Kayak Micro-Jigging After Typhoon Nalgae: Downsizing Gear for a Better Catch

The aftermath of Typhoon Nalgae left many areas devastated, including my hometown in the Philippines. Heavy waves and floods destroyed boats, huts, and houses, and washed out beach sand by over a meter in height. The floods also uprooted coconut trees coming from the mountain. However, amidst the chaos, I found solace in fishing.

Initially, I thought that fishing after the typhoon would be excellent. But after several failed attempts, I realized that I needed to change my gear and lures. Downsizing my gear to 7 to 14g jigs and a very light line (PE 0.6) with a 16lb fluoro leader proved to be the solution. With this setup, I finally had a successful catch of a 2-2.5kg Torpedo Scad (Megalaspis cordyla) after many failed attempts.

The Fight for a Catch

Using light tackle to catch a big fish can be challenging and exciting. With the Lemax Slimmax Microjigging Spin Rod and the Daiwa Certate 2500 reel, controlling the fish was manageable. However, landing the fish without a net or gaff was a different story. The tail section of the scad has big sharp scales, making it challenging to grab. After around 10 minutes of fighting, the fish relented, and I was able to grab it by the gills.

Why Downsizing Gear Works

Downsizing gear is effective, especially when a fishing spot is heavily pressured. It makes the lure appear more natural, and it is less likely to scare off the fish. It also makes the fight with the fish more exciting as it requires more skill and patience to control the fish. Additionally, using light tackle reduces fatigue and allows for long hours of fishing.

Conclusion

Fishing after a typhoon can be challenging, but with the right gear and strategy, it can lead to a successful catch. Downsizing gear to 7 to 14g jigs and a very light line (PE 0.6) with a 16lb fluoro leader is a proven strategy to catch big fish, especially in heavily pressured spots. Using light tackle also makes the fight more exciting and less fatiguing. So, if you want to catch big fish, consider downsizing your gear and enjoy the thrill of the catch.

First time out for a not so new ride

Would you believe that it took me almost two years before I was finally able to take out my latest kayak? It's an Old Town Topwater PDL 120. Never been used. I stored it for almost 2 years because of the pandemic.

When I finally had the chance, I took it back home to the province where it belongs -- near the ocean. There, I was finally able to fish with it. My golly, it was worth the wait. It was an absolute beast of a fishing machine. I was able to fish even when the current was strong. I can stay on a spot without effort. The PDL drive and the rudder were a joy to use. I can even stand and cast topwater lures without the fear of falling overboard. And the best part, I can fish longer and farther without getting too tired.

The only downside is its weight. It was so heavy. I can't really transport it frequently without a trailer. I guess it's ok for now since I have plenty of water near my house before I feel the need to find another spot.

I did not catch any fish during the few days I fished with it. I was too busy at that time so I fished only for a couple of hours at a time. Hopefully, when I get back, I can fish with it longer. I can't wait to go back home. As for my other kayak, the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13, I am conflicted about the thought of selling it. It is still a great fishing kayak. Light and fast. Maybe I will keep it for my kids, who knows.

Micro jigging in the time of Covid19

After a month-long Covid19 quarantine where mostly everyone were prohibited from going out, the government finally eased off the restrictions in Manila and the neighboring province. After the announcement, we hurriedly organized a Sunday fishing trip to a nearby spot around 3 hours south of the Metro. On our way, I noticed that there were some quarantine checkpoints but the officers were not really checking anyone coming in and going out. 

We were supposed to launch the boat on a beach resort but the resort caretaker said she was not informed in advance and she refused our request to park and launch because "of the threat of Covid19". We had no choice but to park on a residential lot about a kilometer away. Lucky us, the parking spot was near a ravine and we needed to walk far to the beach (we paid P300 per day for that "sweet" parking spot :-O). Our original plan was to start fishing at 5am but because of the issue with the parking, we started at past 7 in the morning. 

I tied on a 15g micro jig on a 15lb flouro leader on my Ize Certate 2506 loaded with 0.8PE (10lbs). The rod I was using is my fave Daiwa Emeraldas 8ft eging rod. The area was shallow (15-20meters) and was perfect for micro jigs. The only problem was the wind. The boat had no anchor or a drift chute. (I don't think the boatman knew how to use a chute in the first place. Maybe I should bring one and teach him on the next trip). Without a chute on a strong wind, we drifted really fast and the waves kept hitting us broadside. This made fishing really uncomfortable especially when there are 4 of you in a small boat. 

After an hour or so of small CnR groupers, I finally got solid hookup. At first, it felt like it was another grouper but a little bigger but when I turned the handle, the fish dashed and pulled drag for a good 15-20 seconds. After the initial run, it just stopped and remained motionless. I tried pumping the rod but it would not budge. I thought that it ran inside its hole and snagged my line. But after a few more tugs, the fish pulled drag again. The fight perhaps lasted for about 15 minutes. I was very worried that the banca's outrigger will fray my line (i was sitting in the middle of the small boat). The rod's tip was barely over the outrigger. When the fish finally came up to the surface, a fellow angler tried to net it with the only net on board. The net was almost as big as the fish and the head barely fits inside it. Luckily, it did and was able to land it. The hook fell off while we were taking pictures. It barely penetrated the jaw. It is my biggest diamond trevally on a micro jig so far. 4.2kg. It was my only fish on that trip. The spot was great but when the wind started to pick up, our jigs were barely hitting the bottom and the jigging action did not impart the correct action because our lines were almost horizontal. If only we had an anchor or a drift chute.

I almost lost my rod to a rogue cast of a boat mate. (Two guides pulled out from the blank. I hope the blank is still in tact). Just before going home, the rod and reel of my boat mate sank in the bottom of the ocean. My popper got tangled in his line during my cast. I didn't realize he was rigging behind me while I was casting. My other boatmate captured the rod and reel while was about to hit the water.

The trip was full of lessons. First is not put too many anglers in a small boat. The rent will be cheaper but it may cost you more if something happens. And believe me, accidents can happen. One or two is ideal. Also, do not forget to bring an anchor and a drift chute. Chances are, your boatman will not bring one and you'd never know when you will need them.