First Bass From A Kayak

[Rudy1922]

A few days ago I caught my first Bass using a Kayak. I was on a Jackson Cuda 12 and I'm happy to say I didn't fall in the lake. It performed great, I think, it's the only kayak I've ever been on.  I did take the Cuda 12 to my friend's pool before I went to the lake for a little practice. Sitting in the high position does take a little getting use to and I even stood on it a fews times with no problems. I only did that in the pool but I'm sure I'll get brave enough to do it on the lake real soon. While in the pool, I did fall off twice, once while I was learning how to paddle backwards and another time while I was sitting "side saddle" and paddling.  I found out that I can't re-enter the kayak from the water but it was my first time trying, so I bought a paddle float. I'll practice some more in the pool with the paddle float, so I can be a little more relaxed on the lake.  Before I caught my fist Bass,  I was a little worried of falling off the kayak while setting the hook but it wasn't bad at all. I was using braid so it doesn't take much effort to set the hook. I'm glad I brought a net, it made things a lot easier.  It was so cool to see the Bass swim under the Kayak. Some didn't mind it but some got spooked but that could've been from my paddling. Anyway, I start my vacation tomorrow and I plan on using the Cuda 12 almost everyday. 

 

[tntitans21399]

In all the kayaks I have been in, I've never tipped over. It usually takes a little effort to tip them over, that's odd you tipped it over when you were practicing. You should Youtube getting in a kayak and there is videos on how you can get back in your kayak if you flip again.

Standing up in a kayak is a whole another thing. I wouldn't trust standing in any kayak or canoe. That is something that takes practice and no waves.

I've never caught a fish and thought it would tip me. I've had it spin me. You have to remember in a kayak your lower body is what keeps you balance and planted. You use your hips and legs to move the kayak. So you have to try and keep your back straight above your hips. So if you set the hook twist but dont lean. If you lean your center of gravity moves toward that side and the more you lean the higher risk of flipping over.

Make sure you have a good seat or add cushion to it. A long day fishing in a kayak seat is rough. They aren't really made with comfort in mind.

[flipin4bass]

You're hooked.

[B@ssCrzy]

Color and lines of that fish are great.  Nice looking fish!! It is fun for sure.  Love my power boat, but love having a kayak as well.  Will see how it goes after having a kayak for a full season, but I have seriously thought about selling my power boat to buy a "peddle" yak because they are so great.  Looking forward to getting out on it this weekend for the first time this year.  Congrats on getting the first slime on your boat. 

[MikeinFresno]

I rolled mine for the first time while fishing this last year. My spine is not as loose as it once was. I was twisting around to reach back into my crate and couldnt quite reach . I reached further and apparently leaned over too much and rolled in slow motion. Oh well.

[Bass NC]

Congrats man! It's a great feeling getting your first bass in a yak. Great fish and great picture!

[Rudy1922]

Congrats man! It's a great feeling getting your first bass in a yak. Great fish and great picture!

Thanks i'm a lot more comfortable on my kayak now. Here is a GoPro video of my first kayak Bass.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCmXubBX4CQ

[Bass NC]

Thanks i'm a lot more comfortable on my kayak now. Here is a GoPro video of my first kayak Bass.

 

That's pretty cool. I have a GoPro and I've been wanting to try it out on my kayak I just don't know how to attach it.....

[faygo1979]

Love fishing out of a kayak.  I felt very unstable in the cuda on the high seat and could really see flipping one.

 

If you are having trouble climbing back into the kayak a kayak float may work.   I have a little different way that i do it as i am not worried about getting water in a SOT kayak.

   the way I do it is grab a tie down strap and hook it onto the side grab handle.  Tighten it up enough so that you can bend your knee and step on it.

 use it as a mini ladder to push yourself onto the yak.

[flyfisher]

Congrats.  Jut like anything, it takes some time getting used to the boat nad how it handles.  I haven't ever flipped a kayak but i have fallen out of them.

 

One thing that helps is to visualize a center line in the boat and the further you stray from that center, the more chance you have of tipping over.  It also helps to go out with no gear and test your boat and it's limits on both initial and secondary stability.

 

As far as attaching a GoPro you can use the sticky mounts that come with the camera or go with a yak attack panfish or something similar to mount the camera.