Does an amazing day of fishing in calm waters while viewing pristine, undisturbed wildlife appeal to you? Then kayak fishing might be for you.
Not only are there places that have been developed specifically as kayaking destinations, but there are also many professional groups that offer training to the kayak fishing. Before learning about the various aspects of kayak fishing it is important to understand what a kayak is. A kayak defined as a small boat with a covered terrace and skirt. These ships carry 1-4 people and their styles vary depending on the type but most of the modern angler kayaks are made for one passenger only. The unique thing about kayak fishing is that it can literally go “where no boat has gone before” – no power boat that is. Kayak anglers can access very shallow water, as little as 6 inches. This water cannot typically float a skiff or Jon boat at low tide. With no engine noise, the is no disruption of wildlife and no carbon footprint. For those who want a close look at nature, the kayak is king.
Each kayak angler should do their homework and definitely consider some basic questions before making a purchase, here are a few main points:
What’s your budget? This can get expensive very quickly. Plan your budget and decide whether to opt for a new or used kayak. Beginners should consider looking for a second-hand kayak because it allows beginners to try the sport without making a large investment to get started. If choosing a used kayak, ensure that all parts and accessories are inspected and in working order.
Size (Angler & vessel): Kayaks come in various sizes for when choosing one, take into account your height and weight. Look for kayaks to suit your body type. Nothing worse than having a boat that is too big or too small. Most common mistake is buying a boat that is too large and not being able to handle it yourself. Where will you fish: A small kayak, the light is perfect for fishing in small, shallow rivers & flats. There may be times when there are problems such rocks, waterfalls, shallow water, etc. In such situations, it may be forced to carry or drag the kayak around. If you have a lighter kayak, the task could be easier.
Transportation: How will you get the kayak to the water? If you have a small car, it will be difficult to carry a heavy kayak wherever you like. One should also consider how to get the kayak from the parking to the water? You should be able to manage your yak without assistance. Types of kayak: There are two main types of recreational kayaks, sit inside and sit at the top. A sit-inside kayak is just that, you sit inside the ship. A sit on top kayak is a vessel kayak fishing sealing the paddler sits on top, nothing that covers the legs, and usually less expensive. The sit on top vessels are most popular with anglers.
Stability: Kayak involves two types of stability: initial and secondary. Initial stability is the swing from side to side as one feels when sitting in a kayak. Secondary stability is when the kayak is nearing its point of flipping and the amount of forgiveness that is before the fisherman flips. Initial stability is more important for beginners and secondary stability is more important for experienced kayakers. The wider the kayak, the more stable.
Speed: Speed is important only if needed. If you are fishing in small, protected area, the speed is not essential. As a rule of thumb, the longer the kayak the faster you can go. Also, the more narrow kayaks cut through water with less resistance and are faster. Easy to handle: Being able to maneuver the kayak is as important as knowing what kind of gear to use. When fishing in small streams or narrow estuaries, mobility is important. Shorter kayaks do this very well. We’ve used the Hobie Pro Angler and other SUP and kayaks from Jackson Kayak & Bote. The stability of the pro Angler is great but it might not be a fair trade since it is so heavy and difficult to transport without a trailer. It does allow us to stand & sight cast while maneuvering with a 12 foot pole to prowl the flats in southeast Florida. This wide body kayak allows us to stand confidently when fishing for tarpon in the everglades. You really don’t want to fall off with so many gators everywhere.
from Tail issue #5 - July 2012 - photo credit: Drew Ross
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