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How to shoot a self portrait when Kayak fishing that is not the same old lame shots.
When I can only go out fishing for a couple hours I prefer to kayak fish. It is fast, convenient, easy to clean after and you can be pretty stealthy.
When I catch a nice fish, one of the thing that annoys me most is how limited you are, with the inability to take good photos. When fishing solo like I often do, it’s tough to get a good photos to share.
It’s either sitting on your lap or you can set the camera on your kayak and get a hunchback of notre dame shot.
So the other day I figured a way to get a better shot. Though not perfect by any means, it’s much better than the alternative.
-Iphone with a lifeproof case(water proof)
-Handle bar mount(easy mount and pivots for good composition)
-Camera timer app(321 camera timer is what I use as it allows for multi timer shots. it’s 99 cents but I think it’s worth it for the multishot functions.)
-Stake out pole (Wang Anchor is what I use)
The concept is quite easy. Once the fish is landed. You mount the camera/iphone/lifeproof on your stake out pole and stake it out. Set the timer app and take as many cool photos as you want.
This way you get your kayak in there, the scenery as well as your gear and envy try some action shots like water dripping etc. It’s looks a ton better and not to mention you are not hunched over like you are having back issues.
The iphone allows for front facing camera so you can frame your shots properly. Also with the app you can set it for multiple shots as well as the time between shots so you can try different angles and be creative.
Here is quick demonstration video. I wanted to shoot it outside but it was raining today.
Power Pole and Rhodan GPS trolling motor at Gasperilla for perfect anchoring
Here is a little tip I’ve been using if you have a Power Pole and My Rhodan gps trolling motor combination. I was the Gasperilla parade and wanted to get out of the boat so we could mingle with the crowd and see the parade better.
If we would just throw the anchor,or put the power pole down the boat would swing crashing into things. Besides it would be too close the crowd and no telling what drunk person might jump into the boat when we were not looking.
After we got off I just use the remote to move the boat away from the sea wall/crowd. I then press anchor(to keep the bow and position stationary) then put the power pole down for a back up as well as not allowing the boat to swing. It works perfectly for beer storage as well.
When we were done, I used the remote to bring the boat right to us.
How to change a treble hook on your lures. No tools needed
Changing out treble hooks, no tools needed
How often have you loose a trophy fish because your treble hook just got rusty and breaks or bend out? I don’t know about you guys but to me it gets pretty darn frustrating.
As you may or may not know, 80% of the fishing market is freshwater. Logically, the manufacture of the lures put fresh water hooks on their lures. This works great if you fish mostly fresh water.
When we use the same lure in saltwater they often get rusty or bend out easily when you have a nice fish on. This can be quite frustrating to say the least but in a tournament situation it can cost you a trophy of even hard cold cash.
Here is a easy quick way to upgrade your treble hooks to a saltwater or stronger version. The one I’m using in the video is a Daiichi xxxx hooks, size 4 .
How to tie a Kingfish rig, no crimpers needed
One of my first how to video I shot back in 2009 with my friend Jay. Since it’s king fish season I figure it worth bringing it back for you guys.
Ashley’s of Don’s Bait and Tackle How to tie his bend back Fly, AC Laid Back Fly
The AC Laid Back by Ashley of Don’s Bait and Tackle in Homestead, FL.
Here’s my variation on a bend back style fly. The great thing about Ben back patterns is they ride hook up and the materials act as a weed guard. This variation has a large head for pushing water and allows for not only sight casting but, works well for pounding shorelines. A customer recently picked some up in a peacock bass color scheme and liked the fact that he could throw the fly up on the bank and drag it in the water, directly in front of the fish with it snagging.
Also, after much debate I’ve decided to go back to naming my patterns not so much out of ego but, the inability I’m having understanding which flies people are asking questions about and ordering. After almost 20 years of tying I’ve regressed back to trying to come up with witty and catchy names.
Hook: Gamakatsu B10 Stinger #1/0
Thread: Match fly
Body: unique (supreme or ultra hair), SF Fiber, and Ice wing
Head: dubbing of your choice
Eyes: 3D epoxy
How to cast a spinning rod safely and accurately.
A lot of us take casting a spinning for granted but believe it or not, not everyone is as efficient at it as us seasoned fisherman. Most guys only fish the weekends or are just beginning and could use the help.
Here is a quick video I shot of a few tips on how to cat more effectively, safely and accurately.
Camera Gear I normally bring on a Fishing shoot
Here is a video that is probably long over due.
Whether it comes from facebook or email, people ask me constantly what camera gear I normally use on fishing shoot.
So I decided to shoot a quick video showing the gear I normally bring with me.
Here is a quick list.
Camera Body:
Nikon D3
Nikon D300s
Nikon D7000
Lens:
Tokina 10-17
Tokina 11-16 2.8
Nikon 17-55 2.8
Nikon 70-200 2.8
Accessories:
Pelican 1600 case
3 SB 600 flashes
1.4x teleconverter
Loads of memory cards
Snorkeling gear
Underwater:
Ikelite housing 8″ dome
Canon 7D w/ Tokina 10-17mm
Mantis Shrimp fly by Ashely of Don’s Bait and Tackle
Just about everyone in South Florida knows the shrimp here become microscopic in the summer and the fish that feed on these ever present crustaceans change their feeding patterns to offset this annual tradition. The bonefish in Biscayne Bay average 8 lbs. or so and must adapt to the quality of the food source available to them.
Working at Don’s has given me as a fly tier a unique experience in seeing all kinds of food items available from Biscayne Bay ( Biscayne Bay is where almost all the shrimp that are delivered from Miami to Key West are caught). This time of year we begin to see a lot more mantis shrimp in the tanks and this is after they have cleaned and culled their nighttime catches. This leads me to believe that the mantis shrimp are extremely abundant this time of year and they certainly offer a much better food source for the larger bone fish in the Bay.
Here’s a fly I have had a lot of luck with over the years for summer time bone fishing especially during the hottest months of July- Sept. This is a large bone fish fly (3 -4 inches) and not for flat calm slicked off days or the faint of heart. If you get this meal in front of a fish and she doesn’t spook its game on!
More questions please visit.
Don’s Bait and Tackle Homestead Florida
Hook: Gamakatsu b10stinger #2
Tail/ body: barred jumbo zonker
Head: arctic fox or cross cut rabbit in dubbing loop
Eyes: situation specific
Hobie Sailing Kit installation on the beach
One of the down fall of Kayak fishing is that when you launch at spot you’re pretty have to stick there for the most part. Well if you one of those guys that likes to paddle and expend tons of energy I guess you can move quite a bit.
The sailing concept solves a lot of issues with relocation that is for sure. You can move around much better with much less energy and you can even troll when you fishing in deeper waters.
Yesterday I met Jose up at a beach to do a bit of sailing for the Kayak. I’ve seen this here and there but never tried myself. Basically the entire kit was installed in under 30 minute. The kit included the sailing rudder for better controls, the stabilizers and the of course the sail it self.
After in the install we were able to sail right away. Me, I have never sailed before and it was incredibly easy. If you want to get all technical you can research more on it here. Me I just moved the tension on the sail until it catches wind and I used the rudder to control direction.
Pretty darn easy. I think my next cool trip on the kayak will be in a No Motor zone and or camping.
Though specifically design to work with Hobie Mirage Line of Kayaks I’m guessing Hobie Sailing Kit it can be modified to work with all kayaks as long as you have a rudder system and place to mount the sail.
Also to make life easier to put away the sail in case the wind dies or you’re anchored here is a video of DIY furl system. Pretty easy using PVP pipes and a rope.
Afternoon Bonefish Fly by Ahsley from Don’s Bait and Tackle
With all the rain we’ve had lately the only thing to do is tie flies and dream of calmer drier conditions. This time of year is one of the best times to get out in the early morning or late afternoon and chase tailing bonefish. This particular pattern has been very effective in that Endeavour. The fly can be tied with a variety of different weighted eyes for tailing or mudding fish and the size can be adjusted to match the conditions. It’s also a great redfish pattern when tied in the appropriate colors and size.
This example of the pattern is tied for tailing bonefish in slicked off conditions for Biscayne Bay. I have a fondness for olive although other color combinations will work.
Hook: Gamakatsu B10 Stinger #4
Tail: Ostrich Plumes
Body: Grizzly Marabou or Matuka with silly legs
Head: Senyo’s Laser Dub and weight appropriate eyes
I hope this gets the creative juices flowing.
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