Kayak fishing has risen in popularity in the more recent years. It’s hardly surprising as it’s able to provide several unique advantages, including the ability to access fishing spots that are difficult to reach through other means. With kayak fishing, you can also combine two enjoyable outdoor activities. It’s certainly an exhilarating experience with benefits that are too many to list. Just don’t forget to keep the kayak fishing tips below in mind for your enjoyment, safety, and more importantly, fishing success!
Kayak Fishing Tips for Beginners and Experts
Regardless of whether or not you’ve already tried your hand at kayak fishing, these pointers are sure to interest you, especially in developing your own kayak fishing technique:
Find the Right Kayak
Over the past decades, kayaks have made incredible progress in terms of their features and design.
That being said, we suggest you purchase one that’s designed specifically for kayak fishing. In the past, what anglers did was adapt a regular kayak and turn it into something that’s able to address their fishing needs.
You can do the same or enjoy the convenience of having a fishing kayak with these essential features:
- Rod holders
- Kayak stabilizers
- Bungee cords for securing the fishing tackle and anchors
- Ample storage for the fishing tackle that’s within easy reach from the seat
- A mount for a kayak fish finder, portable fish finder, or ice fishing flasher for holding the device plus a transducer
- Tethers which can be used in attaching fishing rods and other fishing gear
- An enclosed storage unit
- An adjustable seat which can be raised to offer easier casting
You may also want to get a fishing kayak that has a propeller to help move the kayak around a body of water by just pedaling instead of using a paddle. A pedal-powered propeller is a great addition as it frees up your hands to handle a fishing rod.
Wear the Right Clothes
We’ll share with you one of the kayak bass fishing tips of experts which also apply for kayak pike fishing: choose the right clothes!
This is incredibly important as you’ll be exposed to the harsh elements of nature for hours. Although it’s a part of the sport’s appeal, this can cause a lot of discomfort if you aren’t proactive in dressing properly.
This is actually one of the kayak fishing basics. During the summer, it’s best if you wear a thin hoodie or long-sleeved shirt. Don’t forget to apply high SPF sunscreen onto your skin, including your face, for sun protection.
Also look for a thin and comfortable pair of pants. Complete your kayak fishing attire with comfortable and durable water shoes. All these need to be made of a material that can dry out quickly after it’s soaked in water as it’s definitely bound to happen.
In autumn or spring, it’s not the heat that kayak anglers will struggle with. It’s, instead, the colder air temperature. If the air isn’t that cold, the kayak can also capsize which will expose you to cold water.
What you don’t want is hypothermia, especially if you’re far from home or medical assistance. An excellent way of preparing for this is by wearing a wetsuit. A wetsuit can protect you should you capsize.
You can also wear several clothing pieces, layering them to keep you comfortable and warm. If you think it will be raining, don’t forget to have a raincoat or any waterproof outer layer.
Bring a Life Vest
A list of tips for kayak fishing won’t be complete without a reminder to always bring with you a life vest. It’s true that kayak fishing isn’t dangerous at all.
But, a kayak can easily capsize, most especially if you’re a beginner. Even when you know how to swim well and you’re a fishing expert, you still need to bring with you a life vest.
Apart from ensuring you’re safe while you’re fighting fish, a life vest can have additional benefits. This includes storage for smaller items of tackle as a life vest has many spacious pockets.
When choosing one, make sure what you get offers you freedom of movement so it doesn’t interfere with your arms as you paddle.
Select the Route That Matches Your Skill Level
As a beginner, this is absolutely critical. You shouldn’t be jumping into advanced kayak fishing in the ocean or trying to navigate white water only because that’s what you have seen people do on YouTube.
A beginner must start practicing in a wind-free body of water that’s protected. This is to get a good feel of the kayak and develop a paddling technique.
It’s also recommended to stay as close as possible to the shore, so it’s easier for you to swim back should a problem arise. Learn how to use the kayak and master it under diverse conditions prior to embarking on a dangerous or ambitious excursion.
Once you’re confident about going into the ocean and have checked the barometric pressure or the moon phases if you believe in that, there are also some things you need to remember. As you navigate on your kayak, keep on checking a map.
The map should show rocks that you can recognize, as well as landmarks that are near the shore so you’re able to navigate. Learn to avoid the shipping routes as well. Remember that it’s very hard for a ship to avoid a kayak. Get out of its way for your own safety.
Conclusion
There is one more piece of advice we’d like to give you if you are a beginner, just get out on the water and pick up the sport.
You’ll learn a lot more on a couple of fishing trips than just watching YouTube videos or researching online.
You will quickly figure out exactly where the rod holders should be, where you want to place the milk crate, what you want to put in It, where you want other essentials to be, and the things that are essential to have on the water.
You’ll also have a lot of fun exploring and catching some fish. Just don’t forget our kayak fishing tips and you’ll have a great time!
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