Bourbouse River, June 26th, 2011: Tough paddle with storm on back

I have to say I love each and every single opportunity to kayak, especially on rivers.  It seems like when you step out on a river, there are always new lessons.  This river and put in point is special....It was the first river I kayaked when I got my first kayak a few years ago. I wanted to come back and check it out again and do a little fishing.
The current on the Bourbouse at this point is somewhat strong, but what makes it a challenge (in regards to paddling up stream) is that it is skinnier and has a lot of debris in the current.  There was one point I had to get out of the boat and portage, get back in and paddle 75', then get back in, repeat process.  I almost think sometimes that will wear you out more than anything.  As I stopped at the last sandbar, it had looked like a storm was moving in, so I got busy getting back to the car with a sense of urgency.  That is the reason I paddle upstream when I kayak alone....always a wise move.

Paddle ON!

Mike

Kayak Fishing off Hatterras Island, Pamilico Sound, North Carolina: Wide variety of saltwater fish in the sound!

This is the video I posted to our http://www.fishmissouri.org/ site.  North Carolina does not really count as the "Midwest", however, we go out there every year for our annual family vacation, and I just had to post it.  If you get a chance to ever paddle the Outer Banks in North Carolina, you owe it to yourself to do so.  I did quite a few miles up and down the sound, and just basically fished and enjoyed the experience.  I ended up renting a Necky sit inside kayak in lieu of bringing either one of the kayaks from St. Louis.....I thought it was a good choice and really enjoyed the experience.
The sound is such an interesting place to paddle.  You can be at shore and it looks calm, but get about 1/2 mile out, and the waves can be pretty intense due to the wind (especially when they are going from east to west).
I cannot wait to get back and get on even more Outer Banks kayaking next year!

Paddle ON!

Mike

White River, Washington County, Arkansas June 4th, 2011: Great 6 mile kayak trip on the White River

Upper White River, 6.5 mile Kayak paddling trip

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Really enjoyed my time on the White River, just south of Beaver Lake in Arkansas.  This is a very docile river, at least at this stage.  Lake is still high and so is the river- high and slow.  There were some pretty incredible back bay type areas, chock full of White egrets and Blue Herons, as well as an abundance of Kingfishers.
I fished it as well in preparation for the kayak fishing tournament I entered for the next day.  On the map where it ends, there was a really nice, fast run.  If I was to continue on, I would probably portage it to the other side.  Instead, I parked on a rock bank and swam for a spell in the river.  That felt good considering it was in the mid 90's.   I will be coming back again to paddle and fish this stretch of river.  Check out the video below to see what I mean.

Flow(Cfs): 400 cfs
Guage Height: 11'

Paddle ON

Mike

Illinois River, Benton County, Arkansas: Challenged the kayak on a faster upstream paddle

The reason I went out to hit this water was that I was fishing the riverbass.com kayak tournament.  The actual fishing part was slow, and was an epic fail...however, I was really proud of the fact that I got a little more aggressive on the kayak on some swifter waters.
This river really reminds me of the Meremac River in Missouri near the Steelville area.  Access points for this river on the Arkansas side are a little harder to find, but when you find a put in, it is well worth it.
I kayaked up stream, and portaged and fished the shoals and runs.  Did about 3 1/5 miles, but it felt like 7, for sure.
This river is very, very beautiful and well worth the paddle!

Paddle ON!

Mike

Illinois River Arkansas- Kayaking and fishing

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Table Rock Lake, Aunts Creek Access, Stone County, MO: Nice 5 1/2 mile paddle and fishing

Kayaking 5.5 miles on Table Rock Lake, Missouri

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This was a fun smooth lake paddle.  I wanted to get in some miles and also fish a little on the way back.  I kayak a lot of waters all around the ozarks and beyond, and I have to say the Table Rock Lake is my favorite...no matter what time of the year, the water clarity is always excellent and with the hills around it, on a calm day it is one of the best lakes around.  It did not seem to have as much boat traffic due to the higher water.  A lot of the boat ramps are still under water, so there are limitations to access points. That is why I am glad I have a kayak...no limitations!

Paddle ON!

MLT

Evening Paddle on Table Rock Lake, Stone County, Missouri May 31st, 2011

Check out how high the water is as I kayak through the Aunts Creek Corps of Engineers playground.  Sometimes the best of paddles are the ones where you do not think you have enough time to kayak that day, but you do so anyway.
I love this time of the year due to the fact the technically you can paddle well past 8:00 p.m.  Got a couple of nice shots...hope you enjoy

Paddle ON!

Mike