Jay Ell Gee Posted July 10, 2013 Posted July 10, 2013 Well guys, let me start by saying that being a beginner to kayak fishing is a somewhat "frustrating" experience. I primarily a bass boat fisherman, my angling skills have really been brought back into check on this little plastic boat. Being primarily a river fisherman in South Louisiana, my normal stomping grounds rarely gave up fish exceeding 3.5 lbs. This past winter, I decided to dedicate some time to fishing slow, putting a lot of time into suspending jerkbaits, shakey heads, as well as re-acquainting myself with the split shot rig. I managed to catch two PB's for myself almost back to back in February and March (4.2 and 4.8 lbs) and I was finally gaining some real consistency in my fishing.And then my girlfriend and I won a Perception Pescador 12.Learning to fish while managing a small craft was definitely a challenge. It felt like that small boat drained every bit of my (albeit low amount) fishing technique. Now that I am learning to manage the kayak and not fight it, I am beginning to enjoy it.But I digress... on to the story you actually came here for! The glorious tale of Jay Ell Gee in his first solo kayak fishing trip while landing his new personal best largemouth!After a buddy informed me that he was unfortunately not going to be able to make our trip this morning, I decided to grow a pair and go solo. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but I am glad I went.I made it to the pond right as dawn began to break. The rules state that you cannot fish before safe light, so I was rushing to get my kayak and gear to the water to salvage what little topwater frog time I had. After a successful test run of my home built PVC kayak cart, I was on the water. I decided to bring only a small, versatile amount of tackle and three MH rods of various lengths and actions (as this pond is VERY overgrown with vegitation.)I quickly picked up two slashing hits on the new Ribbit Top Toad, throwing it clean out of the water. I had a watermelon/red flake Strike King Shim e Stick tied on as a throw-back lure, but multiple casts proved useless. Strike King Rage Toads, regular Ribbits, Zoom Horny Toads and then hollow body frogs were all tossed to no avail.I quickly ditched the frog and tied on a War Eagle spinnerbait as well as a paddle tail swimbait, hoping to cover water as quickly as I could. The spinnerbait proved useless in the heavy moss beds, so that rod was quickly placed back in the rod holder. I then fan cast the entirety of the pond and water column with a few different brands and colors of paddle tails, all to no avail.By then, it was almost 9 a.m. and the sun was out in full force. I decided to start slowing down and picking apart weed edges/cuts with my weightless/weedless rigged Shim e Stick, also to no avail. I finally gave in, swapping to an Owner weedness wacky hook. That was the ticket.I made my way to a small cut that held my first ever kayak bass, also with a wacky setup (flick shake) and on the third cast, my line ticked on the fall. As I was reeling up the slack to check for tension, my line began running to the right. I reeled down, set the hook, and my first sleigh ride began!After a solid half minute or so, the unseen mystery fish finally jumped. Or she tried. She couldn't really get her body completely out of the water. I immediately loosened my drag and grabbed my fold-up net from behind me. After another minute or so (and a few VERY scary jump attempts) I managed to net a bass that I knew would easily be my new PB. The hook was set in the corner of the mouth and came out with almost no pressure, having slightly torn the soft tissue in the corner of the mouth. I immediately put the fish grip on her bottom lip and attached it the kayak with a carabiner. I then put the fish back into the water and dug out my Rapala digital scale and iPhone to take some pictures.She measured a hair over 22 inches and leveled out at 6.54 lbs. I immediately text my buddy and he was as surprised as I was. I managed to get a few pictures, but because I was by myself, they aren't quite Hero shots. I am going to be investing in a RAM holder soon for the front of my kayak and a camera with a shutter delay so I can take pictures on solo outings.After releasing her, I cast back into the same area and immediately hooked into this on the first cast. I picked up a few more small fish, but nothing picture worthy. All in all, it was a great day on the water. I think I could get hooked on this kayak fishing thing! ***UPDATE!*** Finally got the release video set up on vimeo. In my opinion you can see it much better that way. This is the first bass that has ever cause me to grunt when lifting. Must need to start working out again! Haha. 1 Quote
Super User Darren. Posted July 10, 2013 Super User Posted July 10, 2013 Wow, Jay, that's awesome! Congrats! Quote
Super User AK-Jax86 Posted July 10, 2013 Super User Posted July 10, 2013 Great pics congrats on the new PB Quote
Super User Tuckahoe Joe Posted July 10, 2013 Super User Posted July 10, 2013 Congrats on the new PB...WTG! Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted July 10, 2013 Super User Posted July 10, 2013 Congrats on the new PB! Don't forget to change your pb status under your avatar. Quote
Hanover_Yakker Posted July 10, 2013 Posted July 10, 2013 Welcome to the addiction. Congrats on the new PB. Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted July 10, 2013 Super User Posted July 10, 2013 Congrats on your PB!!! Jeff Quote
Jay Ell Gee Posted July 10, 2013 Author Posted July 10, 2013 Consider it updated Mr. Dwight! Man, I have some local legends visiting my little thread today. I really appreciate everyone's congrats and kind words. I am still pumped over that fish. I guess now the pressure is on to top it! Quote
CayMar Posted July 10, 2013 Posted July 10, 2013 It looks like you had an awesome day. Congratulations to you sir. I enjoy kayak fishing, but I haven't quiet found my bearings yet. This weekend will be my first time going to a place without strong current though so maybe I'll finally get the skunk out of my boat. 1 Quote
Jay Ell Gee Posted July 11, 2013 Author Posted July 11, 2013 It looks like you had an awesome day. Congratulations to you sir. I enjoy kayak fishing, but I haven't quiet found my bearings yet. This weekend will be my first time going to a place without strong current though so maybe I'll finally get the skunk out of my boat. Don't feel bad. I started in completely still water (that small lake) and have only fished in current ONCE. I am still terrible at it. I am only just now beginning to get my bearings, as you say. It's a lot of simple things, like remembering to completely stop the forward movement of the kayak before casting into a good hole. It's frustrating to have to choose between working your lure or putting the rod down and paddling away from your target structure. That bass just happened to be a case of a blind squirrel finding a nut, I believe. The girlfriend and I plan on taking a four or five day double date trip to Gulf Shores in the fall with her best friend and boyfriend. I may have to shoot you a message about some places to fish while I am there. I hear you guys have some great spotted bass fishing! I wonder if the girlfriend will let me keep the kayak in the hotel room... Quote
CayMar Posted July 11, 2013 Posted July 11, 2013 I live a few hours from gulf shores but if there is some good fishing there I'm willing to travel.Im going to check out a little 92 acre lake Saturday that I'm pretty excited about. My wife has family in West Lake,La that she always talks about visiting. I would love to check out the Louisiana fishing. Judging from your pictures its pretty good. If you girlfriend lets you keep the kayak in the hotel room she is definitely a keeper. Quote
Super User Bankbeater Posted July 11, 2013 Super User Posted July 11, 2013 Good job on the new PB, and way to go with the Kayak! Quote
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