Do you love to fish but struggle finding a good spot? That’s one of the biggest challenges when it comes to fishing is finding where the fish are. If you often look in envy of those boaters getting out to where the fish are then you probably feel limited when it comes to fishing. Find everything else you need along with your whitewater paddles or kayak oars.
But, those guys and gals on the boats are not necessarily at a bigger advantage than you think. Boats are loud and can’t get in close to some of the spots where there are lots of fish. The best way to get on the fish is actually with a kayak. You can approach in total silence and get into shallow spots where no boats would dare.
This is the reason you should get into kayak fishing and see your success rate skyrocket once you do. It is a fun hobby and completely relaxing. In this article, I will go over several of the things to keep in mind if you are thinking of starting this exciting hobby.
Get the right gear
You’re going to have access to some pretty big fish so you need to use gear that can handle it. At the same time, you need to have gear that doesn’t take up too much space and is easy to handle on a kayak.
The right reel is probably the most important, so pick a beefy reel like the Penn Fierce 2. And a short, but flexible rod will also help you to land the big fish without much trouble. Remember, you don’t have to cast far in a kayak so a rod about 6 feet is plenty long enough. It should have some action to feel the bite, but not too much where you lose the fish since they can feel you on the other end. Another great thing to have with you are dive knives. They are extremely useful when fishing.
Another very useful gadget to consider is a fish finder. Fish finders help you locate fish school underwater, along with providing other highly valuable information like water depth, water temperature and underwater structures including rocks, weeds etc. By using a fish finder, your chances of getting a bigger catch become considerably higher. Because of the valuable insights they provide about a water body, today fish finders are widely used by both hobby as well as professional anglers.
Pick the right kayak
The reason that I put picking the right kayak after the right gear is that you can pretty much float on a plank of wood and still catch fish if you have the right gear. However, the right kayak will make the outing far more enjoyable.
To have fun you have to not have to always be fidgeting to get things right. The right kayak has enough room in the cockpit to bait your line and land your fish. You should have plenty of places to stow your rods when not in use, or even use them for trolling.
The best type of kayak for this is to use a sit on top over a sit inside type. You have a lot more range of motion and stability when you sit on top of a kayak to fish.
If you really want to take your kayak fishing to the next level then try out a hands free kayak that is powered by your feet. Hobie is the most popular brand for this, though the kayaks are expensive. Being able to use your hands to actually fish while your feet do the work is ideal, however.
Safety first
Your first priority when out on any vessel on the water should be your safety. If you are prepared with the right mentality and equipment then you don’t have to worry about being safe. You should always head out with a personal flotation device also known as a life vest. These can be the difference between life and death if you fall into the water and should never be left on deck.
In addition, make sure that you have a knife to cut through any rope of line if you get tangled up. And a marine radio is also essential to call the Coast Guard in case of an emergency or to receive emergency weather alerts.
Speaking of weather, always check the marine weather before heading out. Conditions can change quickly and wind can pose a great danger. The same goes for rough seas. If today is calm, but there was a storm in the last few days at sea, there can be some large waves that can easily knock you over.
Also, don’t go out too far. You need to have the energy to get back to your launch when you are done fishing. If you push your limits you may not have the energy to make it back. Besides, fish are everywhere so you don’t have to go out far to find them anyway.
Have fun
One of the biggest thrills when fishing is to hook into a big one that drags you in your kayak. It is addictive and you’ll find yourself dreaming of it happening all the time.
This is the best reason to get out to fish on your kayak. The thrill of the catch, the being immersed in nature and the effect of getting away from your everyday stresses.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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