We'd like to offer customers with a unique opportunity to experience what kayak fishing is all about. The following is important information regarding what to bring, the type of fish we target, and what you will get out of a guided trip with the YakDawgs:

AN OPPORTUNITY to fish for a variety of fish along the plentiful central and eastern Connecticut shoreline. We will travel farther upon request.

KAYAK: If you do not have one, we can certainly supply a rented kayak at a reduced price. It's always recommended to try something before making an investment.

GEAR: If you choose to use your own rods, reels, and tackle, we recommend it. If not, we will provide all the gear needed for a day out on the water.

SAFETY: Prior to any trip, we will review all safety guidelines. If you have never paddled before, we will spend approximately an hour reviewing technique and share some tips to make your outing more enjoyable. An hour is a very short amount of time to get used to a kayak and furthermore, attempt to fish from it. The safety portion of the service will not cost you a dime, but is completely necessary.

SPECIES: Generally, we focus on five species of fish: 1) Striped Bass, 2) Bluefish, 3) Blackfish, 4) Scup, 5) Summer Flounder (Fluke). It is your choice to which species you'd like us to focus on. Please keep in mind certain species are legal to fish during certain times of the year. Furthermore, we will let you know if the bite is slow with regards to your desired fish, and may provide alternative suggestions.

WHAT TO BRING: During the summer, please bring the following: a) Sunglasses, b) Sunscreen, c) Change of clothes, d) Lots of water (preferred) and/or Gatorade, e) Energy food such as Power Bars or granola bars. If you are using your own gear, bring two or more rods and tackle. We generally supply bait if we are tubing or chunking.

WHAT YOU GET: Not only do we plan to provide you with an enjoyable and safe experience, we also offer a twist not seen with any other guide service. Kevin, my partner is crime, happens to be a professional photographer. He will be photographing the entire outing from the time you arrive at the launch til the time you beach the yaks. A couple of weeks after our outing, you will receive a professionally created hardcover album with the photos taken during our trip. This "little extra" is a way for us to say "thank you" and to provide you with a momento from your first-ever guided kayak fishing trip.

COST: If you are renting a kayak, the charter will cost $175 per person for a 4-6 hour trip, $150 if you own your own kayak. If you'd like a hardcover professional album with up to 30 pictures, add $30 to the pricing listed above. Individual photos are also available at a minimal cost. Any bait used is included in the price.

DISCLAIMER: All clients will be required to sign a waiver and PFD (Personal Flotation Device) usage is mandatory.

KEVIN'S PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE:

Kevin Mucha

I guess you could say I basically grew up on Long Island Sound with my dad starting my passion for fishing at the age of five fishing for Stripers, Blues, Tautog, Scup, etc. When most kids were looking to play ball or build forts you could always find me down by the water fishing or crabbing.

This obsession, if you will, continued through high school, college, and I'm fortunate enough to still have it with me today. Looking for more ways to enjoy the water I purchased my first kayak ten years ago, and until this day is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

About seven years ago while surf fishing in Cape Cod there was a blitz going on just out of casting range, at that moment a light bulb went on. I grabbed my rods and the kayak and have not looked back. Things are a little different these days with better kayaks, fishfinders, GPS, but the ultimate goal will always remain the same. I have fished in the kayak from Maine to South Carolina and still have many goals to achieve. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion with all of you. See you on the water.

Roland St. Denis

As a youngster, I started out fishing the Taunton River in Massachusetts for schoolie stripers and bluefish. I did some freshwater fishing as well, but as I grew older, the salt always called me, and my love for ocean has grown ever since.

After getting married and moving to Connecticut, fellow kayak angler Dave Collins introduced me to our state's shoreline. He also enticed me to try this kayak fishing thing he was doing in New Haven Harbor. That was approximately 7 years ago. I made my first kayak purchase and ever since then, I've been hooked.

As my knowledge of the state grew and I started to learn the local waters, I quickly realized the better fishing for shore anglers and more importantly, kayak fishermen, was east of New Haven. Nowadays, most of my fishing ranges from the Connecticut River during the spring striper run west to Rhode Island.

If you are seriously considering trying this wonderful sport, don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be more than happy to share our information with you.

Tight lines.

If there was ever such a loaded question, it is this. First and foremost, bring your sense of humor. Kev and I spend more time laughing on the water than anything else. Your guides do not take life too seriously - maybe with the exception of see a paying fare lose a cow (large fish). But don't confuse our jovial behavior with our determination to get you into fish. After all, that is our job.

Expect the unexpected. Remember, we are fishing fairly close to shore. We don't have the option to steam across the Sound as a boat owner would when the fishing is slow. Furthermore, we can not endure extreme weather conditions like a cabin cruiser or charter boat. There is the chance of unexpected winds, changing weather patterns, crazy boaters - all of which can and will pose obstacles. With that said, first and foremost, we have three major responsibilities: 1) Keep you safe, 2) Have fun, 3) Learn something you didn't know prior to the trip.

Be prepared in terms clothing. Always overdress. You can always take articles of clothing off your body. Unless we are guaranteed of great weather, always bring rain gear.

Don't get frustrated. Sitting in a 14-foot kayak is tough enough for beginners. Trying to fish from it is yet another challenge. But we guarantee you will quickly start to feel comfortable once we review safety precautions and get you on the water for a bit. We will also cover paddle technique, landing fish from the yak, and cover some of the basic boating regulations.

We will not fish with anybody that refuses to wear a PFD (Personal Floatation Device/Life Preserver). As stated, safety is always our first responsibility. No PFD, no fishing. Most PFD's made today are incredibly comfortable - fitted for the kayaker in mind. You will not be wearing a big, bulky orange life preserver like the ones you'd wear as a kid on Dad's boat. If we provide a rented kayak, a PFD will be included.

Come with an open mind to learn. We will share a ton of info with you if you are willing to listen. The more open you are to suggestions, we guarantee the better chance of a successful first day in the yak.

How much ground we cover depends upon you. If fatigue sets in, we do not want you on the water. When tired, paddlers become lethargic, more prone to mistakes, and less attentive to their environment. In most cases, you will be fishing less than a mile from our launch spot. So figure it will take a maximum of 20-30 minutes to get to our fishing grounds. Sometimes, you'd be surprised how close we will fish from the launch. Dont' be surprised if we tell you to drop the lines 30 yards from the launch spot.

The type of fishing we do will depend upon what you want to do. Trolling the tube and worm is our go-to method, but throwing poppers, swimmers, Sluggo's, soaking bait are all an option. It's your choice.