Hook Big Bass, Grill Up BBQ Fish, and Stay Safe with Anchors

Good morning, Crew!

➡️ Hey there, just want to take a moment to say thanks for being part of the Kayak Fishing Guide crew.

Whether you’ve been with us for a while or just joined, your support means the world.

🎣 We’re all here to share tips, stories, and a love of fishing, and I’m glad to have you along for the ride!

🔥 In this issue, we’ve got some great stuff lined up for you—everything from gear tips to fishing strategies.

Let’s dive in!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
Winter Striped Bass Kayak Fishing

🌬️❄️ Winter striped bass fishing in East Coast tidal rivers is an exciting challenge for kayak anglers. With cooler water temperatures, stripers tend to gather in predictable spots, making them easier to locate if you know where to look.

👇️ Here are three tips to help you find and hook these cold-weather predators.

1. Focus on Deeper Holes
Stripers love to hunker down in deeper holes during winter where the water is slightly warmer. Look for these areas using your fish finder or by targeting bends in the river with slower-moving currents.

• Check out river bends and channel edges for deeper water.

• Drop jigs or live bait directly into the hole for the best results.

• Fish slow—stripers are less active in cold water.

2. Follow the Baitfish
Striped bass stay close to their food source, especially in colder months. Keep an eye out for schools of baitfish on the surface or with your electronics.

• Use small swimbaits or spoons to mimic baitfish.

• Birds diving into the water often signal feeding activity.

• Cast near the edges of bait balls where the bigger fish lurk.

3. Fish the Warmest Part of the Day
Stripers tend to feed more aggressively when the water warms slightly in the afternoon sun. Plan your trip around mid-morning to early afternoon for the best action.

• Use lures with flash or vibration to grab attention.

• Target sunlit areas near structure like pilings or rocks.

• Avoid the temptation to move quickly; patience pays off.

🎣 Winter fishing for stripers can be tough, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you hook into one of these strong fighters. Bundle up, apply these tips, and enjoy the chase!

📷️: Kevin Dahlke

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Learn how to stay dry, pick the best fishing days, and find where fish congregate during the colder months. (Louisiana Sportsman)

• Thinking of upgrading your fishing kayak? This Reddit thread dives into the pros and cons of the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 vs. Bigwater 132! (Reddit)

• Snakeheads can be a handful in a kayak! Find out how to keep control and stay safe. (Fish Talk)

KAYAK GEAR
Kayak Anchors: Are They Safe?

Using a kayak anchor can be a game-changer for staying put while fishing, but safety should always come first.

Anchors can create risks if not used properly, especially in strong currents or windy conditions.

Understanding when and how to use an anchor can help you fish more effectively without putting yourself in danger.

Types of Kayak Anchors
Not all anchors are created equal, and choosing the right one depends on where you fish. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s worth knowing what works best for your needs:

• Grapnel Anchor: A compact option with folding arms, ideal for rocky or uneven bottoms where it can grip effectively.

• Mushroom Anchor: Best for calm waters and soft, muddy bottoms but struggles in stronger currents.

• Drift Anchor: A parachute-style anchor used to slow your drift in open water, perfect for windy days.

• Stake-Out Pole: Great for shallow waters; simply push it into the bottom to hold your kayak in place.

Safety Tips for Using Anchors
Here are a few tips to keep your anchoring safe:

• Avoid anchoring in fast-moving water where currents can pull your kayak unexpectedly.

• Always attach the anchor line to an anchor trolley or the bow/stern, never the sides.

• Use a quick-release system so you can detach the anchor if things get dicey.

➡️ Remember, anchors are tools, not lifelines. If conditions feel unsafe, it’s best to skip the anchor and drift or paddle to a safer spot.

🎣 A little extra caution goes a long way when it comes to staying safe on the water.

📷️: Game & Fish Mag

KAYAK RIGS
Native Slayer Propel Max 10

A beautiful shot of Rick’s Native Slayer kayak!

With the sun setting on the horizon, a well-rigged Native Slayer Propel Max 10 keeps you ready for the next cast. Simple, reliable, and built for the water, it’s all about enjoying the time spent fishing.

📷️: Rick Guilfoil

FRESHWATER CATCH
Largemouth Bass

🎣 January can be a great time to target big largemouth bass, especially in deeper waters where they retreat during colder months.

Winter Fishing for Largemouth Bass Tips:

• Fish Deep: Bass often move to deeper water during colder months, so target drop-offs, ledges, and underwater structures.

• Slow Your Retrieve: Use jigs, soft plastics, or blade baits with a slow and steady retrieve to match the bass's slower metabolism.

• Focus on Warmest Times of Day: Mid-morning to afternoon, when the water warms slightly, can trigger feeding activity.

• Look for Cover: Bass often hold near submerged logs, rocks, or vegetation for warmth and shelter.

• Use Natural Colors: In clear winter water, lures in natural shades like green pumpkin or shad work best to entice cautious bass.

🐟️ Patience is key. Winter fishing may be slower, but the rewards can be worth it when you land a big one!

📷️: Bailey Eigbrett

SALTWATER CATCH
Warsaw Grouper

🎣 Catching a Warsaw Grouper from a kayak is an incredible feat, especially in shallower waters like 70 feet.

These powerful fish can still be targeted with live bait or large cut bait near rocky ledges or underwater structures, making them an exciting challenge for saltwater kayak anglers.

Facts About the Warsaw Grouper:

• Size and Strength: Warsaw groupers are among the largest grouper species, with some exceeding 300 pounds, making them a prized catch for anglers.

• Habitat: They are typically found near rocky ledges, deep drop-offs, and underwater structures, but can occasionally surprise anglers in shallower waters.

• Diet: These fish are opportunistic feeders, preying on a variety of fish, squid, and crustaceans, which makes live bait and large cut bait highly effective.

• Longevity: Warsaw groupers are slow-growing and can live for several decades, adding to their mystique and making conservation efforts critical.

• Rarity: Due to overfishing and their slow reproductive rates, they are considered a rare and special catch in many waters.

🎣 Catching one of these giants is a thrilling experience, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable fishing practices!

📷️: Matthew Vann

TASTY RECIPES
BBQ Spiced Fish

Fire up your taste buds with this easy BBQ spiced fish recipe that’s perfect for your next catch! 😋 

Ingredients:

• 4 (8 ounce) white fish fillets, firm

• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, melted

Combine ingredients below to make the dry marinade

• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt

• 2 tsp ground sweet paprika

• ¹⁄₂ tsp white pepper

• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cayenne pepper

• ¹⁄₄ tsp ground oregano

• ¹⁄₄ tsp dried basil

• ¹⁄₄ tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

1. Dry fish fillets with paper towels and brush with melted butter, set aside.

2. To make the dry marinade, Combine all the dry spices and sprinkle over the buttered fish fillets.

3. Cook the fillet on a lightly greased grill for 8-10 minutes, turning once during cooking.

4. Note: You may find it easier to double the quantity of this dry marinade and store the remaining mixture for later use. Store in a covered airtight jar in the freezer for best results. It adds flavor to seafood, poultry, and beef.

Recipe - Food.com

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

Ever show up to a tournament knowing the door prizes are your best shot at a win? 🤣

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Before you head out, I just want to say thanks for being here.

Whether you’re a long-time reader or brand new to the crew, your support keeps this newsletter going.

It’s always great to share tips and stories with fellow kayak anglers like you—tight lines, have fun, and be safe out on the water!

~ 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.