Palm Beach Florida Kayak Fishing Report for November 2019. Offshore, Inshore & Freshwater. Sailfish, mahi, kings and wahoo. Peacock bass and clown knifefish.
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Kayak Fishing for Peacock Bass in South Florida
In 1984 the Florida Wildlife Commission of Florida introduced the Butterfly Peacock Bass to the South Florida canal system with the thought of the bass taking control on the other exotic species already present in the system. After 3 years the Peacock Bass did help with the other exotics, but also flourished to become a staple in the South Florida canal systems.
Kayak fishing for these fish is a great way to get access to areas that boats cannot. With the kayak you are able to pull up to almost any section of a canal system and drop right into the best spot before anyone else. Peacock Bass love to hang around structure like bridges and docks. Targeting these locations will sure lead to a hook up. The best bet to landing a few fish is using live bait like shiners. Artificial baits like rattle traps, jerk baits and poppers are also a great way to catch a few. The average size Bass is two to four pounds, but larger ones up to 7 pounds are available.
Peacock Bass are not the only thing you will find lurking in these canal systems. The Clown Knifefish is another non-native species that is highly sought after. These fish were illegally released into the canal systems by residents that didn’t want them in their aquariums anymore. Just like the Bass these fish have thrived in their wild new home. Clowns are best caught on live bait, but a true trophy is when one is taken on artificial. Trolling rattle traps is a great way to pick one up while kayak fishing.
Kayak fishing for Peacock Bass in South Florida is a great experience that can only be done in this area of the country. There are plenty of fish of all different species to be caught. Get out there and knock a new species off your bucket list.
5 Reasons Why You Are Not Catching a Big Fish
5 Proper Gear
It all starts with having the right gear to be able to stand up to a big fish while kayak fishing. Choose gear that is reputable. The reel should have a quality drag system to be able to withstand a large fish whether it be inshore or offshore fishing. Choose a rod that will allow you to bring the fish in with ease. The longer the fish is on the line and not in your kayak the easier for something to go wrong and lose your trophy fish. Choose a kayak that is stable and built for fishing. Dropping $200 on a kayak at your local big box store is probably not the best route to success of catching a big fish.
4 Location
Some research should go into your plan to catching a big fish from your kayak. Locating structure, weeds, drop offs and anything different then the surrounding area are your starting points. Next find the bait. Baitfish eat small fish, shrimp and other small creatures. Locating an area where these small creatures hangout is a sure bet to find larger fish. Once you have a list of areas that meet these prerequisites ask people that are out there fishing. Go to the boat ramps and ask online. There are plenty of people that are willing to help other kayakers out.
3 Time of Year
The time of year plays a big role in kayak fishing for a big fish. Spawning times are the best times of year for catching a big fish for any species. Gator Seatrout are always caught during their spawn in the spring, monster snook in early summer and smoker kingfish throughout the summer months. Learning where and when your desired species spawn will put you on the path to your trophy fish.
2 Big Bait
The old saying of “if you want to catch a big fish you have to use a big bait”. For most species this statement holds true. Using large baits will get the attention of a big fish looking to fill its big belly. Offshore large mullet, blue runners and speedos have proven to be tournament winning baits. Inshore big mullet, pigfish and ladyfish will give you the chances for big tarpon, snook, redfish and seatout.
1 Hire a Guide
If you want to go kayak fishing to catch a big fish you should hire a guide that knows the best times and locations to find the trophy fish you are after. Guides like myself take the time to teach you why we are fishing a certain area and provide tips on how to help you become a better angler and find big fish!
Offshore Kayak Fishing – Big Fish Small Boat
We provide many different fishing trips to cater to anglers wants and needs, but the most requested fishing trip is an offshore kayak fishing adventure. The thought of catching a big fish from a small boat sparks curiosity in people’s minds on how to do it. Pushin’ Water is lucky to be based in an area on the southern coast of Florida where accessing deep water is within a mile from shore. We are also lucky enough to have a full fleet of Hobie Outback Kayaks. These kayaks use the method of pedaling instead of paddling. Having the ability to use your legs to propel yourself leaves your hands free to fish and have a much more enjoyable day on the water.
Kayak fishing South Florida at our Delray Beach launch location is the closest spot to deep water on the whole East Coast of the United States. It roughly takes 15-20 minutes of pedaling from beach to 90 feet of water. Once we hit 90 feet, baits hit the water and the likelihood of hooking into that big fish has just sky rocketed. Offshore kayak fishing for Mahi, Kingfish, Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo and Cobia are all available within a 20 minute pedal from shore! Kayak fishing South Florida can make you a Florida sportsman within minutes.
Fishing Review
Here is a fishing review from John C. who had a great time with us and became a true Florida Sportsman by kayak fishing South Florida!
“Brian put us on an all time epic sailfish bite yesterday. We started out early from Boynton Inlet and it was only a short paddle out to the fishing grounds. Within half an hour we tripled up on sailfish! It was mayhem for thirty seconds before one broke off and the other two went in opposite directions and dragged us all over. We doubled up again 45 minutes later, hooked a dolphin for dinner 30 minutes after that and less than 2 minutes after the dolphin was in the boat hooked into our 6th sailfish. This was easily the most fun we’ve ever had on a fishing trip. It was amazing action which was that much more fun because we were doing it in 12ft boats. I can’t recommend this enough.” – John C.
Kayak Fishing: The Start for Pushin’ Water
I can still remember the first day I went deep blue fishing in the Atlantic Ocean with my Hobie Quest. Rolling over the gentle waves of a northeast swell was a strange feeling for an inshore fisherman. As I paddled out to the depths and the sun rose over the horizon, I officially began a new chapter in my kayak fish career.
Kayak Fishing in 2011
After a year of learning artificial lure tactics, I wanted something more. I needed a sailfish. At the time, sailfish were not really being caught from a kayak and it was a big deal to catch one in the state of Florida. Also at the time, using live bait in the kayak was not a technique I felt comfortable with. So, I set out multiple times with dead sardines and had no luck. Months went by and still had yet to get my hands on a sailfish.
March 16, 2011, I decided to try again. I went to kayak fish at dawn straight out of the Palm Beach Inlet with a fresh box of frozen sardines. The wind was blowing well with a stiff 10-15mph northeast breeze. I made my way out 130 feet, set out two flat line sardines on triple J hooks and started drifting. Thirty minutes went by with nothing to show, but then it happened. In the distance, I see a sailfish jumping.
I quickly looked back at my lines and saw nothing was happening. Confused and disappointed I sat and waited. One minute later, I hear that fateful noise of my drag peeling. I grabbed the rod, slightly tightened up the drag and there she was in all her glory, breaking the surface. I steadied myself and prepared for the fight as she greyhounded into the distance.
To my rear, I hear people cheering me on from a boat. I had the biggest grin on my face, but all I could think about was to keep tight. Nearing the midpoint of the fight and taking 3 foot waves over the bow, I felt I had a good chance to land this fish. The last half of the fight was within 5-10 feet of my kayak. She kept swimming like she had energy for days. I finally made the decision to put on the pressure or I would never get her within reach. After thirty minutes, I got her to start circling and I finally attempted to grab her bill. Once I grabbed her, she gave a good little fight in my grasp and finally settled down in order for me to snap a few pictures. After examining this beautiful creature for a few minutes, I gave her a good revival and off to the deep blue fishing depths she swam.
Stuart Snook Kayak Fishing During the Summer Months
Summer time brings on the spawn for these fish. During this time Snook will move from the back waters and rivers to the inlets along the coast. Stuart Florida is one of the best places to go kayak fishing for one of the giant breeders that will spawn in the Saint Lucie Inlet.
Summer also means hot temperatures. Getting out early or late in the day will give you the best opportunity to hook into these fish. I generally like to start the day by throwing the cast net and catching a dozen or so 8-12 inch mullet in the bait tank. These mullet are for back up for the time 9 am hits and I want to make sure I am still going to get a bite. I love getting bit on artificial, so the first lure that is going to hit the water will be either a Super Spook or a large paddle tail swimbait. Some days the Snook want more of an erratic moving bait and other days a straight moving swimbait. Try both baits for a while and see what they are in the mood for.
Basic kayak fishing set up is a 7ft, 10-20lb spinning rod with a 5000 sized reel lined with 30 pound braid attached to 40lb Yozuri Fluorocarbon leader. This set up will give you enough backbone to pull fish out of structure, but at same time not wear you out casting all day.
My target location in Stuart is seawalls and docks in and around the inlet. These are easy ambush spots for Snook moving in and out of the inlet. When throwing your artificial lures get parallel to the seawall or dock making sure you get the lure as close to the structure as you can. If you are not having the luck with the lures bring out Mister Mullet. Pitch the live bait to the wall or dock and let him swim around freely. If he runs away from the structure, reel him up and get him close to it again. Repeat this process and by the end of the morning you should be hoisting a nice sized Snook.
Jupiter Offshore Kayak Fishing for Mahi
Jupiter Florida is one of my favorite areas to go offshore kayak fishing. It has the best bottom structure of all the areas we fish. There is a lot of ground to cover and fish can be very shallow to very deep.
During the early spring and fall this area will see a good push a Mahi come through. I have caught dolphin in as shallow as 50 foot and deep as 180 off the Jupiter coast. Finding flying fish, current rips and floating weeds is very important. Locate one of these areas and fish it hard. The great thing about this time of year is that there is usually plenty of mullet around. I like using finger mullet in this area as I can also bottom fish for snapper at the same time fishing for Mahi. My bait tank holds 10 gallons in which I run two bubblers to keep the water oxygenated. With this set up I can hold roughly 40 finger mullet.
General set up for these fish is our normal offshore rods and reels. 6’6” medium live bait rod paired with a Shimano Spheros 8-10k lined with 30lb braid and attached to a 40 pound Yozuri fluorocarbon leader. I like using 4/0 circle hooks and run a light drag. This allows the bait to be swallowed on hopefully the initial strike if not the second attempt.
To start the day, slow troll live baits starting in 50 foot and make your way out to 180. Again this area off Jupiter is spread out so that journey is about 3.5 miles. If you spot weeds, rips or other bait, stop and set up a drift. If you are unlucky enough that there seems to be no signs of life, keep on the slow troll. Change baits out every now and then to constantly have a frisky offering and hopefully by the end of the day your offshore kayak fishing trip in Jupiter will send you home with a Mahi dinner.
For more information or to book your trip call Brian at 772-201-5899 or fill the short form below:
Delray Beach Florida | Kayak Fishing How to: Vertical Jigging for Tuna
Kayak Fishing How to: Vertical Jigging for Tuna
Vertical jigging in a kayak can be an exhausting technique. Jigging even for 30 minutes can leave you feeling like you want to chop your arm off and go to bed. I try to use the lightest rod and reel I can get away with without losing to much drag and power. Pairing that light setup with a technique that alleviates pressure on you shoulder and arm will set you up to have a long and hopefully successful day on the water kayak fishing.
Set up
I use a Shimano Trevala 30-80 pound jigging rod paired with a Quantum Cabo 50 spinning reel. The reel is spooled with 30 pound braid and a 40lb Yozuri fluorocarbon leader attached via uni to uni knot. A 3-5 ounce speed jig caps off the set up. I prefer using the speed jigs, as they are slender and cut through the water quickly giving you less resistance to work the jig to the surface. Jig fishing is all about getting a fish to react to the jig. In the case of a fast moving tuna, a quick moving jig gets the job done.
Technique
When specifically targeting tuna, your target depth of water is 200-320 off Delray Beach Florida. When you reach your target depth see what the current is doing. If it is 1-2 mph try using a 3 ounce jig, if faster bump up to a 5 oz. You want the jig as vertical as possible when retrieving it. If the current is over 2mph throwing the jig ahead of your drift is a good idea so that when it reaches that drop zone of around 150ft down it will be directly under your kayak.
When you start your retrieve try to find a place to plant your foot on your kayak. Your thigh is going to become your base to rest your elbow when jigging. Using this technique will take most all pressure off you shoulder and reduce fatigue. From here it’s just setting up a rhythm of reeling and bouncing your rod tip. Again I like to work the jig fast, if that doesn’t seem to be working slow it up with different retrieves. Check out the video below to see me using this method on the water.
For more information or to book your trip call Brian at 772-201-5899 or click the button below.
Palm Beach Florida | The Best offshore kayak fishing trips tips
Offshore kayak fishing
The sport has become very popular in the last few years. You don’t need to rent to buy a boat yet you still get to go out to sea. Guys and gals are beefing up their inshore gear to battle the big pelagic fish that roam the blue waters of our coasts. Transferring from kayak fishing trips inshore to offshore may be challenging for some kayak anglers. Grass Flats, mangrove tree lines and channels drop off give an inshore fisherman a good place to start looking for fish. Offshore waters don’t always give up that information quite as easy.
The ocean is a big place, as a good friend once said five percent of the ocean will hold ninety-five percent of the fish. Off the coast of Palm Beach Florida the ocean current has to come into play in your plans. There could be no current to as fast as 5mph to the North or South. When setting up kayak fishing trips most of the time I will set up a drift plan to maximize time on the water. This takes a little bit of planning from choosing a launch and landing point, to deciding to drop a buddy’s car, call a cab or have someone pick you up. Once on the beach check out the current wind and water conditions. Is it clam, is it rough, are there a lot of weeds on the beach, is there bait close to shore, which way is the wind blowing? This information will help you decide what baits to use and at what depths to use them.
In general on a calm day, try to run your baits deeper in the water column. If you have some surface chop and see a lot of action on top, like bait jumping or pelagic fish breaking the water, look to run baits closer to the surface. Other things to look for are “rips”, color changes and weed lines. A rip is an area of current that will make the water look more turbulent than the surrounding areas. A defined color change will have strong current running along the edge of the change. Most of the time these color breaks will have debri and weeds mixed in, so they are fairly easy to spot. If you are lucky enough you may run into a weed line during your offshore kayak fishing adventure. Any type of weed line or scattered weeds is a good place to stop and put bait out.
In addition to being able to locate target areas visually, every offshore kayak fisherman should have a quality GPS and fish finder. Using a quality GPS system will give you detailed depth and contours of the ocean floor as well as give you the ability to locate natural reefs, artificial reefs and other fish holding structures.
If you are new to taking kayak fishing trips offshore or are thinking about trying it, this information should give you a good start on what to look for while out on the water. Good luck out there, be safe and have fun!
For more information or to book your trip call Brian at 772-201-5899 or fill the short form below:
Glass Minnows, Tuna, Mahi
Inshore
Glass minnows have showed up in good numbers and our weak spring mullet run will be right around corner. Artificial baits like DOA Cal Shad Tails, jerk bait and terror eyes will work well around the mangroves, docks and bridges. April also brings tripletail into our river system. Look to target crab trap buoys and channel markers with live shrimp to bring in these tasty fish.
Offshore
April is the best month of the year! Tuna and Mahi should be in full force. Trolling Sealime Lures should pick up both species as well as other pelagics. Vertical jigging 230-350 feet will also produce blackfin tuna and bonita. There are many beach areas to launch your kayak throughout Palm Beach County. The fishing grounds off our coast are anywhere form 1-3 miles. Look to work the normal 90-200ft depths. Finally don’t forget about the cobia. Bouncing the reef will put you in line for one of these tasty fish.
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See you on the water!