Spent Saturday fishing in a very small tournament organized by the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. The tournament was called Fins for Fur

http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/college/pr/FinsforFur.html

I was the only kayaker in the group of about 30 people. Paddled the heck out of my kayak and only managed this 18.5" Trout on a 3" white Gulp shrimp. Gorgeous [but hot] day on the water. Wind died down a ton around 10AM. Managed to see about 4-5 tailing reds but they just wouldn't touch anything that I had.

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Wilderness Systems Ride 135

I fished Cedar Key last weekend and caught 5 Reds and 3 of them were over 30".
The Reds are deep off the Keys and the water is hot.
If you are not on the water fishing by 7:00AM forget it.
I am going Sunday and will be on the water by 6:00 AM and off the water by Noon.
I can't wait for September.
Funny, last winter we were complaning about the cold and now we complain about the heat.
Can't satisfy a Fisherman.

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Wilderness Systems Ride 135 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak

Bummer. did anyone else catch anything?

Yes, but they got in the water too late to catch a large amount of fish.
Many had fish break their lines. I use 40# Barid with 50# Floracarbon Leader and still had 2 breakoffs.
Big Fish are in that water off North Key on back side.

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Wilderness Systems Ride 135 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak

So what are you saying Al?? My 20# powerpro and 25# leader is too light???


Also, where is the launch thats the closest paddle to North Key??

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After extensive, diligent, and scholarly research, there is NO evidence that life should be so serious.

U14.5

T120

Al do you put in at the beach in Cedar Key or launch from the area around the airport? I am new to kayak fishing, recent purchased a Native Ultimate, and am considering trying the flats around cedar key. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

30# is heavy enough if your drag is set right and the water is deep enough. If you are in the shallow osyter beds 20# will not be enough because they will pull you in the osyters and cut you off.
I launch from the beach. I make a decision where I am going to fish once I know how the water conditions are and the speed of the tide.
That is what is so great about Cedar Key. There are several keys to fish and all have their own purpose.
When I went out with Bob a few weeks ago we fished areas that I rarely fish but the tides were flowing in the direction of those keys. We had a full day of catching fish. Since then I have not fished those keys because the tides are flowing opposite of what they were doing then.
Saturday I will know where I am going to fish once I paddle for a half of mile or so.
Fish it enough and you will start to understand why the fish move as they do and then you will be more educated as to where the fish are.
No matter where you fish I am sure you have noticed that one day they are there and then they are not.
Notice the conditions of the wind, tide, and sunlight. Think like a fish and you catch more fish.

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Wilderness Systems Ride 135 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak