The sun hung high in the sky. I felt its warmth as I prepared for an exciting afternoon at a kayak fishing workshop at Mobbly Bayou Preserve, hosted by The Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers. I had eagerly signed up to learn the art of kayak fishing firsthand, and even though rain was on the forecast, I hoped that the unpredictable Florida weather would continue to provide its trademark sunshine. The threat of rain had scared off everyone but me and one other undeterred woman. The bay stretched out before us, a vast expanse of glistening water surrounded by lush mangroves. The palm trees swayed gently in the midday breeze, their fronds creating a symphony of rustling leaves.
By Gillian Palino
It was a picturesque Florida scene and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. My kayak stood ready by the water’s edge, equipped with all the necessary fishing gear. The guides for the workshop, Mario and Tatiana Cruz, were an enthusiastic and experienced outdoorsy pair talking through common knots and types of fishing poles. They described how equipment choices, like using a circle fishing hook instead of the traditional “J” shape, is more likely to catch the fish by the mouth, minimize damage to the fish, and is essential to help protect native fish species. I slipped into my life jacket, making sure it was snug, and adjusted the footrests on the kayak to fit my height.
As I settled into my kayak, the clear waters beneath called me and I couldn’t wait to explore this hidden world. The bay was tranquil, its surface a mirror reflecting the brilliant blue of the sky. It was the perfect backdrop for an adventure. With my paddle in hand, I pushed off from the shore and glided smoothly into the water. The instructors led us through a series of safety tips and basic kayak techniques, ensuring we were comfortable before we began our fishing adventure. The bay was a vast maze of channels and inlets, each one promising its own unique fishing experience. I followed the group, navigating the winding waterways. Beneath the surface, I could see seagrass beds swaying in the gentle currents, and the occasional blue crab shuffling in and out of view.
As we paddled deeper into the bay, we reached a sandbar that stretched out like an island in the middle of the water. It was the ideal spot to take a break and try our luck at fishing. I anchored my kayak in the shallows and hopped out, standing on the warm sand, surrounded by the calm bay waters. I cast my line into the deeper channel that flowed around the sandbar, hoping to catch a fish. My anticipation grew as I felt the rhythmic pull of a fish nibbling at the end of the line.
I reeled in with excitement, feeling the resistance on the line. As the fish emerged from the water, its bright scales shimmered in the sunlight. It was a beautiful redfish with deep blue accents on its tail, a prized catch in these waters. With a sense of exhilaration, I carefully lifted it from the water and released it from the hook. I had caught a redfish while standing on a sandbar in the middle of an estuary, a moment I would treasure forever. After snapping a photo to commemorate the catch, I released the redfish back into the bay, watching it swim away with a flick of its tail. It was a catch-and-release moment, a testament to the importance of preserving the bay’s delicate ecosystem.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided us a direct opportunity to help protect this ecosystem through their Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP). MRRP is a statewide initiative to encourage fishing line recycling at designated disposal stations, helping to reduce plastic pollution in Tampa Bay. The group was sure to collect any cut fishing line throughout the trip for later disposal at these stations.
As the tides began to shift, submerging the sandbar and indicating the end of our adventure, we reluctantly paddled back toward the shore. As a Tampa Bay native, I’ve grown up in these waters. The day had been a wonderful reminder of how truly remarkable the place I call home is. I can’t wait to return to this idyllic bay, with the guides that turned into my friends, for another kayak fishing adventure.
The beauty and serenity of Mobbly Bayou left a lasting mark on me. I know that I have found a new passion in kayak fishing, especially on these magical sandbars where redfish lurk.