Kayak fishing is a fun, thrilling way to fish that is both environmentally friendly and inexpensive. Numerous fish species can be caught in the water, although they may appear uninterested in biting at times. If this occurs, try the following suggestions:
Kayak Fishing History
Kayak fishing is a relatively new activity that has only recently gained popularity. It’s thought to have started in Alaska, where indigenous people have fished for ages in kayaks. Kayak fishing spread to other regions of the world, including Europe and Australia. Kayak fishing has been increasingly popular in the United States in recent years. This is most likely due to kayaks’ low cost and ease of transportation, making them accessible to a wide spectrum of people.
Kayak fishing is a fun and exciting way to fish because kayaks are small and agile, allowing fishermen to reach regions that larger boats can’t. Kayak fishing is also a very environmentally beneficial approach because the kayak does not require any petrol or oil to operate.
Kayak fishing is a terrific way to enjoy the outdoors while catching fish, whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner.
Common Kayaking Tips for Beginners
Kayak fishing is a fun and healthy way to get out on the water and enjoy the sport of fishing while also getting some exercise. Learning to kayak fish is very simple. A few pointers can make the experience even better, especially for beginners.
Choose the right kayak
Because there are so many types and sizes of kayaks on the market, choosing one that is comfortable and stable for fishing is crucial. Sit in the kayak at the store to make sure it’s a suitable fit, and inquire about any other features that might be useful, such as a storage compartment for fishing gear.
Get the Necessary Equipment
You’ll also need a paddle, a life jacket, and fishing gear in addition to the kayak. A good fishing rod and reel, as well as the appropriate bait and lures, are essential. Before going out on the lake, double-check that you have everything you need.
Learn the Fundamentals of Kayaking
If you’ve never kayaked before, it’s critical to learn the fundamentals before fishing. Take a class or find a friend who knows how to paddle, turn, and stop to teach you the basics.
Check your Surroundings
You should always be mindful of your surroundings when you’re out on the water. Keep an eye on the weather and keep an eye out for any impediments in the water.
Be Prepared in the Event of an Emergency
When kayak fishing, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. If you need to call for help, bring a first-aid kit, a whistle, and a phone.
Have Some Fun
Kayak fishing is a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy nature. Take your time, and don’t be scared to try out new methods. Above all, have a good time and appreciate the event.
Basic Kayak Fishing Tips for Beginners
Learn how to get the boat onto the water
This might seem like a rather simple concept, but if you haven’t owned a kayak or haven’t taken it out yet, you wouldn’t understand. Getting the boat to the water and getting it in the car once you are done isn’t as easy as you think. The boat will carry all your gear; it weighs a lot.
The best tool or accessory you will need is the landing gear. Simply put, the landing gear is a pair of wheels attached to some steel or metal rods. You will have to attach some of them to your kayak, while others can be permanently attached to your kayak.
The price range of these can vary a lot, and the one I got cost me around $250, but there are off brand ones that are really cheap. Most popular kayak brands have their own landing gears, so check all of them out and find the one that matches your needs.
Get the right PFD
PFD or Personal Floatation Device is a fancy word for life jackets. Since you will be on a kayak that tends to sway and flip quite easily, it is a good idea to wear a PFD. Regardless of the fact if you can swim, you even know what might prevent you from doing so, and in those situations, a PFD can save your life.
Similar to many accessories related to fishing and boating, there is a wide variety of PFDs to choose from. In general, there are two groups; manual life jackets and automatic life jackets. Personally, I find the automatic ones to be the better choice.
The automatic PFDs are worn and forgotten, so you can enjoy your kayak fishing more, but I know some who hate them. The price will vary as you get the better models and brands, but as something meant to save your life, I say you splurge this one time.
Be ready
You are about to have a kind of experience that is quite hard to describe in a few words and sentences. Therefore, you must prepare yourself before and as you go about kayak fishing. For beginners, I will say that get acquainted with all your gear.
This might be embarrassing, but I actually got on the kayak in the garage with all the gears and life jackets. I did so because I wanted to see if I put everything in the right place. Once I got on, I found out some of the gear, like a fish ruler, net, and a few others, were out of my reach, and I had to rearrange them.
Go kayak fishing with others
Since you are a beginner at kayak fishing, you shouldn’t be going at it all alone. In fact, I believe the best practice would be to go out with some seniors to learn some of the small details. In the beginning, I went on a few trips alone and had a bad time.
There are lots of groups on social media like Facebook, and there are also online forums like Reddit. Join some of them and see who is available close to you. Going with other people will help expand your knowledge and have more fun. In the end, isn’t having fun what kayak fishing is all about?
Don’t be hesitant
As a final tip, all I will tell you is to get out on the water with your kayak. I can guarantee you that you will never be 100% ready; you will make many mistakes. Some of that mistakes will be basic, but you will learn a lot about yourself and your method of kayak fishing in those first trips.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Just make sure that you learn from them and better yourself. From my own experience, I can tell you that after a couple of trips, I completely changed my gear arrangement and how I fished. Now, this won’t be the case for everyone.
But the only you can say that for sure would be to get your kayak on the water and start paddling. Kayak fishing might seem hard for beginners, but once you start, you won’t be able to stop.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
When should I start fishing?
If you have the right equipment and a body of water to fish in, you can go fishing anytime.
What should I bring for fishing?
When you go fishing, you should have a few items with you. You’ll need a fishing rod and bait to begin. You’ll also require a cooler in which to store your catch. Finally, carry a map of the area with you so you can return to your car.
Does kayak fishing require a lot of practice?
Kayak fishing does not necessitate a great deal of experience. However, getting out on the water and practicing a few times before going on a fishing excursion is usually a good idea. This will allow you to acquire a feel for the kayak’s handling.
How many fish does a person need to catch to become a kayak fishing expert?
Because everyone’s definition of “expert” differs, there is no definite solution to this subject. Someone who routinely catches fish from a kayak, on the other hand, is probably an expert.
Conclusion
Before you go kayak fishing, you should know a few things. Here are a few pointers to get you started: Always wear a life jacket when kayaking, even if you don’t plan on going overboard; accidents can happen quickly in open water. Don’t try to power through difficult spots alone; ask an experienced friend or partner for assistance if necessary. Keep your lines tight and bring plenty of extra lines, especially if you’re targeting big fish.