It’s a Memorial Day Weekend like no other Door County has probably seen in a very long time.  I hope everyone is safe, practicing social distancing and taking precautions.

Being safe, social distancing, and still getting out in our wonderful Door County just says kayaking and kayak fishing to me.  With our 300 miles of incredible shoreline, many great places to launch, your kayak, and the crystal-clear waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan it’s an invitation I’m not going to be able to pass up.  Add to that the fact that the smallmouth bass fishing is starting to take off is just another reason to hit the water.

Speaking of getting out in your kayak, water temperatures are still in the forties and low fifties.   So even if the air temps are warm, be sure to wear your PFD at all times, let someone know where you are going, especially if alone and put that cell phone in a dry bag or sealed plastic bag.  I would also suggest paying attention to the weather forecast and staying within a short distance of shore is also a good idea.  That way if the wind picks up or changes direction and you have a problem getting back to your launch point, you can always pull out and walk back to your vehicle.

Kayaking continues to be very popular and kayak fishing has taken off over the past half dozen years.  I’m seeing more kayak anglers on the water all the time.  If you’ve always wanted to give kayaking or kayak fishing a try, I’d suggest going online and doing some research.  There are also several Facebook pages dedicated to kayaking, like Kayaking Wisconsin and for fishing, the Wisconsin Kayak Fishing Club.  Questions are welcome and I’ve seen so many willing to share good information.

I’m excited to be sharing kayak and kayak fishing information with you on a bi-weekly basis again this year in the pages at www.doorcountydailynews.com.  And, if you have questions for me you can email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com.