Ozark Bass Tips, Camera Tricks, and Tasty Taco Fixes!

Good morning, Crew!

A big thank you to all our subscribers, both new and longtime readers, for your continued support of the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter!

It’s been great sharing tips, stories, and gear advice with such a passionate group of anglers. Your feedback and enthusiasm keep this community growing strong.

This week’s issue is packed with useful tips, exciting catches, and a recipe you won’t want to miss—let’s dive in!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
Fishing Clear Waters for Smallmouth Bass in the Ozarks

Smallmouth bass fishing in the clear waters of the Ozarks during December and January is a challenge worth taking on.

Whether you’re exploring Table Rock or Bull Shoals, these tips will help you connect with more fish this winter.

1. Downsize Your Lures
In crystal-clear water, smallmouth bass can be extra cautious, so smaller lures are your friend. Choose subtle presentations that mimic the natural forage in the area.

• Use 3-inch soft plastic grubs or tubes.

• Stick to natural colors like green pumpkin or smoke.

• Fish them on lightweight jig heads for a slower fall.

2. Target Rocky Points and Drop-offs
Smallmouth bass tend to congregate near structure in winter, especially rocky points and steep drop-offs. Position your kayak to cast parallel to these areas for the best chance of enticing a bite.

• Look for rocks that warm up in the sun.

• Use your fishfinder to locate underwater ledges.

• Fish slow and steady with a bottom-contact lure like a Ned rig.

3. Use Light Line for Stealth
In clear water, line visibility can be a dealbreaker, so opt for lighter fluorocarbon to stay discreet. This choice also improves sensitivity, helping you detect subtle winter bites.

• Use 6–8 lb fluorocarbon for finesse techniques.

• Check your knots often to avoid break-offs.

• Tie directly to your lure for the most natural presentation.

🎣 Try these tips on your next trip to the Ozarks and see how they work for you. With a little patience and the right approach, those smallmouth bass won’t stand a chance!

📷️: Joe Lincks 

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• If you enjoy chasing smallmouth bass from your kayak, this article has some solid advice to try on your next trip. (In-Fisherman)

• Curious if it's okay to drill into your kayak for custom gear? Find out how to do it right in this article. (Kayak Fishing Guide)

• The trick to winter bass fishing is all about patience and the right technique—give these a try. (Bassmaster)

KAYAK GEAR
Camera Sticks

Capturing your fishing adventures on the water is easier than ever with a kayak camera stick.

These handy mounts let you position your camera for the perfect angle, whether you’re recording a trophy catch or sharing your favorite spot with friends.

A quality stick keeps your camera stable even when you’re paddling or battling a fish.

When choosing a camera stick, look for:

• Durability: Saltwater and freshwater can be rough on gear, so corrosion-resistant materials are a must.

• Adjustability: A stick with a flexible arm or 360-degree rotation gives you more creative options.

• Stability: Suction cups are fine for calm waters, but clamps or rail mounts are best for more rugged conditions.

There’s a wide variety of camera sticks designed specifically for kayaks, offering options for every budget and need.

Whether you’re after something compact and simple or a professional-grade mount, there’s a perfect stick for your setup.

Setting up your camera is simple and can take your fishing experience to the next level. Angle it high for wide shots of the action or low for dramatic footage of your kayak cutting through the water.

🎣 Paired with a waterproof action cam, a kayak camera stick makes sure your best fishing moments are never just stories.

KAYAK RIGS
Jackson Kayak Bite

🎣 This Jackson Kayak Bite is a solid, no-nonsense fishing kayak, built for stability and comfort, ready to tackle a full day on the water.

Make sure to give Matt Trucks a follow on Instagram at @plastichull for some great kayak fishing content!

📷️: Matt Trucks

FRESHWATER CATCH
Snakehead

👉️ Catching a trophy snakehead takes patience, precision, and the right topwater lure to lure these aggressive fish out of hiding. A great-looking Snakehead!

The best place to hook a trophy snakehead is near dense vegetation or shallow, weedy areas where they like to ambush prey.

Look for spots with:

• Lily pads

• Overhanging branches

• Or submerged logs

🎣 Early mornings and evenings are prime times when they’re actively feeding and more likely to strike.

📷️: Robert Burpee

SALTWATER CATCH
Species

🐟️ This massive kingfish, caught on a jig, shows the kind of big rewards the right technique can bring.

Catching kingfish with jigs is all about speed and precision.

Fast vertical jigging near deep structures or offshore reefs often triggers aggressive strikes.

For more tips and action shots, be sure to follow Nevs Fishing!

📷️: Nevs Fishing

TASTY RECIPES
Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Some things shouldn't t be cooked in an air fryer, but fish tacos should be! 😋 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded red cabbage (from 1 small [1 pound, 8 ounces] cabbage)

• 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, plus leaves for garnish

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime), plus eight wedges for serving

• 1 teaspoon Mexican-style hot sauce (such as Cholula Original Hot Sauce)

• ¼ teaspoon grated garlic (from 1 medium garlic clove)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 1/2 cup (about 2 1/8 ounces) all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 1/2 cups panko

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided

• 1 teaspoon chili powder, divided

• 1 pound fish fillets (about 3/4-inch thick), cut evenly into 8 pieces and patted dry

• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, charred

• Thinly sliced radishes

Instructions:

1. Stir together cabbage, cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 10 minutes. Place flour in a medium-sized shallow bowl. Place egg in a second medium-sized shallow bowl. Place panko, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon each of the cumin, chili powder, and salt in a third medium-sized shallow bowl; stir to combine.

3. Sprinkle fish evenly with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, chili powder, and salt. Working with one piece of fish at a time, dredge fish in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Dredge in panko mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place on a plate or baking sheet.

4. Place half of the fish pieces in an even layer in a fry basket, leaving about 1/2-inch space between pieces. Cook until panko is golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork, 8 to 10 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through cooking time. Transfer to a plate; loosely cover with aluminum foil, and keep warm. Repeat the procedure with the remaining fish pieces.

5. Top each tortilla with one fish piece; squeeze one lime wedge over the fish, and top with 1/4 cup cabbage mixture. Garnish with radishes.

Recipe - Food & Wine

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

🤣 🤣 🤣 

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

🎣 Thank you to all our loyal subscribers and a big welcome to those joining us for the first time!

👉️ Your feedback and suggestions help us craft a newsletter that truly fits your needs and keeps the focus on what you care about most—kayak fishing.

We’re thrilled to share stories, tips, and gear updates with you each week. Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy some time out on the water.

Tight lines and happy fishing!

~ 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.