Product Review - Werner Paddles Cyprus: Hooked

Here is a little review I did for Appomattox River Company on the Werner Cyprus: Hooked (High Angle) paddle.

View Review

Between my Kalliste and Cyprus paddles are both part of the Performance Core series.  While all of the paddles in the Werner line are great paddling paddles, the Performance Core are like paddling with a feather.  For more information, go to the Werner Paddles website.

Springtime Striper Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay

A few weeks ago, Kayak Kevin Whitley, Virginia Marine Police Officer Ron Cagle, and I were invited to the Hampton Appomattox River Company location speak on springtime striper fishing in the lower Chesapeake Bay.


Officer Cagle was awesome, speaking to the changes in striper regulations, and rules in general if you plan on keeping any striped bass in particular.


Kevin and I presented in more of a forum type style, which was really enjoyable.  Whether you are interested in the conventional or fly fishing aspect of springtime striper fishing, Im sure you will enjoy the video.

Video courtesy of Kayak Kevin

Below you will find some information I came up with to aid the kayak fly angler.  I hope you enjoy it!

Double Vision

Thankfully, I have a lot to write about.  Unfortunately at this point, it would be way too much for one post so I'll keep it quick.

Low pressure, scattered rain, and a crap ton of wind put a damper on my 2015 Labor Day weekend.  What originally started out as an amazing 3-day period of big water and even larger fish turned into a period of sadness when I felt there was a legitimate forecast.  Fishing was put on a hold, and I had to deal with it.  Sometimes safety comes first!

So, before the weather turned to total crap on the friday leading up to the weekend, I was given an hour off work to rush to the water.  I met up with my bro Tommy Dewitt, and joined him in his chase for his first VA Release Citation Sheepshead.  He had been out for a bit before I launched and ended up with a few nice fish, but not quite what he was looking for...

Tommy's Sheepie just a hair shy of 24" and a VA Release Citation
(Photo - Thomas DeWitt)

Tommy with a consolation prize - Dinner
(Photo Thomas DeWitt) 

While Tommy got to enjoy some decent conditions, I launched into total garbage with a stiff NE wind, and lots of chop opposing an outgoing current.  While these are not enjoyable conditions to fish, the sheepies do enjoy them.  I made a few drops on a couple of pilings and was plagued by the Sheepshead fisherman's worst enemies; Black Seabass, Puffers, and treaded Portsmouth Tautog (Oyster Toad).  I move on and get the bite I was looking for.  I didn't set the hook, and brought up my rig to find a missing fiddler.  I smiled to myself, re-baited and dropped, and immediately found myself setting the hook onto what would become my Personal Best Sheepshead.

25.75" VA Release Citation Sheepshead

Unfortunately, the conditions were such that Tommy didn't hear my calls, and there was not a proper picture taken of this hog.  No worries...  Shortly after landing this guy, the conditions got too snotty to effectively fish, and we called it a day.  A personal best to end a long weekend of fishing before it started lessened the sting a bit.

Fast forward to Saturday Evening.  No fishing, just talking fish with Kayak Kevin and Lee.  Prior to starting, I just had to get on the beach and see how bad it really was in the bay.  After seeing this view, I knew staying landlocked was a good decision.

Sunday consisted of great company and amazing beer from one of my "Unofficial" (ok, DREAM) sponsor Back Bay Brewing.  Almost a growler of IPA in, the talk shifts to fishing.  After exchanges over the conflicting forecast (in which Tommy and I were referred to two "Bitches"), I caved and we made plans for the next morning.  The wind was still clipping which made me unexcited to wake up early and experience a day where I would be getting a whoopin'.  I make it to the launch at sunrise, to find excitingly and unexpectedly nice conditions.

Labor Day Sunrise Services... At the launch and on the water!
(Photo - Thomas DeWitt)

First order of business... make a drop and get Tommy his paper.  Well, the fish gods had different plans, and I had the hot rod of the morning.  Immediately, I hook a 20" class sheepie, and as I bring him up, I notice the hook is not in the skin, but pinched between two teeth.  At this point, without a net, it's a crapshoot.  I went for the sweep, and it popped off.  No worries, "cause I got this... This is what I do"!  Within minutes, I hook up again, and this time land a nice sheepie a hair short of 25".

We work the grounds for a bit longer in search of Tommy's sheep, but come up empty.  Lots of baits being eaten by trash, but no sheeps means we decided to keep a few crabs each for the trip in and head out in search of larger fish.  Upon arrival to "The Grounds", I was greeted by a waiting Jay Brooks, Meghan, and the Family Seed on their respective boats.  The reports were not great, but it didn't matter.  I know what I can do, and I was feeling good!

A few Kayakers from TKAA were out, and I decided to do something different from the rest of the fleet.  I went to find a spot and instead of following the pack and using their techniques, I paved my own path.  Each pass rounded out some different fish.  Some stud Flounder, a solid Gag Grouper, and some baits for my friends on the stinkpots.  It was all fun, but kinda boring until I feel a "THUD"  This could mean one of two things, the not so elusive ROCK...fish, or them big, nasty bulls.  I set the hook, and get into one of the oddest drum fights I have had.  Not much initially went into getting it off the bottom, but about half way out, I had a strong run back down.  Each time I gained more ground on the fish, but it was if the structure had an equal draw.  With the drag cinched down, I made short work of the brute, but still got worked at the same time.  Hard runs, but not heavy head shakes had me scratching my head, especially given the hook placement right on the nose.

Landing the second paper of the day... A 46" Red
(Photo - Jay Brooks)

I got the fish on the grippers to keep it fresh in the water, got an official measurement of 46", a few pictures, and got her off.  In all, the fight was less than 5 minutes, and she was out of the water for less than 2.

A big, nasty, spawning bull released to"Get it on" and make some youngins.

As time went on, it was apparent that not much more was going to happen, so we paddled in and attempted to again get Tommy on his paper.  Unfortunately, things sucked for both of us and we called it a day...  But not after I did something I had never done before.  I got multiple saltwater species citations on the same trip for the first time.  I can't wait for my next trip out.  Hopefully I'll be seeing double once again!

Sheepshead Surprise

Back in the day, Kayak Kevin coined the term "Spadefish Surprise."

             def.  When ones bait (clam) is struck by a target specie other than spadefish.  i.e. Sheepshead

Well, Ill give your the definition of a "Sheepshead Surprise" in a minute, but lets set the scene shall we.  All week long, I had a good feeling about my first VA saltwater outing in a month and a half.  So good I felt that I was going to be a hero and do some epic things.  On August 1st, there were forecasted ideal conditions for what I was wanting to do, but I just couldn't find the right people who were willing to go all out and leave any trepidation's at the launch.  Calls went back and forth, and I got confirmation that the plan was a go, but i had a feeling something would change (and it did).  Oh well, I guess I will just relax and sleep in.

One of my favorite things is waking up on my own terms, with no alarm clock or other am annoyances to start the day off on the wrong note.  So when I woke up at 0600, and saw a text from Tex, I was shocked but ready for what the day would bring.  I collect myself, get bait, and head to the launch.  Paddling off the beach at 8am on a Saturday is less than ideal, and this was confirmed when I counted no less than 10 kayaks in my first 10 minutes of launching.  I kept telling myself it was still going to be a good day, and when I met up with Tex,  all the other kayaks and boats that were at the front of my mind disappeared.  Tex had made a handful of drops when we decided to move on.  As we approach one of my favorite spots, there was already yaks on it.  Well, it just goes to show the early bird gets the worm, and it increased my pace to get to my favorite part of the 3 mile span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

First drop was met by a spade that was all of 10".  The right target, just not the right size.  So I moved around looking to gauge the attitude and location of the school of spades.  Within minutes, I feel the tall tale "tick tick", drop the rod tip and gather slack, and drive the sz 4 Owner home.  "Fish On"!  I'm getting bulldogged, and my rod is not shaking, which can mean only one thing Spadefish Surprise.  As I navigate through the pilings, I am getting ready to sweep the fish in when I get that gut wrenching feeling of slack line.  I look at Tex, and say "sometimes you got it, sometimes you don't".  As I inspect my rig, the small spadefish hook just didn't have enough purchase in the toothy mouth of the Sheepshead.  time to go back to basics and remind myself that I don't need a ton of drag when I get these fish to the open.

While all this drama is going on with me, Tex is putting on a spadefish clinic!



Roland with one of the nicer Spades on the day

I had a pretty good day on the spades in between dropping crabs to the depths.  Not long after loosing the first sheepie, I feel a tap while on the bottom.  I set the hook, and get worked much like a sheepie would.  This fish is working me through the piling set and once I am in the clear, I let up on the drag.  About this time, she is coming to the surface, and much to my surprise, I ended up with a true Sheepshead surprise.

40" Striper brought up from the depths

Shocked!

After landing, snapping pics, and getting a healthy release, I was back at it.  I went back and busted out a few more spades until I got bored again and dropped back down.  This time, I feel the hit and felt some weight, but had horizontal instead of vertical runs.  In shock, not quite sure of what to expect, I bring the fish up to find a 7-10lb Black Drum.  Now Ive never really targeted them, so my personal best was a whopping 8" fish.  Imagine my stoke when I brought this bad boy up.  While most fish go back to live another day, I love eating blacks this size, and he came home for dinner.

Personal Best Black Drum

We went back to spade fishing, but as the current got stronger, we decided to go take refuge and find some triggers.  While they were there, they were extremely skittish and we managed a pair a piece.  I enjoyed chilling, but Tex was on a mission for his personal best Sheepie.  We start moving in, and hit some of our favorite spots.  On my first drop, I feel that all to familiar tap tap, and this time I wasn't disappointed.  I get the fish in the open, and this is where I get to enjoy the fight without the fear of loosing them.  If they want to run, they get to run, as there is nothing that is going to break me off.  The leg sweep brought me this beautifully colored fish.

A solid 23" sheep to end the day

This last fish marked the end of our day.  Not necessarily all we had hoped for in alot of ways, but more than I would have expected in others.  So now I have a new definition for ya:  The Sheepsead Surprise

                 def.  1. a game fish other than a sheepshead, that comes as bycatch while fishing for sheepies
                         2. a sheepshead that comes after a day full of "Sheepshead Surprises" (see #1)
                        

This day fulfilled both parts of the definition!

Carolina Bound

This has been a odd summer for me.  In the years past I have been hammering the fish inshore getting on good numbers of quality fish, of many different species.  This year, the inshore fishing in SE Virginia really hasn't materialized into much to talk about, so I have spent my time carp fishing instead.  Besides a few outings which produced a few Sheepshead to 25", Carp fishing with the fly rod has been my main pursuit.



Bowed up on the 6wt



A bit over 32" Common



My first Mirror (on the fly none the less)

Carp fishing has presented me with a number of challenges that have helped me step up my fishing game.  It teaches you patience, to make the right presentation on a fish, observe their moods and adjust to the fish, and fighting fish in close quarters.  All of these skills I worked on came into play the past month, when I went on a 3 week marathon to the great waters of the North Carolina coast.

These trips all occurred on days off, with the schedule looking something like this...

0600 - wake up for work
1600-2300 - go over gear, pack the car, and relax
2300-0430 - drive south
0530-1700 - fish hard!
Repeat for the following days off
last day 1600-2200 - drive north

This leads to very little sleep which requires good decision making and patience when your body just isn't willing to do what your mind tells it to do.  It also requires a good playlist to keep you going. 

Money Trees - Kendric Lamar

 

Woah! - Black Robb

 

Root Down - Beastie Boys

 

Woo Hah!! - Busta Rhymes

The music got me going, and it was time to get some fishes!  Week one presented muddy waters, low tides, and lots of wind.  With all of that being taken into account, there were still a good number of flounder being caught on the natural Ultra Shrimp.  These bad boys were sight casted along marsh edges.  Just look for sudden and violent explosion's, and there you have it!

Flounder on the Fly

 Day two was searching new water for reds.  Again, the conditions were challenging at best but we still got a few fish to hand.

The Wicked Pissah of the world famous Wicked Pissah Guide Service with a quality inshore Redfish

 

This greedy lil' guy fell for a Chatterbait with a PTL JP Hammershad

Following this trip, I had a 5 day hiatus in which I met up with Kevin and Lee for a fishing/fight podcast.

 

Late during the week, my boy Ted Crumb and I decided, "What the hell, lets do it again".  Another night of driving found us at the fishing spot in just enough time to get unloaded, rigged, and on the water at sunrise.  Sunrise services consisted of Topwater and Trout Tricks, resulting in a good number of aggressive, healthy Speckled Trout.

A feisty fatty fell for a Tactical Anglers Crossover

This weekend ended with some keeper founder coming off the flats, and a crap-ton of reds between 20-24" coming from a cut through an oyster field.

The third weekend was the weekend of the 2015 Hook, Line and Paddle TJM tournament out of Wilimington NC.  This is an event that I fish every year, and has become one of my favorites.  I would miss Christmas before I would miss this.  So, I had a 4 day weekend to get out and really hit it.  Friday morning was forecasted to be calm and clear.  Everything was supposed to be perfect, except it wasn't.  Winds were NE at 10-20, pushing the tides out, making things difficult.  The Trout Trick ended up being the skunk buster, bringing a few flounder to 17" and some spike specks to hand. 

Flounder on the Trout Trick

 After a less than encouraging pre-fish, Seth Goodrich and I decided to change things up, with the plan of being "Hero's or Zero's".  A paddle across the mouth of the Cape Fear resulted in some beautiful cuts with lots of oyster mounds, and clear, moving water.  When we first saw the area in person, our mouths dropped as it was one of the fishiest areas we had ever seen.  Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving, and this was not the case.  In looking for reds, Seth and I both saw a fish pushing 30" that would have made for a great day.  This fish didn't mind us being there and looked as if "I'm going to stay here and watch y'all make fools out of yourselves trying to catch me."  We saw other small reds, that just weren't in the eating mood.  I ended scratching an insignificant speck, but the fish of the day was the flounder.  Seth and I both lost flounder that would have put is in the top 3, with 4 of mine being 2nd and 1st place fish.  I was sickened, but at least we brought home a few for the frying pan and found some new water.  Youngblood Drew Camp really did some work with a 30 1/4" red that brought him home 1st place and an awfully large bag of donuts.  I'm super stoked and honored to be able to call him a teammate!

At least the tournament day view was plesant.

With two days remaining, I drove a bit further north, and fished with the Wicked Pissah himself.  We went out to two spots that produced fish for us the previous two weeks, but were fighting strong North winds and falling tides again.  The first day, we expanded our search area after only finding flounder in the oyster fields,  As we worked our way south with the wind, we started getting into flats filled with large mullet and some reds.  I ended up getting out on a grass island to find a better vantage point and could see 5lb mullet spooking mid 20" reds.  Our problem was that we were spooking mullet, which in turn spooked the reds.  In 10-20 mph winds, we gave it a good try, but only had a slot red and a few flounder to show for our efforts.  On our last day, we decided to go back into a spot along the ICW in which canals would lead us into ponds and lakes in search for reds.  This was a good choice!  On my 3rd cast I landed a red just shy of 29".  Hopes were high, and the fishing didn't disappoint!

1st fish of the day

 As we progressed we found more solid pumpkins.  It was also an opportunity to test out fish shots with the DSLR.  I still need some practice but all of these shots came from the camera on a tripod, and remote.

Notice the "selfie" setup back in the marsh.

 Had over a half dozen quality fish in the morning, with some shots that I am extremely happy with.

The trip ended as uneventful as it started, with a long drive back home.  As I write this, I cant help but wonder... When 1600 comes around on Friday afternoon, will I be Carolina Bound again?

Kayak Fishing - Top 10 Must-haves

I was inspired by Brian Vincent over at Appomattox River Company (www.paddleva.com) to compile a list of what I feel to be my "must have's" when Kayak Fishing. Of course this list may vary for many of you, but I feel that I owe much of the success I've had to what I list below.

1. Quality Kayak

This one should be a no-brainer, but unfortunately it isn't always that clear. Don’t get caught up in all the hype about the next best thing, because as of yet there isn't a fishing kayak that can be classified as the "hands down best all-around" fishing kayak. Kayaks have strengths and weaknesses just like fishing techniques. I used to think that one day a company will come up with the "one", but as kayak fishing evolves, I have come to the personal realization that it will never happen.

What can you do to find the best kayak for you? The answer to that question is threefold.

1. Talk to pro-staffers, ambassadors, or factory reps. These people will tell you the pro's and con's about the kayaks they paddle. When I am asked about a specific kayak, I will ask the individual the type of water they paddle, when they paddle, how often they paddle, the duration of their trips, and their fishing style. This will help me build off of my experience and recommend what I believe to be the best kayak for them, even if it’s not a brand that I represent. I and many of my counterparts do not want to see you in the wrong kayak. If I put you in one of my kayak's knowing it’s going to be wrong for you, you will not be happy, and an unhappy customer is a vocal customer. If a rep is not of this mindset, then move along, because they do not have YOUR best interest in mind.
2. Ask people that own, and have paddled the kayak you are looking for. A great place to do this is your local kayak fishing forum. You will get opinions from a broad experience level, and from people who have paid full price for their kayak. I generally trust the opinion of a person who will tell you they have paddled a number of different brands and models. Diversity is a great thing!
3. Visit your local paddle sports retailer. As they are the front line oftentimes for purchases, returns, issues, and praise. These are the people that want to see you in the right boat, so they can bank on you being a return customer for all your paddle sport’s needs. They are well versed by some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry, and have the most overall knowledge. Paddle sports is a laid back community, so if you feel pressured by sales staff, speak to a manager, or move on!

For me, I paddle the Hurricane Kayaks Skimmer line because they are Fast, Lightweight, Durable, and perform amazingly in a number of different conditions I fish in. There are downsides though such as a lack of storage for surf launches, and the Skimmer's not being a typical sight casting platform. Overall, they work really well for me, and allow me certain options to mitigate their shortcomings. Their Pro's far outweigh their Con's in the vast majority of conditions I fish in. Not to mention, they are the lightest fishing kayaks on the Market!

 

Skimmer 128 rigged for fishing

2. Salt Rated Fishing Reels

Kayak fishermen are hard on gear. Saltwater fishermen are in environments that will destroy equipment in a flash. If you are looking to fish inshore or offshore from a kayak, plan on dropping dough on quality reels (or replacing them often). I treat my gear rough, so rough that people think that I’m made of money. There are only a handful of reels that I will purchase now because I have put them through their paces, and know they will work for me no matter what.

• Baitcasters - I prefer and highly recommend the Abu Garcia Revo line. I have a handful of STX's and SX's. These things have 20+ lbs. of drag, are lightweight, are saltwater rated, and feel like they are solid in their construction. Other reels I have liked are the Shimano E series Curado's and the Non-CI4 Calcutta's. The G series Curado's and the CI4 Cronarch's are probably amazing reels if you are going to keep them away from the salt and baby them, but that’s not my style.

Photo - Werner Paddles

Spinning - For the money, the Shimano Sedona is an amazing reel and has a price point around $70. I have not had any issue with the Sedona's I have owned. I also like the Stratic FJ's and drool over the Saragossa, Sustain, and Stella, but have not owned one myself. They do have a great reputation in the inshore community though. I also own a Quantum Inshore Smoke, and a Diawa Ballistic. Both reels have been in my quiver for a few years now, and have held up fairly well. For some bigger rods, the Penn Spinfisher V has been bombproof, but the durability comes with the cost of weight.

• Conventional - This is where I have limited experience, but have still caught trophy fish on all three reels I cover. First is the Shamano Tyrnos. I enjoyed this reel, but didn’t use it as often as the others. The Issue I had is while it sat around, the grease pooled in one area of the reel, which required disassembly and re-greasing to make it operational. The next is the Diawa Saltist. I can’t say much more than "I love this reel". If I had the need I would own a fleet of these things. Smooth, great drag, light weight, and damn sexy. Finally, I have the Release Reels SG. My SG is a few years old and besides some minor servicing in its infancy, it has been super reliable. Unfortunately, not all SG's have the same reputation as mine. Wes and the Crew up in Reedville will take care of you and make things right if the unthinkable happens though. Keep that in mind when making your next purchase.

3. Amazing Paddles

In kayaking, the paddle is your outboard. You wouldn’t put a Daewoo outboard on a 27' Contender. Don’t skimp on your paddle. While you generally get similar performance form paddles in the same price range, I cannot in good conscious recommend any paddle other than a Werner Paddle. While kayaks are variable, the paddle really isn’t. I can’t badmouth any other brands, nor would I. When it comes to Werner, you get a paddle that is made in the USA, and doesn’t focus on gimmicks to sell. Werner lets the paddle speak for itself. I will be buried with my Kaliste when it is my day to meet my maker. Check them out at www.wernerpaddles.com.

With this purchase, no matter the brand, the more you spend the more performance you will see and the happier you will be. I have never thought to myself, I wish I would have bought the next line down. Each upgrade will increase your paddling enjoyment exponentially.

4. Top Notch Leader Material

My leader is non-negotiable. Never again will I buy the bargain fluorocarbon. Seguar Blue or Red label is the Jam. I have also had good luck with the Berkley Tournament grade. The fluorocarbon properties of decreased visibility by fish, abrasion resistance, quick sinking, low memory, and knot strength are better in Seguar than other brands I’ve used. Don’t skimp on this.

5. Comfortable and Functional PFD

A PFD, much like a kayak is something that you must be willing to trust your life to. God forbid, something happens on the water, a PFD may be your difference between life and death, no matter how strong your abilities are. Most brands like Astral, Kokatat, and NRS make products that will keep you alive.

Moving along, I need a PFD that I can wear all day long in 100 degree heat, and not feel the urge to take it off. The Astral Ronny, Ronny Fisher, and Veight have super breathable mesh inserts, vents, and plenty of storage for your gear. Vests like the Seawolf and Green Jacket have solid clamshell pockets and are tectonic in nature so they move with you while you paddle. The Seawolf and Ronny Fisher are my go to choices.

Astral Ronny Fisher

6. The Right Rods for the Right Situations

This one is simple. Don’t go after bull drum with a panfish rod. When you are chasing fish, you want a rod that is matched appropriately to your quarry; otherwise it is like taking a knife to a gunfight, or a hand grenade to a game of paper rock scissors. The right fishing rod ensures an appropriate fish which decreases the morbidity of released fish, but still allows you to enjoy the fight and get the fish to hand.

There are so many great rod makers out there, so to recommend one rod over another is ludacris. I like my Shamano Terez's and Crucial's, but that’s not to say that I don’t, or am unwilling to fish anything else.

7. Versatile Kayak Rigging Options

It pains me to list this at #7, but fact is, 1-6 are necessity, and this is a nicety. For rigging, I look no further than YakAttack. Luther, Dan, and the rest of the team are always on the cutting edge of the sport. They are a US Based Company that makes lights for fishing at night, tracks to mount fish finders, cameras and rod holders, and even storage options. There are other companies that have come after YakAttack, but while a few dollars difference may seem nice, the quality and customer support is not there. Furthermore, YakAttack gives so much back to kayak anglers in the form of tournament donations and financial support to HOW and PHW. If you want it, www.yakattack.us has it!

8. Rugged Footwear

Kick off those flip flops. They have no place on the water for a kayak fisherman. Hooks in the foot, broken tongues, and minimal security make them a poor, uninformed choice. Water shoes are where it is at. Brands like Columbia and Keen make great shoes, but only Astral makes shoes designed around the paddling experience. You need a shoe that you can walk on scorching hot sand, through mud fields, over oyster bars, in the parking lot, and kick off pilings with. You also need something that will drain, and dry quickly. My Brewers and Loyaks do just that.

Astral Loyak - Astral Buoyancy

For your PFD and footwear needs, I recommend www.astraldesigns.com

9. Durable Baits

There are few things worse than taking a pack of plastics out, and getting all the tails bit off by croaker or pinfish. This is not only costly, but it can prematurely end the day with a hot bite on a certain color, or for the minimalist. When fishing inshore, shrimp are often my favorite baits to use. The Egret Vudu Shrimp have a Kevlar weave tail which makes it damn near bomb-proof to those fish that commonly pick and peck at the tail of the bait. This lets you fish considerably longer with minimal loss. I also like to use the Egret Vudu Mullet and Wedgetials for these reasons. While the Wedgetails are not re-enforced, they are extremely durable and last longer than most anything else I’ve used.

JP hammershad on an Aqua Dream Inline Spinnerbait

 

For my larger baits, I love fishing with my Powerteam Lures 4.8" Swinging Hammer and the JP Hammershads. These baits are neutrally buoyant and can handle repeated catches of large, toothy speckled trout. Unlike a lot of other similar baits I’ve thrown, these don’t easily pull out of screw lock hooks which save me money!

Swinging Hammer with a Healthy VA Citation Speck

10. All Around Terminal Tackle

To close out this list, I chose something that I feel to be extremely important and would have expected to come out much higher on my list. Whether its hooks, jig heads, swivels or the like, this is one area I refuse to skimp on. If I am chasing sheepshead or other trophy fish, I will eat ramen and tuna for a week before I compromise on my terminal tackle.

Owner and Eagle Claw Trokar's are the only hooks I’ll use when I’m fishing bait. These hooks are strong, sharp, and reliable. I will fish Trokar's or VMC's when I need a swimbait hook or EWG for more of my inshore presentations for many of the same reasons above.

Swivels and connectors are another major part of my game. When tying Sheepshead, Spadefish, or Tautog rigs, I like the 50lb spro barrel swivels. These are small, yet mighty reliable to the point I've never had them fail on me. I will also add them to the split ring on my spoons to help avoid line twist. As far as connectors are concerned, I refuse to leave home without my Tactical Anglers Power Clips. I could write a whole post just on these bad boys. Quick lure changes, added action, and ease of use are just three of the many added benefits.

50 lb TA Power Clip

I have 2 main requirements for jigheads. They must have a strong, solid black nickel hook, and the hook shank must vary in length to correspond to the weight of the jighead. Egret, VMC, and Owner all make super high quality products, but for me, Jigheads are like shoes, and whenever I see something new on the market, I make it a point to pick up a pack or two.

________________________________________________________________________________

I hope this top 10 list will help you when making your next kayak fishing purchase. For me, this is what works well. Keep in mind that many of the products I have mentioned here are from companies that I am sponsored by. I use their products, because for my style, I feel that they are superior to many others on the market. In the end though, its all about helping you figure out what works best for you and will give you the most enjoyment from your time on the water!