Winter Time Blues

There is only one thing to do in northern West Virginia when you get a 70 degree day in February, grab the kayak and hit the water!

After a month or two of frigid temps, tackle organization, new bait orders, rigging boats, etc, the winter blues had finally settled in. When I saw the forecast for the week and noticed a steady three day warming trend I knew I had to try and hit the water. So after a half day of work I loaded up the Coosa HD and headed to a nice little stretch known for producing a few good winter time smallies.

I got to the creek to find it flowing cold and extremely clear and knew the bites would be limited. Most of them came dead sticking a watermelon red flake 412ube made by Donald Corbett. After a few miles of floating the sun was beginning to drop and so were the temps. I made it to be take out with about 45 minutes of daylight left and pulled the boat up the bank.

The great thing about kayak fishing and particularly creek floating is you can take out just about anywhere as long as the terrain allows. So a lot of times that’s exactly what I’ll do. I’ll find the nearest bridge or road and take out next to it.

Since I am also a avid runner and marathoner I always throw a change of clothes in the dry storage back behind my seat and tuck my running shoes inside the hull. These quick floats allow me to kill two birds with one stone. Get some fishing in and also get my evening run in to help up my mileage! This day was no different. After a quick three mile float it was time to hit the pavement and get back to the truck.

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a warm February afternoon. If you get the chance get out there when you can and make the most of it! I know I’m sure glad I did and it should help hold me over until some steady warmer weather officially arrives.

Tight lines everyone and happy paddling!

-Nate