Freshwater Kayak Fishing: A Short Guide

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If you are looking for an exciting sports activity that will take you outdoors, you might want to consider freshwater kayak fishing. Unlike most boats, a kayak is light enough to be carried by one person. This means that if you want to have some quiet time as you fish, you can carry your kayak to a secluded area and enjoy the peace that comes with fishing.

Freshwater Kayak Fishing Tips for a Beginner

If you are fairly new to the sport, here is a short guide to freshwater kayak fishing. For starters, if you have a friend or family member who is an experienced fisherman, it might be a good idea to ask them to tag along. Having someone around with some experience can be fun, and it can also be a great way to learn a thing or two.

The next important step is to identify the type of kayak that is suitable for your needs. The selection of a good kayak will depend on where you intend to go fishing. You may be planning to fish in a freshwater lake or or pond, or you might be a bit more ambitious and want to hit the ocean. There are kayaks for either choice.

When choosing the kayak, you will have to consider factors such as the length of the unit, and whether you will choose to use peddles or paddles. It is also important to consider the width of the unit because a wider kayak has more stability in the water. The weight of the kayak will determine whether you can carry it alone or whether you will need a wheeled cart to move it around.

Since you are purchasing the kayak for recreation, you should choose a kayak that you like! You can also customize it with features like: a comfortable backrest, cooler and a storage area. Really, there is no shortage of accessories you can outfit you kayak with.

Bonus Video!

Learning Some Useful Kayaking Skills

It’s important to learn how to change the direction of the boat. It is a fact that you can catch more fish while drifting. It is this advisable to learn drifting techniques that will make your experience worthwhile.

In case you ever find yourself fishing upwind, your paddling will become less efficient making it hard to stay focused. Before you go out on the water, make sure to take some time to familiarize yourself with paddling upwind.

You should also get comfortable with carrying a heavier load and storing lots of additional items. In addition to your paddle, you’ll also have your reel, bait and tackle boxes, chilly bins, and a possibly a few other bits and bobs to make your journey more comfortable – such as your lunch and a rain jacket. And if you’re camping, you’ll also be weighed down if you have to transport your tent, sleeping bag, and other camping supplies to your camp site via kayak.

Try to pack as light as possible while still bringing enough supplies for all eventualities. People that are fans of other outdoor activities like hunting and hiking, will know how a light backpack can turn into a ten ton boulder by the end of the day. Bring only what you need.

We’d always advise to start kayaking and fishing in waters that you know well. Beginning in an area that you are familiar with will give you a chance to build your confidence.

Novice anglers may also want to learn sight fishing to improve their chances of catching. It can be a long, boring day without the excitement of reeling in a fish.

However, remember that freshwater kayak fishing is supposed to be fun. Enjoy the scenery and embrace being in the great outdoors. Try not to get overwhelmed or frustrated. We were all beginners once, and the only way to improve is to be patient and practice as much as you can.