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Tidal current moving past structure = good catch

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  • Tidal current moving past structure = good catch

    Fishermen look for tidal current moving past structure. This morning, I trolled 1/8-oz and 3/16-oz jigheads and paddletails from my kayak in shallow water from 6:00 to 9:00 and caught 32 stripers (4 over 19”) and two perch. I had a good outgoing tide, low angle of the sun, and cool air and water surface temperatures. Other than a few commercial crabbers, I was the only vessel in sight and had a pleasant and productive outing. I had planned to launch at a different nearby location, but when I checked Windfinder this morning, I saw winds that were stronger than I liked coming from the north. I revised my destination, and was wise to do that. I was able to stay in calm waters for much of the trip.


    The spot where I fished has several different habitats that usually produce good catches. For the first hour of the trip, I trolled back and forth over a large area with numerous oyster mounds in shallow water. I have fished this area before and marked waypoints on the GPS screen where I catch stripers.

    2021-04-11-009.JPG


    The mounds were in 4 to 5 ft depth – they jutted upwards, often to within 1 to 2 ft of the surface. I had to use light jigheads to keep from snagging on the mounds.

    2021-04-11-007.jpg 2021-04-11-008.jpg 2021-04-11-004.jpg


    There are long stretches of marshy edges with some sod banks. I trolled along those edges in 3 to 4 ft depths, giving special attention to any points. White 12 Fathom Shadzilla tails were popular when moving along the edges.

    2020-05-25-04.JPG

    The structure provided by the oyster mounds, sod banks, and points provided good habitat. Today's tidal coefficient was 91 -- considered very high. The combination of those factors helped to produce a good bite.
    John Veil
    Annapolis
    Native Watercraft Manta Ray 11, Falcon 11

    Author - "Fishing in the Comfort Zone" , "Fishing Road Trip - 2019", "My Fishing Life: Two Years to Remember", and "The Way I Like to Fish -- A Kayak Angler's Guide to Shallow Water, Light Tackle Fishing"

  • #2
    Nice report John with great tips on where to fish. The wind was surprisingly strong today.
    Mike
    Pro Angler 14 "The Grand Wazoo"

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    • #3
      You were right Mike, I got wet with splash coming in the cockpit crossing the channel in the white caps...it definitely was "sporting"...should have followed you in...
      "Lady Luck" 2016 Red Hibiscus Hobie Outback, Lowrance Hook2-7TS
      2018 Seagrass Green Hobie Compass, Humminbird 798 ci HD SI
      "Wet Dream" 2011 yellow Ocean Prowler 13
      Charter member of Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club

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      • #4
        Wooohooo John!!! I am very happy to read your report. I have not been fishing in weeks due to my upcoming move. The one time I got near the water, I forgot my paddle. I am hoping to get out for a few hours this weekend and this is great news!!!!!! Maybe I will be able to swing by and pick up some fishing rods to replace the one that I lost trolling :--)

        Reading these reports has been the closest thing to fishing that I have done in about a month. I cannot wait to get back on the water

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        • #5
          John, thanks for sharing. You and the other members are very generous in sharing your insights, knowledge, and insights. Learning is for life
          Tight lines
          Hobie Ivory Dune Outback
          Hobie Caribbean Blue Sport
          Wilderness Red Tsunami 145
          Wilderness Green "Warhorse" Tarpon 160

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          • #6
            Awesome day - thanks for posting all this great info, John - I've never fished oyster mounds - good to know to approach with lighter profiles...

            Ian
            Alexandria, VA
            2021 Hobie PA 14 360
            2004 Old Town Twin Heron

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