JANUARY
CAM 2011
Once again a new year is upon
us. And though spring is just around the
corner, it’s not soon enough for this Florida boy! In fact, I write this with record low
temperatures nipping at my toes. Fishing
in January is 100% dependant on the weather, and any consistent patterns will
give fish the opportunity to feed. This
is also a great time to clean up your gear, spool new line, and catch up on
kayak maintenance neglected in preparation for spring.
Yet another kayak fishing
seminar from LocalLinesCharter.com is set for February 2. This seminar covering the ins and outs of
kayak fishing is free to the public, and everyone from beginners to experts
will receive priceless tips and tactics.
Catch “The Ins and Outs of Kayak Fishing” on 2-2-2011, 6:00 pm at Boaters
Exchange in Rockledge, right off US1.
For those fishable days this
month, here is a sure bet and something different to try, respectively:
SEATROUT IN THE CANALS
You just can’t go wrong sea trout
fishing this time of year. The canals
and deep holes of the entire region will produce steady action on average
(14-20 in.) sea trout, and a cast in the quietest, muddy-bottomed canals could
have you latched on a true Gator trout of 6 pounds or better. The best way to connect with these willing
fish is a 1/8oz. Mission Fishin jig head with an Assassin paddle tail, curl
tail, DOA Shrimp, or Gulp soft plastic.
Slowly bounce this rig along the bottom and wait for the telltale thump
of a lethargic trout. Dead end canals,
especially ones with a natural shore lines, will be loaded; so catch them
up! With natural bait you can free-line
a shrimp or add a bobber to keep it right of the bottom. Though, a fresh cut-bait
soaked on a circle hook might just account for the biggest seatrout. The canal trout will hit early in the day
when lures are fished slowly, and if a flat is close by you can follow the fish
out of the canal as the sun warms the shallows.
Best soft plastic colors are chartreuse, white, and natural.
BEACH RUN POMPANO
January’s persistent west winds
will beat down the surf, and allow adventurous kayak anglers access to some
amazing Pompano action. These silver
sided, tasty gamesters not only grill up nicely, but they fight like crazy on
light river tackle. The troughs,
washouts, and coquina areas that cover Brevard’s beaches from the sand to 100
yards out can all produce Pompano at one time or another. A good sign that any given stretch of beach
is holding Pompano would be the presence of sand spikes, rods that resemble
bamboo shoots, and salty beach anglers sipping coffee. Beware though, keep some distance. Pyramid sinkers pack a heavy punch. Not to mention we one-up our stationary
friends with mobility and agility to chase the marauding Pompano schools. Your standard trout and Redfish rod will do
fine throwing the small Pompano jigs that I like to use. Any small buck tail (synthetic works well),
speck/crappie jig, or a Doc’s Goofy Jig type lure in pink, white, and yellow
will catch Pompano. All of these types
of lures can be rigged single or tandem, and should be worked back with short
vigorous snaps of the rod. Impart this
action “puffing” the sand bottom to mimic the Pompano’s favorite treat, the
sand flea. Though it is not necessary,
one could tip the Pompano jig with cut clam or fresh shrimp (peeled) for a sweetener. Tipping will improve the chances of hooking
the whiting, sheepshead, and black drum that share the same habitat as
Pompano. Be sure to move and search-cast
for the Pompano that could show at high tide right on the sand, or the back
side of a sandbar at low tide. Also, be
sure to rig a rod with lures like Clark spoons or Gotcha jigs incase the
ravenous blue fish and Spanish mackerel that patrol the winter surf show
up.
So, grab your fishbag and some
ice to keep those “pomps” fresh and try some Pompano fishing from your kayak!
Tight
Lines & Wet Paddles!
Forecasts by: Capt. Alex Gorichky
LocalLinesChartes.com
Full-Time Space Coast fishing guide
And Malibu Kayaks
Pro-Staff paddler
Contact Capt. Alex @ 321-480-3255