Winter Bass Tips, Crappie Wins, and a 40-Inch Barracuda!

Good morning, Crew!

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with family, friends, and maybe even some new fishing stories.

Welcome to this week's Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter. This edition is packed with kayak fishing news, tips, and stories to keep you hooked.

👉️ 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.

Whether you're here for gear advice, fishing tales, or a quick laugh, there's something for everyone.

Let’s get right to it and enjoy more time on the water!

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THREE FISHING TIPS
Wintertime Bass Tactics for Southern Kayak Anglers

Winter fishing for largemouth bass in the South is a game of patience and knowing where to look. Cooler water doesn’t mean slow fishing—it means fishing smart.

👉️ Here are three tips to help you land some bucketmouths this winter.

1. Look for Warm Water
Bass love warmth, even in winter, so find areas that hold slightly higher water temperatures.

Look for spots near springs, power plant outflows, or shallow flats that warm up quickly in the sun.

• Use a fish finder to locate temperature differences.

• Check sunny banks with darker mud bottoms.

• Avoid deep, shaded areas that stay colder longer.

2. Slow Your Presentation
Bass are less aggressive in cooler water, so slower baits are your friend.

Try a Texas-rigged worm or a jig with a subtle crawl to mimic sluggish prey.

• Focus on dragging or hopping your lure instead of fast retrieves.

• Use lighter line to make your bait move more naturally.

• Experiment with soft plastics in natural colors like green pumpkin or brown.

3. Target Cover with Structure
Bass hug structure in winter to conserve energy, so hit docks, laydowns, and rock piles.

Pitch or flip your bait into tight spaces and let it sit longer than usual.

• Cast repeatedly to the same spot—bass may need convincing.

• Use a creature bait or a finesse jig for tight cover.

• Be ready for a soft bite; set the hook at any sign of movement.

🎣 :Winter fishing is all about slowing down and staying persistent. Try these tips next time you’re out on the water and let the bass show you where they’re hiding.

📷️: Burgess Sparacino

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

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

• Worried about flipping your kayak while reeling in a big one? These tips will help you stay upright and land the fish. (RAILBLAZA)

• Discover what makes the Rock Dam in Hopedale a must-visit spot for kayak anglers this winter. (Louisiana Sportsman)

• Planning a solo river fishing trip? Here’s how to handle the return trip like a pro. (Jackson Kayak)

KAYAK GEAR
Catch Coolers

Keeping your catch fresh on the water is a must, especially during longer trips.

🐟️ Kayak catch coolers are designed to fit snugly on your kayak, keeping fish chilled and secure.

They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and a big upgrade from tossing fish in a plastic bag.

When choosing a kayak catch cooler, look for these features:

• Insulation: Thick padding helps keep ice longer, so your fish stay fresh.

• Shape: A narrow design fits well on most kayaks without taking up too much space.

• Durability: Reinforced zippers and waterproof materials are key for long-term use.

Most coolers attach to your kayak with bungee cords or straps, making them simple to secure.

Place yours within easy reach to avoid stretching or losing balance when stowing fish.

🎣 A good catch cooler not only preserves your fish but also keeps your kayak organized, letting you focus on the fun part—fishing!

KAYAK RIGS
Old Town Auto Pilot 120

Marco Pereira’s Old Town AutoPilot 120 kayak is a reliable setup that adds ease and efficiency to any fishing trip.

And it's set up to make fishing trips even more fun!

📷️: Marco Pereira 

FRESHWATER CATCH
Crappie

A trip to Jordan Lake paid off big with a personal best crappie for Richard Smith!

The first catch weighed in at 2 pounds even, making it the angler's biggest crappie of the year.

The best crappie locations are areas with plenty of structure, like submerged trees, brush piles, and docks.

These spots provide cover where crappie tend to gather, making them ideal for anglers looking to fill their livewell.

📷️: Richard Smith

SALTWATER CATCH
Barracuda

Landing a 40-inch barracuda from a kayak is an experience to remember.

Trolling a 4-inch paddletail, John hooked into a powerful fish that put up a strong fight. After a challenging battle, the barracuda was successfully brought to the kayak.

🎣 A catch like this shows the thrill of kayak fishing at its best!

📷️: John Veil

TASTY RECIPES
Poor Man's Lobster Recipe w/Pike Fillets

This dish goes great paired up with your favorite beer! 🍺 

Ingredients:

• 4 to 6 pike fillets

• 2 to 3 qt. water

• 2 c. sugar

• 3 tbsp. salt

• 1 tsp. parsley flakes

• Lemon wedges

• Paprika (optional)

• One stick of butter or garlic butter

Instructions:

1. Fillet the fish and remove the skin and any stray bones.

2. Cut the fillets into 2- or 3-inch cubes or strips. Larger chunks don’t flake apart as quickly as smaller ones.

3. Boil the water and add the salt, sugar, and parsley flakes. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve.

4. Drop the cubed cuts of fish into the boiling water and let cook. Stir occasionally, but not with so much force that the meat flakes apart.

5. When all the meat appears white and flaky and is floating on the surface (approximately 5 minutes), remove the pieces with a mesh strainer and spread them on a paper towel-covered plate.

6. While many prefer to eat the pike without seasoning, dash the fish with paprika for more flavor.

7. Serve with lemon wedges and a dipping bowl of melted or garlic butter.

Recipe - Game & Fish

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

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

Your continued support and enthusiasm for kayak fishing mean a lot to us.

We're excited to share tips, stories, and updates from the water with you every week.

We hope you have a great weekend with plenty of time to hit the water. Tight lines and happy fishing!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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