New to kayaking or kayak fishing? Take the following steps to ensure you have an enjoyable experience on the water.
A. Pack The Right Kayak
Most fishermen or fisher-women prefer sit-on-top kayaks because of the additional room. You could use a recreational kayak, but a sit-on-top is the best option.
B. Pack Safety Gear
Essential gear for your kayaking trip is important to have with you so you are prepared and can just have fun.
This includes a life-jacket, floaters, whistles, gloves, light flares, emergency kayak repair kit, first aid kit, etc. They can provide aid when there is an emergency, too.
C. Drift the Kayak
This could be difficult for a beginner, but you can get more fish if it’s done correctly. Do this by assuming a position that let’s you glide downstream. Paddle occasionally to maintain your course, and as you move, the fish will follow your bait. You can use an underwater parachute if you don’t feel too confident.
D. Make Less Noise
Fish can get spooked by loud noises, so try your possible best to be quiet. Be careful when paddling so the paddle doesn’t scrape by the side of the kayak. If possible, flow with the water currents so you reduce your rate of paddling.
E. Use a Crank-bait for Steering
Heavier bait can steer the boat. Cast it in the direction you want and let the take you towards that direction. Secure your anchor firmly if you want to restrict movement.
F. Perfect the Act of Making a Re-Entry
This is not necessary but knowing it could assist in the future in instances of a capsizing. To do this, grab the paddle and place above the kayak, then place a hand on either side of the kayak and slide yourself to the top of the boat, going belly first. For a better stance, climb the paddle and then swing your legs and get back into the chair. Learn more about how to exit your kayak with these tips.
G. Start Small
Don’t show up with an overstuffed kayak as you might have no idea of the things you need. Start simple by packing things into a dry waterproof bag and spend time on the water to know what you want.
H. Carry an Anchor Along
Kayak Anchor– This is used to secure the vehicle when you want to remain in a place. Drop it over the kayak’s side and you should remain in one place.
I. Use One Hand to Cast
You should master this quickly as you might be restricted by space in a kayak. Learn how to cast your rod with one hand so you can have space to paddle freely with the other hand.
J. Watch the Weather
Check weather reports and be prepared.
- Windy area, point the fishing rod sideways to avoid high winds.
- Rainy period, pack a change of clothes and extra rain gear.
- Sunny day, pack sunscreen.
K. Secure Your Gear
For fishing, you need a lot of gear and so, you need to tie your gear firmly to avoid losing any of them. Put away any item you no longer need, and you will be happy that you didn’t lose your gear.
L. Check the Fishing Reports of the Local Area
It would help significantly if you can find out the type of fish that you can find in those waters, where they are more populated and why. These simple things can save you from trouble and time.
M. Properly Cover Your Skin
For a beginner, it might take a while to master the act of fishing, so you should always pack protective items such as bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, and waterproof sunscreen.
N. Carry Lots of Food and Water
They are necessities that give you sustenance if there are no fish in the water. To prevent dehydration, you should carry at least a gallon or two of water or ten bottles of water. Also, pack fruits, proteins, and any other water-rich foods.
O. Master the Act of Sight Fishing
This is when you look in the water to determine where the fish are before casting your fishing rod. For this, you will need a pair of polarized glasses as they reduce the reflecting glare from the water surface.
This should only be done when the water is clear or allows visibility. If the kayak has more room, you could stand and paddle while sight fishing.
P. Point the Rod’s Tip Sideways
Most beginners have trouble when doing this. This helps to prevent high speed winds around from destabilizing the kayak and driving away any potential catch. Keep the rod’s tip low so the gusts of wind don’t push on it. Cast your rod in-between strong gusts of wind.
Q. Pack a VHF (Very High Frequency) Radio
During your kayak fishing, you somehow get amaze with the beauty of nature until you realize that you were slowly going away from your track. In case you get lost or have a huge catch that your kayak can’t handle, the hand held radio could be your only link to communicate with others when you’re out if cellular network range. Indeed, very helpful and useful.
R. Bring Along Fish Handling Gear
These include gloves, fish grips, nets, stringers, line cutters, pliers, knives, etc. Any person new to fishing should consider attaching barbs to the hooks as fish unhooking might be tricky.
If the fish has sharp teeth or fins, wearing a padded glove can take the sting out. For strong-lipped fish, you require a pair of pliers to remove the hook from it. A net can be used to keep the fish in water so there isn’t too much drag on your vessel.
S. Have Confidence
If you get nervous and begin shaking, this might after your kayak’s movement and the fishing rod. Having confidence is a great way of ensuring you catch as much fish as possible without hesitation. Don’t be over-confident, you might make mistakes.
T. Learn How to Change Your Fishing Lure
This can make the difference between getting a catch or not. You might sight a fish or school of fish and want to cast your rod only to discover that the lure won’t work. You’ll need to perform a quick change.
Kayak Fishing – Wrap Up!
You should be an excellent fisherman or fisher-woman in no time!