10 Tips for the Beginner Kayak Fisherman (part 1)

This article was written by Darrell Olson and re-published with permission.
Darrell writes for www.yakangler.com

Why is kayak fishing such a big deal? It is exciting, inexpensive, simple, and healthy sport where you set your own pace and also catch great fish. Kayak fishing is considered a frontier sport since it is still in the early developmental stages. That means there is not much information available. Here are some suggestions to help the beginner YakAngler.

1.  Consult a Kayak Fishing Expert: “Expert” is a relative term. Many of the serious kayak anglers have been at this sport for three to four years. They usually do not consider themselves experts, but they are a gold mine to the inexperienced.
Other sources for kayak anglers are the various web sites and forums that are available. Yakangler.com and kayakfishingradio.com have experts on hand to assist new kayak anglers to get started.
Consider your local paddle shop. They can provide insight into kayak selection and paddling techniques.

2.  Where to Kayak Fish: Kayaks are very versatile; there is no limit of places to fish. Your choices will depend on paddling distance, time frame, and/or ability. Kayaking is great exercise and age is rarely a barrier to the sport.
Fishing smarter will catch more fish than fishing harder and paddling farther. Good planning can make up for lack of paddling ability or time available. Use a map like Google Earth when planning to fish areas that you do not know well. Choose a circular route that will give you more fishing opportunities.

3.  Develop Multiple Species Versatility: Learn the positive and negative influences on the fish in your area. Consider the weather, moon phases, season of the species and the environment. Keep a log of some type. Use this log to develop a strategy that will give you a more successful fishing trip. On the other hand, kayak fishing is fun even without the catching.

4.  Kayak Selection: Before looking into purchasing a kayak consider these questions: Where are you likely to fish? Freshwater or saltwater? Ponds, larger lakes or big rivers? Bays or launching in the surf? What are your target fish? Will it be big game or bluegills? Will you be fly fishing? Or perhaps you will do all of the above. Some of the more important considerations are: stability, comfortable seating, storage compartments, and how you will transport the kayak. Most kayak stores will let you demo or rent the kayaks you are interested in. Take advantage of any kayak festivals or shows within driving distance. You’ll be able to see & demo lots of different kayaks, and will also have the benefit of talking to the manufacturer’s reps.

End of Part 1