Hook More Fish, Land Bigger Catches, and Fry Them to Perfection! 🎣

Explore live bait fishing tips, a legendary bluegill recipe, and the best fish measuring boards for your kayak.

November 22, 2024

Good morning, Crew!

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter.

Whether you’re planning your next outing or fine-tuning your setup, we’ve got useful tips and insights to keep you prepared.

This issue includes gear advice, updates from the water, and a trivia challenge to test your fishing knowledge.

Let’s dive in and get ready for more time on the water.

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

P.S. Don’t forget—when you share the newsletter with others, you can earn some awesome gear! Spread the word and enjoy the perks!

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Trivia Question?

Which fish can survive on land for hours, even crawling to new water sources if their pond dries up?
*Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

  • 🔎 Discover simple strategies that can transform your next kayak fishing adventure into a big success. (Carolina Sportsman)

  • 🛻 Curious how to safely haul your kayak in a truck bed? These tips from real anglers have you covered! (Reddit)

  • 🎣 Catching pike has never been easier—find out which lures deliver the biggest bites! (Kayak Angler)

KAYAK GEAR
Fish Measuring Boards

When you’re kayak fishing, a reliable fish measuring board is a must-have piece of gear.

Whether you're fishing for fun, in a tournament, or aiming to follow local regulations, having an accurate and durable measuring tool can save you time and hassle on the water.

➡️ Here are some tips to find the right board for your setup:

❗️For Kayak Bass Fishing tournaments, aluminum Ketch bump boards are the only approved measuring boards to ensure accurate and consistent fish measurements.

  • Size and Portability: Look for a board that fits comfortably in your kayak without being too bulky. Compact boards with folding options can save space while still being effective.

  • Durability: Choose a board made from tough materials like aluminum or high-quality plastic to handle wet and rough conditions. A board with UV resistance is also a great choice for those long days in the sun.

  • Ease of Use: Boards with clear markings and a secure lip to hold the fish in place can make measuring quicker and easier, especially when you're dealing with a wriggling catch.

💰️ Investing in a solid fish measuring board not only helps you keep track of your catches but also ensures you stay within the legal limits. It’s one of those tools that makes a big difference without breaking the bank!

KAYAK RIGS
Bonafide PWR129

The Bonafide PWR129 paired with the Newport Vessels NK180 motor lets Jody Cussins enjoy longer fishing trips, navigating rivers with ease even at 64.

FRESHWATER CATCH
Blue Catfish

💪 An 85.2lb blue cat landed by Catfish Sumo founder Daniel Leake is his newest PB!

Daniel Leake

🎣Caught using a skipjack head on a 10/0 hook, ensured it recovered, and released this monster cat back into the Tenessee River!

THREE FISHING TIPS
Kayak Fishing with Live Bait

Fishing with live bait can be one of the most effective ways to hook your next big catch.

Whether you’re targeting bass, trout, or redfish, here are three tips to make the most out of your live bait setup.

1. Keep Your Bait Alive and Lively 

🐟️ Healthy bait means more bites, so keep it lively by storing it properly. Use a bait bucket with aeration to ensure they get enough oxygen.

Avoid overcrowding the bait to reduce stress and maintain their energy. Refresh the water regularly to keep it clean and cool.

  • Use an aerated bait bucket.

  • Avoid overcrowding the bait.

  • Refresh water regularly for cleanliness.

2. Match the Bait to Your Target Fish 

🎯 Using the right bait for the species you’re after will increase your chances of success.

Research what your target fish naturally feed on in your area. Live minnows, shrimp, or worms are popular choices depending on freshwater or saltwater species.

  • Know your target fish’s natural diet.

  • Choose minnows, shrimp, or worms based on your location.

  • Test different sizes to find what works best.

3. Hook the Bait Correctly 

🪝 A properly hooked bait stays alive longer and looks more natural in the water.

For minnows, hook them through the lips or back, depending on how you want them to swim. If using shrimp, thread the hook lightly through the tail for the best movement.

  • Hook minnows through lips or back.

  • For shrimp, hook lightly through the tail.

  • Avoid overhandling to keep bait lively.

🎣 Live bait fishing from a kayak is all about preparation and technique. Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready to turn your bait into brag-worthy catches!

TASTY RECIPES
Old Fashioned Fried Bluegill

My grandma used to scale’em, gut’em, and cook them just like this! The tails and fins were like chips to us kids! 😋 

Old Fashioned Fried Bluegill

Ingredients:

  • 3 to 4 bluegill per person are usually sufficient, but some of us require a few more

  • One part all-purpose flour to 3 parts cornmeal. Two cups of total meal is usually enough to fry 15 to 20 gills

  • Salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning to taste added to the fish meal, generally one tablespoon of each in two cups of meal

Instructions:

  1. Preheat an inch or two of oil in your Dutch oven to 325-350 degrees. Maintaining this temperature allows the fish to cook through without overcooking the crust.

  2. Toss the fish into the meal mixture to coat it, then drip it into the hot oil. Small panfish will generally finish in about 5 minutes.

  3. If your fish are a bit on the large side, make a few parallel slits in the skin before breading. The extra openings allow the hot grease to penetrate a bit deeper and allow the larger fish to cook through without overdoing the crust.

Since this method requires minimal prep, it's also a great way to prepare fish streamside or lakeside.

Recipe - Real Tree

SALTWATER CATCH
Wahoo

Kayak fishing for wahoo is a real test of skill and preparation. These fish are fast and strong, so you’ll need sturdy gear, steady trolling speeds, and plenty of patience to hook one.

🎣 Bringing a wahoo into your kayak is no small feat, but it’s one of the most rewarding catches you’ll ever make.

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

Answer to Trivia Question!

The snakehead fish has the ability to breathe air and move on land, allowing it to find new bodies of water.

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thank you for being an important part of the Crew!

To our long-time subscribers, we’re grateful for your ongoing support and trust in us as your go-to source for all things kayak fishing.

To our new subscribers, welcome aboard—we’re thrilled to have you join our growing community.

Your enthusiasm and passion for kayak fishing inspire everything we do here at Kayak Fishing Guide. 

Whether you’re on the water every weekend or just dreaming of your next trip, we’re proud to be part of your journey.

Tight lines, and we’ll see you in the next edition!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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