November Kayak Fishing Forecast

Inshore Kayak Fishing

November will bring on the cooler weather and give the fish some relief from the heat. Snook, redfish, trout, bluefish and spanish mackerel should be on your radar. Kayak fishing the inlets, docks and seawalls will produce most of the inshore species. The bluefish and spanish mackerel will prefer a fast presentation like ripping a spoon or jig across the upper water column. Snook and other mentioned species will be holding on the bridges and seawalls looking to pick off glass minnows and mullet. Kayak fishing can be challenging in some of these high current areas, but using Hobie kayaks like the ones we provide makes the experience a breeze.

Offshore KAYAK FISHING

Last month we had the worst weather I can remember, most all days kept us inshore. Now with November coming around we again get into our normal windy season. Northeast winds will start to push through this month making the surf an issue for each trip. When you hit the beach to go on an offshore kayak fishing trip, take some time and watch the waves. Most of the time you can see there is a pattern of a few big sets and a calm period. Time it out right, pedal that Hobie kayak hard and stay dry. Fish will start to move in shallow as the cold fronts push through. Look to target mahi, kings and sails in the 80-120’ area trolling a Sealime Lure to pick up a few fish. Don’t forget about the bottom fishing as well. Muttons and yellowtails will be lurking in the 60-100’ reef patches. Frozen sardines, live mullet and frozen gogs will work best.

Check us out Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for all the latest adventures my clients and I get into.

See you on the water!

Brian Nelli

772-201-5899

Brian@tckayakfishing.com

www.tckayakfishing.com

October 6, 2017 Brian 0

Jupiter Kayak Fishing during the Fall Mullet Bait Run

The Fall season brings the almighty mullet bait run to South Florida. During this time these baits make their way down the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Snook, Tarpon, Jacks, Sharks and all other predators are following these large schools to join in on the feast.

The Jupiter kayak fishing area is a great place to target the Snook, Tarpon and Jacks feeding on the mullet bait schools. Fishing along the beaches is the first place to start. Getting out early is best to find a school of mullet and be able to stick with them for the day. Predators won’t be far from any school, so if you can just locate one school you should be in business. If the weather forces you off the beach don’t worry, these schools get pushed in and out of the Jupiter Inlet with the daily tides. Look to set up at ambush points around bridges, docks and seawalls along the river for your best shot at a bite.

Using live mullet for bait is the best bet, but when these fish are fired up around the schools most mullet bait artificial will work just as good. 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.

The Jupiter kayak fishing basic 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.

September 25, 2017 Brian 0

Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters your go to Kayak Fishing Guide Service

Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters was founded in 2010 on the Treasure Coast of Florida. In the beginning
our kayak fishing guide service was a one man show focusing on the inshore flats and beaches of places
like Stuart, Jensen Beach and Fort Peirce Florida. Over the years our offerings have grown to include
offshore kayak fishing as well as freshwater kayak fishing for peacock bass and other exotics.

Kayak fishing guide Brian Nelli has been kayak fishing the inshore and offshore waters of South Florida
since 2006. Time on the water over the last 11 years has provided Brian with a wealth of knowledge on
the kayak fishing in South Florida. Since 2009 Brian has been competing in kayak fishing tournaments all
over the world and currently he sits at the top of the all-time win list of the Extreme Kayak Fishing
Tournament series with three.

We could go on and on about our kayak fishing guide Brian’s accomplishments and history, but the true
accomplishment is how Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters translates the years of experience into providing
the client an amazing a kayak fishing trip they won’t soon forget. From learning how to catch a snook to
landing your first sailfish, we can help you catch the fish of your dreams. Below is a breakdown of the
areas and species our kayak fishing guides cover.

Stuart

Jupiter

Palm Beach

Delray Beach

Pompano Beach

September 4, 2017 Brian 0

Kayak Fishing Trips in Florida to Catch Snook

One of the best places to catch Snook is right here in South Florida. Stuart, Jupiter and Palm Beach, Florida have great populations of these amazing game fish. Taking a kayak fishing trip in Florida is a great way to get up close and personal with a Florida staple.

Snook fishing is best early or late in the day. Your kayak fishing guide likes 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 we will still get a bite. Our kayak fishing guides love getting clients 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 an erratic moving bait and other days a straight moving swimbait is the best way to catch Snook. On our kayak fishing trips in Florida we try both baits for a while and see what they are in the mood for.

Your kayak fishing guide will set you up with 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 locations are seawalls, bridges and docks. When throwing our artificial lures we get parallel to the seawall or dock making sure the lure gets as close to the structure as possible. If we are not having the luck with the lures it’s time to bring out Mister Mullet.

August 31, 2017 Brian 0

Offshore Kayak Fishing Charters in Florida

Offshore kayak fishing has become the most requested kayak fishing charter that we receive. I thought of catching a fish as big as your kayak has people jumping at the chance to experience the thrill. Different parts of Florida offer different offshore experiences. For Example, The panhandle offers some great bottom fishing and occasional pelagics. Within kayak range, the west central area offers shots at the mackerel species, tarpon and some reef species. Here in South Florida we have most everything available all within a mile of shore. When it is time to book your offshore kayak fishing charter in Florida here are a few things to help get you the experience you are after.

Figure out what species you want to target

If you have a family vacation planned to visit Jacksonville and want a day alone on the water don’t get your hopes up to hook into a sailfish. No matter how much the guide tells you there is a chance.

Figure out the best time of year to catch the fish you are after

In South Florida a lot of species are seasonal. For example, if you are looking to catch Mahi Spring and Fall are your best options. If you are searching for that fat Blackfin Tuna, May through June would be the time to book a trip.

3. Research your guide

The good old phrase of “you get what you pay for” comes into play here. There are many so called kayak fishing guides around the state of Florida. Take your time and research them, how long have they been in business, ask friends for recommendations, ask local tackle shops who they know is a reputable guide, look for reviews on social media, trip advisor etc. Jumping into a trip with the first outfitter that pops up on google could set you up for disappointment.
Hopefully the day will come when you get the chance to chase your dream fish from a kayak. Hopefully some of this info will help steer you in the right direction of a quality offshore kayak fishing charter in Florida.

August 21, 2017 Brian 0

Kayak Fishing in Florida

Kayak Fishing in Florida provides many great opportunities. We are lucky enough at Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters to be located in the southeast coast of South Florida. From inshore and offshore saltwater to inland freshwater kayak fishing we got it all. Here are some of the best areas to fish in South Florida throughout the year.

Martin County

Stuart

It is called the sailfish capital of the world, but for us kayak fisherman it is more known for its nearshore and inshore fishery due to Stuart’s proximity to deep water. There is a wide range of species that can be caught in this area depending on the time of year. Let’s look at your best bets by season.

Spring – Large Seatrout are my favorite to target this time of year. The spring is their breeding time and they are plump and hungry. Mangrove lines, channel edges and docks will hold a few of these pigs. Offshore kayak fishing the shallow water wrecks will yield Cobia and Permit. These two are always on my mind during this time.
Summer – marks breeding season for Snook. Look for these big girls to stack in the inlets and bridges near them. Live bait is always best, but trying jigs and other bottom bouncing lures work as well.
Fall – will bring on the mullet bait run. Fishing the beaches for Tarpon is a blast when these big bait balls start to come through.
Winter – kayak fishing in Stuart is all about pompano and Spanish Mackerel. I enjoy fishing for pompano in the Indian River Lagoon instead of off the beach. Fishing the flats near the inlet is a sure bet to catch a few. Finally, the Spanish Mackerel stack up just off the beaches for their spawning session. These fish can be caught cast after cast and are a blast on light tackle.

Palm Beach County

Jupiter

Has one of the most beautiful inlets on the east coast of Florida ad is topped off by the Historic Jupiter lighthouse. The scenery is spectacular, but the fishing is even better. Let’s get into your best bets.

Spring – west of the inlet and closer to the mouth of the Loxahatchee River can produce some really good Tripletail fishing during this time. Channel markers and crab pot buoys will hold these guys looking to pick off a live shrimp or baitfish.
Summer – Jupiter is the capital of inlet Snook fishing. The big breeders stack in this inlet to feed and find a mate. Live bait on incoming tides fished near the bottom will put a few in the kayak.
Fall – This area is also hit hard with a mullet bait run. Big Jacks, Sharks, Tarpon and Snook will all be focused on the large schools that come down the coast.
Winter – Spanish Macks, Pompano and Bluefish are a lot of fun kayak fishing just off the beach. Light tackle and small bucktail jigs will give you a chance to bring a few fish home.

Palm Beach

Singer Island provides great beaches and resorts all right next to the Palm Beach Inlet. There are many kayaking activities in this area. Snorkeling Peanut Island is a favorite of mine. Many species of reef fish inhabit the islands snorkeling rock piles. Here are your best bets for kayak fishing Palm Beach.

Spring – Mahi will start to make their way into offshore kayak fishing range. Tolling your normal live bait like google eyes and blue runners will entice these guys to bite.
Summer – Palm Beach Inlet is another great place to target the breeder Snook. Fishing lures like a DOA Terror Eyz and live bait near the bottom will work great.
Fall – My favorite thing to do during the fall is bottom fish offshore for mutton snapper and yellow tail snapper. The reason being is that there is so much finger mullet bait around. These baits are like candy for any snapper.
Winter – Barracudas and Sharks will keep the rods bent during the colder months. Fishing around Peanut Island is a great place to start looking for fish.

Delray Beach

Just south of the Boynton Beach Inlet sits Delray Beach. The coastal city is known for its upscale shopping and fine restaurants, but we are here to talk about kayak fishing! Let’s check out the best bets.

Spring – If the weather cooperates this is also a great area to kayak fish offshore for big mahi. I like using mullet if they are around, but any live bait or even dead will work.
Summer – kayak fishing the beach will put you in line for Snook and big Tarpon. I like to slow troll with live bait and have another rod ready with a lure to throw at any rolling fish.
Fall – is always going to focus around the mullet run. Fishing the beaches and anywhere close to Boynton Beach inlet will get you a chance at the many species feeding on the mullet. This is also a great time to head inland for Peacock Bass. Kayak fishing Delray Beach in the Lake Ida area can produce days of 50 plus fish.
Winter – This time of year can also be amazing Peacock Bass Fishing, but all depends on how cold it gets. If we don’t have any long periods of temperatures in the low 40’s or lower the bite should be going off.

Broward County

Pompano Beach

This area is an offshore kayak fishing heaven with its many artificial reefs just off the coast. The Pompano Beach Pier is located just south of Hillsboro inlet and is where the largest offshore kayak fishing tournament takes place every year. Let’s look at the best kayak fishing options.

Spring – Blackfin Tuna is a sure bet just off the coast of Pompano Beach. Vertical Jigging and Live bait work well this time of year. The larger fish are usually around in May.
Summer – Offshore kayak fishing is a home run for the Summer months. Snapper, kingfish, sailfish, tuna and wahoo are all available when you kayak fish this part of Florida.
Fall – Mullet, mullet, mullet once again. Kayak fish the inlet, the beach and anywhere you find the bait; the big fish won’t be far behind. Try using baits like a DOA baitbuster and other mullet like imitations.
Winter – Kingfish make their way south to Key West for the winter months. Try to kayak fish offshore for them come November and December to pick them off before they get down south.

August 1, 2017 Brian 0

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!

July 17, 2017 Brian 0

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.

July 3, 2017 Brian 0

Pompano Beach Florida | How to Catch and Release a Sailfish from a Kayak

Kayak Fishing in Pompano Beach Florida

The Set Up

The most widely used technique is slow trolling. Tackle for targeting sailfish is very specific; a 6’6” to 7” 30-50lb rod, with a reel that will hold at least 300 yards is the ideal setup. I use spinning reels because that’s what I am accustomed too, but a conventional reel works just as well. I prefer using 30-40 pound braided line. Combining the braid with 15 feet of 40-60lb fluorocarbon leader has proven to be an effective combination. The size of the hook will depend on the size of your bait; smaller bait means a smaller hook. I use a 5/0-7/0 inline circle hook exclusively. If you are specifically targeting sails a circle hook should always be used to ensure a healthy release.

Properly Rigging Live Bait

There are many types of bait to use when trying to catch and release, from live goggle eye to dead squid. The top two baits fishing off Pompano Beach are live goggle eye or small blue runners. You can rig these baits through the nostrils or for a better hook up ratio, bridle the bait. This technique will expose the entire hook for a better shot at hooking the fish. When slow trolling you want to go just fast enough to keep the bait away from your kayak. If you think you are going slow, go slower. I like to be moving at about one to one and a half miles per hour. Sails in the Pompano Beach area are attracted to structure, drop offs, current and temperature changes in depths from 40’-300’. When you begin slow trolling for sailfish, start shallow and work your way to deeper water in a zigzag pattern. Moving shallow to deep and deep to shallow repeatedly will help you find fish quicker.

Keep your drag loose!

A lot of times these fish will hit the bait with its bill or hold it in its mouth then drops the bait immediately when they feel the tension of your line. If and when that happens, free spool your bait. Most of the time the fish will turn right around and pick it back up. When the fish finally commits and takes off with the bait engage your reel keeping constant tension. When that sail feels that hook in its mouth it will go nuts dancing across the surface in all directions. Stay focused and land the fish quickly if possible.

When landing a sail use a pair of gloves to handle the bill of the fish, as it will destroy your hand if you have nothing to cover it. Snap a quick photo and take the time to revive it. Holding the fish into the current while alongside the kayak until you feel the fish biting and using its tail will revive the fish quickly.

For more information or to book your trip call Brian at 772-201-5899 or click the button below

June 12, 2017 Brian 0

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:

May 31, 2017 Brian 0