Trophy Trout, Big Bass, and a Wild Shark Encounter!

Good morning, Crew!

Welcome aboard. If you're new here, you’re now part of the Kayak Fishing Guide Crew—where we talk gear, tactics, and everything kayak fishing.

This week, we’ve got solid tips, a trivia question, and some updates to keep you dialed in. Let’s get to it.

Tight lines,

The Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
Access Trophy Trout on the Texas Coast

Winter is prime time for targeting big speckled trout along the Texas coast, and your kayak gives you the perfect advantage.

With shallow-draft access and a stealthy approach, you can get into areas that big boats can’t reach. Here’s how to put more trophy trout in your net this season.

1. Find the Warm Water and Bait
Speckled trout move to slightly deeper holes and channels when the water cools, but they won’t be far from baitfish.

Look for areas where shallow flats drop off into deeper pockets, especially near mud bottoms that hold heat.

• Use a fish finder or map to locate deeper holes near grassy flats

• Target areas where mullet and baitfish are active, even if trout aren’t visible

• Focus on outgoing tides when warm water drains from shallows into deeper spots

2. Use Slow, Natural Presentations
In colder water, trout won’t waste energy chasing fast-moving lures.

A slow and steady retrieve with soft plastics or suspending jerkbaits will keep your bait in the strike zone longer.

• Work lures with gentle twitches and long pauses to mimic an easy meal

• Try a soft plastic on a light jighead, bumping it along the bottom

• Use natural colors like silver, white, or chartreuse to match winter baitfish

3. Stay Stealthy and Position Yourself Smartly
Big trout are wary, especially in clear winter water, so keep noise and movement to a minimum.

Approach key spots from a distance and use the wind or tide to drift quietly into position.

• Anchor or use a stake-out pole instead of making loud paddle movements

• Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend in with the surroundings

• Keep casts long and accurate to avoid spooking fish in shallow water

Winter fishing for big trout is all about patience, precision, and making the most of your kayak’s stealth. Get out there, fish smart, and land a Texas trophy!

📷️: Dustin Nichols

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Can a lightweight, foldable kayak be sturdy enough for fishing? This review explores the pros and cons. (Field & Stream)

• If you're near Houston, this is the fishing event you don’t want to miss. Learn more about the upcoming Houston Fishing Show. (Galveston Daily News)

• Great white shark encounters are on the rise—what would you do if one followed your kayak? Check out this kayaker's close call in New Zealand. (NZ Herald)

KAYAK GEAR
Upgrading Your Kayak Seat

If you spend long hours on the water, upgrading your seat is one of the best ways to improve comfort and extend your fishing trips.

Most stock kayak seats offer minimal support, leading to back pain and fatigue.

A universal deluxe kayak seat with extra padding and a high backrest keeps you comfortable and focused on fishing.

Here are key features to look for in a better seat:

• Adjustable Positions to let you shift throughout the day for better comfort.

• Thick Cushioning and High Back Support to reduce lower back strain.

• Breathable Materials like mesh or quick-dry fabric to stay cool and avoid soggy seating.

A comfortable seat upgrade does more than just add padding.

Sitting at the right height improves visibility and balance, making it easier to cast, fight fish, and stay in control.

If you want to get the most out of your time on the water, upgrading your seat is a simple but worthwhile improvement.

📷️: Stephen Frizzell

KAYAK RIGS
Jackson Kayak Cuda 14

Scot picked up a Jackson Cuda 14 and plans to rig it with a trolling motor for day trips on some of Wisconsin’s bigger lakes.

Looks to be a solid big-water fishing platform once he gets his motor set up! What’s your opinion on this setup?

📷️: Scot Berkey

FRESHWATER CATCH
Largemouth Bass

Frizzie hooked up with a chunker of an 8lb 10oz bass in the Florida Teneroc Fish Management Area.

Bass Fishing Tips for Tenoroc Fish Management Area

1. Fish the Structure
Bass at Tenoroc hold near submerged timber, drop-offs, and man-made cover. A depth finder helps locate these spots, and Carolina-rigged soft plastics work well to target them.

2. Fish the Right Time
Early mornings and late afternoons are best, especially in warmer months. Bass move shallower to feed during these times, so plan your trips accordingly.

3. Use the Right Lures
Dark-colored soft plastics like black, blue, or junebug are solid choices. Crankbaits that mimic local baitfish can also trigger strikes, so mix up your presentation.

Focus on structure, time your trips wisely, and use proven lures to put more bass in the boat at Tenoroc.

📷️: Frizzie Zamora

SALTWATER CATCH
Ling

Popup Smith with a beauty of a Ling caught on a fly he had tied!

Here are a couple of tips for hooking a ling on a fly:

1. Use a Heavy, Fast-Sinking Fly
   Ling often dwell near the bottom, so you’ll need a fly that sinks quickly. Choose a weighted, stream-style fly or a large, bright-colored pattern like a baitfish imitation to get deep enough to catch their attention.

2. Slow, Steady Retrieve
   Ling are ambush predators and prefer a slow-moving meal. Strip the fly slowly and steadily, giving the ling time to strike. Make sure to keep the line tight and be patient for the hookset when you feel a bite.

Both of these tips will help you land a ling on a fly. Be sure to focus on depth and a steady presentation!

📷️: Aaron May

TASTY RECIPES
Spicy Baked Sea Trout

Give this one a try with any white flesh fillets! Excellent!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of sea trout fillets or other firm-fleshed fish

• 2 Tablespoons minced onion

• ¼ cup stick unsalted butter melted

• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• dash black pepper

• 1 Tablespoon

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350 F.

2. Butter a glass casserole -large enough so that the fillets aren't crowded.

3. Lay the fillets in a single layer in the glass casserole.

4. Whisk the melted butter, lemon juice, minced onion, salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until well blended. (Also, add the capers if you wish.) Pour the sauce evenly over the fillets.

5. Bake in the heated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The fillets will be firm but still moist.

6. Serve immediately, and spoon some additional sauce over the fillets.

Recipe - All Our Way

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thanks for being part of the Kayak Fishing Guide Crew—whether you’ve been with us for a while or just hopped on board. Your passion for kayak fishing keeps this newsletter going, and we appreciate every one of you.

We’re glad to have you along for the ride and look forward to sharing more tips, news, and good fishing talk. See you next time!

Tight lines,

~ 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.