Setting The Hook In A Kayak.

[BassAssassin726]

So I recently got my first fishing kayak. It's awesome but I've noticed a problem. It's harder to set the hook in a kayak sometimes. If I'm facing the fish head on it's no problem. Reel the slack and yank straight back over my head. But if Im casting to the sides I cant get a solid hook set because I don't want to throw my whole body into it and flip over so I just use my arms. Ill cast to the side, get a bite, set the hook, start fighting the fish and usually on the first jump I lose it. And that's another thing. Usually when a fish is about to just I just point my rod down, but I cant really do that being so low to the water. Any advice?

[DogBone_384]

I'm in the same boat (pun intended). I just started kayak fishing this year too and so far set the hook sideway based on what side of my 'yak the fish is on.

Haven't caught anything challenging yet, but it'll come.

Good luck with your new kayak.

[flyfisher]

I have been kayak fishing for about 5 years or so now and i haven't really noticed much of a difference in my hook setting success.  I am pretty vigilant about having sticky sharp hooks though.  I also use braid pretty mud exclusively so i don't have to worry about line stretch either.  

 

Once you get a little more comfortable in your kayak you will find you can set the hook however you want in whatever position for the most part.  I have never flipped any of my kayaks while setting a hook from various different positions.

[Darren.]

I agree with Fly. Sharp hooks. I also use braid for mainline and always a leader tied on of various pound test. So there's a little stretch in the leader, but the braid provides that snap into the jaws (for the most part). Thicker hooks, I'm learning, like those on pre-made swimbaits, require a bit more heft in setting.

 

If you are used to hooksets like you see the pros do in their bass boats, you might need to adjust a little bit so as not to jar yourself over the side. Sweeping to the side, reeling down and lifting are probably what I use the most, never an issue any more. As you get your sea/yak legs, it'll be more and more comfortable for you.

 

And in terms of comfort with your yak, there's something called secondary stability (which you may already be familiar with, so in case not-->). It is when you are tipping but hit a point where you stop going further and find a secondary stability. Learn where that is, which can help with your confidence in hook setting. At least it helped me.

[Mr_Scrogg]

Now is the perfect time to go out and see where the kayaks limits are. Wear your PFD, and go tip it a dozen ir so times. Practice re-entry in both shallow and deep water. Life saving experience right there

[BassAssassin726]

Now is the perfect time to go out and see where the kayaks limits are. Wear your PFD, and go tip it a dozen ir so times. Practice re-entry in both shallow and deep water. Life saving experience right there

You're absolutely right. I do plan on doing that one of these days. I have a Mustang PDF. When it inflates either by the CO2 or rip cord, how do I reset it? Do I need another CO2 cartridge? If so, where can I get them?

[Mr_Scrogg]

Yea, you will. Id suggest a old fashion pfd to practice in to save the recharging expense

[BassAssassin726]

Indeed.

[Nelson Wormefeller]

regarding practicing roll over, practicing in a pool is great. go completely limp making believe you are unconcious, and see how you float etc...

[MikeinFresno]

When they are coming up to jump I just stick my rod tip into the water and deeper than on a boat cuz Im closer to the water.

[Tim Kelly]

Wearing an inflatable PFD in a yak is probably not a great idea. If it is inflated you will almost certainly not be able to get yourself into the yak as it's so bulky and right in front of you. As a result, you'll have to deflate it while you're in the water to be able to get back in. Then, once you're back in the yak you will have no working PFD.

[Felix77]

I occasionally have the same problem. A lot depends on how far you cast and your equipment as well. I find longer and stiffer rods help. Especially on long casts.

In general my setup is as follows

Spinning - braid with leader. 6'6" mh and a 7' m

Baitcaster - 15lb FC 7' m

I use the lightest wire hooks I think I can get away with.

[BassAssassin726]

Wearing an inflatable PFD in a yak is probably not a great idea. If it is inflated you will almost certainly not be able to get yourself into the yak as it's so bulky and right in front of you. As a result, you'll have to deflate it while you're in the water to be able to get back in. Then, once you're back in the yak you will have no working PFD.

What do you mean? I think it's less bulky than a standard inherently bouyant life vest. I don't fish big water at all, if I have to swimming back to shore isn't an issue. 

[Tim Kelly]

Not when it's inflated it isn't! If it's not inflated you might as well not be wearing one.

[Master Bait'r]

No problems here.  Just be mindful of where your tip is in relation to where you'd like to initiate a hookset.  If you reel and tip up high to your shoulder you will be less apt to have proper action and good follow through line tension than if your hands are low and tip is towards the bait, but it can happen if you aren't mindful for sure.

[BassAssassin726]

Not when it's inflated it isn't! If it's not inflated you might as well not be wearing one.

What do you mean? Because it isn't always inflated I might as well not have one on? 

[Darren.]

What do you mean? Because it isn't always inflated I might as well not have one on? 

 

While I can't speak for his comment, there are threads out there which discuss inflatable PFDs for kayaking.

 

Personally, I really like the idea of an inflatable PFD, but prefer the "always on" safety of a "normal" fishing PFD. It is the just-in-case moments when say the disc in the inflatable doesn't dissolve or whatever. Not that it happens much.

 

I've also heard of them prematurely inflating after getting wet, so it becomes a less-than-comfortable item on your body.

 

I still consider an inflatable (auto/manual) from time to time when they're on sale. But I suspect my next PFD will be another "normal" kayak fishing model.

[Mr_Scrogg]

I fell in love with the Stohlquist Fisherman PFD. So much, I still wear it even though I have a Lowe Tin bass boat. Its comfortable for the lake that requires it to be on all the time. And is comfortable when I wear it to make a run across the lake.

[flyfisher]

I am in the market for a new PFD and am debating on getting an inflatable version.  My only concern would be carrying a recharge kit with me in case i flip and how much time and hassle it is to recharge on the water.  Also I have no idea if they last a certain amount of time before you should set them off or if they won't go off if they sit still for a certain amount of time and if they break down over time with non use etc....i don't think i would use one on a river trip but there is the possibility on lake trips.

[Felix77]

For what it's worth I have tried both.  While the inflatable PFD is definitely more comfortable once you find a good quality Kayak centric PFD you will be better off.  You never have to worry about the recharging kit and you will be just as comfortable.

 

My 2 cents.