How does kayak fishing make you a better tournament fisherman?

[Junk Fisherman]

Just curious what your thoughts are on this.  I have some ideas but I want to hear from people that both kayak fish and fish traditional tournaments.  

[Logan S]

Fishing out of a smaller rig, whether its as small as a kayak, a john boat, or just a smaller boat, will always make you a better overall fisherman when you get into a full sized rig.  It forces you to fish whats in front of you and be thorough since picking up and running long distances is not an option.  You have to figure out how to catch them where you are, instead of going to a more favorable location.

 

I don't fish from a kayak, but I started tournament fishing long ago in a 17' Tracker with a 25hp and I think I'm a better fisherman now because of it.  

[Dens228]

Logan S hit the nail on the head.  With a slower means of travel across the water you need to be proficient at eliminating water before you get there. 

 

I'm NOT saying kayak fisherman are better, I'm just stating how it can make you a better fisherman. 

[MN Fisher]

I'm a canoe fisherman, but it's pretty much the same. Logan is right in that it teaches you how to read the locale you're at closer, and try a wider variety of techniques. This serves you in the long run as you eventually are able to effortlessly switch from one style of fishing to another based on your situation.

[Oregon Native]

My thoughts on fishing a kayak in the south is you all have nerves of steel.  Being that close to the water and looking a snake in the eye is truly bravery.  Would have done it on the west coast...down south....NOT.

[FishOn!GetTheNet]

Yup it’s all about fishing what’s in front of you When I’m in my kayak I will fish  one spot everything I have before I move on when I’m in my ranger it’s to easy to shoot across the lake instead of trying something else or just move 30 yards I constantly have to tell myself that 

[Hawkeye21]

Being a kayak fisherman taught me how to really study a body of water and break it down.  There is a lot more strategy that goes into kayak fishing since I can't motor to a new spot quickly.  I need to pick the right spot right away.  If that is not the right spot then I need to have a plan B and maybe even Plan C.  I have to determine whether it's worthwhile taking the time to get off the water and move to another spot.

 

When on the water it's all about working an area thoroughly.  I learn to have more patience.  I usually throw more lures out of a kayak because I'll work an area longer. 

[J Francho]

Efficiency.  It's taught me to map out my plans for the day.  I may have three or four scenarios come tournament day, with different routes.  None of them involve me randomly running up and down the lake.  With a kayak, you can easily cover 5-10 miles in a day, but you aren't traveling that far at once.  I might make a long run from the launch, then aork my way back.  Or, I might do a circuit from the launch.  Same goes with the big boat.

[TnRiver46]

On 2/9/2019 at 7:17 AM, Oregon Native said:

My thoughts on fishing a kayak in the south is you all have nerves of steel.  Being that close to the water and looking a snake in the eye is truly bravery.  Would have done it on the west coast...down south....NOT.

Always remember: you are armed at the very least with a paddle!

[Oregon Native]

17 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Always remember: you are armed at the very least with a paddle!

Not enough...………...