There’s no question that kayak fishing offers some unique connection to nature. Low in the water with no motors, you can really connect with the surroundings.
Kayak fishing has become more and more popular, with everything from saltwater coastlines to freshwater streams and lakes. Anglers are catching all types of fish, and with a few tips and the right equipment, you can also enjoy this exciting trend in angeling.
Kayak Benefits
When you use a kayak, you can get into waterways that are typically untouchable by boats, giving you more access to a richer fish body. Along with better access, you also get the advantage of quiet stealth. Having a paddle glide silently into the water doesn’t draw attention like a trolling motor, allowing you to sneak up on the fish without any skittish reaction, especially in shallow waters.
1. Customize Your Kayak
Having the right rigging on a kayak for fishing will make fishing more enjoyable and make you a more efficient angler. There are some great products out there made specifically for kayak fishing that goes a long way in getting an ideal setup.
The first 3 items on this list are worked into an ingenious livewell system from Takin Line.
- Keep pliers, a landing net, water, and other essential items within easy reach.
- Keep live bait fresh and essential tools secured to prevent losing them from falling overboard.
- Rod holders mounted on a kayak for trolling and carrying spare combos.
- Mini downrigger for precision trolling is handy for suspending fish, such as trout.
- Stay on biting fish with boat control accessories. A shallow-water stake, anchor trolley with a drift sock or anchor, as well as a rudder work great.
- Install a sonar/GPS unit. It helps locates fish and improves navigation.
2. Move Quietly
The ability to move quietly is one of the most significant advantages to kayak fishing. Vibrations made on the top of the water or inside your boat will be heard and felt by the fish swimming nearby. Do not knock your paddle or rod against the kayak or the water’s surface.
- The use of a drift chute, which is essentially an underwater parachute, catches enough water to slow your kayak’s momentum without entirely stopping.
- Change tactics to target different species in an area. Carry three to five rod and reel combos for fast change-ups between species. Having to set up that allows you to hold multiple rods makes this an easy job.
- Troll from a kayak to cover water as an alternative to casting.
3. Have an Anchor
Often new fishing kayakers overlook the use of an anchor. One that weighs 1.5 to 4 pounds works perfectly. They are foldable, making them easy to store, and some even come at a nice carrying bag.
4. Practice Drifting
A skill that is even handier than an anchor is the use of drifting, where one paddles a bit in the direction you want to go and lets the kayak draft to your target. One stroke on the right or left side will keep you on track and moving silently to the water.
Kayak fishing is a fantastic way to relax in the quiet mother nature and adds a new dimension to fishing. If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out on some great benefits, allowing you to become a better angler.