Kayak Fishing on the Water

Wow got a chance to go out kayak fishing Monday April 21, 2014 with a group of two kayak anglers and my coworker.  We fished the California Delta, fishing out of White Slough. For my first time out my personal goal was to not tip over and end up wet, well with in less than 4 seconds that goal was crushed. I went over instantly as I was trying to gets in the boat. The anglers helped me out with the boat and keeping the mood positive. After draining most of the water out of the Jackson Kilroy I got back in sucesfuly and we all began the fishing trip.

The anglers were able to graph a school of stripers with in 1400 yard from the launch.

We were able to get 9 of them and 2 of the biggest went home for dinner.

I did not catch any stripers but I was not discouraged. I was just glad to be there and watch the action. Brian was throwing a top water and he had a big blow up. Derrick and Bam were throwing a swim bait. When the school dissipated, we headed further west to look for some black bass. I got my first kayak bass on a frog, and had two other blow-up but only hooked up on the first one.

This was also my first frog fish for 2014. I then got the drop shot out and started fishing my margareta mutilator Roboworms, the bite was good and I was able to catch 8 more bass no real size.

But my last bite was a different story it was a much better fish, it went to deep water and started pulling and spinning the kayak out to deep water. My drag was giving line as the fish went diving for the weeds. I was able to keep him on the line for 4-6 minutes and just as I saw the leader on the line the fish made one last dive down and broke the line at the knot. Without seeing it I would guess it was somewhere in the 4-6 lbs range. A bad break to ending to the day of fishing however, it was a great day on the water. When we got back to the launch our group loaded up and headed home the end result for the group we caught 25 fish total. I am looking forward to going out again. 

All anglers Please use a PFD when on the water. 

Delta 4/20/2014

Went out Easter Sunday with my brother,  we fished Franks Track all morning. We were hoping for some actions baits bits but it was a no go. We only got bites when we switched over to sinko and drop shots. Boated 20 fish but only five were keepers. My brothers big fish was 4lbs 1oz, mine was 3lbs. Going out tomorrow on my first kayak fishing trip with my co-worker Derrick and a guide. 

Veterinary visit

Had to take Rambo in for a dental exam. 

Looks like he will need oral surgery and cleaning next week. 

Clear Lake 4/12-4/15/2014

My parents are at Clear Lake for a few days. Reports have been the lake is wide-open, they were able to catch twelve fish,  yesterday, Saturday April 12, all weighing between 1lbs to 7lbs. They are throwing chatter baits for pre-spawn fish and drop shot or shaky head jigs for bed fish.

They were able to stay on the fish for the four days even with the presser the lake has seen with multiple bout tournament both Saturday and Sunday. There daily best five fish went 21-27 lbs.

 

Kayak Fishing

I have made several trips down to Headwaters Kayak Shop in Lodi. I have been asking there fishing pros, the owner and other employes about kayak fishing. We have talked about everything from what kayak, paddle, PDF, depth finders and how to rig the boat. They are always very helpful and never make me feel presurerd to walk out with a boat, they want you to be comfortable in shop and on the water. Headwater kayak shop are pushing beyond what is stock on a kayak and making custom and practical solution to kayak fishing, adding standup bars to both the Jackson kayak Kilroy and Cuda that looks factory but is truly custom.

As for me I was sold on kayak fishing after my fist trip in to the shop in December of 2013, I just needed to make sure I was ready personally to take on this new hobby. I have been on the water since I was 6 months old, and had a pole in my hands shortly after. But all my fishing was on 16-21 foot bass boats. But as I got older and started my own family, I just was not sure if I wanted to take on another monthly bill, by going out and get a bass boat. My parents and my brother both have one why do I need one? So looking at some alternatives I looked into kayaks. Besides the opening cost of the boat, no gas, virtually no maitanince and lots of water near by my home in the 209. I was finally able to find a day so I went down and scheduled a guided trip planed for Monday April 21, 2014. Looking forward to it. 

Golfing

I hit the links today playing Dry Creek Golf Club in Galt. I was a able to shoot an 83, 45 on the front and 38 on the back. I was looking for just a few puts to fall in the early part of the round having birdie putts in the first two holes.  I struggled to get a fell for the green speed until the back nine. I was able to make back to back birdies on 11 and 12 both wining a skin in the gross and one holding up for net skins. I finished tied for second place in my flight with a net 71.  The bad new was that my playing partner is going to have reconstructive knee surgery in 4 days, and my foursome partner is not playing until further notice because is wife is battling cancer. My thoughts are with them both in hopes all turns out for the best.