A Minimalist Approach to Kayak Fishing

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.