams. Practice short, precise casts to get your bait exactly where it needs to be.

• Use a shorter rod for better control in tight quarters.

• Anchor your kayak or use a drag chain to stabilize your position.

• Keep an eye on overhanging branches to avoid frustrating snags.

🎣 Coldwater trout fishing is all about precision, patience, and persistence. Try out these tips on your next trip and see how many strikes you can turn into unforgettable catches!

📷️: Tanner Speidel

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Find out how "reverse surfcasting" can help you access fish that shore anglers might miss. (On The Water)

• Discover which lures work best for crappie during the chilly months. (Fish Talk Mag)

• Uncover traditional strategies to make your winter bass fishing trips more productive. (Wired2Fish)

KAYAK GEAR
Fish Landing Nets

When it comes to kayak fishing, a landing net can be a game-changer or something you decide to leave at home. It all depends on your fishing style and what you're targeting.

For anglers chasing larger fish or those with sharp teeth, a net can make landing them safer and less stressful for both you and the fish.

If you decide to carry a net, look for one that's lightweight and easy to handle in tight quarters. Rubberized nets are a smart choice—they’re gentle on fish and won’t snag hooks.

Consider one with a telescoping or folding handle to save space on your kayak.

• Rubber-coated or silicone mesh prevents damage to fish and reduces tangles.

• A floating net adds peace of mind if it slips overboard.

• Compact designs fit neatly into kayak storage areas.

For those who skip the net, practice solid fish-handling techniques to avoid lost catches. Grip aids like fish grippers from Rapala can help you safely control your catch without needing a net.

🎣 At the end of the day, the decision comes down to what makes you most comfortable and confident on the water.

📷️: Nicholas Beltran

KAYAK RIGS
Bonafide SS127

A sweet Bonafide setup! 😍 

Powered with a Motor guide XI3 w/gps, power supplied by an Amped outdoors 80 AH, a Garmin Echo Map 93SV to see beneath the water, and many other upgrades!

📷️: Chase Spredlin

FRESHWATER CATCH
Bluegill

A beauty of a bluegill! 🐟️ 

If you're fishing for bluegills in winter, here's how to adjust your approach:

1. Find Deep Structures: Look for bluegills in deeper water near submerged brush, rock piles, or drop-offs, as they tend to stay in warmer, stable zones.

2. Use Lightweight Gear: Opt for ultralight rods with 2-4 lb test line to detect subtle bites during their slower winter feeding.

3. Bait Choices: Tiny jigs tipped with waxworms, mealworms, or small soft plastics are effective. Keep presentations slow and steady.

4. Warm Afternoons: Bluegills are more likely to bite during the warmest part of the day when the water temperature rises slightly.

5. Fish Slowly: Move your bait slowly and let it sit longer to tempt lethargic bluegills.

✅ Winter open-water fishing for bluegills requires patience, but it can be just as productive with the right adjustments!

📷️: @5050Fishing

SALTWATER CATCH
Roosterfish

The roosterfish, with its striking look and powerful runs, promises an unforgettable challenge for any kayak fisherman.

🎣 Roosterfish behavior can change during colder winter months, but you can still target them effectively in certain conditions:

1. Warmer Regions: In tropical areas where water temperatures remain relatively stable, such as Costa Rica or Panama, roosterfish remain active year-round, including winter.

2. Deeper Waters: In colder regions or cooler months, roosterfish may move slightly deeper to find warmer water, so focus on drop-offs or areas just offshore.

3. Bait Still Works: Live bait like mullet or sardines remains effective, but you may need to fish deeper or slower to match their more cautious feeding behavior.

4. Peak Times: Roosterfish are more likely to bite during midday in cooler months when the water warms slightly under the sun.

While not as aggressive as in warmer seasons, roosterfish are still catchable in winter if you adjust your tactics to their seasonal patterns.

📷️: @pacific_kayak_Fishing

TASTY RECIPES
Honey Browned Trout (Candy Trout)

😋 Here’s a fun and easy recipe to bring out the flavors of trout with a crispy twist!

Ingredients:

• 2 fish fillets (Trout, Salmon or Steelhead)

• ¹⁄₃ cup light brown sugar

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pinch kosher salt

• 1 pinch black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. Combine honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Puree/process until well mixed. (It will look like slightly melted whipped butter).

3. Spray a shallow baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly butter (your choice). Place fillets in the ish.

4. Brush on the honey sauce, trying to use it all.

5. Sprinkle with brown sugar, covering the fillets.

6. Bake (my fillets took 30 minutes to be done) until fillets are golden brown and the sugar has caramelized.

7. Serve warm.

Recipe - Food.com

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

Have a buddy that snaps more sunset pics than fish? Share this with him! 🎣 🤣 

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

🎣 A huge thank-you to our loyal Crew and a warm welcome to those of you tuning in for the first time!

👉️ Your ideas and feedback help us create a newsletter that hits the mark, keeping the spotlight on what matters most, your love for kayak fishing.

We’re grateful to share tips, stories, and gear updates with you each week. Wishing you a great weekend filled with adventure and plenty of time on the water.

Tight lines and happy fishing!

~ The 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.