PENN® Kayak Fishing

PENN Captain Jon Jon reeling in fish on boat

PENN FLEET CAPTAIN JON JON TABON

Open water, warm Hawaiian winds, and a bounty of fish beneath the surface. For many, Hawaii is paradise. For Hawaiian kayak fishing guide and PENN Fleet Captain Jon-Jon Tabon, the waters off the Maui coast have made him a student and a steward of the sea. “Take care of the ocean and the ocean will take care of you,” says Capt. Tabon. Join us as we take a look into the life of Capt. Tabon and the lessons the sea has taught him.

Catch More Sea Trout, Redfish and Flounder in the Kayak

When I spot a pack of tailing redfish, the kayak glides silently into range. A short cast, quick twitch of the lure, and the whole school attacks. Out of the pack, one redfish breaks from the squadron to pounce on my lure.

Live Bait Tactics for Kayak Anglers

On the East Coast, anglers slow troll live menhaden for king mackerel. In Florida, it's goggle eye, blue runners and pulchards for sailfish and tuna. In the Gulf, they use cigar minnows, threadfin, and blue runners. And West Coast anglers drag Pacific mackerel and jack mackerel for California yellowtail and sea bass. Wherever saltwater anglers go, the best bait is live bait.

Three Rod and Reel Combos for Kayak Anglers

On the ocean anything can happen at any time. Anglers fishing salty waters can expect to run into five pounders, thirty pounders and hundred-pound fish on the same day. In the space of a few hours, saltwater anglers could be called on to cast, jig, troll, and bottom bounce. But kayak anglers can't carry dozens of rod and reel combos to cover all the possibilities. How do you prepare for anything with a handful of fishing rods?