Kayak Fishing Tips
Choosing the right rod
If you're a canoeist or kayaker shopping for traveling rods and reels, consider rods designed for backpackers. These rods come in various strengths. Most are classified as light or ultra-light rods, suitable for trout, bluegill, crappie and bass. But they're generally capable of taking anything from panfish to stripers.
The rods separate into three or four short sections that store in a travel case. Some travel rods are hollow, so one section can slide down into another, but these generally aren't as strong as the break-down models.
Of course, you can also take your favorite 6-foot or 7-foot fishing pole in your canoe or kayak; more serious anglers believe it's worth the minor inconvenience. Use whatever works for you and your watercraft.
Rods are constructed in a variety of synthetic materials. As a rule, the more expensive rods are stronger, cast further with increasing accuracy and provide better sensitivity to light bites. If you choose a higher-end rod, keep it secure so it's not lost if you capsize.
Fish finders for your kayak
Humminbird®'s small but powerful SmartCast RF20 fish finders offer a monitor that mounts right on your fishing rod. The remote unit floats on the water, and you can read the results right there. It's a perfect portable fish finder for use in a canoe, a kayak or even on shore.
The sonar coverage gives you a snapshot of the bottom contour as well as any fish that are in the area. You won't have to turn around to look at your boat-mounted finder for up-to-the-second information. This little device sends and receives sonar signals that have horizontal coverage that is equal to twice the depth of the water. And the remote sensor can be operated up to 100 feet from shore.
The SmartCast RF20 fish finder has limitations. If you're casting a plastic worm along the tops of lily pads for bass or searching extremely shallow water for timid bluegills, the fish finder can't really help you. But when you're out on the open water and looking for a place to dip bait, this little guy can shine.
Bring along a VHF radio
Paddlers may find a portable marine radio useful for contacting land or other members of the group, especially when they're looking for assistance or reassurance about those clouds on the horizon.
The Humminbird®'s VHF55s handheld radio is perfect for boaters to keep in touch with the mainland and other paddlers. Features include weather channels, fast tuning capabilities, a battery pack, USA, International and Canadian marine channels and a keylock to prevent accidental setting changes. The unit scans, has a backlit display and keys for use after dark and provides the best possible communication you can have on the water.
Carry your radio close at hand, in your hatch or in an easily accessible dry bag tied down on the deck. Store extra charged batteries with it to make sure it will work when needed.
Your VHF55s is also a vital part of your first aid kit. Before getting into your kayak or canoe, set its channels for local Coast Guard and other emergency contacts.
Using a GPS unit
The popularity of global positioning systems has skyrocketed over the last few years as excellent units have become available at reasonable cost. Knowing where you are and how to return to your starting point makes a GPS unit worth the investment.
The CSP Outdoors Garmin eTrex GPS Unit is particularly handy. The entire GPS unit is only 4 inches high by 2 inches wide, a snap to stow on a paddling trip. Even beginners will find it easy to use. The eTrex has only five buttons and is completely waterproof, standing up to rain and even a dunk in the lake.
Use your GPS unit to check position against a map marked with GPS coordinates. You can determine your exact location as well as traveling time to your destination.
A GPS unit also is useful for marking your favorite fishing spot, whether it's in the middle of expansive weed beds, along a featureless coast or even off shore with no land in sight. The days of having to triangulate an approximate position to return to a productive hotspot are over.
Kayakers and canoers also value a GPS system for the ability to coordinate meeting points. If you become separated, you simply need to communicate via radio or cell phone, provide the GPS coordinates at which everyone will meet and then start paddling towards the appointed location.
Re-entering a sit-on-top kayak
There are a variety of ways to get back on a sit-on-top kayak. One process seems to be particularly easy for most people. It was developed by Mark Olson, a representative for Ocean Kayak™ and is called Bellybutton, Backside, Feet or BBF.
- If the boat is upside down, it will need to be turned over. To do this, reach across the bottom of the boat and grab the scupper holes.
- Bring your knees up and onto the bottom of the boat. Lean back and the boat will roll over.
- Then, position yourself so your head is near the cockpit area of the boat and you are facing the boat. Let your feet float to the surface of the water by floating on your bellybutton.
- Reach across the boat to the far edge and then swim up and onto the boat, so your bellybutton is across the centerline of the boat. (Your belly should be between the foot wells and the seat.)
- Next, roll over onto your backside which should end up in the seat. Sit up, swing your feet into the foot wells and you're ready to go.