Kayak fishing is taking the world by storm ... with kayak fishermen all around the world catching big fishes on a tiny boat. Size doesn’t matter!
Today is a tale of the bigger fishes going to the smaller guys. Mark a 12 year old fought the biggest fish caught on a kayak, in his life and Ren ... an experience fly fisherman on his maiden trip with the Airis Angler 12 & 'cracking the egg' with a nice grouper that turns his yak round and round, as he pumped the fish vertically up with grace and skills.
The day started with a short paddle to ‘beginners’ ground. A place near enough from launch point that will not be taxing our young paddlers .. especially Mark.
My sounder finally gave up on me through my year of abuse and started in safe “MS DOS” mode. I had to depend on Paul’s sounder to constantly read me the depth as we paddle in search of the sweet spot. Anchored down and waited. Mark first comment of the day .. "here comes the boring part .... wait". :)
And it did started out as ..... ‘boring’ and there wasn’t a single nibble and I can’t see if there are any fishes swimming under our kayaks.
I turned over to Paul ... wanna give the young boy a kick with herrings? Baby herrings ... .. a little fun for the boy .. maybe ... I know a spot we can try.... as we headed towards shore. As I led the way ..... Mark who was following just behind me on his own ... had a solid hook up! “DADDY ...... Whooooooaaaah” ... .....”FISH ON” . The fish leaped and breaking the surface was a delight to watch .... giving the 12yo a hell of a fight. Daddy was paddling over with his camera ready in hand, shouting words of encouragement to hold on tight to the fish ... Mark was brilliant ..... he fought the fish till it finally bellied up. Before daddy and me come close and help him lift the fish up for a photo opportunity. One proud moment. I can see the smiles and the 'father-son' bonding sparkles all round.
Ren started to paddle and fish near us ... less than 15 minutes later ... he had a solid take on the drift .... from afar I can see a nice bend on his rod and the kayak spinning round in a 360 turn as he applied pressure on the fish. Skillfully ... he got the fish to the surface. He quickly grip the mouth and lifted up a 'still fierce and struggling fish' ...... but in all excitement the fish slipped from his grip .... and landed on his lap .. still jumping around!!!! But this guy is an expert in handling wild fishes with his hand ... I was amazed to see how his fingers slipped into the open gills and lifted the fish up without any fear of being cut by the fins. The fish was finally subdued.
We took some pictures and I thought to myself .... phew .... no more stress for the day .. finally .... .. at least the youngsters got fishes.
I started trolling around with my proven lure in hope of getting a decent fish ..... 'zzzzzzzz .......' I turned back ... lifted the rod out from the holder ... “Splash” ... I could see the big herring jumping out into the air .... then it slacked .... gone .... no hook-up.
As the morning pass .... Paul brought up a chermin which we consider undersized and was released after he took a quick photo.
Time sure flies when you are out with good company and having fun .... it’s was time to head back as I had to work in the afternoon.
I ended up being the “zero-fighter” of the day.
As we were leaving for home ....... Mark was such a sweet and polite boy ..... as he personally came over and thanked “Uncle Mervin”. I ask if he ..... “Wanna join uncle mervin for another day of kayak fishing adventure and I will bring my 12 year old and we can have a little father & son competition?” ... He replied with those bright innocent and wide open eyes ..... “SURE ..... Game ON!!!!”
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