theflyingburritto

So I am still pretty new to fishing from a kayak. I have had a lot luck with inshore reds and specks but I really want to target some cobia this upcoming season. I do not have a kayak cart and I am assuming this is essential for bringing a kayak on the beach. Aside from this, what are some things I should think about when targeting these fish. I live in destin and will be willing to go out with some of you guys to learn the ropes.My tacklelooks like its going to be a 750ss with30lb braid, is this enough?Any advice is appreciated.

specslayer

you cant really "target" ling from a yak bc of the height problem but since you live in destin id go to all the nearshore wrecks like the miss louise and just hope they litterally swim right up to you. if you wanted to go specifically for cobia the only thing i could think would be to anchor up and shum really hard.

Chris V

Why can't you?

I've done it many times off our beaches over here in Gulf Shores. Your bottom line says it all; chum, chum and more chum. Yes you will catch kings and other stuff as well if you have a drift line out but if just want cobes just keep chumming with a bag of chum supplemented with some larger chunks of cigar minnows or menhaden. If they are running the beaches they will be there before too long. I've done this the past 2 seasons with very good reults.

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Capt. Blake Nelson

Chris, the first thing you need to do is get a waterproof cell phone. Then, when you are out looking for cobia, give me a call. If I'm in the area, I'll come out in the gulf. Then all you have to do is paddle up, get in my tower and we'll look for cobia. Once hooked up, climb down and get back in the yak and land the fish...there's really nothing to it! And then I'll be around to take some sick photos.

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Capt. Blake Nelson
Last Cast Charters
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j_purdy

When chumming do you use a drift sock, anchor, free drift? Thanks for the hints.

-Jason

Yaksquatch

I don't have experience with cobia yet. Planning on fixing that this year so if you want a wingman, PM me. However, there are a few things I've learned the hard way about launching and landing through surf. Might be info you already know, but better to have and not need than need and not have.



I have a relatively light yak (65lbs) so dragging it a short ways without wheels isn't a big deal for me. Try it with your yak and see how it feels. Remember that you have to go back the other way after you come off the water tired out.



Make sure you tie everything important to your yak. I've only tipped over once and that was in 1ft of water 15 yds from shore. But better safe than sorry.



My yak is long and narrow, not as maneuverable as others, so launching can be tricky for me sometimes. I'll usually walk over without the yak and watch the surf for a few minutes to time the waves and pick the least violent spot to try punching through. Then I'll drag the yak over and again stand and watch for a few minutes till I get a feel for the timing. Once I find the timing and a low set coming in, don't hesitate, Go go go punch it!



Coming back in can be tricky for longer yaks too, since the waves want to catch my back end and turn me broadside to them. Same as launching, sit outside the breakers for a few minutes and get a feel for the timing. As you're coming in, pay attention to the waves coming up behind you and try to adjust before they get to you. I've heard of people coming in backwards so they have a full view of the waves. I can't get away with that in my yak, but if you want, try it without any gear and see if it works for you.



Alex

chaps

I'm also new to kayak fishing last year and looking forward to hittingthe surf for some fishing this year in the gulf. I think we all need to get together and hit it. Alex can lead the charge!

unibober

Just a small bit of info. I had a set of wheels for mine that were great for hard surfaces but worthless for the sand. You need some seeious balloon tires if thats what you want. i found pulling it across the sand MUCH easier even with the yak loaded. Its cheaper as well!

Chris V

If the wind and drift isn't bad I just drift freely. If drift is fast I may anchor or use a drift sock, or in my case a 5 gallon bucket tied to the back

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dragman6693

chumming???? what's the best tactic for doing that???it sounds like an awsome idea for all kinds of species i'd like to give it a shot when it warms up a little..