Getting the kinks out...

I have been out 4 times this season. Each time I find something that I need to improve or change. The first time out I forgot my PFD. I didn't realize I didn't have it until I was looking for my knife. Being out in 40-46 degree water without a PFD, can be alittle scary. I was calm and went back to the car to get it. The second time out I had problems with my rod holder. I had upgraded to a different holder. It wasn't in the perfect location. It took me 2 more trips to find the sweet spot. The third time out I had fish finder problems. I couldn't get the depth to work. After the trip, I went back and cleaned the connections. It seems to work much better. The 4th time out I was trying to streamline my process in setting up at the launch and the "clean-up" at home. I imagine that will take many more trips. Once the kinks are out, I seem to always start to catch more fish. Please note I have not been skunk......

salt water license

It is hard to believe that we need a license to fish the ocean. I know it will go up in cost again during the season. I bet it will be $20 by the end of the season. Another 100 percent increase. I could understand if the state stocked the waters. It is pure greed....

Watch fishing shows during the off season....

I have been watching so many shows. It does help relieve the pain of not fishing. Each show does provide you with valuable information. I noticed that birds have been mention several times in the shows. Finding the birds helps in finding the fish. Last season, I started to pay more attention to the birds. I did mark down their location and went back at other times to fish the spots. Many times, I had success at the spots. But, you still need to pay attention to the tides. I did notice the areas were prime spots. I was able to find a few more secret fishing holes...

Do you want to be a good YAK fisherman?

During the winter months, you can improve your skills... Yep. I took my skills to a new level last year. I felt bad when fellow yakers weren't catching fish. Mmmm. I asked myself why do I catch and they don't. I don't like to brag. It's not just tossing a line out. More involved. I do have some secrets. But, they aren't really secrets but common sense.

Knee surgery...

I had my knee surgery. I am so glad I have a hobie. I showed the doc the hobie catalog. I asked him what he thought about pedaling. He said "great" for the knees. I will upgrade my fins from ST to TURBOS during the winter.

Tog fishing in the fall...

It's that time of year to go after those ugly guys. I look forward to the fall. Bass are starting to get ready to head south and the tog are in full bloom. For a small fish, they are very strong. But, remember you will lose tackle. You need a good stiff rod to pull those guys from the rocks. I like using green crabs. Cut them in half. Run the hook through the main craw and catch some tog...

Kayak fishing during my vacation at Napatree

I went on vacation for a week in RI. I ended up yak fishing 5 times at Napatree and in "the kitchen" area. It was very hot and sunny. Overall, it it was very exhausting but fun.

Each fishing day I got up at 4:45am and was on the ocean by 6am the latest. I am always nervous fishing this area. It can be a very dangerous area especially by yourself. The winds and waves can kick up at anytime. The weather can change in a flash. Some locals say it has its own weather. It takes about 35-45 minutes to get back to the launch. Last year, it started to rain and thunder at the blink of the eye when it was a perfect day. I remember tubing and catching big bass all the way back to the launch. This year I was prepared with some rain gear. The fishing is always very good. Lots of structure. You can catch big bass is less than 10 feet of water. But, it's not as easy as it sounds. Lots of big rocks and heavy current. You need to be at the top of your game when you fish it.

I have a bad habit in regards of the point. In all my years, I have always made my way around it. It's like a mental challenge. It's very stupid. I always say to myself not this trip but I still go around it. The point is always unpredictable once you go around it. Last year, I made my way around it and it was calm. I ended up fishing for fluke for about 45 mins and decided to go back. As I approached it, 5-8 feet standing waves. I was nervous. The clouds were getting dark and I was thinking of a thunder storm was coming. I looked around and there were no boats. The guy that patrols the beach was gone too. Good thing I take martial arts (Aikido). I relaxed and kept my "one point" as I made my way around it. It takes about 5-10 mins to go around it. I remember pedaling my hobie so fast and riding the waves as I navigated by big rocks. I had a cold beer once I got back. I made a promise to myself that I would not fish the side and go back once I made it. One day I was alittle hairy going around it. I relaxed about 5 mins on the other side. As I made my way back, it started to pick up. Additionally, big boats were creating huge wakes as I made my way around it. All in all, it's a test of your yak skills.

This year it was me and my daughters. I did have some relatives and their friends next to my cottage. I told my neighbor I would supply her and her family with fresh fish and she agreed to keep an eye on my daughters. My reputation was on the line but I knew the area always produces for me. Some people fish it without luck. I understand the tides and know where the fiash are located. Well, I caught some big fish for her and her friends.....