Summer's my favorite time to be on the water — but it can also be one of the toughest for catching bass, especially from a kayak. Below is a quick rundown of the five small mistakes I run into most, plus five things from Amazon that have earned a permanent spot on my kayak.
🎣 Dad Joke of the Week What do you call an alligator in a vest? An investigator. |
Let’s get into it.
🎣 THIS WEEK'S FEATURE |
The Biggest Summer Mistakes Beginner Kayak Anglers Make
Summer can be one of the toughest times to catch bass, especially from a kayak. The good news is that most slow days come down to a few simple mistakes that are easy to fix. Here are five things to keep in mind the next time you hit the water.
| Fishing Too LateSummer bass love low-light conditions. Once the sun gets high, they often slide into deeper water or tuck under thick cover where they're harder to reach. If you can, be on the water before sunrise and take advantage of those first couple hours. They can be the most productive part of your entire trip. |
| Fishing Too FastWhen the water heats up, bass usually aren't interested in chasing a bait that's flying past them. Slow down your retrieve, pause more often, and let your lure stay in the strike zone a little longer. Think slower presentations like a wacky-rigged Senko, a Ned rig, or slowly dragging a small jig along the bottom. Sometimes slowing down is all it takes to turn a tough day into a productive one. |
| Ignoring ShadeShade is your friend during the summer. Look for docks, overhanging trees, lily pads, grass mats, or even the shadow cast by a bridge. Bass use these areas to escape the heat, and if you can find the shade, you've got a much better chance of finding fish. |
| Forgetting About YourselfIt's easy to focus so much on catching fish that you forget to take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water, wear lightweight sun protection, and don't wait until you're overheating to take a break. A comfortable angler makes better decisions and usually catches more fish. |
| Leaving Too SoonSummer fishing can test your patience. If your first few spots don't produce, don't assume the fish aren't biting. Try changing your location, lure, or retrieve before calling it a day. Sometimes one small adjustment is all it takes to turn a slow morning into a memorable one. |
Even the best anglers have tough summer days. Stay patient, make a few adjustments, and remember that every trip is a chance to learn something new. |
🛒 GEAR PICKS · 5 AMAZON FINDS |
Five Amazon Finds That Earned a Permanent Spot on My Kayak
There's a lot of fishing gear out there that looks cool but never gets used. These five items have earned a permanent spot on my kayak because they make every trip a little easier, safer, or more enjoyable.
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Pro tip: Buy gear you'll actually use every trip. Those are the purchases that end up being worth every penny. |
🔋 STILL LIVE |
Redodo Lithium — 10% Off With BDF8
Last couple weeks on the Redodo deal — if kayak power has been on your list, the code BDF8 still stacks 10% off site-wide through the end of the month.
🎣 Don’t Forget — Save the Date The Kayak Fishing Dads Retreat at Lake Marion is happening November 5–8. Spots are filling fast — register at kfdretreat.com before they’re gone. |
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See you on the water. Tight lines!
— Jay