Kayak Fishing

[Marquis Cooper]

Hello everyone,

 

So I have been fishing a lot lately and I do not have a boat. So shore fishing for me it is. Sometimes it's extremely frustrating lol. With that being said I cannot afford a boat so I'm going to be getting a kayak here pretty soon. Just want to know if anyone else does their fishing from a Kayak. I can imagine it is different from fishing a boat, so I need tips. Advantages and disadvantages if at all possible. As always I appreciate any help I can get.

 

Thank you!

[MIbassyaker]

 

Just want to know if anyone else does their fishing from a Kayak.

 

Yes!

 

Actually, a lot of people here fish from kayaks...they're easy to use, easy to transport, and they can open up a ton of water for you compared to fishing on shore. You can also get into and through narrow, shallow places that other boats can't go. It's easiest to fish from one specifically made for angling, and most people, including me, prefer a sit-on-top rather than a sit-inside (although, honestly, I tend to think almost any kayak is better than no kayak...except maybe one that leaks...)

[the reel ess]

Hello everyone,

 

So I have been fishing a lot lately and I do not have a boat. So shore fishing for me it is. Sometimes it's extremely frustrating lol. With that being said I cannot afford a boat so I'm going to be getting a kayak here pretty soon. Just want to know if anyone else does their fishing from a Kayak. I can imagine it is different from fishing a boat, so I need tips. Advantages and disadvantages if at all possible. As always I appreciate any help I can get.

 

Thank you!

Welcome! Yeah, I fish from a kayak. There's a thread about 60 pages long about this very subject on the boats board. I have an older fish/ski boat. But since I got the kayak, I never use it. Need to sell it.

 

My kayak is a decent $500 fishing, sit on top from Academy. It was a good entry level boat. I can't stand on it, but fishing is easy. It has a rod holder and I rigged a crate with 3 more holders. I even bought my daughter a smaller one so she can tag along. For my next I want one you pedal with your feet. I got some saving to do. Or I could just sell the boat.

 

Disadvantage: You can't run and gun all day. I try to fish small places. I have asked permission to fish several private ponds.

Advantage: You can be alone and get to some places others can't or won't.

 

Good luck! And take pics to show off on here.

[fishangdood]

Personally, I prefer shorter rods (6'6") when fishing from my yak; I even use 5'6" pistol grips.  I love fishing overhangs and slowly drifting under them, so packing shorter rods makes that process a tad bit easier when I need to tuck them away.

[Darren.]

Hey Marquis!

 

I'm among the myriad of kayak fisherfolk on 

this site. It really can be a game changer if you

have been shore-bound, as I was.

 

Actually had a canoe, but it was so darn heavy

that I shore-fished until I got a yak.

 

My advice is to start with a price you can afford.

You can find a fishing kayak for $300-500 brand

new. Realize you probably won't be able to stand

in it, though. I recommend Sit On Top (SOT) as 

they tend to be best for fishing out of.

 

You'll want a good paddle (light) and always - yes,

I mean 100% of the time - wear a PFD (Personal

Floatation Device). I bought mine at Bass Pro and it

has served me well for years.

 

I started out with a $300 (and change) Pelican fishing

kayak that was at a local BJ's warehouse. My sons 

use that yak all the time. I upgraded to a Native Ultimate

12 foot hybrid yak that I've since outfitted with a trolling

motor and such. Serves me well.

 

Once you get started, the juices of what you can do will

begin flowing and you'll constantly be thinking of how

you can better outfit your rig to suit your fishing!

 

Good luck on the search. Oh, and do check Craig's List

and other local sources for used kayaks. Sometimes you

can find an absolute gem for next to nothing.

[flyfisher]

Not sure if I can add to what everyone else has already posted but rest assured, there are plenty of us on here that fish from plastic boats.  I also don't find it any different from a gear perspective that fishing from a boat.  I also find rods in the 7' range to allow me better leverage when setting the hook and landing the fish.

 

Take your time and don't rush into a decision as far as boats go, get the boat that fits your budget and fishing locations.  Also don't forget to think about how you will transport the boat to and from your fishing destinations as that can impact your budget.

[Caliyak]

Coop, fishing from a kayak is very addicting and the spouse might get jealous. I fish from a Tarpon SOT 10 foot beast. I pick up the yak with one hand and transport in the back of my truck with no problems. One thing feature I like about my yak, the slide track. No need to drill holes. Rod holders and fish finder go on the track. I even have a cleat on the track. No DMV, no trailer, no engine problem and no one to bother you. I would not sell my yak for a boat. Also, I keep it light with gear. 3 poles, 4 plano boxes in a milk crate, anchor, pliers and one water proof box for phone and keys. One last thing, exercise and fishing at the same time. You can't beat that. Enjoy and welcome to the addiction.

[the reel ess]

 I also find rods in the 7' range to allow me better leverage when setting the hook and landing the fish.

This is good advice. It also helps fight a fish around the bow of the boat. I usually take my entire tackle box if going to a private place and I can just come back to the truck if need be. But when I go to a public place, I have an extra Plano 3700 that I'll put what I think I need for that trip into. If you can't get out of the yak, it can be hard to change lures. 

 

I'll admit I'm a strong swimmer and at times I haven't worn my PFD. Especially when I'm with someone else and in an ankle deep creek. I've fallen out only once, but it was COLD. Better to wear that thing.

 

Ability to stand up is nice, but if you're good at feeling a strike that's all you need. Check your state's requirements for public water. You probably have to have a PDF and whistle on the yak. Read up on buying the correct length paddle. You don't need to spend a fortune on that either. As mentioned already, SOT is what most people prefer for fishing. It's way cooler in summer too. You can hang your feet in the water and cool off.

 

• I've discovered twice I was able to go into stumps and flooded timber and catch fish that I never could have gotten with even a jonboat.
• And you can go get your $10 lure when if gets hung up.
• No gas to buy!
• Waaay cheaper!
• Very little maintenance.
• You're not as tired after fishing for hours.
• You don't need a boat ramp-this is probably the best advantage of all. You can have a place to yourself!
• A few people will look at you funny until you catch fish in front of them. Then they'll get interested. People see my FB pics and ask me about getting started.
• Lots of people go overboard, pun intended, with the add-ons, electronics, etc. You can easily spend as much on a kayak and rigging as you would a cheap jonboat. I have consciously avoided this because I got into the hobby to get back to basics.

[Gerber54]

I was in a similar situation last year. I couldn't afford my dream boat but I needed to get off the shore. I considered a kayak for a long time but standing while fishing is important to me. Additionally I love to go fishing with my girlfriend so we would lickley be buying two kayaks. Add in a roof rack and some accessories and the cost starts to add up. We also are living in an apartment complex so storage for two decent size boats was a concern. Literally 10 minutes after watching this video I went online an purchase the same canoe. We added in a trolling motor and couldn't be happier. I can toss it on top of the jeep by myself, stand up all day long and take as much gear as I would ever need. Plus we can fish 2 adults comfortably, 3 comfortably just to paddle around.

 

For storage I set up a pulley in the garage, strap the boat to the wall and filly it with our gear. The car still fits with plenty of room.

[bjangler]

I have a small boat I use on my river but a kayak I use at my friends camp on a lake. Although my kayak is not made for fishing, I tend to just bear the pain of sitting in it for hours (get out on rocks or islands every so often) since it hurts my back since the seat is awful. Anyways, I can still take three rods with me, and find spinning rods are easiest to use while in a kayak. For more finesse things like dropshot/wacky worms, etc. I actually just got back from kayak fishing and did well tonight, I love the mobility and being able to get where boats cannot. Hook sets and landing fish will most likely be a challenge at first, I have gotten much better at them. Having a small net with you at all times can really make a difference and significantly cut down your loss ratio as you try to get it awkwardly while in your kayak. Here is my best in a kayak this year, and my runner-up personal best. 

 

Goodluck with your purchase!

[the reel ess]

I have a small boat I use on my river but a kayak I use at my friends camp on a lake. Although my kayak is not made for fishing, I tend to just bear the pain of sitting in it for hours (get out on rocks or islands every so often) since it hurts my back since the seat is awful. Anyways, I can still take three rods with me, and find spinning rods are easiest to use while in a kayak. For more finesse things like dropshot/wacky worms, etc. I actually just got back from kayak fishing and did well tonight, I love the mobility and being able to get where boats cannot. Hook sets and landing fish will most likely be a challenge at first, I have gotten much better at them. Having a small net with you at all times can really make a difference and significantly cut down your loss ratio as you try to get it awkwardly while in your kayak. Here is my best in a kayak this year, and my runner-up personal best. 

 

Goodluck with your purchase!

I don't know what line you use. But I find braid on spinning and florocarbon on BC for T rigs helps a lot with that hookset. No stretch with braid and very little with floro. But then I use 17# floro. These lines and good hooks (I use Gamakatsu hooks) will drastically improve the hookup ratio. 

 

I still use mono for the BC baits with trebles.

[DogBone_384]

Can't agree more with what's already been said.  I chose a kayak instead of a boat last year because my daughter starts college in 3 years and I don't have enough parking at my house because I live in a city.

 

Kayaks are a great affordable option to get on the water and in many cases go where powered boats can't.

 

Craigslist is a good place to start if looking for used.  If buying new, hopefully there's a shop in your area that lets you paddle their models before you buy.  I own Ascend, FeelFree, and Native kayaks and like my FeelFree best.  

 

When you get one, you'll need a good life vest and paddle.  There are a million accessories to add too.  An anchor trolley, anchor, and stern light should top the list.

 

You'll find tons of opinions and tips on kayaks and fishing from them in this forum.  And if that's your son in your avatar photo, you'll end up buying at least two kayaks!

 

Good luck in getting yourself a fishing kayak!

[bjangler]

I don't know what line you use. But I find braid on spinning and florocarbon on BC for T rigs helps a lot with that hookset. No stretch with braid and very little with floro. But then I use 17# floro. These lines and good hooks (I use Gamakatsu hooks) will drastically improve the hookup ratio. 

 

I still use mono for the BC baits with trebles.

I use braid on all 3 of my setups and love it (20# PowerPro). Not at a point financially to have a million setups and different things so they are all multi-purpose.