Kayak Fishing In The Wind

[stk44]

I am a trout fisherman turned bass fisherman. I would always fish noodle rods and fly rods for trout, pan fish, and steel head. I've done very well. Until about a few years ago I started to target bass, I liked the short fights and the greater challenge of keeping the fish from spitting the hook.

 

As I try to apply all the knowledge that I gain from past experiences and other peoples advice, I believe the reason I struggle above all else is my kayak. The darn thing weighs about 45-50 lbs max. Its a perception sport "fishing" kayak. By fishing, I mean the company molded 2 rod holders and marketed it as a fishing kayak. I tried to battle 12 mph winds with 15+ gusts today- didn't work out as I planned. Whenever I mark a point or hump or anything I toss out a marker buoy. By the time I make a long cast past the structure, my kayak is already 90 degrees and a dozen+ yards down wind/stream. I just cant efficiently cover water in the wind.

 

This all being said, I have tried a Predator MX Kayak ONE TIME. It seemed very stable, but there wasn't much wind during the test. Does anyone have a PREDATOR MX, PREDATOR 13, or similar style yak and give me some feedback on how the boat performs in the wind, moving water, lakes etc?

 

 

I typically fish smaller lakes < 100 ACRES.

 

Thanks,

 

Steve

 

 

 

 

[DogBone_384]

An anchor trolley and 3 pound anchor do the trick for me.  The trolley lets you position your kayak in the best direction to cast in if it's windy.  

[stk44]

I've never used the anchor trolley but I've anchored off the bow and stern of the kayak an the kayak still sways a lot. What type of kayak do you have? I'm wondering if I new yak+ anchor trolley would help?

[DogBone_384]

I have an Ascend 128T and FeelFree Lure 11.5.  They're both SOTs and stable enough to stand while fishing.

 

This thread might be helpful: 

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/158454-kayak-boat-control/?hl=%2Banchor+%2Btrolley

[stk44]

Thanks! I'll take a look. I am in a sit in kayak and it just seems to make everything more difficult

[Evan K]

I have a Perception Prodigy 10.0 SINK that I've modified to work for fishing. I agree that wind is always a struggle. My 1.5 lb anchor and trolley has helped a lot. My current problem is the kayak is built so that I have to store all my gear up on top, which makes it horribly unstable.

[Caliyak]

I have a tarpon. When its windy, I change my game plan to use the wind in my favor. I troll with a crank or Carolina and use the wind to move me along. I hope that made sense. Also, I find trees or structure to block the wind. Wind will make a day of kayak fishing a horrible experience. Don't let it ruin your passion for kayak fishing.

[stk44]

I have a tarpon. When its windy, I change my game plan to use the wind in my favor. I troll with a crank or Carolina and use the wind to move me along. I hope that made sense. Also, I find trees or structure to block the wind. Wind will make a day of kayak fishing a horrible experience. Don't let it ruin your passion for kayak fishing.

It definitely makes sense. I don't know how trolling would work at this point. The water temp is around 50 degrees here, so I guess that's it for me this year.

[Turtle135]

I have been bass fishing from a kayak since 1991 and I also started in a sit inside kayak as a SINK was pretty much all that was available back in those days. I found the switch to a sit on top kayak to be an advantage as well as a safer platform in some sketchy fishing environments (moving water, cold water). Currently I am fishing out of a Wilderness Systems Ride 115. SOT kayaks are generally a little better in shedding the wind. The Wilderness Systems ATAK was designed with a low profile to be even better in shedding the wind.



I am down here in Maryland and it sounds like we both had some serious wind issues to deal with over the weekend. When I saw the forecast on Windfinder I opted to fish on the Tidal Potomac River. As that water is a shallow fishery I was able to use my Yakattack ParkNPole (stake out pole) to keep me in the same zip code as the bass I was targeting.



One handed paddling, stake out poles, anchoring straight off the nose or straight off the back of the kayak all help in combating the wind. If you do use an anchor on your kayak look into ways of having a "quick release" for the anchor line. I use a version I found online, google "palmetto kayak anchor". Instead of using a claw anchor I find a 5-pound dumbbell plate does the trick for me.

[buzzed bait]

you will find that any kayak will give you trouble in winds over 10mph, at least that's been my experience.  above 10mph you have to anchor out to have much of a chance in holding your position.  i have a ride 135 and it does great for me, but will still give me trouble in stronger winds.  This is just the nature of the beast. 

[flyfisher]

Wind and deep water positioning is probably the most problematic for anglers to deal with.  You can either use the wind to your advantage or try and anchor to a spot. An anchor trolley helps a lot but learning where to position your boat in relation to the structure you want to fish can take some getting used to.  Another option is fishing shallow enough for a stake out pole.  they will help lock you into place as well.  Another option is to use two anchors or a combination of stake out pole and anchor to truly lock in your position.

[Felix77]

Ride 115x,

 

3 anchor points setup on my yak ...

 

Off the stern via the Scotty Anchor kit with a 3lb anchor

 

port, starboard (via cleats) - 1-2lb anchor to stabilize me in a spot.

 

Work off the stern first if I have to.  Sides are only in those cases where it's pretty windy and I need a 2nd lockdown point after settled in with the starboard anchor.

 

I tried anchor trolley setups and for some reason didn't like them.

 

Felix

[Fin Stalker]

I have a Predator 13. Honestly it's not the best kayak in the world for windy days because it is "high sided" and it rides high in the water. As far as stability is concerned it is very stable. I'm sure there are kayaks out there that are more stable but in my mind there comes a point when you give up too much speed for the sake of stability and the Predator and other kayaks of similar width are at that point. I have grown to really enjoy fishing out of it. She has a very open feel to the cockpitand there is plenty of room for storage. It makes for a great slow water kayak and I also use it a lot on small lakes. If you have any specific questions about the P13 I'll be more than happy to answer them as best I can.

P.S.

I've never been on the MX.

[Montanaro]

Was windy yesterday in my lure 11.5

Drifting with it is a great idea...except 1. Bass were relating to specific cover and 2. Wind was blowing from 3 directions. Had to give up and now put in an amazon order to make trolley

[flyfisher]

take a look at the yak attack anchor trolley.....i am picking up one myself this week.  

[Dye99]

I too fish a ATAK....Love my boat...Seat in the high position and when Im standing does sail though!

 

Ive got an anchor trolley on both sides of the yak but for me, I fish deep water in my local lake, so having an anchor at 60ft is not conducive to pin point positioning. I use a fish grip through the trolley far more to hook onto semi submerged trees.

 

But with that said, I would humbly suggest that when it comes to wind fishing, to get a pattern of movement down rather than all the gadgets.

I find my fish with electronics, then paddle into the wind past my spot in a way that lets me cast into the strike zone a dozen times as the wind moves me passed it. You can use the wind in your favor if you get it down and it will make you a better kayaker in general.

 

The last tournament I did was two weeks ago, and I went against great fisherman who spent more time playing with their anchor trolleys, anchors and lines than throwing baits. And none of those guys did very well. It was pretty strong winds.

Those of us who just kept it simple, used the wind to our advantage, and spent more time with lines in the water had better odds..

Not even mentioning without all that gear in your boat, you are lighter and can move farther and faster.

[the reel ess]

Used to try to use an anchor. I ran the rope thru a D ring in the bow with a cleat to tie off on right beside me. But it was as big a hassle as paddling in the wind so I gave up on it. I just look for areas where I can avoid some of the wind, back the yak up till it's touching bottom and fish away from the bank or go to a pond I have access to that's in a low-lying, mostly wooded area. On really windy days, I'll see if my buddy's going and tag along in the back seat of his Bass Tracker. He has a killer variable speed trolling motor.

[boostr]

take a look at the yak attack anchor trolley.....i am picking up one myself this week.

Those are good, Yak-Gear makes a nice one also, check out thier Deluxe Anchor Trolly Kit.

[flyfisher]

I looked at the yak-gear ones but the big selling point for me on the yak attack one is the locking lever for the line and the clips that hold the line tight against the boat and then the one end tucks under when not in use...win win for me.

[Darren.]

Wind + yaks = fun (tongue in cheek).

 

It's been recommended to use anchor trolleys

and you'll want one on both sides.

 

For me, I don't carry anchors with me anymore,

just my 7' Stik-it Anchor pin. If I'm in deeper water

I just use my trolling motor to keep me in position.

 

Most of the time I'm in the shallows and the pin

does the trick. I'll still sway, but there's only so 

much you can do to eliminate that.

 

My yak is a Native Ultimate 12, customized with

a 30 lb thrust Minn Kota on the back, I steer with

my feet via cables to the foot pedals. I keep a 

spare emergency paddle with me for just-in-case

occasions.

 

Absolutely love the trolling motor option. I'd do it

again if I had the money. Or I'd opt for a pedal type

yak like the Hobie Pro Angler, Native Slayer Propel.

[Montanaro]

Just finished my anchor trolley tonight. Cant wait for the weekend. My better spots are deeper and offshore making it difficult to fish

[Dogmatic]

I found a drag anchor, made from heavy chain, and bike tube works great for fishing in windy conditions.

[stk44]

I will probably get the Predator MX next spring. I will collect my thoughts with some of the suggested ideas and see what will work best for me. I will definitely keep the stake out poles and anchor trolleys in mind.

[boostr]

I looked at the yak-gear ones but the big selling point for me on the yak attack one is the locking lever for the line and the clips that hold the line tight against the boat and then the one end tucks under when not in use...win win for me.

I think thats thier newer trolly. I bought mine before that one came out. That is a nice system though.