Is kayak fishing frustrating?

[Hawkeye21]

Kayak fishing in the wind can get very frustrating in the wind, especially when you're on a river or in an area with lots of overhanging obstructions like trees.  Just like anything, you learn as you go.  I use a stake out pole when fishing shallow water and that makes a huge difference for me.  When in deeper water I may throw out my anchor or just drift along and fish.

 

Having a good seat and a stable kayak makes a huge difference.  Being able to stand up and not worry about balance as much takes a lot of strain off your body.  Having a good seat obviously helps with back issues and overall comfort.  I have a swivel seat on mine and it's extremely helpful as it makes it easier to turn around and grab tackle or poles along with helping me position myself for casting and reeling.  These are reasons I bought the NuCanoe Frontier 12.

 

As frustrating as it can sometimes be I don't think I would ever change anything.  I love fishing out of my kayak and don't regret not having a bass boat.

[Deleted account]

On 4/13/2019 at 8:46 PM, NYWayfarer said:

All of the problems you mention can be overcome.

Yeah, by getting a boat. 

[Choporoz]

Wind blows.

 

However, upgrading to Hobie has made an incredible difference in my wind tolerance.

[NYWayfarer]

43 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

Yeah, by getting a boat. 

Trading one problem for another.

 

 

[jaimeastin]

Kayak fishing is my favorite... I find fishing our of a boat to be more of a pain than kayak fishing

[Harold Scoggins]

7 minutes ago, jaimeastin said:

Kayak fishing is my favorite... I find fishing our of a boat to be more of a pain than kayak fishing

My boat sat unused in the garage for 3 years after I got my first kayak. Finally sold it and have never regretted it. Being able to get into spots I could never have taken the boat turned out to be a major bonus. Keep your boat, I like being a yak driver. 

[Yakalong]

I've fished from my kayak for about 6-7 years now. You don't need a high end kayak to catch fish (yes it may be nicer but not required IMO). One of the things I learned is don't get in hurry. Position yourself to help use the wind or current to your advantage. 

[jaimeastin]

1 hour ago, Yakalong said:

I've fished from my kayak for about 6-7 years now. You don't need a high end kayak to catch fish (yes it may be nicer but not required IMO). One of the things I learned is don't get in hurry. Position yourself to help use the wind or current to your advantage. 

That's what I do.  All of my kayaks are paddle and all have about trolleys.

[FATYAKKER]

This was mentioned above but its good advice I suggest if your interested in seeing what its like with a higher end kayak stability and features wise go to a local kayak shop and see if they rent them out for the day or weekend. I know we have one here that does that and it doesn't cost a whole lot. 35$ a day I think and they apply that fee towards a purchase if you end up buying one.

[J Francho]

I started with a big, fully outfitted Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game.  Aside from realizing and accepting certain limitations, it wasn't frustrating at all.  The boat actually had too many amenities that I didn't always need.  Get a good hull, and keep the rigging simple.  All that's on my Hobie Compass is a graph, arm, paddle holder.  The wind sucks, even with a pedal drive.  Tell you the truth, it sucks in a 20' bass boat, too.  Good anglers learn that where ever it's most difficult to fish, often yields the better fish.

[Paul Roberts]

Great advice in this thread.

 

You'll need a "fishing kayak" and then set it up to fish. Here's what I did to mine, before it even hit the water:

-Comfortable seat: A folding "stadium seat". ($50 -got a good one)

-Bow Line, to pull the boat around, and tie off. (parachute cord and piece of rubber tubing)

-Anchor: If you want to anchor on a short line, which I do, you'll need weight. Seems 5lbs holds mine. The special grappling anchors need a long line to grab. (dumbbell weight from thrift store)

-Anchor Trolley. ($30)

-Anchor Line Retractor: Clothesline retractor. ($25; got a good one; first try was a cheapy and it failed)

-Rod Holders: Made from ABS tubing. (~$10)

-Other stuff, but these are the basics to make it fishable.

 

"Fishability" is all about stability (hull design), comfort (for long hours), and control (maneuverability and ability to hold in place as precisely as possible). This last is huge for me.

 

I fish small waters, and use both a kayak and float tube. If your waters are less than 20acres, I'd strongly suggest the float tube. Way more precise control. But it's limited in speed and, therefore, range. Kayak offers range, and ability to sit higher in the water. Control is much less precise, esp with any wind. But, with practice anchoring, it can offer adequate control. I find I just have to get used to -that is, pay closer attention to- the inherent "slop" in the system.