Tackle Box

[Str8 Yakkin]

Str8 Yakkin,

If you want to keep it simple for tidal kayak fishing, a 3 inch paddletail on a jig is a very versatile lure locally. Here's one on an 1/8 oz. jig:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]25141[/ATTACH]

That's the size I typically cast in shallow water. If I'm trolling I may use a 1/4 oz. to 1/2 oz. jig on the same paddletail.

I believe color is a matter of the angler's personal preference. I think it's the silhouette of the lure that matters the most to the fish. However some days, the fish may favor one color over the next. Trial and error and real time info from your fishing buddies will tell you if color matters. I typically use gold or white, but when the fish are thick, I've had them hit a variety of colors on the same outing.

The above sized paddletail, will catch perch:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]25142[/ATTACH]

Stripers:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]25143[/ATTACH]

And our newfound Bay favorites:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]25144[/ATTACH]

I wouldn't specifically target perch with the paddletail. The perch in the above photo was particularly aggressive. As others have already mentioned, a jig spinner of some kind is the choice for perch. I prefer 1/8 oz. jig spinners. You can either throw one with a plain jig and 2 to 3 inch Mr. Twister trailer:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]25145[/ATTACH]

Or one with bucktail or feathers on the jig:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]25146[/ATTACH]

Again, I believe the color you have confidence in the color to choose. I think it's the profile of the bait the noise of the spinner that attracts perch. But some days the fish may show a color preference.

Also, those same 1/8 oz. spinners will catch stripers and catfish lingering in perch habitat. That's always fun, especially since you'll be tossing those jig spinners on a lighter rod.

So, if you want to simplify your lure choices, you cannot go wrong with the above.

Good luck,

Mark thanks for all the advice and tips brother. I am heading to the tackle shop today


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[ronaultmtd]

Good advice...and with the seasons comes lure changes...Early Spring is big baits, late Spring (now) is step down in size to smaller lures- same for summer time, fall is the beginning of top water season with big poppers and “walk the Dog” stick baits...deep jigging BKDs on 1/2 and 3/4 oz. jigheads around structure produces some nice fish...bucktails dressed with Gulp swimming mullet is a tried and true flounder producer...we all have our favorite crankbaits and they produce when fish are feeding on finger mullet and big silverside minnows, as does metal...

[Str8 Yakkin]

Thanks for the advice brother. I went out today for a few minutes and managed to catch one white perch on a bottle spinner. Going to try Weems creek this week if the weather holds up

Good advice...and with the seasons comes lure changes...Early Spring is big baits, late Spring (now) is step down in size to smaller lures- same for summer time, fall is the beginning of top water season with big poppers and “walk the Dog” stick baits...deep jigging BKDs on 1/2 and 3/4 oz. jigheads around structure produces some nice fish...bucktails dressed with Gulp swimming mullet is a tried and true flounder producer...we all have our favorite crankbaits and they produce when fish are feeding on finger mullet and big silverside minnows, as does metal...

[Str8 Yakkin]

As far as line goes what lb test would you guys recommend. In florida I was using 12lb braid. Should I go lighter braid or switch back to mono


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[brianisoutside]

12 will work, I use 20.
Just depends on what your going to be doing.


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[Str8 Yakkin]

12 will work, I use 20.
Just depends on what your going to be doing.


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Mostly perch, catfishing and chasing crappie if I can find them


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[ronaultmtd]

I use 10# braid on my 2500 CI 4(+) and it is fine..the heaviest braid lines on my spinning reels is 15# braid...

[Str8 Yakkin]

I use 10# braid on my 2500 CI 4(+) and it is fine..the heaviest braid lines on my spinning reels is 15# braid...

Nice. I have the 3000 CI


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[belairfishing]

I would think 15 lb would be fine for that. That will cover everything you are going for, and be enough if you get into a big striper or catfish by accident!

[john from md]

I would think 15 lb would be fine for that. That will cover everything you are going for, and be enough if you get into a big striper or catfish by accident!

I agree. If I am just targeting perch with a ultralight rig, I use 8 pound test braid. If I am in an area where I might get big rock or flounder or specs, I use my bait caster with 15 pound Kastking on it. Nothing has broken the 15 pound test line yet but I have snapped a few rod tips.

[mchottie]

You will upsize your braid real quick when you are targeting small species, and a large species breaks you off. 20# seems to be the standard for what I fish around here.

[Mark]

Actually, I lean toward 15 and 20 pound braid not because I need line that strong. I do it because the diameter of braid is so darned small. I believe 20 pound Power Pro is the same diameter as 6 pound mono. It therefore takes less of the expensive braid to fill my spools if I use the higher pound test line. I'd venture to say that most of us have braid on our spools that never sees the light of day. The amount of line is not a problem. I may sacrifice a little casting distance with the heavier braid but my kayak allows me to get closer to my targets anyway.

[Str8 Yakkin]

You guys rock man. Thanks for all the tips and tricks. I have fished the last 2 days behind my house and caught 3 perch and a small striper. Taking my kayak out one day this week before I start work next week. Anyone hitting weems creek this week? On another note. What kinds of snakes roam around here. I’ve been ran off by 2 today. Brown in color swimming up to the bank


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[CarsonNash]

Likely a common water-snake, completely harmless. I have plenty of em around my house.

We also have copperheads around here, those you need to be careful of.

Heres a list of MD snakes- It never hurts to know what's around. - https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pa...rSquamata.aspx

[Str8 Yakkin]

Likely a common water-snake, completely harmless. I have plenty of em around my house.

We also have copperheads around here, those you need to be careful of.

Heres a list of MD snakes- It never hurts to know what's around. - https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pa...rSquamata.aspx

Thanks man. I avoid all snakes lol


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