bobby_stripes : Fishing Forum Posts

For any other kayak/canoe anglers that come across this post I wanted to post a PSA about fishing in cold waters because it's dangerous. Current maybe the most dangerous thing for kayak anglers but cold water is likely second. That cold water saps your strength almost immediately. You may also experience an involuntary gasp reflex if your head is submerged in water below 60 degrees, and yes, this means you sucking in two lungfuls of water. Water between 50 and 60 degrees is also prime for creating a physical situation called autonomic conflict which is something like having a heart attack and can happen to any age group. Here are some rules of thumb:
(1) Always wear your PFD. If it's uncomfortable then get a new one or an auto-inflatable (you have to rearm those every year or two).
(2) Get yourself a paddling suit if you're going to fish by yourself in water temps below 60 degrees.
(3) Go with someone else and stay close.
(4) Pack a change of clothes and some towels in your truck in case you get back there and need to warm up. Obviously this is more for when the air is still cold as well as the water.
Some useful links:
Autonomic conflict: A different way to die during cold water immersion: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22547634/
Cold water paddling: https://www.paddlerscove.com/when-is-water-too-cold-to-paddle-and-what-gear-do-you-need/#:~:text=The%20American%20Canoe%20Association%20recommends,to%20less%20than%20120%20degrees.

Toho's great but there are better places. Call Osceola Outback Adventures. They are right near Toho and a ton of other spots. Byron Hennecy is the owner and guide. Tell him what you're interested in whether it's numbers, a shot at a big bass, fishing with lures if you're set on that because on some days it's just going to be a live bait deal frankly due to how sensitive those fish can be due to weather and time of year. He has a bass boat he can take you out on and he runs airboat trips into the backcountry to fish those harder to reach spots.

Clyde, try Ike's favorite finesse tactic, the tail weighted french fry