Kayak fishing is actually a very good idea. It is not expensive, and gives better access to fish. Fishing kayaks are also lightweight and can be customized. However, kayaking can have its cons, which include risks of injury from fish, bad weather conditions, and the possibility of backaches.
Love to catch a big fish with your kayak and carry it safely to the shore? You can actually spare yourself the chase and speed to try and catch a huge fish with your kayak by following a couple of simple steps.
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The Right Kayak and Gear
Before starting your journey to catch a big fish, you should make sure that you have all the right equipment.
A high-quality reel that does not break in the process of catching the fish is a good way to start. A flexible fishing rod is a very important gear too. Big fish means that you will do a lot of dragging and pulling so the rod and the reel are key in this process. A sharp cutter is crucial too, you may need to end everything at any point if it gets tricky in the process.
Needless to say that a sit-on-top kayak is the best and most user-friendly fishing kayak. These types of kayaks are actually very stable and easy to get in and out of, and you do not feel restrained in them. The sit-on-top kayaks are self bailing, and this means that the water drains through small holes known as scupper holes. These go through the bottom of the kayak.
There are different types of kayaks that are good for fishing as well. Tandem kayaks are good for fishing as well if you want company on your trip to give you an extra pair of hands.
An inflatable kayak is lightweight so it might be more prone to drifting. So, you could drift easily, but you could still stay very still in your inflatable kayak while fishing if the waves and wind are not too strong.
Position Yourself in the Kayak
Always center yourself in the kayak. Remember, even during the heat of the chase and trying to catch the big fish to keep centered at all times.
If at any time you move to one of the sides of the kayak, you will flip over. This really requires a lot of focus from you to keep the kayak balanced and keep gravity in tact .
Take Control
It is important to note that the position of the fish could threaten your safety. Make sure the fish is in front of the kayak and not to the sides. You need to be in control and not let the fish take over and cause you to flip over due to its resistance and flapping.
Wearing a life jacket is a given!
Exhaust the Fish
Chase the fish as long as you possibly can. You are trying to tire it out and exhaust all its energy so it will not resist you. Do not forget to enjoy the adrenaline and speed of chasing the fish in the process.
Put the Fish in the Kayak
Before you catch the fish and land it in your kayak, make sure you are wearing thick gloves to protect your hands from any mishaps. A fish grip is a very good idea as well to make it easier for you to control the fish. Always keep a small towel in hand as you know a fish’s body is really slippery so it might slip back in the water from your hands.
Position your Legs
Now, you and the fish are on the kayak together. You need to stay balanced and centered together with this huge catch. So, your legs are a very good tool to hold the fish in between. Position your legs under the fish’s fins, then put your legs up and put the fish on your lap.
If the Fish is Huge, Tow it!
You are the only one who could estimate and decide if you will need to tow the fish. For your own safety, keep a fishnet alongside with you on the kayak, in case you might need it. The fish you might find could be much bigger than what you had thought. Consequently, the better and safer choice is to tow it along to the shore using the fishnet.
Do your Research Beforehand!
The most important thing to do before your kayak fishing trip, is to do your homework! Plan your fishing trip beforehand and inquire, so you will have a successful as well as fun trip. Surprises will happen, but it is definitely better to anticipate most of the things that might happen. These are some points that you should research before your kayak fishing trip:
Weather Forecast
Check the weather forecast for the day you have set for your trip and make sure you know if there is a possibility of rain, strong wind, and check the overall temperature.
You will want to make sure that there will be fish out there to catch on the day of the trip.
Location of Trip
Deciding on where you are going kayaking is key. You will know what kind of fish swim in this area. Some areas do not actually have big fish, so you will want to avoid them. Other areas have huge fish that are even bigger than your expectations. This will help you prepare for your trip with the right gear.
Types of Fish
Having thoroughly studied the location of your trip, you will consequently know the types of fish that swim there. Studying these fish will give you information on their weak points. You can use this information to help you catch the fish and land it safely on the kayak and spare any hassle. If there are some venomous fish, you will be aware and avoid them. Having a good quality fish finder or kayak GPS will make it much easier for you as well.
Final Words
These are the simple steps that will make your kayak fishing trip hassle-free and actually enjoyable as well as safe! Enjoy your experience and take lots of photos to cherish this great memory.