Windy Day Tricks, Fish Grips, and a Mahi-Mahi How-To!

Good morning, Crew!

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

We're excited to bring you the latest in kayak fishing news, tips, and stories that make our sport so thrilling.

Whether you're here for gear advice, big fish, or just a good laugh, we've got something special lined up for you.

Dive in, and let's make the most of our time on the water together!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

P.S. Want to score some free swag? Don’t miss the details at the bottom of the newsletter!

As an Amazon Associate, Kayak Fishing Guide earns from qualifying purchases.

BASSMASTER KAYAK SERIES
2024 Kayak Angler of the Year

Congrats to Rus Snyders on earning the Bassmaster Kayak Angler of the Year title once again! You can follow Rus on Instagram!

His skill and passion for kayak fishing make him a standout, and winning Angler of the Year back-to-back shows his dedication and expertise on the water. Here’s to an incredible, well-earned victory! 🎣 🏆️ 

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Heartbreaking news as the Coast Guard ends their search for a missing kayaker – read the latest update here. (US Coast Guard)

• Ready to reel in some big bass this fall? Discover the secrets of kayak fishing for largemouth! (On the Water)

• See how local kayakers are helping veterans find peace on the water in North Texas. (The Dallas Morning News)

• Smallmouth bass are waiting – discover easy tips to boost your smallie fishing game! (Jackson Kayak)

GEAR
Fish Grips

Fishing grips are essential for kayak anglers, giving you a secure hold on slippery fish without the risk of injury or escape.

Compact and easy to store, grips help protect both you and the fish by reducing direct handling, especially for catch-and-release.

Many even come with built-in scales, so you can weigh your catch right on the water or snap a steady photo.

Here’s why you need one on board:

- Enhanced Safety: Securely handle fish and avoid injury.

- Space Saver: Compact and easy to access on a kayak.

- Fish Protection: Keeps scales and slime intact for healthier releases.

- Instant Weighing: Weigh fish directly, no extra tools needed.

- Photo Control: Steady your catch for clean shots.

Ready to add one to your setup? Check out the wide variety of fishing grips available and pick the perfect tool for your next catch! 🎣 

KAYAK RIGS
Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone had a spooky, safe Halloween! 👻 

💀 This skeleton angler's heading to the depths to rest up for next October's spine-chilling return to the water. 🎃☠️ 🧟 

FRESHWATER CATCH
Musky

This musky made for a great day for Pancho and Lefty (Lefty is seated in the back of the kayak!) from Bryan, Texas!

In October, musky often move to shallower waters, where they follow schools of baitfish to feed more actively.

This is prime time to find them near weed lines, rock structures, and shallower areas, making it the perfect season for casting big baits.

🎣 Tight lines and good luck – it's musky season at its finest!

THREE FISHING TIPS
Fishing in Windy Conditions

🌬️ Fishing on a windy day can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it can lead to great catches. Here are three tips to keep your kayak steady and make the most of windy conditions.

1. Position your kayak upwind for control. 

Paddling upwind helps you keep control of your kayak and lets the wind push you gently toward your target area.

• Start upwind and let the breeze drift you back.

• Keep your paddle low and close to the kayak to reduce drag.

• Use your foot pedals or rudder if you have them.

2. Use a drift sock to slow your speed. 

A drift sock can be your best friend on a windy day, acting like a brake to keep you from moving too fast.

• Attach it to the stern for maximum control.

• Pick a small to medium sock for easy handling.

• Reel in extra line so it doesn’t get tangled.

3. Choose heavier lures for casting stability. 

Wind makes casting tricky, so heavier lures help you stay accurate and reach your spots.

• Stick to weighted jigs or swimbaits.

• Use shorter casts to keep things steady.

• Try braided line for better control in gusts.

🎣 With a little planning, windy days can add excitement and new opportunities on the water. Just remember these tips, and let the wind work in your favor!

TASTY RECIPES
Crappie Patties

(Or any white fish fillets!)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Crappie Filets (or other white fish)

• Salt & Pepper

• 1 Red Bell Pepper, Finely Diced

• ½ Medium Onion, Finely Diced

• 1 cup Crushed Saltine Crackers

• ¼ cup Mayonnaise

• 1.5 tablespoons Dijon Mustard

• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice, plus more for serving 

• 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Parsley

• 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

• 1 Large Egg

• Butter or Oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet or Dutch oven over any heat source over medium-low heat.

2. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil, then the crappie filets. Cook for a couple of minutes per side until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste as it cooks.

3. Set crappie aside to cool. Once it’s cooled, break up the crappie into small pieces.

4. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients for the crappie cakes: diced bell pepper, diced onion, saltine, crackers, mayo, Dijon, mustard, lemon juice, parsley, creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and an egg. Mix well, then add in broken-up crappie pieces and mix again.

5. Form into 6 (½ inch thick) patties.

6. Bring the Dutch oven or skillet back to medium heat and add butter or oil, about two tablespoons. Once warmed, place three crappie patties into the oil and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked. Carefully flip them so they don’t fall apart. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining crappie patties. Add more butter or oil as needed.

7. Serve warm with additional lemon juice for drizzling.

Recipe - Jenn’s Wild Game Kitchen

SALTWATER CATCH
Mahi-mahi

🐟️ Jake Green landed a nice mahi-mahi on his Hobie!

The term mahi-mahi comes from the Hawaiian language, where mahi means "strong." Repeating it, mahi-mahi, emphasizes this strength! This name highlights its reputation among anglers for being a strong, thrilling catch.

For mahi-mahi fishing, speed and color are key.

Troll at 6-8 knots with bright lures to mimic their favorite prey, and look for floating debris or weed lines where mahi often gather.

When you hook one, keep it in the water briefly to attract others in the school.

Use medium to heavy tackle to handle their strength – and brace yourself for their famous leaps!

Mahi-mahi bring the thrill every time!

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

🤣 Who's taken "cloud spotting" as an official reason to skip work for fishing?

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

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

Your enthusiasm for kayak fishing and support for the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter means the world to us.

We're thrilled to have you on this journey as we share the latest news, tips, and stories from the water.

➡️ Would you do us a favor and share our newsletter with one of your fishing buddies? We’ll send you Kayak Fishing Guide gifts!  

Happy fishing, and here's to many more adventures together!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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