The Butterfly Peacock was introduced into the south Miami area during the early 1980’s in an attempt to control the spread of other exotic fish species that had been illegally released into the ecosystem, and were causing havoc among native fish populations. The introduction of the Peacock Bass by the FWC has been a true success story not only because of the experiment worked and non-native populations have been kept from spiraling out of control but also because of the opportunity it has created for recreational anglers. This is a unique opportunity for anglers to be able target Peacocks outside of their native range in the Amazon River Basin.

Today Sun Coast Kayak Sport Fishing offers kayak fishing charters into the southeastern Florida canal systems for these truly amazing sport fish. After over a year of exploratory fishing in the south Florida canal systems Sun Coast Kayak Sport Fishing is a leader in kayak fishing for Peacock Bass. Charters are full days and catches of 50+ Peacock Bass are so common that they are almost the norm. Other species encountered also include Largemouth Bass, Oscar, Mayan Cichlid, Midas Cichlid, Spotted Tilapia, Blue Tilapia, and many more. The average Peacock is around 3# with fish regularly exceeding 5# and fish to 9# are caught with frequency.

For more information on kayak fishing for Peacock Bass please visit www.fishwithdc.com

SOUTH FLORIDA FISHING REPORT:  OCTOBER RECAP / NOVEMBER FORCAST

SARASOTA BAY / SOUTHERN TAMPA BAY:

October fishing in both Sarasota Bay and Southern Tampa Bay was primarily focused on a very welcome influx of Redfish. Sarasota Bay was inundated with schools of slot redfish from Anna Maria Island down through Siesta Key. We focused on these fish along sea walls, docks, and substantial submerged bars. It seemed at some points throughout the month that every area within Sarasota Bay was holding nice Redfish. Up in Southern Tampa Bay from the mouth of Bishop Harbor through Williams Bayou, Joe Bay, and even into Miguel Bay we focused our attention on the rather large schools feeding on the flats. The fish were tailing along the shallows during low tides especially from Port Manatee down to Joe Island. During higher water we were turning our attention to the mangrove edges and sight fishing for Reds as they fed along the edges. Baits of choice ranged from live shrimp and pinfish, to artificial baits such as red and white top water plugs, and soft plastic jerk baits in chartreuse. The other stars of October were the King Mackerel and the Spanish Mackerel just off the beaches. Trolling spoons and live threadfin over structure produced great numbers of both of these pelagic species. This is the best time of year to take large Kings in close to shore – much better than the spring run which tends to be further out. Early in the morning and later in the afternoon have been seeing large explosions of fish crashing bait at the surface which makes for awesome sight casting action.

   Snook have begun to move back off the beaches and passes onto the flats and creek mouths as they stage up for their annual migration to warmer waters in which to ride out the cold temperatures of winter. While the early parts of the month where consistent in targeting linesiders on the flats the later cold fronts actually pushed these fish up rivers and further into back country areas. Recently with a warming trend over the area the Snook are now in a transition phase (moving inland on colder snaps and back out during warmer days) making them harder to target consistently. The best bet late in the month has been fishing at night along bridges and lighted docks. Large numbers of nice sized Snook have been stacked up from Anna Maria own through Snook Alley and we have connected with some really nice sized Snook over 40” in length. The best baits by far have been small Pilchards when available or Fly Fishing with small minnow imitations. The smaller baits have been key to good numbers because the Snook in these areas are really keyed in on small baitfish and shrimp drawn into the lights.

Trout are still a rather easy target for anglers on warmer days, especially later in the days as the sun warms the flats. The fish have been located along the edges of flats or deeper boating channels and during outgoing tides they have been feeding on bait being pushed off the flats by the moving water. Most of the fish have been on the smaller side but a few larger fish are still around. The best baits have been DOA Shrimp (the Day Glow color) on a Deadly Combo rig, small Yozuri Crystal Minnows, and Rapala XRaps in the purple and gold color.

A little off the flats in some of the more back country areas we have also been able to target small Juvenile Tarpon from resident populations. The ‘Poons have been from 10 to 15#, and a great fight on light tackle. We have been targeting these fish with 8# spin gear and Chartreuse Mirro Lures and small top water baits like a Super Spook Jr. Fishing early for the best bite and targeting rolling fish has been very successful but the bite slows late morning and we then move on to target other species in the area.

As November nears I expect the Snook to move further up the rivers and estuaries to escape dropping water temperatures. Areas to target in this area will be the Manatee River, Braden River, Myakka River, Peace River, Bishop Harbor, Cockroach Bay and the many residential canals along the ICW (look for canals that have at least a 10’ depth and a black muck bottom with some decent structure – the Snook will use these areas because the depth will allow a layer of insulation during cold weather, while the bottom will warm quickly on nicer days and the structure will provide ambush points to feed from. The larger redfish will move offshore to join the breeding populations in the Gulf. A lot of times in November we can expect a bull redfish or two to take a bait while we troll for Kings and Spanish Macks. Smaller redfish (under 30” or so) will remain in the bays but move into back country areas and protected areas much the same as the Snook. While they don’t have the severe temperature restrictions of Snook they will follow schools of bait that will move into these areas. There are times during the winter months that we will take slot redfish up to 10 miles from the open bays in area rivers and estuaries. The Mackerel bite should remain steady until Thanksgiving, or at least until the water temps dip below 68 degrees or so. As cold weather continues to creep into the area Sea Trout will move into deeper channels and up rivers and creeks to find stable water temps as well. Look for deeper holes and springs, as well as the deepest parts of the ICW. The fish will get lethargic as water temperatures decline but on sunny days we take a lot of trout by fishing small crappie jigs with no leader on light tackle. Slowly bouncing these small jigs through deeper areas can be really productive for good numbers of sea trout.

November also ushers in the first consistent flounder bite of the year. Targeting sand areas adjacent to structure (anything from bridges, to reefs, and even mangroves) with small buck tail jigs worked slowly over the bottom in these areas or small bait fish and shrimp worked close to the bottom can lead to really good catches of these tasty fish. Sporadic numbers of Cobia will also appear around area reefs as they migrate south throughout the month. Increasing numbers of big Sheephead will begin to appear around near shore reefs and ledges as they prepare for spawning in the coming months.

MIAMI CANALS / PEACOCK BASS

October was very, very productive for Peacock Bass in the southernmost canals in the Miami-Dade area. Rising water from locally heavy rains made for some increased current in the canal systems but the fish staged around points and dead end areas, feeding on bait washed by in the current. The Peacocks were schooled up in open water as well and when a school was discovered crashing bait on the surface quick casts with small Rapala crank baits made for awesome action. In the northern most canals the Peacock Bass bite wasn’t as great and we continued to concentrate on the southern most canals except for a few canals in Broward County in which the Snakehead bite has been phenomenal. Other action in the canal systems has been fair to good for such exotics as Oscars, Mayan Cichlid, and Spotted Tilapia with the Largemouth bite improving in some of the southern areas. The Peacocks have averaged 3 to 5# with a good number of fish over 5# including on really great fish at just over 9#.

November fishing should remain steady in the southern canals for Peacocks and other exotics as long as the water remains warm. Once the water temperature starts to drop a bit we look for areas in which the warmer water from the Biscayne Aquifer keeps the temperature at a more consistent temperature. These areas can hold great numbers of fish and make for some fast action late morning and all afternoon. Remember that Peacocks get better as the day goes on and fishing later in the day this time of year can be very productive. The Snakehead bite in the north should continue until the weather gets a little colder. These are hard fighting fish and are a great fight on medium tackle – just watch out for the mouth full of razor sharp teeth. We will continue to target them with small top water baits and live bait until the bite slows. For the Peacocks, top water baits worked over submerged structure can be very productive during the earlier hours of the day while fishing live shiners and small Rapala crank baits are deadly as the afternoon kicks in.

EVERGLADES CANAL SYSTEM

October was up and down in the Everglades Canal Systems. The waterways along Alligator Alley (I-75) have been the most productive of all producing good numbers of Oscar, Mayan Cichlid, and Bream (or Sunfish as they are known elsewhere in the country) along with exceptional numbers of Largemouth (some to 11#) out on the Sawgrass Flats. Finding deeper holes and fishing overhanging or submerged structure in the main canals has been the biggest producer. Small Rapala crank baits worked with varying speeds have been the baits of choice. These baits will draw strikes from a number of species including Oscar, Mayan Cichlid, Sunfish, Crappie, Largemouth, Bowfin, Gar and Crappie. Fly fishing along the canal edges with small poppers can be equally as deadly. Plastics rigged Texas style have had limited success in these areas, especially areas with a lot of emergent vegetation such as lily pads, but draw strikes from only bass causing anglers to miss out on a lot of other species. Days this October saw catch rates of 50 to 75 fish per angler. At other times of the year, particularly spring when the water is lower, catch rates are easily 100 plus fish per angler. Remember also that the Exotics such as Oscar and Cichlids are really good eating and the State of Florida is asking anglers for their help in controlling the populations by keeping as many as they catch – they are easily as good as Crappie.

Like the canals in Miami and Broward the fishing should remain good until the water temperatures begin to drop. Look for the fish to then once again move into areas with waters warmed by underground springs. Fishing with deeper running crank baits can also produce great catches during colder snaps as the fish will be holding close to bottom.

SARASOTA FRESHWATER

Cold fronts moving through the area kick started the Crappie bite in many area waterways from Tampa down through Sarasota and North Port. We have been finding fair to good numbers of slabs from 1 to 3# suspended over structure in 5 to 10’ of water. We have been drifting the areas with numerous baits at different depths until the fish are located. Once we have them dialed in we adjust all baits to that depth and thoroughly cover the area. Small jigs or Missouri Minnows fished below a slip bobber are the most effective but fly fishing can be equally as productive using small minnow imitations on sink tip or even sinking line. Don’t be surprised to also catch a fair number of nice Channel Catfish or Largemouth at the same time. The Largemouth bite has been fair lately but looks to be improving as larger schools of bass have been seen crashing shad in open water as the shad begin to move towards creeks and rivers. Targeting these schools of bass with top waters, crank baits, and jerkbaits can mean wicked fast paced action.

November should continue to see increased fishing for Crappies. Continue to look for them hanging at some depth of more than 5’ or so until they are ready to spawn when the water temperature reaches a favorable spawning level. The bass fishing should remain fair until the cold fronts become more frequent and slow down the fishing until the spawn after the first of the year. Continue to look for open water bass for the most action. Also, Channel Catfish of considerable will be roaming open water in deeper impoundments feeding at different levels of the water column. As you are fishing for Crappie or Largemouth keep a large Shiner out behind the boat for a chance at these big cats. 

FLORIDA KEYS

Most of our trips in October down to the Keys were centered around Key Largo. The area has an amazing Bonefish fishery as well as produces great catches of Snapper, Barracuda, Permit and Tarpon. The stars of October were the Permit with catches ranging from 10 to 30# fish along the channel and flats edges. Small crabs and jigs tipped with shrimp were the biggest producers. On outgoing tides we were looking for Permit schooling along the edges or mudding in deeper water. The Bonefish bite was fair to good and what we didn’t get in numbers we made up for in size with impressive catches of up to 11# Bones. As the water temps were falling the fish were moving later in the day and a falling tide in the afternoon was a sign of a good Bonefish bite.  Individual Tarpon were able to be sight fished along flats as they fed on crabs and small bait fish schools. While we didn’t get into big numbers we were able to hook and release fish to 50#. Big snapper within the cuts that run into the Mangroves. At low tides the Snapper would move from the mangroves into these deeper cuts as they waited to return on the rising water. Shrimp and jigs proved to be the most effective.

November should bring increased action along the patch reefs and just offshore. On nice days one can look to connect with Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack and possibly even a Sailfish or Dolphin while trolling. Inshore the Bonefish and Permit bite will be good until water temps fall close to 70 degrees. Target these fish late in the day along shallow flats as they move in to feed.

If you coming ashore at a beach or flat land area it are relatively simple to rest your boat on land, especially if you have a partner: While coming ashore on flat land, angle your boat to the right. The person seated at the bow of the kayak can step out of the board and pull the kayak slightly onto land. You will lose stability if you try to drag the boat too far onto the shore. You could also damage the hull of your kayak. Once the bow passenger is on dry land, the person at the stern moves forward preparing to jump off ship, which he succeeds.

The kayak at this time will lift from the waters. If you are preparing to come ashore at a dock, move your kayak alongside the dock first. Both passengers at this time will exit the vessel near the center of the boat. (Amidships) If more than two passengers are in the boat the third passenger can exit first. Otherwise, all three passengers can gather in a group near the center of the boat, which the bow passenger will then exit. The bow passenger can then secure the vessel while using a painter to dock the boat. Useful kayaking experience.

You are now on shore.

Coming ashore is a replica of boarding kayaks. When you are preparing to come to shore use the basic steps you took when boarding your kayak. You want to avoid capsizing while coming ashore, so think before you exit your boat.

Boarders tend to put their center foot into the kayak and/or canoe first while using both hands to grip the boat for support. Your weight will always affect the boat, which the bow generally lifts from the waters.

Kayaks are sporting canoes. The canoes are often lightweight and made of fiberglass. People use kayaks for leisure, travel, competitions, whitewater events, inland travel and white water rafting. The material is delicate, yet built to last. However, if you fail to launch, carry, or come ashore correctly, you can damage your boat.

Now we can discuss safety tips:

Always carry CGAPSD aboard ship. (aka Coast Guard Approved Safety Device)

Tip: Always wear a lifejacket when kayaking, since proper buoyancy and lifejackets combined could give you extra support when capsizing.

Never hurry when boarding, or coming ashore in your kayak, especially in shallow draft kayaks. The lightweight vessels are sensitive to weight dispersal. When you move inside a shallow draft kayak, it is important to remain calm. If you want to change your seating in a kayak, take your time and do it as gently as possible.

Exiting a kayak should fall under the same guidelines. If you move outside the limits of the boats gravity, you can flip the vessel easily. Keep this in your mind when boarding, coming ashore, and exiting your boat.

Tip: Never leave on a kayaking trip with fear. Leave your fears behind and pick them up later. In addition, do not play guessing games in water, learn, practice, and practice some more before you attempt a full kayaking trip.

Kayakers tend to learn basic and advance strokes before attempting to kayak. This is smart sense each detail you learn could save your life. In addition, ALL kayakers should master the Eskimo roll before attempting a kayak trip. The Eskimo roll can help you recover from nearly any capsized situation. If you plan to travel in pairs, or groups, make sure all of you learn the Eskimo Roll together and remove any doubts, confusion, etc.

Ready for a trip - this is your vacation packing checklist.

Friday Harbor, WA. (PRWEB) November 1, 2007 — Discovery Sea Kayaks has been named one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” in a recent survey of more than 200 adventure travel outfitters by National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company was ranked #2 of 56 North American, Canoe and Kayak Outfitters for client satisfaction. Discovery Sea Kayaks NGA Magazine Rating

The magazine’s November 2007 issue highlights the Best Outfitters on Earth and the searchable online database provides detailed information for adventurers planning the ultimate trip National Geographic Adventure Magazine

Discovery Sea Kayak’s motto is, Quality Guides to Gear. The extremely high scores received in the Quality of Service and Client References portion of the Ratings reaffirm our motto and show that we are doing things right
It is important to us that our clients’ experience kayaking in the San Juan Islands is educational, adventurous and above all the best kayaking trip offered with the best guides, equipment, food and overall quality.
Adventure has built the ultimate online travel planning tool-the first authoritative rating of great adventure tour operators on the Web
“Discovery Sea Kayak’s motto is, Quality Guides to Gear. The extremely high scores received in the Quality of Service and Client References portion of the Ratings reaffirm our motto and show that we are doing things right,” said Richard Swanson, owner of Discovery. “It is important to us that our clients’ experience kayaking in the San Juan Islands is educational, adventurous and above all the best kayaking trip offered with the best guides, equipment, food and overall quality.”

According to the magazine “Adventure has built the ultimate online travel planning tool-the first authoritative rating of great adventure tour operators on the Web”. NGA reached out to hundreds of tour companies around the world and scored each in the following four categories: education, sustainability, quality of service and spirit of adventure. Researchers then contacted references for each outfitter generating a fifth score. A team of Adventure experts vetted those outfitters with a score of 80 or over as the
“Best Outfitters on Earth”. Discovery Sea Kayaks has been ranked in this exclusive list as chosen by NG Adventure editors, travel writers and experts.

Discovery Sea Kayaks, founded in 2001, offers small group kayak adventures ranging from half day tours to 5 day deluxe kayak camping expeditions in the spectacular San Juan Islands north of Seattle, Washington. For reservations or more information call 1-866-461-2559 or log onto the company’s web site, Discovery Sea Kayaks.

For more information, contact
Richard Swanson
1-360-378-2559

Prizes Included at each Tournament
1st Place

• Lake Blackshear- Native Watercraft Magic Kayak 14.5
• Lake Lanier- Ocean Kayak Trident 15
• Savannah- Ocean Kayak Trident 15

2nd Place each Tournament

• Ocean Kayak Drifter Angler Edition

3rd Place each Tournament

• Humminbird 55s VHF Handheld Marine Radio

Junior Angler

• Extrasport PFD and Rod n Reel Combo

Lady Angler AWARD!

• Ocean Kayak Lady Caper Angler

Fishing has been very good recently, although we certainly, had days that challenged us. There has been plenty snook with lots of over-sized fish, lots of “dinks”, but few that actually fit into the new harvest slot size. Slot-sized snook have been elusive. Oh well, I rather have the action anyway.

We have seen lots of redfish as they have begun to school … big time. Once you are in a school, it is important to stay with them! Speckled trout are moving inshore in numbers. The cobia have been a bit thin so far, but, the fall tarpon run seems to be in full swing. It will not last long, so if you “want a piece of this”, I would schedule soon. As well, the spring tarpon season is booking sooner than expected.

We started our camping season late weekend with an excellent trip … 100+ tarpon, snook (big and little), redfish, tons of speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, black drum, sharks and even gag grouper. We will be doing these trips most every weekend … Friday – Sunday. Upcoming fall dates are in the What’s New Page.

ORS Racks Direct announced today plans to inventory and offer canoe racks, kayak racks and sports gear storage system products by Malone Racks.

Montpelier, VT (PRWEB) April 18, 2008 — ORS Racks Direct, a leading provider of truck and car rack systems for commercial and recreational applications, announced today it has partnered with Malone Auto Racks to showcase Malone kayak racks, canoe racks and gear storage systems as part of the 2008 ORS Racks Direct product line-up offered to consumers nationwide. see more

Subscribe

]]> http://kayaks-4u.com/malone-auto-racks-to-offer-malone-canoe-kayak-racks-to-consumers-through-nationwide-retailer/feed/ http://kayaks-4u.com/third-coast-kayak-fishing-tournament/ http://kayaks-4u.com/third-coast-kayak-fishing-tournament/#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:42:15 +0000 kayak 1 http://kayaks-4u.com/?p=87 Looking for a Redfish and Trout Tournament in Texas? Look no futher. The Third Coast Kayak Fishing Tournament will be held at Aransas Pass October 25thth 2008. Participation is open to everyone (Minors are eligible to participate with a parent or guardian signature on the release form). Early bird registration is $75.00 up to two weeks prior to the Captain’s meeting then $100.00 up to the day before the Captain’s meeting. This is a Artificial lures only tournament no tipping allowed. Anglers must be in a Kayak or Canoe No electric or combustion engines permitted on the Kayak or Canoe during the event. Contestant may leave their kayak or Canoe to stand or to wade while fishing but must be in sight of their kayak/Canoe. Kayaks, Canoes, are the only mode of on the water transport allowed. Redfish & Spotted Sea Trout are the only two targeted species. In order to qualify for the Longest Stringer you must have a photograph of each species on the Official Ruler provided by Third Coast Kayak Fishing Series.

Prize structure
Grand Prize
Longest Redfish/Spotted Sea Trout - $1000.00

Second place
Longest Redfish/Spotted Sea Trout - $500.00

Third place
Longest Redfish/Spotted Sea Trout - $250.00

Longest Redfish ? To be announced 2nd $150 ? 3rd $75.00

Longest Trout ? To be Announced 2nd $150 ? 3rd $75.00

Prizes will also be given by raffle; each contestant will receive 2 tickets at the Saturday return sign in. Additional tickets may be purchased proceeds to go to a named charity/non-profit.

Junior Angler Division for those anglers 13 years of age and under.

Junior Angler entry fee will be $25 dollars with %100 pay out to the Junior Anglers in cash/prizes. Junior anglers must follow all tournament rules as stated above. Junior anglers must have parent or legal guardian present at the captains meeting. Junior Anglers must also fish with an adult who is a non participant in the Series. The Junior Angler must catch and land the fish.

Prize Structure for Junior Anglers: Junior Anglers are only eligible for one of the categorized prizes.

Grand Prize
Longest Redfish/spotted Sea Trout - 25% of entry

2nd place
15% of entry

Longest Redfish - 15% of entry

2nd place
10% of entry

Longest Sea Trout
15% of Entry

2nd place
10% of entry

10% from each event will go towards Junior Angler of the Year.

Point Structure for Junior Angler will match the point structure in the official rules.

Entry Forums and Release Waver for Participation in Third Coast Kayak Fishing Series (TCKFS) including Captains Meetings & Weigh-ins must be signed and returned prior to the Captains Meeting in order to participate. Entry Forums and Release wavers can be printed from out web site. All participate under the age of 18 must have Parent or Legal Guardians present at the Captains Meeting. See more official information at: Third Coast Kayak Fishing Series

]]> http://kayaks-4u.com/third-coast-kayak-fishing-tournament/feed/