Equipment

We use Wilderness Systems kayaks. These are my personal favorites for kayak fishing after paddling countless kayaks through the years.

The Wilderness Systems Ride 135 is an amazing kayak, It is 13 1/2 feet long. The kayak features a tunnel hull, so that when you STAND – Yes you read that right!!! Stand in the kayak, your feet are barely above the waterline, which offers exceptionally good stability. This is the kayak of choice for a fly fishing trip to the tidal flats. Even brand new kayakers find their comfort zone in the kayak very quickly.

The Wilderness Systems Tarpon is my “go to” kayak. I like the Tarpon for it’s speed. I use the Tarpon 160, a 16 foot kayak, for trips where we’ll be doing more paddling, or where we may encounter rougher conditions. The Tarpon 160 is a standard Sit On Top kayak that offers a great combination of speed and stability. It is possible for more experienced kayakers to stand in the Tarpon, but unllike the Ride 135, it is not intended as a “stand up” fishing platform.

I also fish a Tarpon 140. It is the in between kayak that offers better speed than the Ride 135, but not as quick as the Tarpon 160. It is easier for beginners to turn, so it fills a special spot in my stable.

We use Okuma’s Trio reels on Reflexions rods strung with PowerPro.

I selected Okuma for one very simple reason. They offer an outstanding fishing experience at a very reasonable price. That makes these combos worth every penny and more.

Why use Power Pro line? Most of our fishing will be close to structure because that’s where you find the fish. Structure such as docks, bridge pilings, and oyster bars wreak havoc on monofilament lines. Power Pro offers outstanding abrasion resistance to move big fish off of structure.

Fly Rods are March Brown Legacy or Hidden Water multipiece travel rods. Fly Reels are Okuma Cascade strung with Cortland lines. Leaders are my own hand tied furled leaders.