Spring Reds, Kingfish Action & Bass Tactics!

Good morning, Crew!

We’re bringing you the latest kayak fishing news, tips, and stories to keep you hooked.

Based on your feedback, we’re considering cutting the recipe section—most of you are more interested in fishing than cooking. But if a great recipe comes our way, we may drop one in now and then.

Here’s what’s in store this week:

• 🎣 Gear advice to help you fish smarter

• 🏆 Big fish tales to keep you inspired

• 😂 A little humor because fishing should be fun

Let’s dive in and make the most of our time on the water!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

As an Amazon Associate, Kayak Fishing Guide earns from qualifying purchases.

THREE FISHING TIPS
Early Spring Redfish in the Warming Flats

Spring is here, and redfish are moving onto the warming flats to feed.

As the water heats up, their behavior changes, and knowing how to adjust your approach can make all the difference.

Here’s how to get more bites when chasing reds in early spring.

1. Focus on the Afternoon Bite
Redfish become more active as the sun warms the shallow flats, making afternoons the best time to fish.

Target areas where the water has had time to heat up, especially near dark mud or grass beds.

• Look for reds tailing or pushing wakes in the shallows

• Fish slower in the morning, then pick up the pace as the water warms

• A thermometer can help you find the warmest zones in the flat

2. Use Natural Colors in Clear Water
Spring flats often have clear water, so redfish get picky about lure color.

Stick to natural shades like gold, brown, or olive to mimic their usual prey.

• Gold spoons are a classic for a reason—reds love them

• Rig soft plastics in shrimp or mullet colors for a lifelike presentation

• In stained water, try a little chartreuse to add visibility

3. Keep Your Presentation Subtle
Redfish in skinny water can be spooky, so avoid loud splashes or fast retrieves.

Work your lure or bait with slow, natural movements to avoid scaring them off.

• Use a soft landing by casting ahead of cruising fish

• Let baits sit longer before twitching them to appear more natural

• Lighter jig heads and weedless rigs help keep the splash down

Spring reds are ready to eat—just make sure you’re giving them the right presentation. Get out there, watch the water temps, and start hooking into some hungry fish!

📷️ : Rob English

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Fishing gear prices are rising—here’s what you need to know before it affects your next trip and what you can do about it. (Outdoor Life)

• Premium sun gear is rarely this affordable—stay cool and covered while this limited-time deal lasts! (Check it out here!)

• Don't miss out—learn how to land massive catfish from your kayak this weekend! (In-Fisherman)

KAYAK GEAR
Minnow Buckets

Keeping live bait fresh in a kayak takes the right setup.

A good minnow bucket should be compact, easy to reach, and designed to keep bait lively without making a mess.

The best choice depends on your fishing style and how much bait you plan to carry.

• Floating buckets like the Frabill Flow Troll are great for keeping minnows fresh.

• Self-contained bait containers such as the Bait Up™ Live Bait Holder are more compact and splash-free, making them ideal for keeping bait inside the kayak.

• DIY setups like a small cooler with an aerator work well for longer trips but take up deck space.

Before choosing a minnow bucket, think about where it will sit in your kayak and how easily you can reach it.

➡️ A floating bucket can create drag if you’re paddling long distances, while an internal container may need regular water changes to keep bait fresh.

Test a few setups to see what works best for your style of fishing.

📷️: Mudhole

KAYAK RIGS
Jackson Kayak Coosa X

Andrew takes his Coosa X from the swamp to the salt without missing a beat.

With its wide-open deck, he has plenty of room to eventually rig it just the way he likes.

📷️: Andrew Blair

FRESHWATER CATCH
Largemouth Bass

Sean Johnson with a 7.1lb, 22.75" bass on Lake Kissimmee.

Lake Kissimmee is one of Florida’s best bass fishing lakes, but knowing where and how to fish it can make all the difference.

Whether you’re targeting trophy-sized bass or just looking for steady action, here’s what works best:

• Vegetation is Key – Hydrilla, lily pads, and cattails hold bass year-round. Work the edges with topwater lures in the morning and evening.

• Midday Bite – As the sun rises, bass move deeper. Flip jigs or Texas-rigged plastics into thick cover, or slow-roll swimbaits along submerged hydrilla.

• Spawn (Jan-April) – Sight fish in sandy-bottomed shallows using white soft plastics to tempt bedding bass.

• Go Big with Live Bait – For a true giant, free-line a wild shiner near grass lines and isolated cover.

• Weather & Water Levels – Cold fronts can push fish deeper, so slow down your presentation. Keep an eye on changing water levels, as they affect where bass stack up.

If you’re looking for a solid day of bass fishing, Lake Kissimmee rarely disappoints. Bring the right lures, time your trip well, and be ready for some hard-hitting action!

📷️: Sean Johnson

SALTWATER CATCH
Kingfish

They’re having a nice Kingfish bite in the south!

King mackerel, or kingfish, are fast, aggressive predators that put up an incredible fight.

Chasing kings offshore or hitting nearshore reefs? These tips will help you hook more of these speedsters:

• Find the Right Depth – Kingfish roam depths of 40-120 feet, often near wrecks, reefs, and bait schools. Use a fish finder to locate structure and bait activity.

• Trolling for Success – Slow-troll live bait (blue runners, cigar minnows, or herring) on stinger rigs, or pull diving plugs and spoons for reaction bites.

• Drifting & Free-lining – When anchored or drifting, free-line live bait on a wire leader to entice kings lurking below.

• Use Wire Leaders – Their razor-sharp teeth will slice mono instantly—always rig up with light wire to avoid cut-offs.

• Mind the Speedsters – Kings make blistering runs when hooked. Keep a light drag to prevent break-offs, and be ready for a second run after the first.

• Peak Seasons – The best action happens in spring and fall, when migrating schools move closer to shore.

If you love high-speed runs and drag-screaming action, kingfish are a blast to target. Gear up, find the bait, and get ready for some serious fun on the water!

📷️: Kayak Offshoreww

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

There’s always that one guy who thinks he owns the whole lake! 😆

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

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

Your passion for kayak fishing and support for the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter keeps us fired up every week.

Whether you're here for tips, big fish stories, or just the thrill of the sport, we’re glad to have you on board.

Tight lines and good times ahead—see you 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.