Paddle Fishing

I offer fishing trips by canoe and kayak into the no motor area of the Banana River Lagoon and into the north end of the Mosquito Lagoon. Fishing from a hand powered boat offers an aesthetic that a motor skiff cannot match.

Fishing the no motor zone is a long physical day. It's a big piece of water. The reward (if it's good) is that there are lots of big redfish and seatrout, along with black drum, snook, and tarpon in season. Total paddling distance could exceed 12 miles.

The north end of Mosquito Lagoon offers lots of slot sized reds and some trout in a much smaller, more intimate environment. Total paddling distance will be about four miles.

Anglers fishing from a hand powered boat must sign a liability release form. During the winter months you will need to wear waders! Kayak anglers will need to purchase a fishing license, too.

Canoe Fishing

Hooked up in the no motor zone.

I use two canoes, a 16 foot Old Town Camper and a 17 foot Dagger Reflection. Both are functional, well designed vessels. Either will accommodate one angler and the guide. While the canoe is harder to paddle than a kayak, and it moves more slowly, it does offer a couple of advantages:

-It is possible to stand up while fishing from the canoe, provided you are reasonably coordinated.

-I am in the boat with you to coach you. I will be standing and poling while you fish.

I love my canoes!

Kayak Fishing

A kayaker surrounded by tailing redfish.

I have three different models of Ocean Kayaks, the Scupper Pro, the Prowler 13, and the Drifter. All are silent and stealthy, delightful little fishing boats. I can accommodate three kayak anglers at a time.

-The Scupper Pro is long and narrow, easy to paddle.

-The Drifter is shorter and wider, not as easy to paddle, but more stable and spacious. Smaller sized people can easily stand up in these boats.

-The Prowler design is about halfway between the other two, wider than the Scupper Pro, narrower than the Drifter.

The major disadvantage I've noticed on kayak charters is that I am not able to coach you. There is definitely a learning curve to paddle fishing. While I can try to help, in a kayak you are very much on your own.

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