In Today’s Newsletter: From what’s biting this spring to the latest kayak motors and a surprising new study on fentanyl found in fish, here’s what anglers should know before their next day on the water.
Fentanyl Detected in Wild Fish Near Wastewater Treatment Plants (Video)
A new study in has found trace amounts of fentanyl in the fish of rivers that receive urban wastewater. This is the first time substances such as fentanyl, opioids and antidepressants have been documented by scientists in wild fish.
5 New Electric Outboards And Kayak Trolling Motors Making Waves
After years of trial and error, kayak motors are finally hitting the mark. Find the best electric propulsion for your boat.
Ask An Expert:
Q: “What lure colors work best for bass fishing in muddy water after heavy rain or spring runoff?”
A: Spring runoff and summer rainstorms often bring high, muddy water, leaving anglers to wait for the water to clear before they carry on bass fishing.
When the river is pumping, have a fast presentation that you can fish on the move. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and rattle traps are excellent muddy water baits because they can be fished on the go. The combination of speed and vibration make them great choices when underwater visibility is low.
Using big, dark baits is standard operating procedure in muddy water. Bass are primarily sight feeders and a big, dark silhouette makes it easier for them to get a visual on the bait. Colors like black, dark brown and dark green are standard fare for the muddy water angler.
Don’t stop at merely presenting a dark-colored bait. Go the next step and add a touch of light contrast to your dark bait. Bass are predators on a hunt, fine tuned to even the most subtle cues that will allow them to zero in on their prey. A laminated crawfish with a dark top and contrasting lighter bottom color will create a flicker that can pique the attention of a bass. A black spinnerbait with a streak of chartreuse in the skirt will do the same.
In the article, How To Catch Trophy Bass In Muddy Water, we teach you the best bait colors to use when the water turns brown.
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Spring Fever: What's Biting Near You Now?
What are your best bets for fishing this weekend? Our experts share their picks for the hottest spring kayak fishing coast to coast.
California Sheephead
Pacific Ocean, San Diego | Glenn Udvarhelyi
Sheephead live in kelp. From Mission Bay, the fishing grounds are a mile and a half from the launch. When Udvarhelyi reaches the kelp forest, he ties his kayak to a kelp stalk. Shellfish or squid are good baits, but ghost shrimp are the best. He catches ghost shrimp by pumping them out of the sand. Then, he stores the bait overnight on a baking pan under a damp paper towel...
Florida Bonefish
Upper Florida Keys | Alex Tejeda
For guide Alex Tejeda, April is the time to target trophy bonefish. During April, the bonefish bite explodes as the fish take advantage of glass minnow schools to fatten up before they spawn in May. If conditions are favorable, Tejeda says bonefish hang out on the flats feeding all day. Anglers also have a good shot at a permit, tarpon and bonefish slam...
Texas Spotted Sea Trout
Galveston Bay | Clint Barghi
In late spring, trout and redfish migrate from the back bayous and ship channels to the passes. May into June is the easiest time to find big trout. Barghi says mullet move into the shallows and water temperatures are ideal. Catching 25- to 30-inch trout is a real possibility. “The Galveston Bay complex has some of the heaviest trout along the Texas coast,” Barghi says…
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