There’s something pure about working the flats and mangrove edges in the backwaters of Caladesi Island State Park. This picture takes me back to drifting quietly through crystal-clear shallows when I hooked into a solid Red Drum—classic Gulf Coast fun. After a quick photo and clean release, I took a moment to appreciate not just the fish—but the boat that got me here.
🚣♂️ Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 – Still a Solid Performer
The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 is a no-nonsense, time-tested fishing kayak. At 13 feet, it strikes a sweet spot between speed and stability. Here’s what makes it such a reliable rig for coastal anglers:
✅ What I Love:
- Glide & Tracking: Tracks beautifully even in wind chop and tidal current.
- Stability: I can cast seated or sidesaddle comfortably. Rock-solid.
- Deck Layout: Room for gear, tackle, dry bags, and my fishing crate without clutter.
- Rod Holders: The built-in flush mounts keep my setups secure and accessible.
- Hatch Storage: The front hatch easily holds a soft cooler or emergency gear.
Kayak fishing around Caladesi isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about stealth, patience, and smart positioning. The Prowler gives me the tools to do all three.
🌿 About the Spot: Caladesi Island State Park
This barrier island paradise off the coast of Dunedin, Florida, is a maze of mangrove channels, grass flats, and oyster beds. It’s a dream for sight fishing and a classroom for understanding tides, wind, and fish behavior.
🐟 Target Species:
- Red Drum (Redfish)
- Snook
- Sea Trout
- Flounder
🔁 Catch & Release Done Right
That Red I caught? A healthy slot-sized fish. Quick fight on light tackle, clean barbless hookset, and a gentle revival before release. Always respect the fish and the fishery.
🛠 Pro Tip: Kayak Fishing Kit Must-Haves
If you’re hitting these waters, don’t go underprepared. Here’s what I always carry:
- PFD with knife & whistle
- Sun protection (buff, long sleeves, sunscreen)
- Anchor trolly for positioning
- Polarized sunglasses (a game-changer for spotting reds)
- Small dry bag with first aid, snacks, and emergency gear
- Landing net and barbless hooks for ethical release
🩹 First Aid Kit Add-On: Must-Haves for Fishing Injuries
As a person that injury happens, I don’t paddle out without a well-stocked first aid kit—especially when sharp hooks, fish spines, and oyster beds are part of the plan. Here’s what I recommend adding specifically for fishing-related injuries:
🎣 Fishing Injury First Aid Essentials:
- Irrigation Syringe (10–20 mL): For flushing fish spine wounds, hook punctures, and oyster cuts
- Tweezers + Splinter Remover: For removing fish hooks (paired with hook removal tool)
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment: To treat cuts and punctures before dressing
- Wound Closure Strips or Steri-Strips: For closing small lacerations when far from care
- Nitrile Gloves: Infection control for both you and the fish
- Butterfly Bandages: Ideal for knuckle or fingertip cuts
- Hydrogel Pads or Burn Gel: For sunburned knees or stovetop mishaps during shore lunch
- Elastic Wrap Bandage (ACE): For wrist or elbow strain after hours of casting
- Instant Cold Pack: For bruises or twisted ankles on oyster-strewn shorelines
- Bacitracin Spray or Cleanser Wipes: Quick clean-up before dressing wounds
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): In case of minor allergic reactions to bites or stings
- Ibuprofen / Acetaminophen: Pain and inflammation control
Bonus Tip: Write down your emergency contacts and medication allergies on a laminated notecard inside your first aid kit. If someone else is helping you, that info can save time—and lives.
👨🏫 Want to Learn the Craft?
I can recommend several great local guides that will teach you kayak fishing techniques, and fish handling ethics. I am better at teaching you paddling skills and reading tide charts to help anglers build confidence on the water. Whether you’re new to kayak angling or want to refine your redfish game—I offer private coaching sessions in the Tampa Bay area.
📞 Know When to Call FWC – Be a Responsible Angler
Being on the water means being a steward of Florida’s natural resources. Whether you’re kayak fishing solo or guiding others, knowing when to involve FWC is part of being a responsible outdoorsperson.
🚨 When to Contact FWC:
- Injured wildlife (e.g., hooked birds, stranded manatees, or sea turtles)
- Suspicious or illegal fishing activity (undersized catch, netting violations, over-limit harvesting)
- Pollution or fuel spills affecting the ecosystem
- Disturbance to protected species (dolphins, nesting birds, etc.)
- Lost, stolen, or damaged FWC-tagged equipment (like fish trackers or buoys)
📲 How to Contact FWC:
- FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922)
Press FWC or *#FWC from a mobile phone - Text or Email Tip: MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert
- Remain Anonymous: You can report violations confidentially and may be eligible for a reward
🧭 Pro Tip from Jeff: Save FWC’s number in your phone before you launch. It’s one of the most important tools in your tackle box.
Don’t just paddle—fish with purpose. The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 is a faithful tool, and the waters around Caladesi are the perfect classroom.
Tight lines and smooth water,
— Jeff Fabiszewski
Liquid Rhythm Adventures' Journal 