Essential Guide to Kayak Fishing
Fishing from a kayak is one of the most interesting ways to fish. It allows you to explore and provides a very different experience from normal fishing or normal kayaking.
Unlike fishing from a normal boat, using a kayak keeps you very close to the water by only a few feet and puts you right above the fish. Kayaks are also rather smaller than normal boats, which means you can start paddling into those tiny spaces between the rocks where fish can settle to feed.
Whether this is your first time in a kayak or it’s your first time fishing, this guide will help you get right on it. It is an essential guide to help you get the most out of your time kayak fishing in the water. Let’s get into it.
The very first step to kayak fishing is selecting a proper kayak.
Selecting the Right Kayak
The hull is a very important part of your kayak. Before looking for other necessary things like skirts and mounts and hatches, you must have the right hull.
When you look at kayak hulls, they can seem similar generally. In reality, they are rather different and vary in design. So here’s how to choose the right hull.
Paddle or Pedal
There are two popular ways to propel your kayak forward in the water. The first is the paddle, which has been used in boats and ships for thousands of years. Paddling is the traditional method of moving your kayak. The second, and perhaps the more modern option, is the pedal drive.
Pedal-powered kayaks make it easier to travel long distances without getting tired. Most kayak enthusiasts will tell you to carry a spare paddle for paddling in case the pedal drive system becomes faulty.
Pedal-powered kayaks are also considerably more expensive than the traditional paddle options.
Another section of the kayak hull that you must look at is how you prefer to sit.
Sit-in or Sit-on
How would you prefer to sit? Some kayak fishing enthusiasts prefer sitting on top of the kayak while they fish. Others prefer to sit inside the kayak.
Sitting on top of your kayak while kayak fishing has certain advantages. It allows you easy access to your gear and makes it very easy to leave your kayak if you want to. There are also some disadvantages. Sitting on top of the kayak can mean a lot of wetness and splashes, not just on you, but on your gear. It can also be uncomfortable and rather dangerous in more distressed water.
Sitting in your kayak and having unrestricted access to your gear means getting a large kayak with a spacious cockpit. Without space for your fishing gear, it will be impossible to use your kayak to go fishing.
However, sit-in kayaks make for a more comfortable ride, and there is less chance of you getting splashed on or wet. If you have to leave your kayak or you decide to wade, it becomes rather difficult to achieve with a sit-in kayak.
Concerning getting wet and being in dangerous waters, it is important to decide where you plan to fish.
Conditions in Your Fishing Location
Before getting a kayak, it is important to find out where you will be kayaking. If you plan to catch fish in slower waters or ponds or lakes, this can determine the type of kayak you get. If you plan to swim in warmer water or colder water, or you’re capable of kayaking in rough waters or waves, this will also determine the type of kayak you purchase.
Pick a location with conditions that suit your fishing needs. Then decide on a kayak that fits those conditions.
Choosing Your Kayak
There will generally be some trade-offs when you pick a kayak. This is why it is important to choose the right location to suit your needs.
A sit-in kayak will certainly be the more comfortable choice in colder waters. Kayaks built with an upswept bow and stern will do better in rough waters but won’t be easy to keep in a straight line on the flats.
Also, note that longer kayaks are generally faster than shorter kayaks. However, wider kayaks are more stable and generally slower than narrower kayaks.
For fishing, it is important to get a kayak that is stable. It is not necessary, however, to get a very wide kayak because it could end up rather slow. Your body size is also another important factor when looking at the width of kayaks. If you are particularly large, then you are better off buying a wide kayak to carry your weight and improve stability.
So which kayak do you think will fit your needs? Would you prefer a fast kayak that will do fine in calm waters? Would you prefer a stable sit-in kayak for kayak fishing in rougher waters? It depends on your ability.
Picking Your Kayak Fishing Equipment
There are quite a few things you can get for your kayak’s gear to make it very unique and suit your tastes. However, many of those gimmicks are generally extras and are not needed for fishing in a kayak.
What separates a fishing kayak from other kayak types is mainly a rod holder. It is possible to buy a fishing kayak on the market, especially those with rod holders and other accessories designed to make fishing convenient for you. This knowledge is very important when picking out a kayak.
Some kayak angler enthusiasts prefer the option of buying a standard kayak and tweaking it to suit your angler needs. If you enjoy building things yourself, you could save some money by fitting in your rigging and outriggers, customizing your kayak with gear to fit your angler ideals.
What you need for your kayak fishing includes rod holders, a paddle leash, a safety whistle, a dry bag, a milk crate, and a personal flotation device. These are key items that you must set your rig up with from day one. Other items can be gotten over time, but it is generally advised to begin with less gear.
How Much Would a Kayak Cost?
On average, kayaks are a lot cheaper than boats. A good angler kayak will set you back about $800. More expensive options can cost up to $5000 depending on the brand, the features in the kayak, and other luxury items.
It is possible to find sit-on-top kayaks for as low as $400 on the market that you can customize by yourself. As for moving the kayak pedal, kayaks are more expensive and cost $1500 or more. Paddle kayaks are cheaper and can cost around 400 to $1000.
These options below will give you some knowledge about the pricing:
Here are five popular sit-on fishing kayaks and their prices
- Perception Pescador 10: $629 on Amazon
- Perception Outlaw 11.5: $1377 on Amazon
- Intex Excursion Pro: $214.99 on Amazon
- Solstice Inflatable Kayak: $449.99 on Amazon
- Elkton Outdoors Cormorant: $600 on Amazon
Gear up With Important Accessories
There is a list of necessary items that you should add to your kayak before you pick up the puddle and head into the waters for kayak fishing.
Safety Gear
As mentioned earlier, a personal flotation device is essential. The chances of things going wrong can be rather small, especially if you are in calm Waters. However, it remains important to keep safety first.
All items you should have in your safety gear include a whistle, flash gloves, a headlamp, first aid kits, an angler rod, a leash, and a kayak repair kit. You can easily store these items in a waterproof bag so that they remain dry throughout your journey.
Protect Your Skin
If you’re kayak fishing, chances are you’ll be exposed to the elements. The smell of the oceans off the Florida coast and the wind in your hair might all be amazing parts of kayaking, but it is important to protect your skin.
Make sure to pack bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, and waterproof sunscreen.
Anchor
It is easy to overlook the need for an anchor, and beginner kayakers can often ignore this. When you head out on adventures, remember to take an anchor with you. A good anchor is one that can fold and is compact and easy to store. The job of the anchor is to hold you in place and reduce your fatigue while you fish.
Kayak Fishing Guides For Beginners
Beginners can forget to take water with them to prevent dehydration. Hours out in the ocean near Florida will likely dehydrate you, and the wind might tire you out, so keep some water bottles full and handy.
Lean protein snacks and fruits are also great options for staying hydrated and prepared.
Fish handling equipment is very important for kayak fishing. You will need bait, nets, gloves, line cutters, pliers, and other items.
The gloves are very useful for managing fish with sharp teeth or fins. Players will come in handy when you have to remove the hook from hard-lipped fish species. Nets are a great fish finder, useful for scooping up snook as you bring it closer to your kayak. Bait, of course, is to lure the fish. Always keep extra bait at hand.
It is also important to keep a radio at hand. Your fellow paddlers will be out at sea and communication with one another will be helpful. This is one of the most important ways of staying safe and reaching the coast guard in case of serious emergencies.
Kayak Angler Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips to improve your knowledge of kayak fishing. These tips will also help you relax and operate your kayak better while fishing.
When fishing off your kayak, try to fish off the side rather than straight in front of you.
Lighter wire hooks can come in very handy when fishing from a kayak. Because a kayak bobs on the surface of the ocean hooking onto a fish will pull your kayak towards that fish. If you use heavy-gauge hooks, you could lose the fish because of poor penetration.
Don’t be afraid to try different techniques when you are out fishing on your kayak. Also, set aside practice days to try new things that you are not comfortable with yet so you can have fun and learn. This can make all the difference when you’re competing.
Kayak Fishing Charters
If you cannot kayak as often as you want or you cannot afford your own kayak, you can experience fun kayak fishing by joining kayak fishing charters in your town. These charters have kayak fishing guides that can help you improve your fishing skills.
Many such choices are on the American coastline and bays, especially in Florida. The state’s inshore marine environment offers you an enormous variety of fish, especially snook, to catch.
Kayak fishing charters around town and in Florida are often filled with clients looking to enjoy a day out fishing. You can join in and pick up a few tips and tricks from the charters’ clients if you follow them on an expedition. They also contain all the right gear, reels, and safety equipment that each kayak needs to create perfect fishing conditions.
They often hold lessons at the beginning of the trip so that you are comfortable and safe on the water. These fishing charters also have guide services to aid your newfound love for kayak fishing.
As concerns to cost, most fishing charters around your town are competitive and will ask for around $100 for clients to enjoy a few fun hours on a fishing trip.
Kayak fishing charters or kayak fishing guides target species of fish inshore and offshore, like snook, redfish, and others. You can check the website of whichever charter you’re interested in for more information about their trip and the equipment they have.
Kayaking With Children
You might want to share your passion for kayak fishing and adventures with your kids. If you do, keep in mind that your child will enjoy fishing if they have the chance to control their own kayak.
However, supervision is very important. If you start kayaking with your children while they are small, they can easily fit in front of your seat or behind your seat. It is also possible to buy a two-seater kayak, so they have their own seat when they get bigger. Before long, they can get their own kayak and fish alongside you for a fun experience.
Take trips to Florida and enjoy kayaking adventures as a family. They can partake in the kayaking experience with kayak fishing charters or kayak fishing guides near Florida’s coastline. There are also high-end resorts that offer kayaking lessons.
Parental Guide to Kayaking With Kids
Remember that children will associate the entire experience with fishing and kayaking. Therefore it is important to share the experience with them and help them see how much they can enjoy adventures with you. Paddling out with your kids can be an exciting experience.
You can also get them involved in buying their first road and other items for their kayak. Involve them in picking out the equipment, snacks, and drinks you will want to take along when you go out kayaking.
You don’t need to force them to catch fish. Let them enjoy being out on the water with you and watching you catch big fish. Eventually, they will want to partake in the experience and catch fish themselves.
Give them time to warm up to the fish. It may take some children time to like fish or even get close to them. In fact, your child may not want to touch fish or catch fish, so do not force it. Give them time to relax around fish.
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When they are old enough to get their own kayak, look for smaller kayaks to suit their size. They’ll love going on adventures with their very own kayak. Remember to teach them how to pedal and start paddling.
In Conclusion
Kayaking is an experience that many enthusiasts and anglers can enjoy for hours. Adding fishing as a sport to the experience makes it even more memorable.
It is important to note items that fishing kayaks will need compared to a standard kayak. Also, keep in mind the size of the kayak and how it may affect how you can catch fish. This can make all the difference in your kayaking.
Kayak fishing charters and kayak fishing guides are available to improve your kayaking skills, and you should try them out if you cannot purchase your own kayak and equipment. There will also be clients like you who are looking to learn more about kayaking, and some more experienced clients will offer you valuable tips during fishing expeditions.
While you can learn from a kayak fishing guide, you can also become a guide for your children who are interested in kayak fishing.
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