Few experiences can compare to the feeling of gliding silently across the water, to a hidden spot that few people visit. You are constantly on the lookout for any surface disturbances that might indicate the presence of large fish. Kayak fishing has become popular because of scenes like these.
Anglers who are used to fishing on the bank or from the front deck of their boat may find this the most challenging adjustment. Even the most stable of kayaks have little space between the surface and the water, making it difficult to make a two-handed cast. Kayak anglers are more likely to cast with one hand, using either spinning or baitcasting tackle. It’s therefore important to equip yourself accordingly. You can opt for lighter combinations and finesse techniques instead of the heavy flipping sticks and 1-ounce jig.
It is your kayak that will be the best. In recent years, the technology and design for boats built specifically for kayaking have improved. A boat that is rigged for fishing will make your experience more fun and give you endless possibilities with your new hobby.
Old Town’s Topwater Series is an excellent example of key design features. Topwater has a sit-on top design. This means that you aren’t enclosed in the boat and all water will drain away. The wide, stable DoubleU ™, also known as pontoon-shaped hull, and this style make a fantastic beginner fishing kayak. Expert kayak anglers are looking for these features, so you can be sure that you will never outgrow your kayak.
There are some other features that you should look for when choosing a kayak to fish from.
- Seat position elevated for improved field of view and comfort throughout the day
- Multiple Rod Holders
- Paddle Holder
- Dry hatches are also known as enclosed storage
- Deck storage with bungees to secure items
- Mount your GPS/fishfinder when you want to add gadgets
- The pedal-powered propeller can be retracted (optional for some fishing kayaks).
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Choose A Paddle
The right paddle is as important as the kayak itself. You want a paddle that is long enough to allow you to reach the water easily, but not too long to make it unwieldy. It is determined by a formula based on your height, boat size, and paddling technique. For most people, a good place to start is 250 centimeters (8′ 2″)
Choose a Personal Flotation Device
Kayak fishing can be done on land, or in water if the plan doesn’t work out. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD), also known as a “life jacket”. There are other benefits of wearing a life jacket besides keeping you afloat. Old Town’s “Lure Angler” jacket is a PFD designed specifically for kayak fishing. It has compartments large enough to fit your favorite lures, hooks and leaders. Reduces the need to unclip, comb, and pull to shore to retrieve a large tackle box.
Dressing for Success
Kayak fishing brings you close to nature, which is one of its most attractive features. You need to dress appropriately because of this exposure.
Wear a hat and sunglasses if you’re fishing in open, hot areas. This will help to reduce your exposure to the harsh sun rays. For added protection, you can find shell pants that are lightweight, neck gaiters and gloves. You can also keep cool by dipping your items into water, then putting them on again. Do not forget sunscreen and water.
Not everyone can enjoy a tropical day. We all spend time in cold air and/or water temperatures. Even if it is mild outside, a prolonged plunge in cold waters can cause hypothermia. A wetsuit can be an inexpensive and durable way to stay warm. It could also be worn with a shell jacket, which will provide more wind protection. Wear layers of wool, synthetic materials like polypropylene or even a shell jacket that is water-resistant.
Best Kayak Bass Fishing Tips
Select Lures
Bass is one of the most common species to fish from kayak. You will need to have a tacklebox full of lures that bass cannot resist if you want to target them. Start by selecting a few lures with different presentations that you can use to target different sections of water. You can use a top-water lure that skitters along the surface, spinners or crankbaits to move across your desired water column, and soft baits in various forms, such as wormlike softbaits you can rig using a variety methods, including diving, jigging and even suspending. You can add lures to your toolbox by learning how to use them.
DON'T QUIVER YOUR ROD
You may not know what bass are doing each day. Instead of wasting time switching lures, you can have several rods ready and rigged. Kayak fishing is best done with rods that are in the 7-foot range. A spinning reel is easier to use if you’re new to kayak fishing.
Use the Aquatic Terrain
The fishing kayak gives you the ability to travel anywhere on water. You can cruise between lilypads or lily banks, hug the bank, or slide between tree stumps. This will increase your chances of success if you know where the bass are most likely to be. Start by looking for changes in depth, land which pinches water bodies, partially submerged objects and edges of aquatic vegetation.
How to fishing from a kayak?
Casting from kayak
It’s likely that your first casting experience from a kayak feels a bit awkward. You may think that the boat is unstable or about to flip because it wobbles. You might think it is easier to say than do, but trusting your boat to perform as intended can be a challenge.
Initial and secondary stability are two aspects of your kayak’s design. The boat is stable when it sits flat on the water. The boat will lean if you make a sudden movement. You can trust this stability.
Relaxing means letting the boat move side to side under your waist. As you get more comfortable, ease up on the casts. Make easy, nice lobs. Stay loose and get your lure to softly land in the water.
You may feel more confident making standing casts if your kayak is designed with a wide platform, such as the Topwater that we discussed earlier. This will increase your casting distance and line of sight. Remember to keep your feet apart, bend your legs, and remain loose below the waist.
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Your Paddling Skill
Kayak fishing is a sport that requires you to paddle. Correct strokes can help you reach your destination more efficiently, especially if you are facing a strong wind or current. Correct strokes will also help you save energy to fight the battle at the end.
You will use the forward stroke more than any other. The forward stroke is the one you will use most often. Here are some tips for the forward stroke.
- Look in the direction you wish to go.
- Put the paddle blade as close to your toes as possible, but not too far.
- Before pulling the blade back, allow it to sink into the water.
- Use your large muscles in your torso to pull the paddle blade across the water rather than your smaller muscles in your arms. This can be done by rotating your torso. Imagine how you would twist a lawnmower’s cord to start it.
- If you are not going to use the stroke for steering, then you can cut the blade off the water at your hips to prevent it from moving too far.
Landing Fish
When a big fish takes a bite out of your lure, and the line spits out as it flies off your reel, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment. You will eventually be able to land the fish with some skill and luck. This is usually the moment you realize that this last step can be a bit tricky in a Kayak. We’ve been there.
The rod tip should be at least an arm’s length away from the fish. Place the rod in the hand that is furthest away from the fish. Draw the rod away from and slightly upwards of the fish, while maintaining tension on the line. Now, your free hand can be used to cradle or net the fish. Congratulations on your catch!
Catch the Fish!
Remember that kayak fishing is an activity you can do for the rest of your life. Your own experience will be the best teacher. Many experienced paddle anglers are happy to share the knowledge they have gained. Get out there and start fishing!
7 masters Tips Fishing from a kayak
1. Learn How to Cast one-handed
Anglers who are used to fishing on the bank or from the front deck of their boat may find this the most challenging adjustment. Even the most stable of kayaks have little space between the surface and the water, making it difficult to make a two-handed cast. Kayak anglers are more likely to cast with one hand, using either spinning or baitcasting tackle. It’s therefore important to equip yourself accordingly. You can opt for lighter combinations and finesse techniques instead of the heavy flipping sticks and 1-ounce jig.
2. Learn to master the one-handed paddle
Like the one-handed cast, kayak angling is also a skill that requires one-handed control. Even the most inexperienced anglers can easily paddle a kayak with two hands. What do you do if you are fighting a large fish with only one hand and need to steer the boat upstream in order to avoid a branch or laydown? You can use your paddle more like a paddle for a kayak by locking it to your forearm.
3. Use Your Feet
It may seem strange, but kayak fishermen often use their feet to fish. You can use your feet as rudders on rivers if your boat is narrow. They also work well as anchors for fishing in shallow areas, such as laydowns and rip-rap. Simply stick your foot out and hold onto the log until the hole has been fished. The feet are great for steering the boat away from obstacles like stumps, logs, and other obstructions while you are fighting fish.
4. Cast To Steer
You can steer your boat using baits like spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. You’ll soon realize that if you are fishing with a kayak and a crankbait, the resistance you feel when reeling the bait in will pull your boat towards the direction of the cast. You can use this to your advantage and cast in specific directions so that your boat is positioned more subtly.
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5. Use Eddies for Kayak Fishing
If you know how to take advantage of current, it can be a great tool for kayak fishing. The majority of kayaks are small and light enough that they can be seated in an eddy. This will prevent the boat from moving downstream and give you ample time to fish the current seam. You can maximize the opportunity by paddling past the area you wish to fish and then ducking into the eddy that is behind the location.
6. Don't be afraid to anchor
Anchors are a great addition to the kayak fishing arsenal, even though they can be cumbersome. It is especially important to use anchors on windy lakes or offshore areas where you wish to remain in a specific area. A 2-4 pound anchor will suffice for most kayak models. Anchoring in current is dangerous, because if anything happens, the current could push your kayak under the water. If they anchor, most river kayakers will use a quick-release clevis.
7. Hug the Shoreline
It takes a lot more effort to paddle upstream or in the wind than it does to catch fish. Use the minimum draft of your kayak in these situations. Get as close to the shoreline as possible. You’ll be able to paddle more efficiently and have more energy when you reach your honey hole. happy kayak fishing time to all of you. thank you for reading.
