Tag Archives: Maui Jim Sunglasses

In Fall Edition of Kayak Angler Magazine – Trophy Hunters

A few weeks ago, I received a surprise message. The inquiry was from none other than Ric Burnley, Editor of Kayak Angler Magazine and author of the book “The Complete Kayak Fisherman”, asking if I’d answer some questions for an upcoming article on trophy hunting for fish species. First, I’d like to say thank you to whomever nominated me for the feature. Second and reason for surprise is, although I’ve caught some nice fish species on the fly, there are many of you out there who I find myself envious of who land some ridiculously mean and large fish on a regular basis! So to have my name thrown in for consideration of this feature…well, I’m honored.

Kayak Angler Magazine selected five anglers for the feature, including Brian Cadoret and Tom Fucini from the New England region, Kerry Flowers from the country of New Zealand, Josh Dolin from Virginia, and yours truly. We share our view on what defines a trophy catch, toughest accomplishment, our favorite fish story, some advice, how we celebrate, and what we seek to catch in the future. There’s some other great content in this edition too including Ben Duchesney’s account of a challenging trip on water in the Adirondack Mountains, so pick yourself up a copy and get your read on!

You can find the 2016 fall edition of Kayak Angler Magazine on newsstands and in kayak shops around North America, or buy a subscription online!

kayak angler mag fall 2016

Kayak Cockpit Rod Storage in Jackson Kilroy

1-Rod Ready to Go_300

When floating rivers in a drift boat upon first learning to fly fish, one of the very useful aspects I liked in that type of watercraft was a rod storage system with secured tip protection. One of the most important features to a fly angler fishing in a kayak is a clean layout where everything has its place, not imposing on fly line management.

Normally, I carry two or three fly rods rigged up with different scenarios for reducing time spent changing out flies. Carrying multiple rods maximizes the number of casts to fish while on water. Getting a little older, my shoulders remind me they don’t like reaching 180 degrees behind seat to release a rod from atop a milk crate. When shopping for a new kayak a year ago, the Jackson Kilroy’s very efficient rod stowage system intrigued me. This system, designed much like what I’m used to in a drift boat, allows the angler to store up to four rods along the inside left and right cockpit hull walls, where the rod tips are also stowed securely.

Rod stowage secured along side seat (image taken from rear of kayak)

Rod tip stows securely inside hull of kayak

Rod tip stows securely inside front hull of kayak

Upon viewing the system for the first time, I was suspect as to whether extracting the rods could feasibly be accomplished while fishing. Yet I found that when the seat is in the highest position, which I prefer, the rear bungy location can easily be reached without twisting torso, and stress on my shoulder is no more due to the low position of fly rod in storage. Sliding the rod tip out of the protective sleeve is also a smooth operation.

But I normally like to have one extra rod where I can change out in a matter of seconds very quietly, and as of late hadn’t yet found a solution for this additional need, even in the Kilroy. As an engineer, I prefer simple solutions to problems. Taking a little closer look to the options on the current design of the Kilroy this past week while fishing, I realized by simply utilizing the forward bungy strap location of the existing stowage system, the fly rod could be secured backwards! Securing the rod in this position enabled me quick access to the rod, set a low profile angle for stealth compared to using a rod holder positioned on a milk crate or on top of the kayak, and reduced risk of tip getting caught up in forage behind the kayak due to minimal tip length projecting beyond stern. Problem solved!

Using the front bungy location of cockpit stowage system to position the rod backwards for quick access.

The next question that came to mind is whether to use the top or bottom position when carrying another rod on same wall. Testing with another rod in stowage, I found the rod positioned rearward tucks nicely in behind one positioned in the design intended forward direction when bungied in on top. When trying the bottom bungy position of the rearward facing rod, the reel protruded into the cockpit, reducing foot room. Therefore, I recommend utilizing the top position for most efficiently storing the quick access rod in rearward orientation. Removing the reel from behind the additional rod when needed was a snap.

5-Rod Sleeves Reel_300

I’m really excited to stumble upon such a practical way to utilize an existing feature on the Jackson Kilroy for an additional purpose. This alternative way to stow a quick use rod will free up space elsewhere for other functions, and make the fishing experience a simpler one that my shoulders will thank me for later! Are there multi-use features on your kayak? I’ll bet there are utilities there just waiting for your discovery.

Rear of kayak shown: Fly rod positioned rearward, using front bungy position within hull just forward of seat.

MJ OluKai_300

Kayak Anglers Supporting the Flint, Michigan Water Crisis

The Flint River. Photo by Aaron Rubel

The Flint River has for many years supported a productive smallmouth bass fishery. It breaks my heart to learn that corroded pipes have reportedly poisoned Flint, Michigan drinking water pulled from the very river my good friend Ed Roden and I floated this past fishing season. There will be those that root cause the issue’s concerns, but for this forum I encourage kayak and fly anglers to consider donating to the needs of the community as they grieve real impacts to life and home. You can find information on how to contribute at the bottom of this article.

Over the years, I had probably made a quick glance below I-75 to the Flint River a hundred times or more on my way up to more fabled waters a bit further north. However, my mis-informed perception of this fishery shouldn’t have been made so hastily even considering the close proximity to the nearly 4 million people residing in the Flint and Metropolitan Detroit area just to the south of the river.

Ed Roden fly fishing the Flint River. Photo by Aaron Rubel

The Flint is a wide, smooth flowing river with a bottom substrate that ranges from sand to cobble to breathing pockets of underwater grass beds. The depth in the stretch we fished varied from knee-deep to holes that were clearly over the head of the wading angler. We floated a five-hour stretch of river that began at a small township park to a take-out at an established access lot. Ed cruised the river in the Hobie Pro Angler 12 and I paddled a Jackson Kilroy. Skittering a small foam cone-shaped topwater fly, it didn’t take Ed long after launching before he hooked up with a nice smallmouth.

Ed Roden of the Hobie Fishing Team with a Flint River smallmouth bass.

On a float just north of a large metropolitan area, you’ll of course encounter an occasional business or two along the banks, but I was surprised at how the river cut through mostly secluded forest that made for a pleasant fishing trip. Smallmouth bass are generally considered a species that have a low tolerance to pollutants in the water. The clarity of the stretch we floated varied from gin clear to slightly stained which seemed typical of good smallmouth water I’ve fished elsewhere.

Aaron Rubel with a smallmouth caught on a yellow popper fly. I was wearing Maui Jim Sunglasses in Wassup frames with rose toned lens.

Aaron Rubel with a smallmouth caught on a yellow popper fly. Photo by Ed Roden

We had a successful day, landing eight smallies between us in the 12-15″ range with Ed landing six of those caught. The Flint River smallmouth fed from the middle of the afternoon all the way through dusk. It was a great trip and I look forward to another float on this river someday in the near future.

Flint River Smallmouth on the fly. Photo by Aaron Rubel

I love the textured like pattern on the smallmouth bass species. The Flint River smallies also had a beautiful hue of light blue on their lower jaw. And so, amidst the sad news surrounding the Flint River community, I hope the history of a quality smallmouth bass fishery can serve as an example of why this watershed remains a valuable treasure to conserve and visit in Southeast Michigan.

A beautiful Flint River bronzeback. Photo by Aaron Rubel

If you’d like to consider helping the residents who are suffering a devastating health concern from lead poisoned water, reportedly stemming from corroding pipes, donations can be made to United Way of Genesee County, Michigan at the following link: UnitedWayGenesee.org . When on website, click the “GIVE” button, and then there’s an option to support the Flint Water Fund. You may also call 810-232-8121 for details. I have donated in the amount I normally reserve for spending on myself from my current paycheck. I challenge you to also give to the desperate needs of Flint, Michigan residents.

Installing a Kayak Anchor Trolley System

Over the years I’ve learned that an easy to use and quiet anchor system is key to successfully closing the deal on an approach to feeding fish or settling into position for searching a potential spot. It’s difficult to beat an anchor trolley system as it provides options for a stake out pole or anchor on a line. The system made by Hobie provides all working parts including the screws and washers. The installation takes about an hour and a half.

The directions are easy to follow, right down to drill bit size for holes. Drill as few holes as possible through the hull of your kayak, but when doing so adds value like this assembly does make sure and squeeze silicone into the holes of the pulley bracket and onto the screw shaft for good measure.

There’s different philosophies of how far forward to assemble the front pulley bracket, but I put mine about 24″ from the tip of bow although the instructions advise twelve inches. However, I do follow directions on assembling the rear pulley twelve inches from stern. With assembling the front pulley farther aft, I can be assured the anchor rope will be underneath surface of water before plane of the nose so I don’t clip the line with my fly or line when retrieving from a cast.

The other day I fished with Jackson Kayak Pro-Staffer Justin Seiffert. He recommends installing the front pulley at the mid-kayak/cockpit region. The reasoning behind this, according to Justin, is to minimize the risk of a fish getting caught in the line when fighting anywhere out in front of the angler’s seating position. Another idea that Johnson Outdoors Pro-Staffer Blake Walters utilizes is an anchor and rope that is coiled onto a floating buoy. Blake disengages the buoy assembly from the trolley ring when he catches a fish. This is a great idea for the angler who wants to drift away from the risk of being wrapped up in an anchor line while fighting a fish, and then able to re-unite with the anchor by visibly locating the small buoy.

Once the pulleys are in place, thread the line back through the pulleys to required length for your kayak. It will be important to tighten the rope prior to securing onto pulley system, as it will stretch a little over time.

The anchor rope will feed through the trolley ring and you can store the excess rope underneath, beside seat, or in a netted pocket if available. I prefer to use an 8 lb polymer coated dumbbell as an anchor. A metal claw anchor works well, but they make a lot of noise inside the kayak and as they hit the floor of the water column, they become great conservation tools (scaring fish away)! It should be noted that I don’t recommend using an anchor if fishing big open water or flowing rivers for safety reasons. In the case of expansive open water, large swells can lift and then flip the kayak if an anchor is deployed, making for a bad day.

A cleat is a nice addition to secure the rope for easy operation of maintaining anchor depth or quick release when retracting line.

If there’s one accessory that will increase enjoyment of kayak fishing, it’s adding an anchor trolley. The Hobie anchor trolley system is easy to install and a feature of your kayak that will be used often. Check it out at your local kayak dealership!

Upper Peninsula Michigan Smallmouth Bass

There’s a place north of the 45th called God’s Country. It’s a place my father and I have trod many a mile through forest, swamp, and highlands searching for whitetail deer. It’s a place where most fisherman’s thoughts turn to brook trout. It’s a place where moose, wolves, cougar, and black bear roam the wilderness. It’s a place not easily reached by car, plane, or train and for good reason. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan (termed “the U.P.” by native Michiganders) is a special and wild place.

Cross north over the Mackinac Bridge that connects lower and upper peninsula’s of Michigan, and it’s difficult to believe you haven’t entered another state. The topography suddenly changes and colorful flowers obviously not planted by man grow on both sides of what seems nearly every country road. Table fare of various whitefish recipes, a delicious pasty, and strawberry shortcake can be found in out of the way, yet memorable restaurants.

Roxane's Smokehouse Restaurant in Strongs Corner, Michigan makes the best strawberry shortcake with a homemade sweet biscuit.

Roxane’s Smokehouse Restaurant in Strongs Corner, Michigan makes a great strawberry shortcake with a homemade sweet biscuit.

The state fish is the brook trout and romance species of the great white north. Yet my favorite species to pursue in this range is the smallmouth bass. Our family has a cottage on an eastern U.P. lake that had been taken over several years ago by bullhead catfish. Since then, careful management techniques to reduce the population of bullheads and balance it with smallmouth, largemouth bass, and bluegill game species have been successful. During a recent trip to the lake we caught all three species of game fish, including juveniles up through well established adults. The early morning alarm clock is anticipated in the form of a yodel from loon, signaling good fishing in an unparalleled wilderness backdrop of tall pine and hemlock surrounding the lake.

When looking for a good fishing lake in the U.P., seek those that have variable depths, with some natural and protective shoreline. These lakes will provide shelter from the harsh winters. There are lakes in the range that are shallow, and as a result freeze several feet thick in the winter. Deep freezing in shallow lakes will reduce potential for game fish survival. Heavy snow pack in the U.P. can provide a layer of insulation, preventing fatal freeze depths in these shallow lakes and yet block valuable sun rays from reaching through the water column.

Once finding a lake that has characteristics friendly to smallmouth bass, cast to structure, drop offs, and transition areas such as pinch points that combine the two. My favorite flies to catch adult smallmouth bass on lakes are top water concave foam poppers. I like to use a primary color of black with red accent at dawn and dusk, then switch over to chartreuse with black accent as the sun rises above the tree line. I know sub-surface flies such as crayfish patterns are great for enticing smallies, but as an angler can’t resist experiencing a football shaped bronzeback rolling on a fly off the surface, doubling over a medium flex fly rod and on into a battle royale!

This 18″ smallmouth bass was caught by Aaron Rubel on a U.P. lake.

Smallmouth bass are beautiful creatures with hues of gold, brown, and black. Keep them in the water when you take pictures. Keeping the fish wet while snapping a photo will help to maintain protective slime and at same time share what kind of habitat you caught it in with those viewing the picture.

The beauty of smallmouth bass and the habitat they reside in.

Releasing adult smallmouth bass is important. Smallmouth take several years to reach lengths of 18″ and greater, and these fish are prime brood stock for promoting future generations of the species. This smallie was released back into the lake that our family cottage is located on. It is a testimate to the results of what careful conservation management techniques are capable of.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources have put together a great resource to the angler in providing maps of hundreds of lakes throughout the state. Many of these lakes will take some effort to get to, but it’s part of the adventure of fishing the U.P. You can find maps of Michigan lakes here: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-67114_67115-67498–,00.html

Photography by Aaron Rubel, and April Rubel

A Day Fly Fishing the Huron River

The Huron River in Southeast Michigan

The Huron River in Southeast Michigan is well known for quality smallmouth bass. Last Saturday was my first time fishing these waters holding smallies and other great warm water species. What I didn’t realize though was the charm of the surrounding area.

Nestled to the west of the hustle and bustle of Ann Arbor and Detroit is a small village named Dexter. I’m not sure whether it was the pride evident by the natural preservation of Mill Creek that runs through this village, the sight of a vibrant downtown cast in a unique shape defined by the triangulation of the creek on the west side and the Huron River to the east, or the sight of an old fashioned music in the park event on Friday evening, but as I drove through this quaint community it felt like a place I wish more of America were like.

Music in the park on a Friday evening in Dexter, Michigan

This past Friday afternoon and evening I drove along the entire length of the stream between Ypsilanti and Portage Lake. I decided my day of fishing on Saturday would be enjoyed in the area around Hudson Mills Metropark. The 47 miles of public land surrounding the Huron River is a great example of how the watersheds in Michigan are for the most part open to recreating and enjoying with good access. By no means did I cover even a portion of the hiking trail system that runs through the parks, but I was impressed with the 1.5 miles of trail I did traverse during my Friday afternoon scouting adventure.

As fog rose off the head of a pool early Saturday morning, so did a smallmouth bass to a chartreuse popper fly cast to the center of the stream. A promising start to a delightfully productive morning of fishing.

Thank you to River Bassin Tournament Trail for granting permission of use of this picture of this smallmouth I caught on Saturday, July 26th, 2014 on the Huron River.

A smallmouth bass caught by Aaron Rubel. Thank you to the River Bassin Tournament Trail for granting use of picture.

During the first few hours of fishing, the river gave me four smallmouth bass, and a largemouth.

A 14″ largemouth bass caught on a chartreuse popper fly.

When looking for largemouth bass, I found this one in a slower section hidden among a natural stream bank wooded structure above a river bottom lined with grass.

The Huron River isn't all about bronzebacks. It has healthy largemouth too!

The Huron River isn’t all about bronzebacks. Healthy largemouth abound too!

All fish landed except for one were caught off the surface. A rock bass pictured below went after a hopper imitation in the early afternoon. After the sun came out, one smallmouth was caught in the shelter of a riffle on a sub-surface brown and gray crayfish fly pattern.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first day on bass waters of the Huron River. I especially appreciated spending a day on water that is protected for conservation. Next time you visit Southeastern Michigan, take some time to visit this scenic and accessible river.

I also had opportunity to meet some other anglers as part of the catch, photo, and release format of the River Bassin Tournament Trail event that I was participating in at the same time on this beautiful Saturday.

Competitors who caught qualifying fish in River Bassin Tournament Trail - Saline event from left to right: Kyle Moxon, Cameron Simot, Chris Lemessurier, Richard Ofner, Aaron Rubel, Paul Biediger, Mike Hurst

Anglers who caught qualifying fish in the Saline, MI stop on the River Bassin Tournament Trail from left to right: Kyle Moxon, Cameron Simot, Chris Lemessurier, Richard Ofner, Aaron Rubel, Paul Biediger, and Mike Hurst

Results of the July 26, 2014 River Bassin Tournament Trail event in Saline, Michigan:

1st. Cameron Simot – 53.5″ (Adjusted vs. website reporting for late to check-in penalty)

2nd. Richard Ofner – 51.0

3rd. Kyle Moxon – 48.5

4th. Chris Lemessurier – 46.5″ (Adjusted vs. website reporting for late to check-in penalty)

5th. Mike Hurst – 40.25″

6th. Paul Biediger – 39.25″

7th. Aaron Rubel – 33.0″

8th-14th. (Did Not Catch Qualifying Fish): Michael Dusseau, Michael Heckman, Ashley Kuilema, Andrew Newcomb, John Ricciardi, Chris St. Pierre, Kevin Williamson

Team Results:

1. Cameron Simot & Chris Lemessurier (Yeah Buoy)

2. Richard Ofner & Kyle Moxon (Canuckbassers)

3. Mike Hurst & Paul Biediger (Wolverine Lake)

Click here to find out more about the Saline event of the River Bassin Tournament Trail and how you can get involved in an event near you!

Thank you to the Kayak Corral kayak shop of Saline, Michigan for hosting the tournament.

The Foundation of Fly Fishing

The following was originally published in the April 2013 edition of Great Days Outdoors Magazine. Thank you to the magazine publisher for use of article.

The Foundation of Fly Fishing
by Aaron Rubel

One of my favorite aspects about the pastime of fly fishing is learning from those I accompany on fishing trips as well as casual contacts along the way. Sharing what I’ve learned with others through my experiences is always rewarding.

There was a point in time when I wanted to start gaining detailed knowledge about fishing. A friend suggested I consider fly fishing. While researching, I found a lot of information available that was practical and creative. I also liked how fly fishing enthusiasts regard the importance of watershed conservation and giving back to the resource.

I didn’t know anyone who fly fished at the time. To get started, I purchased a video on how to cast, along with a starter fly rod combo. Fortunately, the video was effective in demonstrating the basics. During my second year of fly fishing, I was introduced to an organization named Trout Unlimited.

The roots of Trout Unlimited are based in conservation of North American coldwater fisheries habitat, and many members fly fish. After establishing some relationships with a few of the members, my knowledge of the sport gained by leaps and bounds. If certain skills are an art form, then fly fishing has to be one of them. I began to think of fly fishing as art.

The first piece of advice I’d recommend is to connect with an experienced fly angler. In our region (southeast USA), the International Federation of Fly Fishers (IFFF) is a great organization with the goal of educating anyone interested in the sport.

Your local International Federation of Fly Fishers club can recommend a qualified casting instructor who provides expert one-on-one advice. Books and videos are good sources of information to supplement fly fishing knowledge. However, personal relationships with people who can spend time on the water with you are invaluable.

Are you an experienced fly angler? Then seek out someone who has shown an interest in learning the art. Spend some time with them. After all, introducing a beginner to the basics of fly fishing doesn’t require a certification in fly fishing.

As a mentor, you’ll even become a better caster and angler. You’ll spend more time on the basics. Plus, you’ll study methods so as to demonstrate the mechanics of fishing techniques. It’s invigorating to watch a protégé develop. It’s like seeing an art form reborn.

The greatest compliment to a teacher is the moment when the student starts contributing to the knowledge base of the mentor. Besides, all of us need a few fishing buddies. Art imitates life via fly fishing.

For more information on how you can subscribe to Great Days Outdoors Magazine, check out their website: http://www.gdomag.com/

Fly Fishing Early Spring in Lower Mobile River Delta

Spent a beautiful afternoon on the lower Mobile River Delta today. The contrast between winter hungover Cyprus trees draped in Spanish moss, early spring blooming flowers, and palm lined backwater creek banks framed a tranquil backdrop. Quaint river boat homes welcome anglers into a time warp of earlier and more simple times.

Enjoyed spending a few hours on the water with a friend, Stacey Martin, who has depth of experience on the backwaters of the Mobile River Delta.

We caught a couple bass and spooked 3 alligators totaling 25ft in length from their early spring slumber.

A great fly to use in early spring is a gurgler fly pattern, which will bring out the predatory instincts of bass that reside in backwater creeks within the lower Mobile River Delta.

Leopard Redfish

Photograph by: Jameson Redding
Angler: Aaron Rubel, with a fourteen spot leopard redfish

I was Informed Sunday evening that this 20.75″ redfish with fourteen spots (eight on one side) earned me first place in the leopard redfish category of the month long 2014 Great Days Outdoors Magazine New Years Tournament!

This fish hit three or four feet from the bow of my Hobie Outback kayak. A great example of how stealthy a kayak can be.

It’s not all that rare to catch a redfish with more than one spot, although fourteen spots on a fish of this species is not so common either. The characteristic is passed down through the family lineage of the fish, determined by combinations of dominant and recessive genes. The most common is for a redfish to display one spot on each side, at base of the tail. One spot on each side of a redfish can be compared to the most common eye color for humans being brown. More spots, on the other hand, can be compared to the small percentage of blue eyed humans through combinations of dominant and recessive genes passed down through family DNA.Leopard redfish are beautiful creatures, and I’m thankful to have been able to spend a few minutes up close and personal with this one.

Kayak Fishing World Record – Skipjack herring

Sometimes disappointment needs unwrapped to discover something so much better. Monday, I was fishing Mobile Bay in my Hobie Outback kayak. As I mentioned in the last blog entry, January is not the month I lead with the fly. So, upon a routine cast of a white soft plastic curly tail on a 1/8 oz jighead with my 7′ Medium TFO Signature Series baitcasting rod, a sudden thud rushed anticipation through my left arm and into my recently reconstructed shoulder.

The fish leaped in the air and gave a good long fight until finally brought into the kayak. When I lifted the fish out of the water, my first impression was focused on the silver colored sides and hook jaw that resembled a juvenile tarpon. Could this be my second baby tarpon caught in waters of Mobile Bay in last year and a half?

After a few pictures and release of fish, I went on fishing and was already thinking forward to a story of yet another tarpon caught and released in home waters. After arriving home later and sharing the day’s events, I had some feedback that the fish didn’t look quite right for a tarpon. So, after receiving input from friends, I made inquiry to the knowledgeable folks at the Alabama State Marine Resources Division. After being convinced by friends I hadn’t caught a tarpon and doing some further research, I wasn’t 100% sure whether I had caught a Skipjack herring, Alosa chrysochloris or an Alabama shad, Alosa alabamae. A quick reply gave definitive feedback that the fish I had caught was the Skipjack herring, Alosa chrysochloris. The first of a new species on my list of fish caught.

Upon review of the Kayak Fishing World Records, managed by YakAngler.com, it was clear that I may have an opportunity at claiming my second record. Indeed, after submitting application with accompanying photos, I received notification today that I am the new Kayak Fishing World Record Holder for the species of Skipjack herring, Alosa chrysochloris!

Link to record: http://www.yakangler.com/length-record-list/item/2860-herring-skipjack

Skipjack herring 3

“There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number – living things large and small.” –Psalm 104:25

Today, I am thankful for a small creature that gave me a big smile and a story to tell.

Thank you to Kayak Angler Magazine for also running this story: https://www.rapidmedia.com/kayak-fishing/categories/news/2322-kayak-fishing-world-record%E2%80%93skipjack-herring.html

I Cast In a Yak

by Aaron Rubel about Adventures in Kayak Fishing and Fly Fishing