Beat the sun by chasing bream along tree-covered shorelines
Kayak anglers are no different than any other anglers. Every cast, every twitch of your bait holds the expectation of a big fish. Possibly even a personal best. There is no doubt that a sleigh-ride is what most kayak anglers strive for. Catching big fish from a tiny plastic boat is a thrill like no other, however, scaling back, relatively tiny panfish are pound for pound some of the best fighters. Whether you collectively call them sunfish, bream, bluegill or panfish, chasing these tiny fighters in a kayak is an absolute blast.
As these hot summer days linger on, fishing in wide open waters in a kayak with no shade can be brutal. However, for a change of pace and some respite from the sun, chasing sunfish down a tree-lined pond or shoreline makes for a more comfortable outing.
Load up the ice chest
One of the most abundant fish available all across the state, the wide variety of sunfish species makes for easy pickings with minimal effort and gear. At a time when regulations are getting more confusing, with tighter restrictions, bream fishing regulations are pretty simple and generous. In all state waters (except for Bussey Brake WMA), the size and creel limits of all bream species is none. That’s right, you can catch and keep any size and any amount. However, remember you need to clean what you catch, so keep that in mind and release those you don’t plan to eat. As for Bussey Brake, there is still no size limit, but the creel limit is 50 daily in the aggregate with a 100 fish off-the-water possession limit. Still quite generous.
Traditionally scaled, gutted and fried whole with the head cut off, these fish make delicious table fare. However, for those not wanting to deal with bones, hand size and larger sunfish can easily be cleaned with a small, sharp fillet knife. A pile of these tiny, boneless fillets make for some great fried fish chips.
Sunfish are almost anywhere there is fresh water, be it ponds, canals, lakes, bayous and even ditches. They can also tolerate brackish water, and their range in South Louisiana has spread in coastal areas where hurricane and coastal restoration projects have seen a lowering of salinities in many areas.
Simple gear
Fishing these flyweight bruisers is about as easy and economical as it gets. Simple bamboo cane poles with an earthworm or live cricket is really all you need. However, for ease of transport and storage, I recommend a telescoping fiberglass cane pole that sells for under $20. The B’n’M Black Widow is hard to beat. If you prefer a rod and reel, an ultra-light spinning combo with 4- to 6-pound line is all you need to throw tiny spinners or crankbaits.
Whether using live or artificial baits, the hooks are tiny and difficult to remove with large pliers or hook-outs. A small pair of needle nose pliers or, better yet, a small stainless hemostat works great for removing the tiny hooks. For cane poles, a simple rig with a small adjustable cork, lightweight split shot and a panfish hook is all you need. A cork rig can be used with a spinning combo, but is difficult to accurately cast, especially in tight places. The rod and reel is best for throwing tiny spinnerbaits and crankbaits. The iconic Beetle Spin in 1/16- or 1/32-ounce work best. Small crankbaits imitating baitfish or insects also work well.
Where to fish
Once you launch, start fishing at the first spot that looks fishy. Sunfish can be anywhere, and you may not need to paddle far to find them. I prefer to search tree-covered shorelines with shade, stumps, branches or other cover. Kayaks don’t seem to spook these curious fish. If the water is clear enough, you often see them huddle up under the kayak and stay with you as you move along. Fishing these areas keeps you in and out of the sun for a more relaxing and comfortable outing.
For these types of shorelines I prefer a cane pole, as you can easily pinpoint potential hotspots and drop your bait right where you want it. Hits often come quickly. If you miss a bite, drop back into the exact same spot for a follow-up hit. Even if part of your bait has been eaten, drop back the remaining piece while the frenzy is on. Bream are often found in small groups, so don’t move on until the action has completely slowed down. Repeat this pattern as you move along the shore and hit every tree, stump or blow-down you find. In no time you’ll be amassing a nice mess of fish.
When fishing more open areas and docks, bridges, etc., some great action can be had with those tiny spinners. As simple as casting and reeling, this is highly productive on bream and you may likely catch a few bass to add to the mix.
Bream fishing is not glamorous. It’s about as basic as it comes. They don’t make for impressive hero shots, but a big stringer makes for a great fish fry. The fun is undeniable, and with the lightweight gear, every fish will feel like you have hooked a marlin. Leave the giant tackle boxes home, grab a cane pole and a box of worms and you are set for an easy, epic kayak fishing adventure that ends in a great meal.
Invasive species notice
You may also catch Rio Grande cichlids while fishing for sunfish, as they have spread to many areas in the state. There are no size or creel limits, but it is illegal to possess them live or return them to the water alive. They eat great, and if you keep them, kill them before putting them in your box or on your stringer. If you don’t want them, throw them up on the bank.
The newest invasive fish species to recently be found in Louisiana waters is the Northern Snakehead. While it is unlikely you would land one of these on such light tackle, catching a small one is possible. While no restrictions have yet been put in place on this newly discovered species in the state, LDWF recommends taking a side-view photo, kill and freeze it and call LDWF to report the exact location of the catch.
For a catch of any aquatic nuisance species, call the ANS hotline at 225-765-3977.
