Fried perch with homemade salsa, shredded cheese, tabasco.
Fatty Perch
Not just Kayak Fishing, a Lifestyle....
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
White Perch Tacos!!
Shane and I did some fishing at Weems Creek off the Severn and found some very active fish with good size. I caught 2 that were right at 12 inches.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Big Mosquitos and Big Bass
Caught about 25+ bass today at the honey hole. Dad caught around 10. I managed to tally two more citations for Largemouth Bass.
#1
#2
If anyone wants to catch bass... Now is the time!! There is nothing more fun that a morning topwater bite!!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Bay Bridge Live Lining
The Bay Bridge has been on fire as of late. I haven't had much time to get out on the kayak, so last Friday I snuck away on the boat with Capt. Luke and my roommate Kyle.
We got on the action quick. As soon as we caught our spot on the western shore side on bloodworms we headed to the eastern side to live line the pilings. Within 5 seconds of putting the spot in the water a striper took it for a run. It was on from there, between the 3 of us we caught over 20 fish in about 1.5 hours and missed a bunch more. All fish were caught on Overboard Rods, both the bobber series and the soul pole series.
Capt. Luke holding up all 6 of our keepers.
All fish in the 20-26" range.
What an amazing night!!!
MAKBF - Final Event Recap
Preparing for the final event at Mallows Bay off the Potomac River started for me as soon as the 3rd event ended. This only involved one day of pre-fishing, but there were numerous hours reading about the area, searching Google maps, and following tidal Potomac reports on Snaggedline. This is a common thing for me to help prepare for every event that I fish in. I believe it doesn't simply prepare me for that single event but it improves my knowledge on the broad scheme of being a fisherman.
I pre-fished Thursday before the event hoping to find a pattern and locate a school of oversized Potomac Bass. The average size bass in the Potomac is about 13-15" or so and there are a lot of them. Finding the bigger fish is the most important aspect of tournament fishing the Potomac, whether on a boat or kayak. Sometimes it takes a change in your presentation, up-sizing your lure, or targeting areas where an easy meal might be. The bigger bass on the Potomac don't usually like to work to hard for their meals.
My Dad and I fished Thursday and to say the least it was slow and not very successful for the longest time of scouting. The water was dirty and there was a 15-20mph wind that made fishing the ships tough. My dad managed 3-4 bass during the day on a white spinner and I caught one as well. Once the tide shifted and started heading out I went over to a creek spill I thought might produce. The water had cleared up and I could actually see the bass stacking up waiting for bait to come out of the creek. I could not get them to bite for over 30 minutes though. I decided to put on a Kanan Lures Aqua Relic Fatty Blazeshad swim bait and this proved to be the trick, I caught 3 quick fish and missed a few other short strikes with all 3 fish over the average slot. It also produced a small snakehead. My total for 3 bass and the snakehead bonus would have given me 50.5", so I felt comfortable I could compete on Saturday.
Ultimately my goal at this event was to not necessarily win the event but to make up enough ground in the Angler of the Year race to take over 1st for the series and earn an invite to the 2014 KBF Invitational.
Saturday rolled around with the temperature up only slightly from the cold front we experienced on Thursday. As soon as we all registered and 7am struck the clock I made a sprint over to my spot I caught fish on Thursday. It wasn't going to be outgoing tide until 12pm, but I made the decision the night before to spend the whole day there and work to get the fish that I know are there. The water was dirty again Saturday, so I could not site fish any of the bass. Before I knew it I had my 3 bass limit before 8:30am a decent total, but the bit shut down as soon as a bass boater came and crowded myself and CJ Espey, Bust 'Em Baits co-owner, who had already caught a 20" fish that came in at 5lbs 7oz. Again I went with what worked a few days before, I got 2 fish on a white spinner and the 3rd, my largest, on the Kanan Lures Fatty Swim Bait.
We continued to fish, I held my spot while CJ relocated a little and was rewarded with another 5 pounder measuring 19.5". He was set. I told him as long as he caught a 3rd fish he would win the event for sure.
After a long day that involved no more fish other than a yellow perch and a small blue cat I was quite nervous waiting for the results to come in. Jon Snyder and Bryan Herndon were both ahead of me in the AOTY race and the last I heard that had a tough outing, but on the Potomac it can be a matter of minutes that can change your day and put up a 3 fish limit. They are both stellar fishermen and it was not going to be an easy task to make up the points against them.
After the results were tallied CJ did indeed take first with a whopping 53.5 inches and I was fortunate enough to take 2nd.
Top 5
CJ Espey
Matt Baden
Dave Adlington
Wayne Chimo
Chuck Bieller
The final results came in and I snuck out a come back victory to take 1st in the Angler of the Year Race. I was really pumped and even more excited that it was a close and competitive series through all 4 events. I was fortunate to win an entry at the 2014 KBF Invitational, AOTY Bonus Cash, and free entry to 4 MAKBF events next year.
I pre-fished Thursday before the event hoping to find a pattern and locate a school of oversized Potomac Bass. The average size bass in the Potomac is about 13-15" or so and there are a lot of them. Finding the bigger fish is the most important aspect of tournament fishing the Potomac, whether on a boat or kayak. Sometimes it takes a change in your presentation, up-sizing your lure, or targeting areas where an easy meal might be. The bigger bass on the Potomac don't usually like to work to hard for their meals.
My Dad and I fished Thursday and to say the least it was slow and not very successful for the longest time of scouting. The water was dirty and there was a 15-20mph wind that made fishing the ships tough. My dad managed 3-4 bass during the day on a white spinner and I caught one as well. Once the tide shifted and started heading out I went over to a creek spill I thought might produce. The water had cleared up and I could actually see the bass stacking up waiting for bait to come out of the creek. I could not get them to bite for over 30 minutes though. I decided to put on a Kanan Lures Aqua Relic Fatty Blazeshad swim bait and this proved to be the trick, I caught 3 quick fish and missed a few other short strikes with all 3 fish over the average slot. It also produced a small snakehead. My total for 3 bass and the snakehead bonus would have given me 50.5", so I felt comfortable I could compete on Saturday.
Kanan Lures Fatty Swim Bait
Ultimately my goal at this event was to not necessarily win the event but to make up enough ground in the Angler of the Year race to take over 1st for the series and earn an invite to the 2014 KBF Invitational.
Saturday rolled around with the temperature up only slightly from the cold front we experienced on Thursday. As soon as we all registered and 7am struck the clock I made a sprint over to my spot I caught fish on Thursday. It wasn't going to be outgoing tide until 12pm, but I made the decision the night before to spend the whole day there and work to get the fish that I know are there. The water was dirty again Saturday, so I could not site fish any of the bass. Before I knew it I had my 3 bass limit before 8:30am a decent total, but the bit shut down as soon as a bass boater came and crowded myself and CJ Espey, Bust 'Em Baits co-owner, who had already caught a 20" fish that came in at 5lbs 7oz. Again I went with what worked a few days before, I got 2 fish on a white spinner and the 3rd, my largest, on the Kanan Lures Fatty Swim Bait.
CJ from Bust 'Em Baits, the big bass sponsor for the event!!
After a long day that involved no more fish other than a yellow perch and a small blue cat I was quite nervous waiting for the results to come in. Jon Snyder and Bryan Herndon were both ahead of me in the AOTY race and the last I heard that had a tough outing, but on the Potomac it can be a matter of minutes that can change your day and put up a 3 fish limit. They are both stellar fishermen and it was not going to be an easy task to make up the points against them.
After the results were tallied CJ did indeed take first with a whopping 53.5 inches and I was fortunate enough to take 2nd.
Top 5
CJ Espey
Matt Baden
Dave Adlington
Wayne Chimo
Chuck Bieller
The final results came in and I snuck out a come back victory to take 1st in the Angler of the Year Race. I was really pumped and even more excited that it was a close and competitive series through all 4 events. I was fortunate to win an entry at the 2014 KBF Invitational, AOTY Bonus Cash, and free entry to 4 MAKBF events next year.
And I'd like to announce my newest sponsor Kanan Lures, which I super excited to be a part of their company. Their lures are the bomb and they have helped me put up some tournament quality fish during these events.
MAKBF Final Wrap-Up
Event 1 – Mattawoman Creek – Indian
Head, MD
Sponsor –
Doc Irv Custom Baits (www.docirvcustombaits.com)
Winner –
Matt Baden
Event 2 – Occoquan Reservoir – Lake
Ridge, VA
Winner –
Bryan Herndon
Event 3 – Upper Potomac River – Point
of Rocks, MD
Sponsor –
Pradco Brands Fishing – (www.pradcofishing.com)
Winner – Jon
Snyder
Event 4 – Mallows Bay – Nanjemoy, MD
Sponsor Bust
Em Baits (www.bustembaits.com)
Winner – CJ
Espey
Final Angler of the Year Standings
1. Matt
Baden - 27
2. Jon Snyder - 21
3. Bryan Herndon - 19
T4. Shane Clift - 16
T4. Wayne Chimielewski - 16
6. CJ Espey - 13
7. Dave Thompson - 12
8. Dave Baden - 11
9. Dave Adlington - 10
T10. Jeff Adlington - 9
T10. Alberto Tabian - 9
2. Jon Snyder - 21
3. Bryan Herndon - 19
T4. Shane Clift - 16
T4. Wayne Chimielewski - 16
6. CJ Espey - 13
7. Dave Thompson - 12
8. Dave Baden - 11
9. Dave Adlington - 10
T10. Jeff Adlington - 9
T10. Alberto Tabian - 9
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
A Weekend Getaway
Last weekend I was able to sneak away from work and my busy schedule. Elaina and I rented a cabin on Upper Hoopers Island that we were referred to my Michael (Redfish12) and Jack (Kanvery), fellow kayak fishermen that stayed there last fall.
After a few back outs my parents were able to come along somewhat last minute. We stayed at Sunset Cabins, owned by Al and Jeannette Cassalia, an extremely welcoming couple that live on the property as well and were just a phone call away if we needed anything.
We arrived Friday and got situated in the cabin and checked out the scenery. The property includes a pier, a small beach, and a screened in porch with a swing and hammock. And the cabin itself is a 2 bedroom (queen beds), full service kitchen, dining table and living room. No TV or Wifi, which was a perfect escape from the busy lifestyle of the western shore.
Friday my dad and I went out for an evening trip from the launch at the 1st bridge over to middle hoopers. It wasn't as successful as we hoped, no specks and no reds, but we were able to catch a few stripers and croakers with decent size.
The Cabin lived up to its name as "Sunset Cabin"!!
After a few back outs my parents were able to come along somewhat last minute. We stayed at Sunset Cabins, owned by Al and Jeannette Cassalia, an extremely welcoming couple that live on the property as well and were just a phone call away if we needed anything.
We arrived Friday and got situated in the cabin and checked out the scenery. The property includes a pier, a small beach, and a screened in porch with a swing and hammock. And the cabin itself is a 2 bedroom (queen beds), full service kitchen, dining table and living room. No TV or Wifi, which was a perfect escape from the busy lifestyle of the western shore.
Friday my dad and I went out for an evening trip from the launch at the 1st bridge over to middle hoopers. It wasn't as successful as we hoped, no specks and no reds, but we were able to catch a few stripers and croakers with decent size.
Saturday we took the full squad out on the water. Elaina and I paired up on the PA 14 and Mom and Dad on the PA 12. Again not successful fishing wise, but it was a fun filled day with awesome weather and great scenery. We launched from the beach at the cabin and paddled over to the Barren Islands on the Bay side of Hoopers. The water was very shallow and very grassy which made for tough fishing and sometimes tough pedaling. We enjoyed lunch on the island and then continued our round trip back to the beach.
The PA 12 seat is perfect for taking off the yak and using for lunch and chilling!!
The cute little cabin with everything you would ever need for a weekend or week getaway.
I got home on Sunday and decided I wanted to try and catch some crabs since the fishing wasn't too exciting over the weekend. Crabbing was slow at my spot, but I knew I wasn't crabbing the best tide. Ended with a dozen big males and ate them that night to culminate an awesome weekend with family. Even though I didn't fish as much as I really would I hoped I truly enjoyed just spending time with Elaina and my parents and just relaxing for a few days.
If you might be interested in booking Sunset Cabin you can contact me for more details or you can call the Cassalia's at 215-778-3296 or 443-477-1503 and let them know you heard about the cabin from me for a possible discount.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Kayak Crabbing Tips and Trotline Setup
Here are some tips that I have acquired from some other veteran kayak crabbers and some other tips I've come up with on my own during my 1st two trips.
Trotline Set-up
I use 5# barbell weights for my end weights on my line. The weights are connected to 20ft of rope which connects to the Bucket with lid. Connect the ropes to the side rim of the bucket and not the handle as the handle can pull out. From the bucket there is 20ft of rope connected to 2ft of chain. The trotline clips to the chain with a brass clip. My trotline has 80 snoods, about one every 8ft, which allows for ample space between scoops for crabs. My snoods are made of 8-10 inch pieces of small diameter bungee double knotted to the line. For the end of the line everything is the same as the first half.
Tips
1. Mark the last 1 or 2 snoods at each end of the line with a colored sharpie so you know for sure you are on you last snood and can get the line of the prop stick before you get to the chain.
2. Use buckets as floats as they allow for great storage of the trotline, weights and chains. And I like orange the best as it is highly visible.
3. Pre-rig chicken necks prior to crabbing and just allow the line to coil in one bucket. The line with run out smoothly as you set the line.
4. Set your line over a change of depths. I like to cover at least 4-5ft of depth change. Generally 8-13ft or so is good.
5. Make your PVC prop stick about 3-4 feet, depending on your arm length and the length of net you plan to use. I use a 4 foot net and 4 foot prop stick.
6. Using your net upside down works great as a hook to grab your line to put on the prop stick.
7. De-baiting is a lot easier to do as you pull you line than it is to do when you get home.
8. Crabs can climb out of you basket, so either build a cone style top on top or be prepared to bat them down with the net.
9. A wire net is a must, especially when you need to shake off a female crab and there is another crab on the next snood.
10. Run the trotline with the wind at your back. It can help push you slowly down the line and generally less chop in the water.
Trotline Set-up
I use 5# barbell weights for my end weights on my line. The weights are connected to 20ft of rope which connects to the Bucket with lid. Connect the ropes to the side rim of the bucket and not the handle as the handle can pull out. From the bucket there is 20ft of rope connected to 2ft of chain. The trotline clips to the chain with a brass clip. My trotline has 80 snoods, about one every 8ft, which allows for ample space between scoops for crabs. My snoods are made of 8-10 inch pieces of small diameter bungee double knotted to the line. For the end of the line everything is the same as the first half.
Tips
1. Mark the last 1 or 2 snoods at each end of the line with a colored sharpie so you know for sure you are on you last snood and can get the line of the prop stick before you get to the chain.
2. Use buckets as floats as they allow for great storage of the trotline, weights and chains. And I like orange the best as it is highly visible.
3. Pre-rig chicken necks prior to crabbing and just allow the line to coil in one bucket. The line with run out smoothly as you set the line.
4. Set your line over a change of depths. I like to cover at least 4-5ft of depth change. Generally 8-13ft or so is good.
5. Make your PVC prop stick about 3-4 feet, depending on your arm length and the length of net you plan to use. I use a 4 foot net and 4 foot prop stick.
6. Using your net upside down works great as a hook to grab your line to put on the prop stick.
7. De-baiting is a lot easier to do as you pull you line than it is to do when you get home.
8. Crabs can climb out of you basket, so either build a cone style top on top or be prepared to bat them down with the net.
9. A wire net is a must, especially when you need to shake off a female crab and there is another crab on the next snood.
10. Run the trotline with the wind at your back. It can help push you slowly down the line and generally less chop in the water.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Kayak Crabbing 101
Over the last month or so I have loathed over the idea of really trying the whole crabbing thing on the kayak. I spoke with some of the local experts in my buddies Metroman and Moc, whom you can find all over youtube with kayak crabbing videos.
I looked in the expenses and gathered up some of the items I already had to help cut down on costs of putting together a trotline rig for my Hobie Pro Angler 14.
Kayak Crabbing Essentials:
-Trotline around 500'-600' w/ Snoods (My line is closer to 700' w/ 80 snoods)
-Trotline includes 2 2' chain sections, 2 weights, and 2 matching floats
-4' Wire Net
-PVC Propstick
-Basket to keep crabs in w/ straps to tie down to kayak
MY propstick arm that attaches to my existing PVC rod holder setup. And how I store my net when not in use.
As you can see the Pro Angler provides ample storage space for kayak crabbing equipment and the mirage drive allows for easy propulsion down the trot line, using one hand to steer the rudder and the other to scoop the crabs as they come down the line.
Monster crab 8 plus inches
On Saturday Elaina and I tried our luck with a little dock fishing and she was able to catch her first fish on her new rod. A custom Overboard Rod I got her for her birthday, Black handle and purple blank and engraved with her name.
It was a great birthday weekend!!! More crabbing tips to come soon and hopefully a video if I can find my Go Pro Charger.
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