My Last Couple of Times of Out

Saltwater Kayak Fishing
1

I had been hearing reports that the mullet run was getting started early so I thought i might try to go after some bull reds. Getting bait was incredibly easy since low tide was right before dawn and the lights at the ramp had massive schools of large finger mullet underneath them. Step one accomplished and it was time to start the paddle out into the sunrise.

I started slow trolling live baits right out of the inlet and I immediately started hooking up with one 3 foot long shark after another. They weren’t even worth the fight on the gear I was using. (Tyrnos 20 and 12000D Baitrunner w/ 50lb braid and a 80lb wind on leader both matched to St Croix rods) They just splashed me over and over while I tried to get the hooks out. I traveled several miles north over the next few hours in glass like conditions catching sharks ranging from 3’ to almost 7’ in length. At one point I was nearly three miles of the beach running out by the shrimp boats to see if anything other the dolphin were feeding on the fish and shrimp that didn’t end up in the nets as they were dragging. (I made sure to keep my distance) I only had two bites that I know of that were not sharks. The first was a med sized king that hit one rod and as i turned around to grab it I saw it fly out of the water as it sliced the other bait in half. The second was a tarpon that hit on the way back in and shook me off after the first jump.

  • Just for reference that is a 8/0 hook in that sharks mouth:smiley:
    Getting back in was
2

Dang - must have gotten chilly while I was in Italy. Carter wearing long pants

Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com

3

Great report

Just goes to show you have to put in the effort to get results like you do

I don’t know any kayaker who works it as hard as you do

Thanks for the report

Capt Dave

4

Great pics and report, sounds like a fun time out

5

Man, that some nice trips out. Curious, do you unhook the sharks or just cut off the leaders?

6

It depends on the size of the shark. The larger ones get a free lip piercing.

7

I like to paddle but I can’t see how you manage to cover 20 miles (much less 30) and still have time to fish! I guess you’re trolling all the time?
Where were you on the ICW?

8

hands free pedaling :wink: . I was near IOP

9

Ah yes, that’s when the Hobie really shines! I might have to take mine out in more open waters one of these days and try it out.

10

pick your days carefully and don’t go all the way the first time. Know your limits and plan accordingly to stay safe.

11

You guys with the peddle powered yaks. Do you also carry a paddle? Do you ever find yourself in wind/current that requires peddling and paddling?

12

I have less experience than most peddle yak owners but yes, a paddle is needed for certain situations (very shallow water, fine tuning position, fending off rabid manatees, etc). As for peddling and paddling at the same time… I’ve tried it and I suspect it takes some practice to get it down smoothly. The peddles propel you just as strongly as a paddle can so using both at the same time is usually not necessary.

13

That work ethic is why he’s #2 guide and #3 angler in the Kayak Anglers’s Choice Awards.

Congrats Carter!!!

Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com

14

Thanks Tommy and to everyone else who voted!

15

Nice shark mugshot above. What type of shark is that? Sandbar, spinner,…?

Judging by the salt build-up on your sandals, you’ve been out awhile :slight_smile:

Nice post and thanks for the pics.

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles. ~Doug Larson

Malibu X-13
WS Pamlico 120 Angler