Spring/Early Summer 2026
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points and humps. If the bottom composition has a lot of grass or debris, I will pop it up to clear the debris, but I am mainly slow dragging.
HANDLING CONDITIONS CHANGES, ADJUSTMENTS AND WHEN THE BITE STOPS
WB: Say the weather becomes cold just before a fishing tournament; what adjustments do you make to relocate the fish? Where do you look for the fish if they are not in the same area as they were located before?
Lee: During the post spawn time if a big front arrives, the offshore fish are typically not as affected. However, instead of targeting the top of humps or tops of points, I would focus on the ledges. I wouldn’t change much; however, I will have a dropshot rigged up for the event. During this time, the fish are really picky. I will use a shaky headed worm if the fish do not commit to a jig.
I follow a simple presentation process consisting of reaction, rate of fall, shaking, dead stick, and drag. If I am targeting a zone that I know has fish and I can’t trigger those fish to bite. I move immediately after cycling through the lures and presentations to determine the fish’s mood.
I will revisit that area at a different time of day or with a different lure presentation as the conditions of the day change.
WB: What advice would you recommend to another kayak angler to make a change because you’re not catching fish?
Lee: If you know you are around fish and can’t get bitten, I will change my lure presentation. Normally, the fish are hyperactive during the springtime, the fish bite right away. Depending on what kind of structure I am fishing, it being brush, rock, or a break after making several casts with different presentations and still no bites, I just leave.
COMING HOME SAFE!
WB: What is the best safety advice would you suggest to the kayak anglers while fishing during the springtime?
Lee: During the springtime the water is still very cold, so I bring a spare set of clothes with me. Always pay attention to your surroundings and vessels around you because there is more boat activity in the spring. I always check the weather forecast before I go fishing because today the wind can be calm and then tomorrow the wind can blow 30 mph. Kayak with a buddy and always wear your life jacket. •
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