Big (26 LB) King Salmon on Lake Michigan in a Hobie Passport Kayak

Kayak fishing for the elusive deep-water King Salmon on Lake Michigan. Patience, humor, time and unforeseen circumstances - sometimes put you in the right place at the right time!

[@randynickels7363]

Now that's a nice one, Dan! So true that fish always seem to know when you are distracted, especially in a kayak. Great job!

[@Hafe-zn1pr]

For sure! Thanks for chiming Randy!

[@jeremykenward3082]

About half way in and im really enjoying it! This is my first year targeting kings from a kayak, previously fishing pier/harbor/river. Great just watching how you manage your divers, boards, change lures etc. plus 3 lines! Imagine it gets hectic sometimes! Looking forward to watching the rest of it

[@Hafe-zn1pr]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate the nice comments! My first year was a bit hectic, but the setup now seems to keep lines well separated most of the time. Hope to see ya out on the water!

[@mariehintz1788]

Sounds like you will be having deliciousness!

[@Hafe-zn1pr]

I hope so! I have the local fish shop smoking it now.

[@dukeyheadrebel8173]

What size reels you running? I have the 203d. You think it be good enough?

[@Hafe-zn1pr]

I am using the slightly larger 303D reels, but the 203D should work too. I would lean toward the thinner lines (PowerPro) or thinner mono (12 LB line for example) to make sure you have enough line to let a fish run (and they will). But with a kayak (unlike a boat) it is usually pretty easy to turn around and follow the fish.

[@RileyHerman]

First ones a steelhead

[@Hafe-zn1pr]

Thanks - the humpback, hooked lower jaw and pointy head made me wonder if it was a pink salmon. Best regards and thanks again!

[@CharlieDontSurf1006]

Big 26 pound salmon.... maybe where you live. I'm from alaska. That's pretty much an average salmon for me. When you're catching them over 50 lbs let us know. The biggest salmon ever caught with 68 lb. 26 lb is dinner for my family and the neighbors dogs.

[@Hafe-zn1pr]

Salmon out in the ocean definitely get bigger, I enjoyed reading about Les Anderson's 97 LB king salmon (1985, from the Kenai River). Here on Lake Michigan, 30 LB salmon is considered really big and the record is 47.8 LBS caught on the Michigan side in early August of 2021. Glad you caught a 68 LB salmon, getting one that big out of a kayak would make a great video!