On the Line
by Mike Conner, FLTA editor
'Yak Immersion
Regardless of the relative explosion in kayak fishing in the last five years or so, I never got around to trying it. Just too much skiff fishing, wade fishing and surf fishing I suppose, and there are just so many hours in a month to fish.
But I decided it was high time take a few trips early this month, and then followed it up with a 3-day media trip hosted by Hobie Kayaks, in Port St. Joe, Florida. I had the chance to fish day and night, and in the company's impressive Pro Angler 12 boat. This one, like all Hobies designed expressly for fishing, has a a pedal system called Mirage Drive. I can't imagine kayak fishing without it, particularly where it is too deep to wade, and you have to battle wind and tide. And, big fish. You can always pedal into position for the optimum angle to make a presentation, and bring a fish to hand. That's big. Though paddling is a great way to cover ground, with or without pedals.
Kayaks are relatively stealthy, and during my kayak "immersion" tour, I managed to land a few quality fish: a 15-pound snook, 27-inch seatrout and a redfish pushing 20 pounds. So, I can see myself joining the Kayak Nation. In fact, during a few especially good fishing days, I didn't want to stop, though I had no choice in the photo below.
