Winter is in full swing here in the Deep South, but thankfully, kayak anglers can still find a few days where they can have success and fish safely. While kayakers in many parts of the country have no choice but to store their kayaks for the winter, we here in Louisiana can still get out on the water (it is not frozen) and find some great fishing action.
While Louisiana can certainly get some extremely cold days, like last January’s record snow falls across the southernmost reaches of the state, between the fronts we usually see milder days with conditions that allow for safe and comfortable kayak fishing.
Water contact
The number one issue affecting winter kayak anglers is water contact. Be that spray from paddling, wave splash, or the worst-case scenario, water immersion. Hypothermia can be a literal killer and can surprisingly occur in water temperatures as high as 70-80 degrees. Water temps below 50 degrees provide a rapidly dangerous situation. Water cools the body 25 times faster than air, so even 60-degree water can cause serious hypothermia in less than an hour.
All outer clothing should be wind and water resistant at a minimum. Of course, wind and waterproof is best. This keeps you dry and comfortable from the inevitable water contact that comes with being so close to the water’s surface. A warm hat, gloves and waterproof socks and/or shoes are a necessity.
While water immersion is an unlikely occurrence, it does happen. In summer conditions, a water entry may constitute a refreshing dip only causing mild embarrassment. However, doing so in the dead of winter can literally be a death sentence. No matter how stable a kayak or your level of skill, you must prepare for the worst. Absolutely packing a dry bag with a towel, a change of clothes and a cheap thermal reflective emergency blanket are a must. Odds are you will never need it, but if you do and don’t have it, it could be a deadly mistake.
As always, wearing a PFD is the number one precaution. Should you unfortunately enter the water, the extra flotation helps to get you safely to dry ground quicker, at a time when every minute counts.
An emergency kit
In addition to items that allow you to dry off and get out of your wet clothes, an additional emergency kit should also be carried. This kit can be invaluable at any time of the year, but even more so in winter. My personal kit includes the following: a signal mirror and small air horn or whistle; reflective emergency blanket; first aid kit, protein bars and/or beef jerky; waterproof matches or disposable butane lighter, flashlight; VHF radio; cheap rain poncho and a bottle of water. These are the basics and you can customize to fit your preferences. Keep these items in a small dry box or bag stored in the yak so it will always be with you.
For all day comfort, dress in layers so you can adjust clothing as the day wears on. Even the coldest days warm up some after a while, and just as important as not getting wet from the outside is not sweating inside underneath your clothes. Pedaling/paddling can be a bit strenuous, especially in winter winds. Remove some clothing for stretches where you’ll be moving around and put them back on when you stop to fish. Again, a quality dry bag keeps your extra layers dry when not wearing.
None of this is meant to scare you from safely participating in winter fishing. However, being properly prepared helps make for a safe and comfortable outing. Oh, the fishing? That can be fantastic. While a fish’s metabolism slows some due to the cold water, it still must eat, albeit at a likely slower pace. Look for deeper areas where the fish concentrate in warmer water levels.
Rock jetties and oyster beds
Another tip to make winter kayak fishing safe and enjoyable includes starting your day a little later when the sun is up. This eliminates the need to navigate in the dark and is much safer. Leaving a bit later precludes encountering duck hunters traveling to get to their blinds in the pre-dawn time. Also, the few degrees in temperature rise is better for both the anglers’ comfort and the fishing.
Many coastal areas of south Louisiana have miles of rock jetties and oyster beds. These are key areas to concentrate on during winter. In addition to their provision of structure, these hard surfaces absorb sunlight and warm the nearby waters a bit. Even a change of just a degree or two can be the difference in fish biting or not.
While rock jetties are easy to see, oyster beds are a bit harder. In low water conditions, they are sometimes exposed. You should note their locations for when the water returns. Also, PVC pipe and cane poles are regularly used to mark oyster beds. If not too deep, gently checking the bottom with a rod tip or stake out pole helps identify the hard-shell bottoms in a marked area. Various prey creatures use these areas for hiding, while predator fish are always nearby waiting to pounce.
Virtually all fishing techniques and lures you use at other times of the year still work well in winter. However, the general rule for cold water fishing is always to slow down whatever presentation you are using. Bites may be more subtle, but they will come.
Kayak anglers should not shy away from fishing during the winter. If you do, you may miss out on some of the best trips of the year. It just takes a little preparation and some common sense to do it safely. If the conditions are extreme, sit it out and wait for better weather.
