Each month, I’m picking one new lure to chase the biggest catch—and I want YOU to help me choose it. Your tips go directly toward buying the next lure, and I’ll post a follow-up video showing what I catch with it. At the end of each month, I’ll highlight the lure that landed the largest fish!
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just love the thrill of the chase, your support fuels the adventure. Let’s make this a community-powered fishing journey—one lure at a time.
Celebrate the biggest fish of the month!
November 2025 - In-progress
December 2025 - TBD
January 2026 - TBD
Watch the catch in action at Average Angler Life on YouTube!
More Kayak Fly Fishing and taking advantage of the OPST Commando Head to shoot out line while in a sit inside kayak. Fun time with some tasty meals afterwards!
Fishing with an inline spinner can be a game-changer for anglers of all levels. In this blog post, we'll explore the techniques and tips that make this lure so effective, drawing from my recent fishing trip at Sonic Pond.
Using a Mepps Aglia inline spinner paired with an ultralight bait caster, I ventured out to test the waters. The clear conditions and slight wind made for an ideal fishing day, allowing me to demonstrate the spinner's capabilities.
Techniques and Tips
Steady Retrieve: The key to using an inline spinner is a slow and steady retrieve. This keeps the blade moving just enough to attract fish without spooking them.
Casting Strategy: Focus on casting near structures like rocks and vegetation, where fish are likely to lurk. Adjust your casting angle to cover more water and increase your chances of a strike.
Observational Skills: Polarized glasses are a must-have, allowing you to see fish movements and prepare for strikes.
Fishing with an inline spinner is not just about the catch; it's about the experience and learning from each outing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, these tips will help you make the most of your fishing trips. Subscribe now for more fishing adventures and insights!
— Average Joe's Fishing - Reel Cast Fishing Podcast (@ReelCastPodcast) November 15, 2025
Tips for my next lure!
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the website and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
Trout fever alert: Stocking season is ON FIRE at Oklahoma's Blue River!
Weekly drops kicked off late October, and just this week, the Catch & Release section got a fresh load of feisty rainbows ready to battle.
Want to crush limits with ultralight finesse? These Blue River beasts devour 4-6 lb fluorocarbon on a featherweight rod—perfect for dancing through riffles and teasing pools. Spinners and jigs? Gold. Steady retrieves or killer twitches = instant hookups post-stock. I've leveled up the Notes & Tips section with pro breakdowns on every lure, pulled straight from your setups and real angler intel. Who's hitting the water this weekend? Drop your PB below and read the full guide for your edge! #BlueRiverTrout #OklahomaFishing
Type
Lure/Pattern
Weight/Size
Notes & Tips
Spinner
Worden's Rooster Tail
1/32 - 1/8 oz
Features a classic hackle tail (often white, black, or olive) and a spinning blade. The blade is typically silver or gold. Top all-around pick; retrieve steadily in riffles for aggressive strikes—deadly on stocked rainbows.
Spinner
Panther Martin
1/16 oz
An inline spinner with a unique "through-the-blade" shaft design. Common colors are yellow or black bodies with a silver blade. Great for deeper pools—twitch on pause to mimic injured minnows.
Spinner
Mepps Aglia
1/32 - 1/16 oz
A traditional spinner with an oval blade that spins easily. Often has a black fury (spotted) tail with a gold or silver blade. Ultralight favorite for tight spaces; fan-cast across currents for multiple hookups.
Spoon
Acme Phoebe
1/16 oz
A slim, curved metal spoon designed to flutter and flash as it moves through the water. Usually silver or gold. Best for small streams; yo-yo retrieve in eddies—excels on wary fish.
Spoon
Kastmaster
1/16 oz
A solid, aerodynamic metal spoon with a distinct cut profile, designed for long casting distance. Available in gold, silver, or painted trout patterns. Jig vertically near boulders for bottom-hugging trout.
Spoon
Little Cleo
1/16 oz
A spoon known for its pronounced "s-shaped" curve which creates a wide, wobbling action. Often gold with a fluorescent orange stripe. Wobble action in fast water; add for variety when spinners slow down.
Spoon
Super Duper
1/32 - 1/8 oz (sizes 500-502)
A unique, bent-tube design rather than a flat spoon. It has a varied, erratic action. Common finishes are brass/gold prism-lite or rainbow trout pattern. Versatile cast-and-retrieve; target tailouts post-stocking.
Jig
Trout Magnet
1/64 - 1/32 oz head
A small jig head paired with a 1-inch split-tail soft plastic body. The plastic tails come in pink, chartreuse, or orange. Drift under indicator in seams—mimics eggs/worms for finicky biters.
Jig
Marabou Jig
1/24 - 1/8 oz
A lead head jig with a body and tail made of soft, flowing marabou feathers. Popular colors are white, black, or chartreuse. Bounce along bottom in pocket water; pair with soft plastics for extra flash.
Soft Plastic
Berkley PowerBait Trout Worm
1-2" on 1/32 oz jighead
A small, straight-tailed soft plastic worm that is heavily scented (chartreuse or garlic are common). Slow-roll in eddies; unbeatable for limits on pressured fish.
Pro Tips:
Kick off with spinners like Rooster Tails at dawn for fast action, then drop to jigs/soft plastics in slower water. ODWC's latest November 2025 stocking report shows prime numbers—grab these at Scottie's in Tishomingo. Your double-limit haul? These lures would've sealed it even quicker. Hit the Blue soon!
— Average Joe's Fishing - Reel Cast Fishing Podcast (@ReelCastPodcast) November 16, 2025
Tips for my next lure!
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the website and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
In the heart of Allen, Texas, lies a pond that holds the promise of adventure and the thrill of the catch. Armed with my trusty fly rod and a unique one feather fly, I set out to explore the waters and see what bites. Join me as I share the secrets of my technique and the joys of pond fly fishing.
The One Feather Fly Technique
The one feather fly, a simple yet effective creation, is my go-to for catching bluegill and bass. Crafted with a single saddle hackle, this fly mimics the movement of a dragonfly, enticing fish with its pulsating motion. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is more.
A Day at the Pond
As I cast my line, the clear waters reveal the lurking bass and bluegill. The pond, affectionately known as the one behind In-N-Out Burger, is a familiar haunt where I've caught many a fish. Today, the challenge is to coax these finicky creatures into striking.
Lessons Learned
Fishing is as much about observation as it is about technique. The heat of the day often drives fish to the shadows, a lesson learned through countless hours by the water. It's these insights that make each trip a learning experience, a chance to refine my approach and share my findings with fellow anglers.
Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned angler or a curious beginner, the one feather fly technique offers a simple yet rewarding way to connect with nature. So grab your rod, head to your local pond, and see what adventures await. Remember, the best time to fish is whenever you can.
Subscribe Now
Stay tuned for more fishing tales and tips. Subscribe to my blog for updates on my latest adventures and insights into the world of fly fishing.
Hey, fellow anglers and adventure seekers! If you're like me—part of the Average Angler Life Channel crew, always chasing that next thrill on the water—you've probably eyed your kayak and wondered: Can I really fly fish from this thing? I mean, kayaks are nimble beasts for sneaking into tight spots, but let's be real: they're not exactly built for the dramatic backcasts of a full riverbank setup. The short answer? Absolutely, yes. But if you want to turn potential frustration into pure fishing poetry, grab an OPST Commando Head. It makes the whole endeavor way easier. Let me break it down for you.
Picture this: You're perched in your sit-on-top kayak, paddle stowed, rod in hand, surrounded by glassy water and hungry trout (or bass, or whatever's striking your fancy). Sounds idyllic, right? Until you try that overhead cast and realize your backcast room is about as generous as a parking spot in downtown Seattle. Kayaks offer killer mobility—slipping through lily pads or drifting over shallow flats that bigger boats can't touch—but they come with constraints:
Limited Space: No room for a full Spey swing or exaggerated loops without snagging your gear or tipping the boat.
Stability Issues: Seated low, your casts feel awkward, and wind or waves can turn a simple roll into a splashy mess.
Line Management: Traditional fly lines can drag in the water or tangle around your legs, killing momentum.
I've been there, flailing like a novice on my first video upload. But after some trial (and a few errors), I discovered it's not just possible—it's addictive. Kayak fly fishing lets you cover more water stealthily, access hidden honey holes, and feel like a predator on the prowl. The key? The right gear to adapt your setup to the boat's realities.
Enter the OPST Commando Head: Your Kayak Casting Superhero
If there's one piece of kit that transformed my kayak sessions from "meh" to "must-do-more," it's the OPST Commando Head. This isn't your grandpa's floating line—it's a short, aggressive Skagit-style shooting head designed by the wizards at Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics (OPST) to punch through wind, sink flies fast, and load rods with minimal effort. Why does it shine in a kayak? Let's reel off the wins:
Ultra-Short Design: At just 13-20 feet (depending on your rod weight), it lets you make powerful casts with almost no backcast room. Perfect for that cramped cockpit where every inch counts.
Versatile Power: It handles single-hand rods (think 5-8 wt for most kayak work) like a dream, turning your 9-foot trout stick into a Spey machine. No need for a two-handed rod unless you want the extra flair.
Quick Sink and Turnover: Pair it with OPST's sink tips, and your streamers or nymphs plummet to the strike zone faster than you can say "fish on." Ideal for targeting bottom-dwellers from a low seat.
Sits-Perfect Casting: Users rave about it from seated positions—I've seen videos of folks slinging lines from kayaks on lakes like Lavon, nailing white bass without standing up. Stability? Non-issue.
In my last outing on a local reservoir, I rigged a 475-grain Commando Head on my 7wt with a 10-foot intermediate tip. The result? Effortless 60-foot casts into the wind, hooking smallmouth that had no idea what hit 'em. It's like the line was built for this—short enough to stay out of the drink, punchy enough to overcome kayak wobbles.
Pro Tip: Match the head weight to your rod (OPST's chart is spot-on), and run 20-30 feet of mono running line for smooth shooting. Boom—instant kayak mastery.
Real Talk: Tips to Get Started
Before you launch, a few quick hits to up your game:
Rod Choice: Go for a 9-10 foot medium-fast action rod. Faster tips help with the short head.
Boat Setup: Add rod holders and a crate for fly boxes—keeps things tidy.
Safety First: Life jacket on, PFD mandatory. And practice casts on land (or in a parked kayak) to build confidence.
Where to Score One: Check out shops like Red's Fly Shop or Gorge Fly Shop—they stock the full OPST lineup.
Wrapping It Up: Paddle Out and Cast Away
So, can you fly fish from a kayak? Hell yes—and with an OPST Commando Head, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else. It's the game-changer that bridges the gap between boat and bank, letting you chase fish on your terms. Whether you're a channel subscriber tuning in for Average Angler Life vibes or a solo warrior, this setup will have you hooked.
What's your take? Have you tried kayak fly fishing? Drop a comment below, share your rig, or hit us up on X (@AverageAnglerLife) with your stories. Tight lines, and may your next drift be a drifter's dream!
Average Angler Life Channel: Where we talk hooks, lines, and the lies we tell about the ones that got away.
— Average Joe's Fishing - Reel Cast Fishing Podcast (@ReelCastPodcast) November 11, 2025
Tips for my next lure!
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the website and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
The Blue River in southeastern Oklahoma remains a hotspot for winter trout, with weekly stockings of rainbow trout from November through March (as of November 9, 2025). These patterns excel on stocked fish that favor eggs and worms early on, transitioning to nymphs and streamers as they hold. I've incorporated detailed descriptions into the Notes & Tips column for each pattern for ease of reference. Additionally, focus on 4-6X tippet, strike indicators for subsurface presentation, and check Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for fresh stockings.
Type
Pattern
Size
Notes & Tips
Egg
Eggstacy (Flo Peach)
14-16
Rounded synthetic roe fly in fluorescent peach/orange. Top for stocked trout; drift in riffles or under indicators.
Egg
Generic Egg Pattern
12-16
Simple round bead-head fly with bright yarn/synthetic body (pink/orange/yellow). Deadly post-stocking in clear water.
Worm
Squirmy Worm / Mega Worm
10-14
Flexible rubbery worm in red/pink, optional bead head. Jig/swing in slow water for aggressive takes.
Worm
San Juan Worm
12-16
Classic red/pink chenille worm on curved hook with tails. Suspend under indicator.
Jig
Weiss' Jig Streamer
14-16
Jig-hook olive/black sculpin imitation with weighted head & marabou tail. Bounce on bottom.
Jig
Black DM Jig
14
Simple black jig-head midge/nymph. Effective in murky water via silhouette.
Nymph
Hare's Ear (Natural)
16-18
Classic spiky brown/tan hare's ear nymph with beadhead. Dead-drift in seams for spring hatches.
Nymph
Pheasant Tail (Flashback, Gold)
18
Slim pheasant tail nymph with gold rib & flashback. For picky fish.
Nymph
Copper John
16
Weighted copper wire nymph (green/black, beadhead). For deeper runs.
Nymph
Mop Fly
10-12
Absorbent chenille mop body (white/chartreuse/tan). Junk fly for bottom feeders in stocked waters.
Dry
Blue-Winged Olive (BWOs)
16-18
Small grayish-olive mayfly dry fly. For spring hatches, evenings.
Dry
Elk Hair Caddis
14-18
Buoyant elk hair wing dry fly (tan/olive body). For caddis hatches; dead-drift or skate.
Dry
Griffith's Gnat
16-20
Peacock herl & grizzly hackle midge cluster. For low-light surface feeding on small insects.
Streamer
Woolly Bugger
6-10
Versatile marabou tail & hackle streamer (olive/black). Strip aggressively in pools for big rainbows.
Streamer
Muddler Minnow
4
Bulky deer hair head (tan/olive) imitating sculpin/baitfish. For rocky areas.
Streamer
Double Bunny
2-4
Tandem rabbit zonker streamer (olive/white). Erratic retrieves for trophy fish.
Pro Tips: Pair eggs/worms with nymph droppers for limits on fresh stockers. In fall/winter 2025, hit deeper runs with jigs/streamers during low light. Local ties at Scottie's One Stop in Tishomingo match these exactly. Tight lines—your recent double-limit weekend vibes all over this!
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