Scott Kennedy was born around the waters of Mobile Bay and with three generations to learn from, has been an avid saltwater angler since the age of five. As the founder of Whistlin’ Waters Kayak Fishing and Outdoors, based out of Orange Beach, Scott has earned a reputation as a seasoned angler and expert kayak fishing guide. We asked him to share a bit of what saltwater kayak fishing is all about:

Scott, how did you get into kayak fishing and what drew you to specialize in this type of guided experience?

I got into kayak fishing around the time I got my first truck. The main appeal of fishing kayaks for me was the price point. I didn’t have to worry about filling a gas tank or engine maintenance. It also allowed me to always have a way to get out on the water. If I was headed home from work or school, I could decide to stop and fish in the spur of the moment. 

What does it take to get outfitted for a beginning kayak fisherman?

It doesn’t take much at all to outfit yourself for a kayak fishing. First and foremost, you need a kayak, a paddle, life jacket, and fishing pole. Of course, there are hundreds of options like rod holders and storage baskets that make things go a lot smoother but they’re not necessary.

What should a client expect from a guided kayak fishing excursion with you? How will it differ from other types of charter fishing?  Explain the difference a client will have between fishing inshore or offshore?

They should expect a lot of fun! It’s a new experience and you’ll probably get tired of hearing me talk… Whistlin’ Waters kayak trips differ from boat fishing in a couple of ways, the main difference being the freedom to move around on the water and check things out. If you see an area you would like to cast to, you can do just that, unlike a boat where you’re limited to where the captain drops anchor.

Inshore fishing is a great option for anybody interested in kayak fishing from the beginner to the seasoned pro. The shallow and calmer waters inshore are easier to navigate and allow you to not be on high alert the whole time.

Offshore kayak fishing is a blast and can provide a huge adrenaline rush, but it is not recommended for a first timer. The fish offshore have the power to roll a kayak and the swells are a constant battle, but the satisfaction of pulling up to a reef in a glorified coke bottle next to the guy in the $100k center console is as good as it gets!

How do you determine where to go and the impact of weather on the trip? What are the challenges and limitations of kayak fishing?

Weather dictates where we fish one hundred percent of the time. Wind direction and speed is the biggest factor. You must always keep an eye out for approaching storms. Kayaks don’t handle rough waters as well as most boats, so we must avoid those situations on days when the wind is up. Unfortunately, storms move faster than we can pedal our kayaks, so we must watch the forecast a little bit more.

What should a first-time client prepare for when booking a trip with you? How many clients can you guide at one time? Does it work for small groups like families?

I include everything needed for the day including kayaks, rods/reels, bait, etc., so the client doesn’t have to prepare for anything. Just show up and be ready to reel! I can do groups as large as three but prefer two so everyone is getting a fair shot at landing fish throughout the day. 

Tell us about your dream experience. What changes have you seen since you started? Give us your parting thoughts to the folks that enjoy our abundant waters both inshore and offshore?

It’s tough to lock down any one dream, but I would say my biggest would be for this business to just keep growing and allowing me to meet new people and one day being able to open an all-inclusive kayak shop.

There have been lots of changes since I started guiding, but the main one is the number of people kayak fishing now. When I started, not many people kayak fished, but now Mobile Bay is covered! All the new people in the market have allowed kayak companies to come out with all sorts of models and accessories which is great to help keep growing the sport.

In closing, I would say if you got into kayak fishing, or any fishing in general, just be mindful of conservation of the water and the species that swim in it. Only keep what you need to eat, don’t ice down everything you catch just for a dock photo when you’re done. And pick up your trash!

Scott Kennedy
Whistlin’Waters Guided Fishing
(251) 408-2604

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