Steelhead Tips, Giant Blue Catfish, and Winter Redfish Wins!

Good morning, Crew!

✋ Welcome to this week’s Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter.

We’ve got kayak fishing news, tips, and stories to keep you inspired and ready for your next trip.

Whether you’re looking for gear advice, big catches, or a quick laugh, there’s something here for you.

👉️ Also, don’t forget to check out the poll at the bottom of the newsletter—we’d love to hear your thoughts and get your input on how we’re doing.

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

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
Kayak Fishing for Winter Steelhead in the Pacific Northwest

Winter steelhead are a thrilling challenge for any kayak angler.

These powerful fish demand the right approach, so let’s dive into some tips to help you hook into one of these beauties this season.

1. Find the Right Water
Steelhead love cold, moving water with structure where they can rest and wait for food. Focus on deeper pools and seams along the current to maximize your chances.

• Look for stretches of river with rocks or fallen trees.

• Use a fish finder to locate deeper holding areas.

• Avoid fast, shallow riffles—steelhead rarely linger there.

2. Choose the Right Gear
Steelhead can be finicky, so your gear needs to match their preferences. Use medium-action rods, light leaders, and proven lures like spinners or cured roe.

• Select lures in bright colors like pink or orange for visibility.

• Bring extra leaders—sharp rocks can easily cut your line.

• Keep your reel drag set loose for sudden runs.

3. Be Patient and Stay Mobile
Steelhead fishing requires persistence, so don’t stay in one spot too long if the fish aren’t biting. Cover water systematically and explore new runs until you find active fish.

• Drift downstream to access less-pressured areas.

• Vary your casting angles to cover all parts of a run.

• Watch for subtle bites—steelhead can strike softly.

🎣 Winter steelhead fishing takes time and effort, but the reward is worth it.

❄️ Bundle up, stay safe, and put these tips into action to make your next trip a memorable one!

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Brave the cold and learn the secrets to winter kayak fishing success. (FishTalk)

• Learn how fellow kayak anglers are crafting their own coolers without breaking the bank. (Reddit)

• Check out this list to see which apps can boost your kayak fishing experience. (Bending Branches)

KAYAK GEAR
Kayak Hoist for Ceiling Storage

Storing your fishing kayak can be tricky, especially when space is tight.

A ceiling-mounted kayak hoist can be a game-changer, keeping your kayak out of the way and well-protected.

These systems use pulleys to lift your kayak, making it easy to hoist and lower without a struggle.

When choosing a hoist, look for:

• Weight capacity: Ensure it can handle your kayak’s weight plus any added gear.

• Ease of use: Systems with locking mechanisms add safety and convenience.

• Durable materials: Steel hardware and strong ropes will last longer and handle wear.

Installation is straightforward if you have a sturdy ceiling. Mount the hardware securely into beams, not drywall.

Once set up, you’ll appreciate the extra floor space and how much easier it is to grab your kayak for your next adventure!

KAYAK RIGS
Seastream Angler 120

“This thing is surprisingly stable under heavy load. I'm a big guy and I will carry a full camping setup for 3+ days." - DrZzzeuss

📷️: DrZzzeuss

FRESHWATER CATCH
Blue Catfish

😮 Ever imagine hooking into a fish bigger than you on a kayak?

That’s exactly what happened here—check out this monster 95.46lb blue catfish!

Reeling in a fish this size from a kayak takes guts, patience, and a whole lot of muscle.

The key to hooking a trophy blue catfish is using the right bait and gear.

• Big blues love fresh-cut bait like shad or skipjack.

• Using a strong circle hook will give you the best chance at a solid hookset.

Once you’ve got a bite, patience is everything.

• Let the circle hook do its job!

• Avoid setting the hook like you would for smaller fish.

When it’s time to land the fish, have your net or fish grippers ready.

• Keep the fight smooth and steady,

• guiding the fish toward your kayak without rushing,

Ready to hook and land your own monster blue catfish?

📷️: ShesAnOutdoorsJunkie

SALTWATER CATCH
Redfish

🎣 Sergio geared up right and got after the reds in the weather.

The cold day on the water paid off with a solid red. Most guys were at home, but that's when the fish bite best.

📷️: Sergio Moyola

TASTY RECIPES
Pan Seared Steelhead with Dijon Sauce

A hard-fighting fish with a superb texture and flavor! Save this recipe! 😋 

Ingredients:

• 1.25lb Steelhead fillet 

• 1-2 Tbsp olive oil

• One garlic clove

• One lemon, juiced

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 cup vegetable/chicken stock

• 1 Tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill)

Instructions:

1. Using a knife, portion the Steelhead fillet into roughly five individual pieces

2. Pat the filets dry with a paper towel to remove any unwanted moisture. Pro tip: drying the skin of the fish will ensure crispy skin when cooking

3. Before cooking, leaving the fish out at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes is encouraged. This process is called tempering, in which we attempt to increase the internal temperature of the protein to allow for even cooking throughout.

4. Season fish with salt and pepper

5. Heat a non-stick skillet to medium heat and add olive oil

6. Place fish skin side down into the pan, away from you, so the oil does not splatter

7. Allow fillets to cook for about 3 minutes until the skin is crispy. It is important not to move the fish around while it is searing. The goal is crispy skin

8. Once the skin is nicely browned and crispy, flip the fillet over to finish cooking the flesh side, reduce heat to low, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Please note that a thicker fillet of fish will take longer to cook. Please be mindful

9. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the skillet. Wipe out the pan to prepare to your pan sauce

10. To prepare the pan sauce, warm the non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly toast sliced garlic until the edges brown

11. Add stock and allow to reduce by 1⁄2 the original volume

12. Lower heat and whisk in Dijon mustard. Whisk sauce with butter to thicken, emulsify, and round out the flavors. Adjust seasoning with some fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If desired, add chopped fresh herbs

13. Plate the fish, spoon over the sauce, and enjoy!

Recipe - Hudson Valley Fisheries

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

Shoulda been here last week! 🤣 

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thank you to our loyal subscribers and a warm welcome to new readers!

Your support inspires us to keep sharing the best kayak fishing tips, news, and stories.

Before you go, check out the poll right up there 👆️ —we’d love your feedback!

Happy fishing, and see you 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.