A wide variety of baits and techniques can be successful this time of year
Kayak anglers have been patiently waiting, but the time to get on the water is now. Spring is here and what turned out to be a miserable winter is gone. Daylight saving time is back and as the days grow longer, time provides for some anglers to add evening trips to their schedule. The water is also warming and fish are feeding more actively. This increase in activity comes with a price. The fish are not as concentrated as they are in winter, but kayaks provide the ability to cover all areas of the marsh and find where they are holding.
Winter 2025 brought about a big scare for anglers. Record snowfall blanketed much of the state, but unusually, it was the coastal areas that were hit the hardest. Extreme low temperatures caused sporadic fish kills, with LDWF officials documenting nearly 100 confirmed kill areas with more suspected and unnoticed. While there was much concern for fish populations once the thaw began and dead fish began floating up in several areas, it appears that the overall amount of fish killed was minimal and no major hit on the population is expected.
“While some spots had dramatic kills, the majority of the kills were spread out coastwise and sporadic,” said LDWF Fisheries Biologist Jason Adriance.
While the effects are not expected to be as extensive as some previous freeze kills, the department expects there may be overall lower trout landings this year and LDWF will continue to monitor the situation.
Transition time
The good news is that kayak anglers plying waters across the state are reporting steady spring action and catches of undersized trout and reds are showing that many fish survived the event and the fishery appears to have been minimally impacted.
As their metabolism rises with water temperatures, feeding activity increases. As bait stocks are varied this time of year, the fish hit a wide variety of baits and lures. If it looks like something to eat, they will eat it. This bodes well for anglers as virtually any lure and technique can be successful this time of year.
Live, natural and artificial baits can all produce. Whether it is trolling, topwater, popping corks, bottom bouncing, or jigging, your favorite technique is sure to put fish in the kayak.
The entire state is in a transition time. On the freshwater side, the bass spawn is on in many areas. Shad, crawfish and other natural baits are active and the bass are devouring them. In the marshes, trout are preparing to move more towards the open bays and coast, seeking saltier water for the beginning of their spawning months. Redfish are prowling the shorelines feeding on almost anything they can catch. Prey can be scattered and somewhat scarce during this transition time.
While some bait shops may have live shrimp, the supply is currently inconsistent and the shrimp are generally small. Live cocahoes may prove a better choice as they are more readily available. Virtually any artificial lures are productive during this time. The fish are hungry and their food options are limited, so give them a natural bait or a good imitation and you are almost certain to hook up.
Windy days
The mild weather and longer days are welcomed, but can come with a price. While there are some absolutely beautiful, mild days, wind can be an issue this month. Kayaks are extremely susceptible to adverse wind conditions and this can limit your fishing areas.
On days when the winds are high, plan your trips to take advantage of more protected areas. Take the time to look at a map or satellite image of your intended fishing spots and use the geography to your advantage. Plan to hit protected areas in conjunction with the prevailing wind direction. Locate the lee shorelines and pockets protected from the wind. You may sacrifice some catching, but better safe than sorry.
If you find fishing is slow in these wind protected areas, oftentimes windy shorelines can be productive as it pushes bait closer to the shore. If safe to do so, don’t hesitate to see if you can fish a couple of these areas. It may take parking the kayak on the backside of a protected point and casting out to the wind-blown areas.
Wind in the marsh can also cause issues with water clarity. Clean water is always a bonus and kayaks help you get to areas where it may be found. Look for secluded ponds and deep tiny canals and trenasses that may be holding clean water and fish.
Grass beds
Spring also signals the return of grass beds that were knocked back with winter’s lower sunlight and cold water. While grass beds help clarify and filter the water, they also provide hiding spots for a variety of the creatures that fish feed on. Naturally, predator fish use the grass to provide ambush points. The grass beds this time of year are generally thinner. And easier to work baits due to more open areas. Work baits on top of and through these areas for some great action.
This is a fantastic time of year to kayak fish all across the state. While weather conditions can vary, there are generally more good days than bad. You may need a light jacket for early mornings, but days quickly warm up, as does the fishing.
