Friday, February 5, 2010 at 12:35PM Kayak Fishing Tales: Before you go fishing in rough water, surf or moving current it is important to know how to get back in your kayak after you fall out. This week Ken Whiting shows us the trick to jumping back in after you fall out.
Friday, February 5, 2010 at 12:33PM Kayak Fishing Tales: As long as you're prepared for it, there's no reason you can't be out fishing from your kayak in cold conditions. In this episode, Jim Sammons explains how to stay warm and safe when kayak fishing in the cold.
Friday, March 20, 2009 at 4:17PM Many people who are interested in kayak fishing ask questions like “What type of kayak should I buy, what brand should I buy, where should I buy it, and which kayak makes the best fishing kayak?”The purpose of this article is to answer these types of questions.My goal is to help you make an informed choice based on your needs.
The Perfect Fishing Kayak
Let me begin by saying there is no such thing as the perfect kayak for fishing.There are strengths and weaknesses to every potential fishing kayak.Only recently have kayak manufacturers begun to design kayaks with the fisherman in mind.Prior to this, companies would attach a rod holder to it and call it a fishing kayak or angler model.Currently, there are many brands and models that make excellent kayaks to fish from.
Prior to purchasing my first kayak, I had never paddled one let alone fished from one.If you are in a similar situation, please don’t let that deter you from getting one.All it takes is a little practice to get comfortable.Afterwards, you will be glad you did.If you love fishing as much as I do, it’s amazing how much a kayak enhances that enjoyment.
Factors Independent of the Kayak
There are a few factors that you need to consider before purchasing the kayak that are independent of the kayak.One factor is you.Your body typewill dictate what type of kayak you will purchase.All kayaks are rated to hold a certain amount of weight.This includes you and your gear.If you are a large person, you will want to look at kayaks that can support your weight.Conversely, if you are a small person, a large kayak that can hold a lot of weight would not be your best choice.Your height is also a consideration.Some kayaks lack sufficient leg room for a taller person.Another factor is thetransportationand weight of the kayak.If you are using a car to transport your kayak, the weight of the kayak won’t factor in as much as if you were transporting on a large SUV.Loading and unloading a heavy kayak on a large vehicle can be difficult, especially if you are not a strong person.The last factor iswhere you plan on using your kayak.Ask yourself will I use it in freshwater only, both fresh and saltwater, large bodies of water, rivers, ocean, small creeks and lakes?All are important considerations.
Characteristics of the Kayak
The two types of kayaks I’m going to discuss are the sit-in style and sit-on-top style kayaks.Sit-in kayaksare one’s that you sit in.They offer more protection from the elements in relatively calm weather.In addition, they may be a good choice if you are only fishing in smaller bodies of water.Sit-in kayaks do lack some versatility compared to the next type of kayak.Sit-on-top kayaksare ones that you sit on rather than inside.They have what are called scupper holes throughout the bottom of the kayak that allow water to drain out of the kayak.
You can fish out of both types of kayaks, but I feel the sit-on-top kayak is a better choice for kayak fishing.There are a many reasons why I feel this way.One reason is the ease ofgetting in and out of the kayak.This includes places like flats in back bays where it’s shallow.You may wish to get out and wade.Other places are small rivers, streams, and creeks where there are many shallow areas. You may you have to get out frequently to drag the kayak through theses areas.The last place is the ocean.You will need the ability to hop off quickly when going out through the surf or coming back in.This was a very important consideration for me.The primary reason I bought the kayak was to fish in the ocean.I found out early on in my research that a sit-on-top is better for surf launches than sit-ins considering all the gear you will be taking with you.If a wave dumps you over, you can separate yourself from the kayak very easily.Also, you can store all your gear in the hatches to protect them.This brings me tostorage.Sit on top kayaks come with hatches that you can use for storage.Certain brands of kayaks have options to add hatches as extra.Some are better and offer more storage than others depending on the kayak.Sit-on-tops also have tank wells behind the seats where you can put a crate for additional storage.You will be taking a lot of gear with you such as fishing gear, food, water, and extra clothing.You will want ample storage.
There are other considerations to pay attention to when choosing either a sit-in kayak or sit-on-top kayak.One isriggingthe kayak. Some kayaks deck space is better for adding accessories such as rod holders and fish finders.Take a look at this carefully when looking at a kayak, and anticipate what you may want to add in the future.
Two isstability.Two types of stability are initial and secondary.Initial stability is the side-to-side wobbles of a kayak when you’re sitting in it.If you have good initial stability there is little movement when sitting in the kayak.The advantage is that you will feel very comfortable in the kayak, and not feel like you will fall out.The disadvantage is that if you happen to lean too far you may have little warning that you will flip.Secondary stability will make it more difficult to actually flip the kayak.You will feel a little more wobble, but flipping the kayak will be unlikely.I believe that secondary stability is the more important of the two.You may feel uneasy at first, but as you become more experienced your balance will adapt to the kayak that may wobble a little more.
Three isManeuverability.I suggest purchasing a kayak with a rudder.This allows you to steer the kayak with foot peddles.You will pay a little more for a kayak with a rudder, but you will not regret it.I have found it an invaluable tool while fishing.It helps steering on windy days, and while fighting a fish.Otherwise, the shorter the kayak the more maneuverable it will be.
Four isSpeed.Generally, the longer and narrower the kayak, the faster it will be.If you are fishing places where you need to paddle great distances, this will be a factor.Otherwise, giving up a little speed to gain maneuverability is the way to go.You will also want to pay attention totop speed vs. cruising speed.You will only be able to maintain a top speed for short periods of time in the most ideal conditions.Cruising speed is what you will be paddling the majority of the time.For example, if a kayak has a top speed of 5 mph, your cruising speed will be a few mph less.Wind, wave height, and currents will also have an impact on paddling speed, and lower that number even further.
Five isWeight.Try to keep the weight of the kayak you will purchase under 60 lbs.Anything heavier will make loading, unloading, and transporting difficult.Also, the kayak will be even heavier after you have loaded it with your gear.
Six isColor.You want to be as visible as possible on the water.You are small and sit very low to the water.As result, you may be difficult to see by other boaters.Colors I suggest are orange, yellow, and lime.Other ways to make the kayak visible is with a flag, bright clothing, a bright colored PFD, and bright paddle blades.
Last is todemothe kayaksyou are considering.If you have an opportunity to paddle the kayak, do it.You would hate to purchase a kayak and find out you do not like it.I had no prior paddling experience. Therefore I really didn’t have a reference base.I did my homework, and made a decision based on my research.The kayak I chose met all my needs. It took me time out on the water, but I grew very comfortable in my kayak.And you will too.
Here is a list of kayak companies, websites, and the kayak models.This will help start your search for your fishing kayak.
Wilderness Systems:http://www.wildernesssystems.com/Tarpon 120, 140, Pungo
Ocean Kayak:http://www.oceankayak.com/: Prowler 15, 13
Cobra:http://www.cobrakayaks.com/press_ims/balance_bar.html: Fish n Dive
Hobie:http://www.hobiecat.com/: Outback Fisherman
Heritage:http://www.heritagekayaks.com/: Red Fish, Featherlite
Malibu:http://www.malibukayaks.com/: extreme, x-factor
Emotion:http://www.emotionkayaks.com/: Fisherman
In Conclusion, here are the key points when looking to purchase a kayak for fishing:
First: Do your homework
Know what you’re looking for:
§Decide on a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak
§Find a kayak that fits your body type
§Find one that is easiest to transport
§Get a kayak that will support the type of fishing you will do
§And keep in mind the ease of getting in and out of your kayak
Second:answer these questions:
How will you rig your kayak and can the kayak support that?
Is there enough storage?
Does it have the stability I’m looking for?
Can I maneuver it easily?
Does it have the speed I require?
Is it light enough?
And will the color I choose be easily seen?
And last:Demo the Kayak before purchasing if possible
I hope you found the tips for choosing a fishing kayak helpful.
As always, please e-mail me with any questions you.
Friday, March 20, 2009 at 4:16PM Safety is the number one concern while fishing from a kayak.During the month of April, it’s not unusual to have days that reach 70, 75, or even 80 degrees.This creates a few problems for us while on the water.First, a warm day may cause people to dress in lighter clothing such as shorts and a T-shirt.Second, many people don’t realize that although the air temperature is warmer, the water temperature is still dangerously low.All it takes is a short time submerged in cold water to put your life in jeopardy.These risks can be significantly reduced if you take the necessary precautions before getting out on the water.I want to note that the suggestions I make are only that: suggestions.You as an individual have to decide what is best for you when it comes to your safety.These are the precautions that I take before going out on the water.There are three areas of kayak fishing safety I am going to talk about.They include safety equipment, items to bring with you while kayak fishing, and the weather.
Safety Equipment
The number one piece of safety equipment is the PFD or Personal Floatation Device.It should be coast guard approved, and be an appropriate size for the person wearing it.Make sure that you purchase one that is highly visible.For example, one that has reflective tape incorporated in the design.Also, make sure the PFD is comfortable.You will not wear one if it is not comfortable, especially on very hot, humid days in the summer.I have a vest that is made of a mesh material around the chest and neck.It provides good ventilation even in the hot summer months.Another suggestion is to purchase one with front pockets.It’s not necessary, but is a nice place to put small items such as lures, and candy bars.Check out these websites for more information on PFD’s.
Now that you have a PFD, you will need to keep several safety items attached to it at all times:
1)Whistle:Used as an attention getter in time of distress, and it’s recommended by the Coast Guard
2)Knife:Make sure it is easily accessible in case of emergency.You will have fishing line, rod leashes, and a paddle leash which all have the potential for entanglement.A short knife that has a quick release sheath which is attached to your PFD may come in handy.
3)PFD light:the purpose is for visibility when fishing at night.Also, an LED headlamp comes in handy for seeing what you are doing at night.
4)VHF radio:This is necessary when fishing in saltwater.You will have direct contact with the coast guard in case of an emergency.Make sure its waterproof, and attach it to you PFD.
Other items to bring
These are items you will need to store in your kayak.Number one is a first aid kit sealed in a waterproof container or dry bag.You will definitely want extra clothing in a dry bag which can be stored in one of the kayak hatches.Additionally you will want plenty of food and water, and a cell phone in a waterproof bag.All these items can be stored within the hatches in your kayak.They can also be placed in waterproof dry bags which are secured in the tank well behind your seat.
Weather
Cold water will reduce your body temperature quickly and can prove to be life threatening.I suggest layering clothes made of fleece type material.It will wick moisture away quickly, and will dry faster.Over top, you should wear a waders/drytop combination which is cinched around the waist, or a breathable drysuit.This will keep you dry, and the clothing underneath will keep you warm.The drysuit is expensive, but I feel its well worth it for the ease of putting it on, and the security of knowing you are safe.The sun is a factor as well.Reflected water can really give you a nice burn if you don’t wear sun block.Always wear sunscreen that is waterproof and has a high SPF.
So, to review kayak fishing safety:
1)Always wear a coast guard approved PFD
2)Wear the proper clothing for cold water situations
3)Keep a whistle, knife, light, and radio on your PFD at all times
4)Bring plenty of food and water, cell phone, first aid kit, and extra clothing
5)And don’t forget your sunscreen
Good Luck and safe fishing
Friday, March 20, 2009 at 4:15PM My kayak fishing adventures have taken me from small creeks in southeastern PA for smallmouth bass to the Atlantic Ocean for Stripers and Bluefish. One of the things that really interested me about kayak fishing was how creative people were when rigging their kayaks. The set-ups can get quite elaborate with the only limitation being one’s imagination. I initially equipped my kayak with a fish-finder, GPS, 3 rod holders, milk crate for storage, an anchor system, and a drift sock. This was a very modest set-up compared to others, but it suited my needs. Over the years, the amount of time it took me to unload the kayak and get it rigged for a day of fishing was wearing on me. Additionally, my passion for fly fishing had been increasing.
There is a small lake close to my home where I fished from my kayak for a few hours at sunset during the summertime. My set-up included a fly rod and one box of flies. What a difference. It took me no time to get on and off the water. As a result, I began thinking about applying this strategy to the other types of fishing that I do. Could I head out into the back bays of New Jersey armed with only a fly rod? Do I dare leave my spin rod at home while floating the Delaware River for smallmouth bass? The answer to that question is yes. That being said, I can’t imagine giving up my fish-finder in certain situations, but I can certainly give up the milk crate, rod holders, 3 or 4 rods, and 3 or 4 bags of tackle.
This will be my strategy for the 2009 fishing season. Outside my PFD and paddle, the only things I will take with me on the water are a fly rod, a box of flies, and a small dry bag to hold my food, water, and first aid kit.
So, take a moment to think about the possibility of fishing by minimizing your rigging for a more enjoyable day on the water. Obviously, this isn’t for everyone, but some may find it works for them.
