This past Saturday we had the 2nd stop of the RRKBL at Hubbard Creek and it was absolutely brutal. I learned a very valuable lesson yesterday in those rough water conditions, it was an absolutely rookie mistake because I was in a hurry but it turned out ok thankfully. I was crossing the lake trying to get to an area and didn’t remove my scupper plugs until it was dang near to late. I was able to beach it and had to walk the kayak in inches of water to a calmer spot.

I went around an island to collect myself but I was freezing to death and soaking wet so I went back to the car and literally drove in circles for 30mins letting the heater warm me up. I almost threw in the towel then cause I was so exhausted. I went back out and fished the dam for about 30mins but just had that feeling nothing was going to happen there.

I ended making the run over to Game Warden Cove? Where it looked like everyone else put in. As I entered the cove anglers where fishing out and I was left alone in there for about 30mins and I think that gave the fish just enough of a break.

I caught a 18.25 fishing some brush and it hit right at the boat only having 1 little treble in its lip.

The 2nd fish was a 24” came just right of the boat ramp back there on the same crankbait. Those were literally the only two bites I got all day luckily it was enough for 1st place.

Only 4 out of 5 anglers caught fish

https://tourneyx.com/leaderboard/standings/rrkbl-hubbard-creek-lake-2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/2sGZaZsyJg93vvKt/?mibextid=UIerB5

If your interested here’s a quick video of the 24”
https://youtu.be/WUsrXe9V_EE?si=l1GytnRWJCWgQcKT

Great job grinding it out and not giving up. This might be a dumb question, but why do you plug the scrubber holes? Again, great job!!

Thanks and to answer your question is I run a Native Titan 10.5 if I don't Ill have water around my ankles 24/7 lol. Its the biggest downfall of the titan.

you are on a roll, Justin! Lots of good lessons in this post! Don't give up and pull those scupper plugs... I was reminded of that weekend before last before I even launched.



imagine being on the water and getting drenched for half an hour and trying to paddle a kayak that has an extra 40 lbs or more of water sloshing around. Its also the reason I wear chest waders.

Thanks! Yeah, I definitely knew better but just got in a rush.

Like Iccon4, I wear waders and wading boots during the cold months. Your video inspired me to keep a crank bait on stand by. Again, thanks for the post.

Justin B: Some outfitters sell one-way scupper valves that let water out, but don't let water in. Don't know if the ones available would fit your scupper holes or not, but worth some research. I made one-way valves for my old Pescador 12, as it liked to accumulate water in the cockpit and aft well. I used plastic crutch tips with drain holes and tapered corks below that would float up and seal off. Cost about ten bucks for six. If you can't buy any, PM me and I'll show you how to make some. IslandJim