Following one of the warmest winters on record and what felt like the longest springtime ever, the summer heat has finally descended upon New England. There's a heat advisor in effect for the next several days, with high temperatures expected to peak at 97°F before culminating in a weekend of thunderstorms and intermittent showers. If there were ever a time to reconsider my fishing tactics, it would be now.
This season started like any other. I began fishing from the shore in mid-March before taking the kayak out in April or May. The main things determining whether I'd fish from the riverbank or hit my favorite boat launch were time and energy. The weather was really not a concern, to the point where I caught a couple of my best pre-spawn bass in the pouring rain.
As the temperatures continue to climb in mid-June and beyond, I'll be shifting my focus towards much more kayak fishing. Using my kayak, I can quickly seek the cover of an overhanging tree. I can also paddle to an area where the light intensity suits the lures I'm using and the fish I'm after. If the situation calls for it, the kayak allows me to change depths much more quickly than I could by walking along the shoreline.
In addition to changing my fishing vessel and location, my primary target species are about to shift drastically. Trout, perch, and big pickerel are still around, but the warm water means largemouth bass and sunfish - pumpkinseeds and bluegill - are out to play.
Those who follow my podcast and social media posts may be well aware that I don't consider myself a talented angler. I am persistent, and I'm willing to try different techniques, but I'm learning as I write. I am most confident using inline spinners and spoons, fishing the same species on the same familiar bodies of water. Writing about fishing is my way of challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone and gain knowledge about new techniques and gear that I can pass on to others.
One of the techniques that worked well on my latest outing was the simple ned rig. I fished through each of the plastics and jig head options in the Z-Man Ned Rig Kit and found success with all of them, especially loving the TRD CrawZ. While I don't have that much experience fishing ned rigs or successfully fishing soft plastics in general, I've got a decade of kayak fishing under my belt. Here are a few of the things that I've learned while fishing New England rivers by kayak in the summertime.
Mise en Place
Before hitting the water, decide on a place for everything and ensure that everything is in its place. I like to do this by organizing tackle trays for different purposes and stashing things in different parts of the kayak based on what I'll use the most. I also like to tether a few of my most-used items to the kayak using kayak leashes, carabiners, and shock cord.
Positioning is Key
Whether you're kayaking on still water or floating along the river, wind and current can quickly overwhelm you. Before your rod leaves the holder, and before you even think about selecting a lure or hook size, find a stable and accessible position. If you don't feel confident that the vessel is in your control, consider anchoring up, tethering to a nearby tree, or beaching the kayak in the nearest shallow section of the river. If you can't stay in one place, focus on fishing where you will be rather than where you are at that moment.
Small Fish, Big Pond
If you start catching a lot of small fish, don't get discouraged. A kayak can give you exceptional access to different fishing spots, like coves, sandbars, and grass beds. But remember, the fishing conditions can change quickly as you move along the river. If you're actively paddling, you might not have much time to pick apart each feature in search of a giant fish.
If the water temperature is cool enough to fish shallower and slower sections, try fishing at the beginning and end of the river. Calmer waters can serve as a middle ground between pond and river fishing. Also, look for dams and other structures that can create unique fishing opportunities by slowing down the water flow.
Master of None
One of the most incredible things about fishing a river is that as soon as you get bored of one area or one technique, the features change. Passing a log jam? A break in the current might be the perfect spot to throw a lighter lure. Trying fish under an overhanging tree, but the current is a little faster than expected? Tie on more weight and make sure you have plenty of room to set the hook.
Fishing from a kayak is equal parts beautiful, liberating, and chaotic. Nasty snags, shifting scenery, and limited storage space will force you to think creatively and hone your fishing instincts. It's often just you and your fellow paddlers, so your chances of success really depend on planning and communication.
Mastering river fishing, and to a lesser extent, kayak fishing in general, can be frustrating. Embracing the elements that are out of your control is crucial. I'm saying this with a straight face, even as I'm dealing with the aftermath of my fishing line snapping and getting destroyed by stumps over the weekend. I'm not proud of it, but I am proud of the stellar largemouth bass that drew me to the stumps in the first place. I dropped the fish when it went airborne at the side of my kayak; that's one release that didn't require me to bust out the forceps!
If you take anything away from this post, I hope it serves as a reminder that fishing is a series of highs and lows. Like the river itself, something new is always around the bend. Keep your senses sharp and your mindset positive, and trust that the situation will improve.
My next blog post may be another lure selection tutorial, but after that, I'm considering a deeper dive into the gear that comes with me on a typical kayaking trip. Keep an eye out for that in July or August. Until then, tight lines and happy fishing!
