On Saturday I worked the mangroves and flats using jigs, x-raps, and top water plug. I caught several Cuda and a shark on the flats. The mangroves produced several more cuda, a fat mangrove snapper ( caught on the mullet top water plug!). I lost 2 more fish in the mangroves (not sure what they were). I did see several snook but they were mostly next to the houseboats and was told not to fish near the homes. On Sunday I fished around the first small bridge east of the Hungry Tarpon. I was using Jig's and Live Freelined Shrimp. I fished from around 7AM - 1PM. Lot's of Tarpon in the area around the bridge. This was my first time Kayak fishing and I only had one rod loaded with 12lb line so I avoided targeting Tarpon. The Jack's were out in force that day and I caught too many to count.
One of the Jacks was the biggest I have ever landed. I was drifting under the bridge and noticed some fish boiling around 100 yards out ocean side. At the time I was using a 3/8 ounce white bucktail. I saw them boil again as I was about 20 yards away. My lure had barely touched the water and I was hooked up. Fighting a big jack on 12lb line in a kayak was quite a challenge! You have the wind, current and fish all pulling you in a different direction! It was really hard to get any type of traction to put pressure on the fish. Finally after about 15 min I put the rod in the holder and was able to drop the anchor. At one point the jack started heading toward the anchor line, I suddenly realized that if he did, he would break off because the rope holding the anchor was tied off at the front of the Kayak. I would have no way of passing the rod underneath the rope! I put as much pressure as I dared and lucky for me got his head turned in the opposite direction. All told it took me about 35-40 min to land him. I am not sure how much he weighed, probably 15-20lbs, I do know it was really difficult to hold him up in one hand and snap a picture with the other.
Spent a few minutes reviving him and off he went swimming strongly.During the afternoon I was pretty sunburnt so anchored under the bridge and fished the live shrimp. Caught lots of Jack, small snapper, moonfish and lost something bigger that I could not stop. He wrapped me around the bridge pylon.
I really enjoyed Kayak fishing, but can tell it would take awhile to get proficient. Next time I may have to spool my battle 4000 with 30 lb braid and try my hand at landing a tarpon.
