10 Useful Kayak Fishing Tips to Let You Gain Maximum Success in Your Learning Phase

Even if you are experienced in kayaking as well as fishing, it’s not necessary that you are experienced in kayak fishing too. You might be frustrated with your inability to move quietly through small waterways just because your kayak is too loud or large. If you are longing for being all alone in the ocean and catching tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi, perhaps you need kayak fishing. Kayak fishing offers unmatched maneuverability through unspoiled fishing regions that cannot be accessed by shore fishermen and boaters. Here are a few tips that will help you gain success in kayak fishing right from the beginning.

Before You Start Your Trip

1. Go Through Local Fishing Reports

Knowing what’s biting, why and where is not just an important part of building your skills as a kayak fisherman, but also a responsible thing to do from environment point of view.

2. Check Weather

After you buy one of the best fishing kayaks, don’t forget to check weather reports before starting your trip. You should remember the following weather elements.

Rain: While planning to kayak in the rain, don’t forget to bring appropriate gear to stay dry.

Lightning: If a thunderstorm starts during your adventure, immediately return to shore. Lay your fishing rods flat in the kayak so that they won’t work as lightning rods.

Wind: Strong winds can give rise to choppy waves which you’d want to avoid especially when you’re riding a small vessel like kayak.

Fog: Though not particularly dangerous, fog may make you lose track of your position and cause you get lost, making you bear the elements for much longer than you expected.

3. Watch Other Vessels

It’s important to correctly (almost) estimate the time you may take to cross large waterways before you start crossing. Be aware of oncoming vessels moving speedily which may pass you faster than you anticipate. Also watch tankers, the massive vessels transporting gas, oil and other goods, and also generating large waves. Paddle straight toward the waves with as much speed as possible to punch cleanly through, rather than moving parallel to waves which can increase your risk of capsizing.

What to Pack

4. Safety Gear

Though you are adventurous, safety should be your first priority. You should bring a personal floating device. Other safety items you should pack are flares, gloves, whistle, first aid kit, a headlamp, fishing rod leash, paddle leash and an emergency kayak repair kit.

5. Skin Protection Gear

Pack your waterproof sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, sun-protective clothing and sunglasses.

6. Food and Water

Food and water are useful not only for survival, but also to save you from depression when fish aren’t biting. Drink ample water on the day before your trip to avoid dehydration. Pack plenty of water-rich foods like fruits and lean protein to snack on.

On Your Trip

7. Practice Sight Fishing

Looking into the water and sighting fish first with your eyes is known as sight fishing. For this, you should wear polarized glasses because they diminish glare from the water so that you can see through the water.

At Outdoor Gear Guru, you can get a variety of kayaks. If you have chosen an extra-wide kayak or one designed for stand-up fishing, learn standing and paddling along a shore or marsh prepared with your rod to cast.

8. Move Stealthily

Any shocks formed inside your boat will be felt by fish swimming close by. Learn to move silently without knocking your rod or paddle against the kayak or water’s surface.

9. Learn to Change Lure Efficiently

Well-organized lure changing could refer to the difference between catching fish or not. Often, you may locate a group of feeding or schooling fish only to let them go just because your line held an incorrect lure. Learn and practice changing lures fast before you start.

10. Learn Drifting

Efficient drifting can be useful even more than using an anchor. Paddle a little in your desired direction and then drift with the stream through your targets.

Follow these tips to gain maximum success in your learning phase of kayak fishing. Happy fishing!