Kayak fishing is a favourite recreational and enjoyable activity among all. It is the most exciting way of fishing that lets the person go to places inaccessible by foot or too shallow for a motorboat to reach. If someone wants to fish in the shallow water areas, you must learn how to fish from a kayak. A kayak is a small, narrow watercraft that is easy to transport. One can drive a kayak using a double-bladed paddle. It is a simple watercraft that helps you to get adequate upper-body exercise while on the water. But it is a challenging task for the people to paddle and fish simultaneously. You will get a wide variety of gear choices for kayak fishing, however learning how to use them correctly is essential.
So, if you are planning to figure out how to operate well in tricky water areas while kayak fishing, you must learn some basic tips. Beginners can start fishing from a kayak in freshwater lakes and rivers to target different species like red drum, spotted seatrout, etc.
Essential kayak fishing tips for beginners
Here at Gear Outland, we have come up with the right kayak fishing tips that every beginner should know. These tips will make your outdoor fishing experience a successful one. We will mention tips on avoiding danger and moving smoothly through waters where kayak fishing is difficult because of possible biting fish in shallow water.
1.Pre-trip preventive tips
a. Always check the local fishing reports
While planning the entire process, kayak anglers should focus on the fishing reports always. A local fish report gives you vital insights into the current fishing conditions. It includes where the fish are and what types of fish are of biting nature. Knowing the fishing reports is an integral part that helps in developing the skills of a fisherman. Moreover, it is also an environmentally responsible thing to do. So, make it a habit to regularly check the reports for local fishing to get regular updates. Moreover, if you plan to travel outside for kayak fishing, it is worth reading the recent reports to get the exact fishing conditions.
b. Pay attention to the weather
On the water bodies, the weather can change at any moment. Bad weather conditions during fishing can be challenging. So, you must plan your kayak fishing trip as per the weather conditions. Always remember to check the local weather report and water forecasts before going kayak fishing. It would be best if you also keep an eye on the changes in the weather condition as you start fishing. If the weather is foggy, then you might lose track of your position on the water. Strong wind causes uneven water waves, and you must avoid going on a ride in such conditions. If there is a thunderstorm, you must immediately go back to shore to prevent further trouble. But if by chance you get stuck in a storm, take your fishing rods down, lay them flat in your kayak boats, and then paddle back to the shore.
c. Be alert of other vessels
You must also evaluate how long you will take to cross large waterways before you are out for kayak fishing. Be aware of the incoming tanker ships or any other transport vessel moving at a very high speed. The massive ships transporting oil, gases, chemicals, and other essential goods create very large waves in the water bodies.
d. Plan your route in advance
The most important thing in the planning process is to make a proper route. So, make a thorough plan for your kayak fishing in advance. Things might not go the same as per your plan on the water. But getting familiar with the chosen route beforehand and keeping all the backup options will ensure your safety throughout.
e. Wear your clothes accordingly
You should wear the right paddling clothes so that you can be cool, comfortable, and focused during kayak fishing. While choosing clothes, prioritize your skin protection during fishing. Sun rays become harsh while you are on the water. So, your clothes should have a high UPF rating. Moreover, keep your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses handy.
2.Kayak fishing packing tips
A. BRING YOUR SAFETY GEAR ALONG
Safety is the most important thing while you are going kayak fishing. You have to be ready for all the emergencies on the water bodies, so never forget to bring your safety gear. Always keep a personal floatation device (PFD) along with you. PFD is the life vest and helps you against the situation when the kayak flips or in care of any other accident. Also, keep a first aid kit and other essential medicines in your gear. Other essential items that you must take along are a whistle, flares, gloves, headlamp, paddle leash, fishing rod, kayak repair kit, etc.
B. CARRY PLENTY OF FOOD AND WATER
Food and water are the most necessary items that you should pack while going kayak fishing. It would be best if you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration during your day trip. Always remember to pack water-rich food, fruits, and lean proteins to get energized during fishing.
C. CARRY AN ANCHOR
Most of the time, people going kayak fishing forgets to keep an anchor in their gear kit. You must keep a folding anchor weighing 1.5 to 4.0 lbs in your kayak. Small, folding anchors are incredibly useful if you want to stay in one spot for a long time while fishing. Make sure to practice setting up your anchor before you go out fishing.
D. TAKE FISH HANDLING GEARS WITH YOU
Carry gloves, pliers, nets, line cutters, fish grips, and stringers in your fish handling gear kit. Using gloves is helpful when you are handling fish with sharp fins and teeth. Pliers are useful when you have hooked a soft-tipped fish like trout. Carrying nets is also beneficial as it helps to scoop up the fish and bring it close to the kayak.
E. BRING A CAMERA ON A MOUNT
You can capture your kayak fishing adventures with the help of a camera on a mount. You can take a waterproof GoPro for capturing better quality stable video with proper voice control. Get the best quality camera to capture your favorite moments of water. You must get a camera mount that works for your needs and helps you focus on the water and target your next catch.
3.Skills to become master kayak fishermen
A. LEARN SIGHT FISHING
Sight fishing means looking into the water and finding out the fish first with your eyes. You can use the polarized glasses as it allows you to see through as far as the water visibility will allow. Also, make sure that you are carrying your fishing rod ready to cast. Besides this, you must practice standing and paddle along a bank or marsh area in your kayak.
B. MOVE SILENTLY
Fish swimming nearby can hear and feel the vibrations of the boat. So, you should not paddle or move your fishing rod against the kayak or water surface. Avoid disturbing fish by sliding smoothly into the water. Always move with the waves to give smooth momentum to your kayak.
C. POINT YOUR FISHING ROD TIP SIDEWAYS
Fishing in windy weather can be difficult for new anglers. So, they can try keeping their rod tip sideways instead of straight up. Keeping your rod and lure in a lower direction and close to water helps avoid higher speed winds above you. The rod tip should be kept low so that the wind doesn't push on your line and drag your lure from its target.
D. DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR KAYAK
Kayak fishing is a gear-intensive activity. But you should always check that you are not overloading your kayak beyond about 80% of its total carrying capacity. So, if your boat can carry up to 500 lbs (226 kg), the total weight you should add to your kayak should not be more than 400 lbs (181 kg) for better performance. So, always be cautious about the things you are bringing to your kayak. Also, remember that you are going to catch fish, so maintain the weight accordingly.
Where should you go kayak fishing?
The place you plan to fish is one of the important factors for deciding which type of kayak you will require. Here are few things you should consider while choosing -
- Smaller lakes and ponds – If you plan to go fishing in water bodies like lakes and ponds, choose a shorter, sit-on-top kayak. These kayaks will be stable in the flat calm waters where speed isn't a concern.
- Open water – If you want to cover a lot of water from a large lake to offshore to find one fishing spot, you can use a longer, narrower sit-on-top kayak. These kayaks are useful for keeping better track and moving faster over large distances.
- Rivers and streams – While fishing in rivers or streams, always remember to use shorter kayaks for easy operations in tight spaces.
- Ocean – Kayak fishing in oceans can be difficult because of wind, waves, currents, and tides. So, consider using a kayak boat with a rudder system for getting better navigation.
Features of a kayak boat worth considering
There are various kinds of kayaks with different features for fishing needs. You can take the customized boats with your favorite accessories while going kayak fishing –
- Rod holders – There are mounted rod holders, molded-in rod holders, or grooves on the sides of the rod in your kayaks to fit horizontally. It helps in easily installing rod holders to your kayak boat.
- Seats – You must get a kayak with a comfortable seat. Before getting a kayak, always test the seats with back support, seat cushion, and other detailing. Make sure that the kayak you choose has a seat with adjustable height.
- Storage options – Your kayaks should have storage areas including hard, enclosed hatches in the bow, stern, mesh pockets, large tank wells with the room, or other storage containers. Also, look whether you require internal storage areas for your rods, dry bags, or other kayak gears.
- Gear tracks – You can easily attach equipment such as phones and fishfinders to your kayak without drilling holes with the help of slide tracks.
- Rudders – Kayaks that have rudders in them help to track in the wind. You can constantly readjust the rudder angle with foot pedals for better response during changing conditions. Some kayaks give the choice of installing a rudder later on.
- Motor drive – People who want to proceed fishing without tiring their legs and arms should buy kayaks with motor drive. In various kayaks, you get the option of switching the system from pedal to motor.
Kayak fishing accessories with Gear Outland
Do you want to get quality-driven accessories for kayak fishing? Then here is the solution for you all – Gear Outland. We offer a good product range for water sport activities at a genuine price. There is no minimum price required for ordering kayak fishing products from our company. So, for receiving the amazing selection of all top brands for kayak fishing gears, contact us now on 8282709414 or drop an email at info@gearoutland.com