Kayak Fishing Essentials: Safety Gear, Sturgeon Tips, and More!

Good morning, Crew!

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

We’re thrilled to bring you another round of kayak fishing tips, stories, and updates to keep your passion for the water alive.

Here’s what’s on deck in this issue so get ready for some great finds and tips!

• 🎣 Trivia Teaser: What unique sense helps fish detect water pressure changes? (Answer below!)

• 🌊 Tidal Tips: Master fishing in tidal waters with strategies to catch more.

• 🛶 Gear Spotlight: Discover why an emergency whistle is a must-have for every kayak angler.

• 🐟 Freshwater Giants: Learn how to target massive white sturgeon with expert advice.

• And more…

Whether you’re looking to up your fishing game, discover new gear, or enjoy a fun read, there’s something in here for everyone.

Let’s dive in and keep chasing those big catches together!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Uncover tips and tricks for landing giant sturgeon in Minnesota's Rainy River.

• Want to pick a kayak dry suit that keeps you comfortable and dry no matter the conditions?

• Wondering if a motorized kayak is worth it? Find out how it can impact your fishing trips.

• Learn why bluegill fishing during colder months can be incredibly rewarding.

KAYAK GEAR
Emergency Whistle and Signal Device

Being prepared can make all the difference on the water.

A few summers ago, I met a kayaker who found this out the hard way. After capsizing in choppy water, he was drifting far from shore without a paddle.

Luckily, he had a whistle clipped to his PFD. The sharp, piercing sound caught the attention of a nearby boater, who came to his rescue. Without it, his situation could have turned serious fast.

Staying safe on the water starts with being prepared. An emergency whistle is a must-have for every kayak angler.

Lightweight and easy to clip onto your PFD, it produces a sharp, loud sound that can be heard over long distances.

This simple tool could be the key to getting help when you need it most.

For extra visibility, consider adding a signal mirror or a waterproof light to your kit.

A signal mirror can catch sunlight and flash toward passing boats, while a waterproof light works well during low-light conditions. These tools make sure you're visible whether you're dealing with fog, dusk, or a search and rescue scenario.

Here's a quick checklist:

- Emergency whistle: Lightweight, loud, and reliable.

- Signal mirror: Great for daytime visibility.

- Waterproof light: A lifesaver at night or in bad weather.

Toss these into your gear bag or attach them to your kayak—you’ll feel more confident and prepared every time you head out.

KAYAK RIGS
Wilderness Sytems ATAK 120

👇️ Keeping your fishing kayak setup simple has plenty of advantages.

Here’s why a minimalist setup might be the best choice for your next fishing adventure.

1. Improved Stability and Performance: A streamlined setup keeps your kayak balanced and easy to paddle, helping you move quietly and efficiently in the water without extra gear weighing you down.

2. Quick Setup and Breakdown: With fewer accessories, you can hit the water faster and pack up quickly, giving you more time to fish and less hassle before and after trips.

3. Less Clutter, More Focus: A simple setup ensures everything has a purpose, keeping your deck clear and making it easier to access gear, cast, and land fish without obstacles.

🎣 A minimalist setup lets you focus on what truly matters: enjoying the water and catching fish.

📸: The Adventurer's Outpost 

FRESHWATER CATCH
White Sturgeon

The white sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in North America, with some growing over 10 feet long and weighing more than 1,000 pounds.

These "living fossils" have existed for over 200 million years, outliving dinosaurs, and can live for over a century. Their bony plates, called scutes, and sensitive barbels give them a prehistoric look and help them thrive as bottom-dwellers feeding on clams, worms, and small fish.

Tips for Catching White Sturgeon 

• Target the right spots: Look for deep river channels with slow-moving currents where sturgeon tend to feed.

• Choose effective bait: Use fresh shad, squid, or nightcrawlers to entice these bottom-dwelling giants.

• Gear up for the challenge: Sturdy tackle and plenty of patience are essential to handle their size and strength.

• Know the rules: Many sturgeon populations are protected, so always check local regulations before fishing.

White sturgeon are fascinating creatures that connect us to the ancient past while offering an incredible challenge for kayak anglers!

📸: Jarod Stevens

THREE FISHING TIPS
Fishing in Tidal Waters

Fishing in tidal waters can be exciting and challenging, but understanding how to work with the tides can make all the difference.

These simple tips will help you make the most of your next saltwater adventure.

1. Learn the tide schedule 

Knowing when the tide is coming in or going out is key to finding active fish. Use a reliable tide chart or app to plan your trip.

• Check high and low tide times before you go.

• Look for moving water near structure.

• Plan to fish around the start of the incoming or outgoing tide.

2. Position yourself with the current 

Fish often face into the current, waiting for food to drift by. Position your kayak to cast with the flow for the most natural presentation.

• Look for points, drop-offs, or channels.

• Cast up-current and let your bait drift naturally.

• Avoid paddling against strong currents to save energy.

3. Use the right bait or lure 

Tidal fish love bait that looks like what naturally moves in the current. Match your bait or lure to what is common in the area you are fishing.

• Use shrimp, crabs, or baitfish in tidal waters.

• Choose lures that mimic local prey.

• Adjust your weight to keep bait in the strike zone.

🐟️ Fishing tidal waters takes a little extra planning, but the rewards are worth it. With these tips, you will be ready to tackle the tides like a pro!

📸: Dora ZouBoukos

TASTY RECIPES
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

❤️ As good as my grandmother’s recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz cracker crumbs, approximately 25 Ritz crackers

• 18-19 ounces canned salmon, drained: 3 6-ounce cans with no skin or bones or 2 14.75 cans, remove skin and bones

• 2 eggs whisked

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed

• 2 tablespoons green onions sliced fine

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Place about 25 Ritz crackers in a zipped-top plastic food storage bag. Seal the bag and crush the crackers into crumbs with a rolling pin.

• Drain salmon. If using canned salmon with skin and bone, place the contents of the can in a bowl and remove the bones and skin.

• Combine the salmon, eggs, lemon juice, green onions, dried parsley flakes, and cracker crumbs in a medium-sized bowl. Blend to combine the ingredients. (Scroll up the recipe post for various ingredient variations.)

• Scoop about ½ cup of the salmon mixture out of the bowl, and use your hands to shape each patty flat and about one inch thick. You should end up with six large patties.

Cook the Salmon Patties

• Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until the oil starts to shimmer.

• Place the salmon patties in the hot oil. Be careful not to crowd the patties, leaving at least an inch or two between each one. You may need to cook the patties in batches.

• Cook for about 8 minutes, then flip the patties over and fry for another 5-6 minutes or until they are firm and golden brown.

Serve with fresh lemon, sprinkle with additional diced green onions and tartar sauce.

Recipe - Crinkled Cookbook

SALTWATER CATCH
Sierra Mackerel

The Sierra mackerel is a nearshore favorite, known for its golden spots and fast, aggressive strikes. Found in tropical and subtropical waters, it’s a blast to catch and delicious on the grill.

Look for them near reefs or tidal currents, where they chase baitfish at dawn or dusk. Small but mighty, the Sierra mackerel is a must-target species for saltwater anglers!

Pro Tip: Try fishing for them during dawn or dusk near tidal current lines, where baitfish are concentrated. Use shiny spoons, jigs, or live bait to hook this tasty predator.

📸: Jockall Fishing 

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

Yup! 🤣 

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Hey Crew,

Big thanks to all our subscribers, whether you’ve been here from the start or just joined the adventure.

We appreciate your support and love having you as part of this growing kayak fishing community.

Your interest and enthusiasm keep us motivated to deliver great content every week. Thanks for being here, and we can’t wait to keep sharing more with you!

Tight lines,

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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