Kayak Fishing - North Biscayne Bay - 02/20/2013

[jjimenez1]

Date: 02/20/2013
Area: North Biscayne Bay - just south of NE 79 ST.
Time: 6:45 - 8:45
Tides: Didn't check. Seemed like high tide was probably round 8:30
Tackle: Stradic 4000, 15lb Power Pro, using a popping cork and shrimp combo. Also a Stradic 5000 with 20lb Power Pro on a Heavy Action Redbone 7'0 - used to throw a wide range of lures.

Been a while since I had been able to do the pre-work kayak shuffle, but decided the winds looked cooperative and I'd give it a go. However, it was extremely overcast in the morning and definitely kept the temps down in the high 60s.

Did a little research on how others had their kayaks rigged, mostly to see how I could have a couple rod holders to be able to take some extra gear. The best I could come up with was this:



The four-rod holder on the cart didn't allow for it to fit properly, which was almost a costly mistake.

Anyways, headed out and crossed under the small bridge that connects Pelican Harbor to what (I think) is the entrance to Normandy Isles. It's the first bridge after the ramp. Immediately after crossing under, I threw out a silver and DOA Bait Buster to troll it around. Almost immediately hooked up to a dink trout. Threw it out again and started paddling, and all heck broke lose. Something grabbed that sucker so hard it literally knocked over the box and rod holder - almost lost everything. After retrieving everything, ended up with this:



Rest of the day was pretty uneventful. Didn't have pliers so I was hesitant to throw anything with trebles. Did catch a nice trout on a DOA Shrimp; nothing seemed to like the popping cork combo today.



Did start throwing a zara spook, and had a couple tentative hits but no hook up. But thanks to everyone who recommended tossing it out, it's a rush. Walking the dog with the braid ain't easy, but it's great.

If anyone has any recommendations on a better set up, just let me know. Thanks again for all the help.

Take care,

Julio

[flatsfisher]

thanks for the report and nice job!

[ZimmerNole]

PVC lashed or ziptied to all four corners of the crate is how I have mine set up. Also a 3 rod holder would fit the crate better, install pad-eyes and make some rod leashes to protect those $$$ stradics. I would hate for you to post up how you lose a few combos.

Check out kayakbassfishing.com, jaxkayakfishing.com, kayakfishingstuff.com or even our very own No Motor Zone on the FS forums to get an idea of how to rig your boat.

Scotty rod holders are worth their weight in gold by the way, go buy a few of the Powerlock style and you'll decrease the likelihood of losing gear.

[FLATS BROKE]

Put a leash on your car keys! Or don't take them with you. That's a fast way to lose them.

[frankthetank]

Put a leash on your car keys! Or don't take them with you. That's a fast way to lose them.

right. try spots further south were getting a big push of reds this year

[JustinZ]

I've fished that area alot. My favorite combo is a 1/4oz or 1/8oz jig head with a new penny colored gulp! 3" shrimp. You will get a lot of trout and a million pin fish pecks. Work it by bouncing it off the bottom as you retrieve it over grass flats from 2' to 6' deep.

Good luck.