Master Windy Conditions, Land Big Trout, and Help Clean Our Rivers!

Learn how to handle windy conditions, see Brad’s trout catch, and be inspired by Rafal’s river cleanup.

Good morning, Crew!

I just want to take a minute to say a big thank you to all our loyal subscribers and welcome to the new folks who’ve joined us.

Your support really means a lot, and it’s great to see our community of kayak anglers growing stronger every week.

Now, let’s dive into what you’ll find in this issue—here’s a quick rundown of what’s in store for you!

  • Cast Your Vote in the 2025 Kayak Angler Awards! Be sure to vote for the most innovative gear in kayak fishing before the deadline on October 31st.

  • Essential Wind Management Tips Discover three simple ways to stay in control and fish more effectively in breezy conditions.

  • Freshwater Catch Spotlight Check out Brad Stout's impressive 10lb rainbow trout catch and get tips on targeting big trout from your kayak.

  • Invite your fishing friends To join the newsletter and earn some free gifts while you’re at it! (Referral Program at the bottom!)

  • And more…

No matter if you're tuning in for expert advice or just looking for a bit of fun, we've got you covered.

~ Kayak Fishing Guide TEam

2025 KAYAK ANGLER AWARDS
Cast Your Vote!

VOTING DEADLINE: THURSDAY, OCT 31

The 2025 Kayak Angler Awards are here, celebrating the top products in kayak fishing, from safety gear to the best kayaks and SUPs.

Help us make this inaugural event special by voting for the most innovative gear in kayak fishing!

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

  • 👉️ These 16 helpful tips will make your next sea kayak fishing trip easier and more enjoyable—perfect for anglers of all levels!

  • 🤫 Discover the secret behind why drop shotting isn’t just for smallmouth—largemouth bass can’t resist this rig! 🎣 

  • 🔎 The hunt for a missing kayaker continues with more resources deployed—find out the latest developments in this story. 😢 

  • 😆 Think you’re peddling on your kayak? Time to get your foot facts straight with a laugh!

GEAR
YakAttack VISICarbon Pro with Mighty Mount

Having a highly visible (hi-viz) kayak flag, such as the popular YakAttack VISICarbon Pro, is crucial for your safety while kayak fishing.

It increases your visibility to other boaters, especially in low-light conditions or areas with high boat traffic, helping prevent accidents.

Additionally, it ensures your presence is known when navigating through difficult terrain or fishing near busy waterways.

  • Helps prevent collisions by making you visible to faster-moving boats.

  • Enhances visibility in low-light or nighttime conditions with an LED light.

  • Keeps you visible in obstructed areas like reeds or tall grass.

  • Compact and collapsible for easy storage when not in use.

  • Compatible with popular kayak mounting systems for convenience.

👉️ In conclusion, a hi-viz kayak flag is an essential safety tool, allowing others to easily spot you on the water. Adding one to your setup helps ensure a safer and more enjoyable kayak fishing experience. 🎣 

KAYAK RIGS
Jackson Kayak

🙌 Rafal, it’s awesome to see someone putting their kayak to such a great use beyond fishing!

Hauling out all that trash, tires, and litter is a huge effort, and it makes a real difference in keeping the rivers clean for everyone.

Your dedication to preserving the waterways is inspiring—thank you for taking action and leading by example! 

Seeing your kayak loaded with trash shows real action, and it has a positive impact on both the environment and the kayak fishing community!

If we all took just one day to pick up a little litter now and then, we could make a huge difference in keeping our environment clean and beautiful for everyone.

FRESHWATER CATCH
Rainbow Trout

Brad Stout made an impressive catch, landing a giant 10lb rainbow trout from his kayak that he’ll remember for years to come!

Brad Stout - 10lb Rainbow Trout

~ When targeting rainbow trout from a kayak, try using a slow trolling method with lightweight lures like spinners or small spoons.

~ Focus on visually reading the water for changes in current, ripples near submerged rocks, or shade from overhanging trees.

  • These subtle signs often point to underwater structures where rainbow trout are likely to feed, so cast along those areas and adjust your depth based on water clarity and temperature.

Rainbow trout often hide near these spots, waiting for food.

THREE FISHING TIPS
Essential Wind Management Tips for Kayak Fishing

Wind can be your friend or foe while kayak fishing, but these three simple tips will help you stay in control and fish more effectively even in breezy conditions.

1. Position with the Wind – Always position your kayak with the wind at your back or side for better control. This helps you maintain your course with less effort, especially when paddling or casting.

  • Adjust your kayak’s position as the wind shifts.

  • Use pedals or your paddle to make small corrections.

2. Use an Anchor – A lightweight anchor helps you stay steady in windy conditions. Dropping it on the windward side will keep you from drifting while fishing.

  • Make sure your anchor is suitable for the water depth.

  • Use a trolley system to adjust the anchor’s position easily.

3. Angle Your Casts – Avoid casting directly into the wind to prevent your line from blowing off course. Cast at an angle instead to improve distance and accuracy.

  • Use heavier lures to cut through the wind more effectively.

  • Watch your line for slack and adjust your retrieval accordingly.

With these wind management tips, you’ll stay in control and improve your fishing experience, even on gusty days! 🎣 

TASTY RECIPES
Easy Blackened Trout

Blackened Trout

Ingredients:

  • 2 Trout Filets of about 1 lb

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

  • 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt

  • 1 Tbsp Paprika

  • 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika

  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder

  • 1 Tsp Onion Powder

  • 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper

  • 1/2 Teaspoon Oregano

  • 1/2 Teaspoon Thyme

  • 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne: You can add more if you prefer it extra spicy

Instructions:

  • Combine all the spices to create the blackening seasoning and set aside in a resealable jar. (You can also use your favorite blackening seasoning—Zatarain’s, Old Bay, and Paul Prudhomme are all good!)

  • Pat dry your trout filets and season them generously with about 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning each, or more, depending on their size. 

  • Heat a large skillet over high heat with the olive oil.

  • Once the pan is hot, add the trout, flesh side down, and sear for 5-6 minutes. 

  • Flip the fish and cook on the skin side for 3-4 minutes. 

  • Serve with your favorite side dish. Reserve the remainder of the blackening seasoning for future recipes. 

SALTWATER CATCH
Baby Goliath Grouper

Neil Blandino just pulled in a baby grouper from his kayak, and even though it was small, it put up a good fight.

Neil Blandino

🐟️ Baby groupers, also known as juvenile groupers, are typically found in shallow coastal waters, particularly in seagrass beds, mangroves, and estuarine environments.

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

🤣 🤣 🤣 

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

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

Your passion for kayak fishing and support for the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter keeps us inspired and excited to bring you the latest news, tips, and stories from the water.

We’re grateful to have you with us as we continue this adventure together, and we appreciate your patience while we settle into our new platform.

Tight lines and happy fishing!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

Earn free gifts! 🎁 

You can get free stuff for referring friends & family to our newsletter! 👇️ 

No International shipping. U.S. subscribers only.

15 referrals - 20oz Kayak Fishing Guide Insulated Tumbler
5 referrals - 11oz Kayak Fishing Guide Ceramic Mug
2 referrals - Kayak Fishing Guide Decals

You currently have 0 referrals, only 2 away from receiving Kayak Fishing Guide Decals.