Kayak fishing is a new, yet very popular way of fishing. It can be done by anyone with the right equipment and knowledge. This article will provide you with some tips to get started kayak fishing. One important thing that you need for this type of fishing is a kayak! You want the most stable boat possible so it doesn’t tip over when fighting fish or trying to reel them in. Depending on what your preference may be, there are different styles of kayaks that may work better for certain types of people than others; such as a more recreational style or one that has more storage space if you plan on taking anything else out onto the water besides just yourself and your rod/reel combo. When choosing a kayak, it’s important to find one that suits the way you want to fish. Some people prefer more of a sit-in type boat while others may opt for a sit-on deck style instead.
What is kayak fishing?
Kayak fishing is a way of fishing from the kayak that has grown in popularity over the years. It is possible by anyone, regardless of their skill or level. The most important thing you need as a kayak fisherman is a kayak.
There are two different types of kayaks people can use for fishing: recreational style and storage style. When choosing a kayak, it is important to think about what kind of fishing you will be doing: sit-in or sit-on deck. The sit-in style is better for people who plan on doing a more recreational style of fishing where they can bring whatever else they want with them. The sit-on deck kayaks are usually made to hold more gear, but in some cases will be harder to fish from since you have to stand up and balance yourself while trying to reel in a fish.
Regardless of what style you choose, there are some other options that one may want to consider when buying a kayak; like how stable it is and if you can stand up in it or not. It’s important to know the difference in stability because if your boat does take on water, this will help how quickly you can get back to shore. The kayak that I use is a sit-on deck, recreational style boat that has some storages areas in it which allows me to take my other gear with me on the water; like a bait bucket and my fish finder.
Why kayak fish?
Recreational: It's a good way to get out on the water and enjoy nature. Sitting in your kayak, you can see more of the scenery than you would if you were in a boat. You're also able to easily stand up and move around in your kayak, which is hard to do with some other boats like canoes or Jon boats.
Storage: If you're a fisherman who likes to put all their gear into their kayak before going out on the water this will be a good choice for you since most sit-on deck, storage style kayaks have an open deck design that make it easy to access everything inside.
How to kayak fish?
There are many ways to go about kayak fishing, but some of the most important considerations are your location and the type of fish you're trying to catch. When fishing in a place where there is current, you'll want to stay somewhat close to it so that you can maintain your location without having to paddle too much. If there's no current, try slowing your paddling speed or putting on a trolling motor for a little extra power.
The key to successful kayak fishing is your equipment and bait. The kinds of bait will change depending on the area you are fishing in, but it typically includes live worms, cut fish or minnows, and artificial lures. The type of tackle you use will also depend on what you are trying to catch. The important thing to remember is that it must be light enough for you to handle. If you are planning on being out all day, it may be a good idea to bring some backup equipment in case the first set breaks.
Where to go for kayak fishing?
It is possible to kayak fish in any body of water. Popular fishing destinations include freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, and more. It's best to find out what kind of water you're going into before you start fishing. Finding a good spot on the water starts with scouting the location, trying to locate fish by using a fish finder or other tools like sonar and magnetometers.
Going to a popular spot such as a river or lake isn't always the best idea since it can get crowded and there will not be any fishing spots available. The only way you'll have these spots is by going out early, setting up in a secluded location, and leaving as soon as another fisherman comes around.
Tips on how to get started with kayak fishing
-Pick the right boat. In general, sit-on deck kayaks give you more storage space and make it easy to access all your gear while you are out in the water. Sit-in style boats are better if you like to stand up and move around while you're fishing, but they can be harder to store things in.
-Know what kind of fish live in different areas. If you're going into a river for instance, there will be a lot of baitfish, but if you go into the ocean near a deep drop off there will usually be gamefish like tuna and marlin hanging out at the surface.
-Start with an area that's close to shore. This way it will be easier to get back if something goes wrong or you just want a break.
-Always be prepared for the worst. You don't want to have to turn around early because you left some important gear at home, so make sure that everything you need is in your kayak and bring an extra life jacket, paddle, and even a waterproof bag to put stuff in on top of everything else.
-Be able to maneuver quickly - If something happens on the water and you have to react fast like seeing a passing sail boat or avoiding an obstacle then it would be better if you were sitting behind a rudder versus not having one at all. Keep in mind that kayaking can be dangerous if you're not familiar with the parts on your kayak and how to use them.
Equipment needed for Kayaking Fishing and their uses
The most important piece of equipment you need for kayak fishing is a kayak. The most common size to purchase is a 12-foot kayak. You will also need a fishing reel, rod and reel, some species of bait and a way to start your boat.
A motor: If you want to stay in one spot while you fish, the best option is to get a motor on your kayak or purchase an electric one that doesn't need gas and can be recharged with a generator or power outlet.
Bait-casting reel: Once you're ready to cast out your line you'll want to use the bait-casting reel which can cast more quickly and farther than other types of reels because it has a top loading system as well as power handle.
Rod and reel: The majority of the time, you will be using a spinning reel with six to eight ball bearings for the most accurate casts that can reach long distances. You'll also need a rod and unless you know how to choose what kind of rod is right for your bait, chances are you'll spend too much on it if you try to buy one in person at the store.
Bait - This could range from live worms to cut fish pieces, but there's no perfect bait because different species target different types of baits (i.e. bass are more likely to go after lures while catfish prefer cut fish). There are books or magazines out there that will tell you which baits to use in certain areas, but you'll have to do a lot of experimenting on your own.
Hence, The equipment that you need for kayak fishing really just depends on what type of fishing you're going to be doing. If you're going to be stationary (i.e. standing or sitting) and casting, then a baitcasting reel is a must-have. If you plan on using lures to fish with or are traditional kinds of fishing (i.e. trolling), then a spinning reel may be better for you too. It also might depend on the size of your boat - smaller boats will typically use one or the other, but larger boats may require a combo to include both in order to cast farther and maintain balance while reeling in.
In terms of lures, there's not really one set set list - different lures work better in different spots, so you'll have to experiment with what works best for you. However, if you're fishing from a kayak then you may not want to stray too far away from the shore and some tackle box essentials include small spoons like shad darts and eggs, plastic worms, jigs, chatter baits and crankbaits or any kind of plastic "junk" that looks fishy - just make sure it's weighted right.
I hope this guide will help to get a better understanding of Kayak fishing. I look forward to seeing your comment and your suggestions on what I should write next!