Winter Kayak Fishing Wins: Sheepshead, Crappie, and Flounder!

Good morning, Crew!

A big welcome to our new subscribers and a hearty thanks to our loyal readers. It's great to have you with us!

The Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter is all about sharing practical tips, gear advice, and the best fishing stories to help you make the most of every trip.

Building this community of kayak anglers has been a rewarding journey, and your enthusiasm keeps us moving forward.

We appreciate every bit of feedback you share, which helps us keep improving.

Let’s dive in and make this season unforgettable!

~ The Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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THREE FISHING TIPS
Fishing for Sheepshead Near Coastal Structures

❄️ Winter brings sheepshead closer to coastal structures, making it the perfect time to target these finicky feeders.

✅ Here are three tips to help you hook and land these striped bait stealers during their feeding frenzy.

1. Choose the Right Bait
Sheepshead love crustaceans, so using the right bait is key. Fiddler crabs, shrimp, or small pieces of barnacle-covered shells work wonders.

• Fiddler crabs stay on the hook longer and are irresistible to sheepshead.

• Fresh shrimp are a go-to, especially when fished near barnacle-covered pilings.

• If you're near rocky areas, scrape off barnacles for natural chum.

2. Use a Sensitive Rod and Line
Sheepshead are notorious nibblers, so you'll need to feel every bite. A sensitive rod and light fluorocarbon line will help detect their subtle takes.

• Opt for a medium-light rod for better bite detection.

• Stick to fluorocarbon leaders to stay invisible in clear waters.

• Keep your drag loose to handle their powerful runs.

3. Fish Tight to the Structure
Sheepshead love hiding in tight spaces, so casting close to pilings, docks, or jetties is a must. Be patient and keep your bait as still as possible to lure them out.

• Drop your bait straight down near structure to minimize snags.

• Use a small hook for a stealthier presentation.

• Always check your bait after each nibble—they're pros at stealing it!

🎣 Get out there and give these tips a try next time you're chasing sheepshead. They may be bait thieves, but with the right approach, you’ll have them on your line in no time!

📷️: Omar Ambriz

BEST LINK
Favorite Finds

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

• Ready for a wild ride? This firsthand account of kayak fishing near giant gators will leave you amazed. (Florida Sportsman)

• Discover the story behind a kayak angler's record-breaking bowfin caught on his nephew's handmade lure. (Outdoor Life)

• A jet skier capsizes a kayak fisherman, goes viral on TikTok, and ends up in handcuffs—here’s the full story. (Men’s Journal)

KAYAK GEAR
AliExpress Dry Suits for Kayak Fishermen - Pros and Cons

🤔 Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz online about inexpensive dry suits from overseas sellers like AliExpress.

Many kayak fishermen are asking if these budget-friendly options are safe and reliable.

👉️ When it comes to gear that could save—or risk—your life, it’s essential to do your homework before making a purchase.

Pros of AliExpress Dry Suits

• Affordable Prices: These suits are significantly cheaper than top-tier brands, appealing to anglers watching their budgets.

• Variety of Options: With countless styles and features, you’re likely to find something that suits your needs.

• Global Accessibility: AliExpress ships almost anywhere, making it an option for those in remote areas.

Cons to Be Aware Of

• Inconsistent Quality: Reports of leaks, weak seams, and poor durability are common, so reliability can vary greatly.

• Returns Are Tricky: Returning a faulty suit to an overseas seller can be expensive and time-consuming.

• Sizing Challenges: Many fishermen find the sizing inconsistent and smaller than expected, so careful measurements are critical.

The bottom line?

AliExpress dry suits can be an option for those who do their due diligence—reading reviews, comparing features, and ensuring a good fit.

⚕️ Remember, your dry suit isn’t just gear; it’s a potential life-saver. Test it thoroughly in safe conditions before heading out on the water.

KAYAK RIGS
Perception Pro 12 Pedal

✔️ You don’t need a $3,000+ kayak to enjoy a day fishing for crappie. Sometimes, a simple setup and the right rigging can make all the difference in landing your catch!

This is why we fish: to spend time on the water and the joy of hooking a fish! 🎣🐟️ 

📷️: Todd Gause

FRESHWATER CATCH
Crappie

Naly Moua, an angler who knows how to find the slabs! Here she is with a beautiful crappie, showcasing her skills and love for kayak fishing.

🎣 Crappie fishing in January is a rewarding challenge for kayak anglers willing to brave the cold. Here are a few quick facts to keep in mind:

1. Winter Patterns: Crappies tend to gather in deeper water near submerged structures like brush piles and ledges, making a fish finder a handy tool.

2. Slow Presentations Work Best: Cold water slows their metabolism, so use small jigs or minnows and fish them slowly for the best results.

3. Sunny Days Help: On clear days, crappies often move slightly shallower as they seek warmer water near the surface.

☃️ Bundle up, stay patient, and enjoy the peaceful winter waters—there’s nothing quite like landing a slab in the middle of January!

📷️: Naly Moua

SALTWATER CATCH
Flounder

🫢 A solid flounder catch like this is what every angler hopes for!

🐟️ Flounder fishing from a kayak in January can be incredibly productive if you know where to look. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

1. Target Deep Channels: Flounder often move to deeper channels and drop-offs during the colder months, so focus your efforts there.

2. Use Live Bait: Shrimp and small baitfish are irresistible to flounder, especially when fished close to the bottom.

3. Stay Mobile: Kayaks give you the advantage of quietly covering ground, allowing you to drift or reposition as needed to locate fish.

🌬️ January might be chilly, but it’s a great time to land a flatfish or two. Dress warm, paddle smart, and enjoy the calm waters of winter!

📷️: Calvin Almond

TASTY RECIPES
Sheepshead Tacos

Sheepshead fish tacos are a delicious way to enjoy your catch, with their mild, flaky meat paired up with fresh toppings and hot sauce! (Use any fish you catch!)

Ingredients:

• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped

• 1 small red onion, peeled and finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ cup roughly chopped cilantro

• 1 jalapeño, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut crosswise into half moons (optional)

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 limes, 1 halved and 1 cut into wedges

•  Kosher salt

•  Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon canned chipotle pepper, finely chopped (optional)

• 2 pounds of sheepshead

• 12 6-inch fresh corn tortillas

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage

•  A saucy hot sauce, like Tapatio, Tabasco, or Cholula

Instructions:

1. Mix onions, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, and tomatoes in a bowl, making a perfect combination for the sheepshead tacos.

2. Combine the sour creme and mayonnaise until it is thoroughly mixed. Add lime juice, chipotle seasoning, salt, and pepper. The more Chipotle you add, the spicier it will be.

3. Heat the oven burner to a medium temperature. Spray your pan with olive oil to ensure the sheepshead will not stick. Coat both sides with old bay seasoning and cook for 6-8 minutes.

4. Once the fish is cooked to a white, flakey texture, remove it and cut it into strips for the tacos.

5. Place the tortilla on a plate. Cover the tortilla with the chipotle mayo mixture that you made. Add the sheepshead on the bottom. After adding your fish, add your salsa mix of onions, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, and tomatoes to it. Add some shredded cabbage to it.

6. Serve with a lime wedge and hot sauce to add more kick.

Recipe - Hunting and Fishing Depot

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

🤣🤣🤣

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

🎣 A big shoutout to our loyal Crew and a warm welcome to all the new readers joining us for the first time!

We're thrilled to have you here and look forward to sharing all things kayak fishing with you.

👉️ Your ideas and feedback shape this newsletter, keeping us focused on what matters most: helping you enjoy every moment on the water.

If there’s something you’d love to see, don’t hesitate to let us know!

It’s a privilege to share weekly tips, stories, and gear recommendations with such a passionate community.

Here’s to a weekend full of great catches and even better memories.

Tight lines and happy fishing!

~ The Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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