IR Kayak Fisherman and NCKFA founder, Mark Patterson, wrote in with an awesome Striper report.
That's a pretty good fish Mark. I've seen bigger, but it's cool if you want to catch fish that size.
Fishing does not and should not stop because the weather turns colder. As a matter of fact, certain species are easier to catch in the winter months. The Chesapeake Bay is an amazing fishery year round, but when water temps fall bellow 50º the Striped Bass come close to shore to feed on large eels, and kayak anglers get a shot at them. Night fishing with 20 plus inch live eels often yields multiple fish in a outing.
A delicious ball of Eel
“However, without the right cold weather gear you simply can’t endure the wind and cold involved in catching these monster bass(the last night I was there you can throw in a little snow!). The fish bite best at night, much to the discomfort of many fishermen, which means nothing but body heat to warm you. That leaves your gear in charge of containing and regulating your body heat. For this trip I was layered head to toe and from skin to outer shell with IR kayak fishing gear.”
WINTERTIME FISHING WARDROBE: Thick Skin Pants and a Long Sleeve Top, layered underneath Competition Pants and a See Change Jacket. A Thermohood with IRS Neo Socks, Booties and Gloves round out the selection.
Thanks for sharing Mark!
Spencer Cooke
IR Rep
