My friend and fishing buddy, John Stewart, asked me recently if I would be a guest speaker at an informal event to help educate and inform a group of neophyte kayak anglers. In particular, John wanted me to address the subject of bottom fishing. It's nice to know that when he thinks of bottom feeders, my name comes to mind. Thanks, John! As promised at the workshop, I said I would make my notes available for anyone who wanted to know more about some of my favorite bottom fishing rigs for the local inshore creeks and rivers...<< MORE >>

Thanks to the nice folks at Fishbites (Carr Specialty Baits, Inc.) in St. Augustine, Florida, I recently had the opportunity to try out the latest in synthetic natural baits. Fishbites is perhaps best known for their line of natural, biodegradable strips of cut bait. Their newest product, "xtreme scent release lures," are shaped like natural baits. Saltwater formulas are available in the form of shrimp, paddle tail minnows, and jerk baits. They also have a freshwater formula in two worm shapes and sizes. Armed with all three saltwater versions, I loaded up my kayak and ventured out to a local saltmarsh creek to do a little fishing and see how these new baits performed. << MORE >>

These blog posts are a variety of ways for preparing fish of no particular species. Browse and enjoy!<< MORE >>

Sheepshead, black drum, or redfish are excellent when baked whole and served with this black bean sauce. Note: DO NOT use canned black beans from the grocery store! What you want are "salted black beans" from your local oriental food store. Look for the ones that are sold in a...<< MORE >>

When cold weather moves in, many kayak anglers choose to stay indoors and wait for balmier weather. However, that cold northeast wind can actually make for some productive fishing. You just have to understand your quarry and change up your game a bit to boat some fish. Layer up with some warm clothes, break out your breathable waders & boots, and go catch some fish. Like people, fish often become sluggish and move slower when the temperatures drop. Redfish in particular are prone to...<< MORE >>

I took my oldest daughter, Hayley, on her very first kayak fishing trip today. At age 9, she's not too enthusiastic about catching fish. She holds her nose and says they smell funny. However, the idea of some paddling time with dad won out, and she agreed to join me for a New Year's eve outdoor adventure. The weather forecast called for light winds and scattered clouds, with a high temperature of 67 degrees; not bad for the last day of the year in Northeast Florida! The weather was right out of the Goldilocks playbook: not too hot, not too cold, and the breeze would keep the mosquitoes and gnats at bay. We recently purchased a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130T tandem kayak so I could...<< MORE >>

Since I hadn't visited Goffinsville Park in a while, I hauled the 'yak down there this morning to try my luck in the Nassau River.  The county still hasn't done any development work on the park, but they are doing a good job of keeping the road graded and picking up the trash.  With a high bluff overlooking the river, it's a beautiful site; too bad the county leaders are dragging their feet in building the park amenities. Then again, all the better for me -- it's nice having a quiet, uncrowded spot to launch.  (For more information about Goffinsville ...<< MORE >>

With the Christmas hoopla winding down, I took advantage of a rare opportunity to go fishing on a weekday. The weather made for one of those days that reminds me why I choose to live in Florida. The forecast was for a high temp of 78, with winds 5 - 10 mph from the southeast. An incoming tide would carry me to a productive fishing spot, with the outgoing tide arriving before sunset to carry me back home. As the adult beverage slogan says, "It doesn't get any better than this!" I launched at the mouth of the Ft. George River, riding the...<< MORE >>

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by Mark Dennis
09-15-2007

Today is International Coastal Cleanup Day, and I joined some of my friends from www.jaxkayakfishing.com to help pick up all the trash that people have dumped at various public boat ramps and kayak launch sites in the Jacksonville, FL area.  My plan was to help out with the cleanup effort at Haulover Creek, then launch the 'yak and do some fishing.  The fish gods must have been pleased with our cleaning efforts, because I enjoyed a pretty good day of fishing.  Here's a photo of the intrepid crowd that joined me for the cleanup (I'm on the ...

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