Rescues, Snakeheads, and Kayak Upgrades—Don’t Miss Out!

Snakehead tips, deck pad upgrades, and a wild rescue story from the water this week!

Good morning, Crew!

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

Thanks a ton to all our subscribers, both long-time readers and the new folks joining the Kayak Fishing Guide crew!

Your support means the world, and it’s what keeps this newsletter going strong. We’re excited to have you along for the ride.

In this issue, we’ve got some great tips, gear recommendations, and a few stories you won’t want to miss. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside!

  • Another kayaker is rescued!

  • Snakehead fishing tips!

  • Key points of kayak deck pads

  • Another awesome fish recipe to try!

  • And more…

So grab your coffee, and let’s kick off another awesome week of fishing adventures!

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

  • Imagine breaking a fishing record, only to have your buddy top it an hour later – find out how it happened in West Virginia! (MSN)

  • A kayaker in trouble off Shoalwater? Check out the incredible rescue and the important safety reminder it sparked. (Coast Live)

  • Ready to catch your first snakehead? Here’s everything a beginner needs to know to get started! (Rudow’s Fish Talk)

KAYAK GEAR
Kayak Deck Pads

Kayak Deck Pad

If you haven’t added a foam deck pad to your fishing kayak yet, you’re missing out on a game-changing upgrade.

  • Not only does it improve your experience on the water, but it also adds functionality and protection to your kayak.

  • A foam deck pad gives you extra traction, helping you stay steady even when your deck is wet.

  • That added grip makes a huge difference when standing to cast or landing a fish.

Plus, the cushioning keeps your feet and knees comfortable during long days on the water.

Another bonus? It protects your kayak from scratches and dings, helping it last longer.

For a small investment, a foam deck pad offers both comfort and durability.

KAYAK RIGS
Jackson Knarr FD

Some of the best ideas come from seeing how other kayaks are rigged.

A 13’9” rigged out Jackson Knarr FD Kayak

FRESHWATER CATCH
Snakehead

Northern Snakehead

The snakehead fish, native to Asia and Africa, was introduced to U.S. waters through the aquarium trade and illegal releases. Here's what you should know:

  • First detected in Maryland in the early 2000s.

  • Spread across Mid-Atlantic waterways quickly.

  • Known for aggressive behavior and rapid reproduction.

  • Threatens native fish populations.

Efforts are underway to manage their spread and protect local ecosystems.

THREE FISHING TIPS
Snakehead Fishing Tips

Catching snakeheads can be a blast, but it helps to know the basics! Here are three quick tips to get you started.

BigYaker hammerin’ snakeheads!

  1. Location is Key – Look for snakeheads in shallow, weedy areas. They love hiding in thick cover where they can ambush prey.

  2. Use the Right Lures – Topwater frogs are a favorite when targeting snakeheads. They can't resist striking at a noisy frog skimming across the surface.

  3. Stay Patient – Snakeheads can be tricky. Be ready for explosive hits, but sometimes, you’ll need to slow things down and let them come to you.

🎣 Give these tips a try and see if you can hook one of these hard-fighting fish!

SALTWATER CATCH
Redfish

Check out this awesome shot from the Hookedrr Lures Facebook page—a perfect angle from a mounted camera behind the kayak, showing off a beautiful redfish!

Redfish from Hookedrr Lures

Redfish fishing from a kayak is an exciting and rewarding experience.

Being so close to the water gives you a real connection to the fight, especially when these hard-fighting fish take off!

  • Kayaks let you get into shallow flats where redfish love to roam, and the stealth factor helps you sneak up on them without spooking the school.

  • Whether you’re casting soft plastics or live bait, redfish fishing from a kayak is all about patience, positioning, and enjoying the thrill of the catch.

Once you hook into one, you’ll be hooked on the experience for life!

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

Even though several entities are banning FFS… 😂 

TASTY RECIPES
Snakehead Lettuce Wraps

Snakehead Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

  • One snakehead fillet, boneless, skinless (about 1 lb.), or any firm-fleshed fish

  • 2 tbsp. soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp. sesame oil

  • Romaine lettuce, about 2 hearts or 1 whole head

  • 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, sliced thin

  • 1-2 jalapeno peppers, sliced thin

  • 1 carrot, peeled, julienned

  • ½ red onion, sliced thin

  • Sesame seeds

  1. Marinate the fillet for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

  2. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

  3. Remove fillet from marinade, season with salt, and coat lightly with pan spray or oil.

  4. Cook directly on the grill grate for 2 to 3 minutes per side, covered, until internal temperature reaches about 130°F. Remove from the grill and allow to cool. Once cooled, slice into wrap-sized pieces.

  5. Assemble wraps and garnish with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil if you want a dipping sauce, hoisin, nuoc cham, or soy sauce with smashed chilis, all pair well.

(A MeatEater Recipe)

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

We’d like to thank all our subscribers—whether you’re a long-time reader or new to the crew!

Your enthusiasm for kayak fishing and backing of the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter inspires us to keep delivering the best tips and news.

We’re excited to be on this journey with you, and we appreciate your support through every cast!

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.