Kayak fishing the Delta for a first timer

**dunkard_trapper** · 07-09-2015, 06:52 AM

Hello all found this site a coulpe days ago and have been very impressed with the wealth of information here.
We are heading down to Gulf Shores the last week of July.
I have a couple different questions. First my two daughters (7 and 2) will be wanting to fish some while we are down there. They are going to need pretty constant action size doesn't matter so much. where would be a good kid friendly place that would keep them occupied?

secondly me and my brother will be going out a few times without the kiddo's. We plan on renting a kayak from 5 river delta center and exploring that area. I'd really like to catch some Flounder for a meal or two. Where should we head out to from this area for a good chance to catch some fish.

Some background info I'm from WV so I'm use to fishing for bass, trout and catfish I have very limited saltwater experience. I'll have poles that are light to medium action 5.5 to 7 feet long the smaller trout poles will hold up to 6 lb line the larger Catfish poles will hold 20 lb line. I have a small assortment of flounder gigs from a previous vacation trip but most of my gear is freshwater bass/trout lures, spinners, cranks, soft swimbaits etc. I plan on taking these and seeing what happens any tips will be greatly appreciated.

**midwestexile** · 07-10-2015, 02:36 PM

Freshwater bass-catfish tackle will be suitable except for the larger predators. Trout tackle will work if you are skillful and lighter line is sometimes an advantage on "lock-jaw" days, but it tends to cast a little short in the wind.

Any piece of beach attached to the gulf or inlets can also have fish for the kids if there are not people splashing all around, but you may need to put the rod in a sand-spike and call it to their attention when there is business. There are often fish in the little trenches not too far off the beach, so no need to cast to Cuba. The pier is great for kids, and when they tire the beach is right there, plus food and shade. If nothing else, a sabiki rig (5 hook limit, so trim off extras) or ribbon-rig from J and M will keep the kids landing fish. Fresh-dead shrimp (as in -- buy live shrimp to sacrifice one at a time) cut into fingernail size pieces on a carolina bait rig or http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...814/#post94231 will get fish too.

A jig and Gulp shrimp or Gulp mullet is a very decent adult lure for flounder, etc. Bull minnows, shrimp, or 4-5" strips of fish-belly or squid on a jig also work. Beyond that, the sky is the limit on adding lures to the inshore inventory, but spooks, senkos, and minnows like yozuris are probably already in your arsenal for kayaking. Look for holes, structure, openings in grass beds, etc. just like bass fishing.

**dunkard_trapper** · 07-12-2015, 09:33 AM

Thanks for the respnes midwestexile
I have a quiestion now about the license I'll need. I recently saw where they sell a freshwater and saltwater 7-day license. If I fish the delta will I be ok with just a saltwater license? I guess I'm asking where the dividing line is?