35 Kayak Fishing Trips

[FlatsNBay]

G, after the hurricane the water flooded the woods surrounding the lake. The water level was high enough for long enough that it killed the vegetation on the land which depleted oxygen levels. The water receded into the lake killing all the fish. There was nowhere for them to go.

I spoke with the biologist who said that the bass population has rebounded slightly. The lack of submerged vegetation in the lake has limited the increase. It will take several more years for the population to get back to normal (in my opinion).

[Capt. BassinLou]

Your lowest score yet, I think! Yikes.

[FlatsNBay]

Spot 28: Lake Washington

Lake Washington is another home lake for me and I know it very well. I've fished it a lot by boat but this is the first time from the kayak.

Habitat: Dark tanic water with patches of pads and bullrush here and there around the lake.

Launch: A nice concrete ramp on the east side of the lake. Easy in and out.

Result: Favorable winds allowed for calm conditions throughout the lake. I launched at sunrise. Water temp dropped to 60 from a recent front so I expected a tough day. I concentrated on pads and any available cover with a stick worm. It was one of those days that we all occasionally have, a bunch of lost fish. I just couldn't get my mojo going. It seemed like they were short striking and not really getting the bait good. I went through a ton of soft plastics trying to find the magic bait. I ended up with only 3 landed and off the water at 11. It was fun anyway.

Will I go back? Yep, it's my local lake that is usually pretty decent. Just have to watch the weather and wait for a calm day.

Overall Score: 76. Even though I only caught 3, I can usually have pretty good success.

[FlatsNBay]

Spot 29: Fox Lake

Fox Lake is located in Titusville and is connected to South Lake by a canal. I've fished a few times by boat and this was the first time by kayak.

Habitat: There is 2 different types of habitat depending on the lake. Both lakes have dark tanic water. Fox Lake has shoreline grass, plenty of pads and several areas of bullrush. South Lake has plenty of vegetation including hydrilla, eel grass, and pads all over the lake.

Launch: Fox Lake Park has a nice concrete ramp and a separate kayak launch. Easy in and out.

Result: Most people fish South Lake because of the vegetation but I chose to stay in Fox Lake because spray boats were launching and I wanted to stay away from them. The morning started with turkeys gobbling and eagles and ospreys flying over the lake. I love the spring. I started with a frog and had a couple of subtle hits but they weren't that active. I tried several areas of pads with no luck. I found a few nice mats and went to flipping with the new Berkley Stank Bug. Ended up with 4 with the biggest being 2 lbs. Off the water at 1130. It was fun.

Will I Go Back? I'd try it again and take the long paddle to South Lake.

Overall Score: 72

[FlatsNBay]

Spot 30: Lake Cara

Lake Cara is a lake located on one of central Florida's Wildlife Management Areas. I didn't have high expectations because the lake is open year round and I suspect that it gets a lot of pressure.

Habitat: Very dark water with tons of shoreline grass and some sections of water lettuce. There are several small islands in the lake. I had water depths down to about 12 feet with an irregular bottom. It looks fishy!

Launch: A dirt road ending at a very shallow concrete ramp. I had to get my feet wet launching.

Result: I started with topwater and frog had a few nice hits but they were just swatting at the baits. Water temp was 65 so I bet the topwater bite would be much better with warmer water. After the sun burned off the fog, I went to flipping and that was the ticket. I ended up with 7 all in the 2 to 3 pound range. I lost about a 5 pounder right next to the boat. Dang it! Should've brought a net. Fun place and the quality was good.

Will I go back? It's a long drive but I'd go back. I'd like to try it during warmer weather. I bet the frogging bite would be really good.

Overall Score: 75 Good quality. Flipping and Frogger's Paradise!