Whether you're still in the boat and never tried kayak fishing, or just getting started in the Kayak fishing department, pro fisher-yak-man Brian Vincent has a few tips to help you along.
Kayak fishing is growing in popularity steadily, possibly helped along by the rise in Stand Up Paddle fishing, which came hand-in-hand with the new paddle sports uprising. It's a niche form of the pastime, which allows unparalleled freedom and a truly unique experience you just can't get from a tinnie. It's quiet, cheap, and challenging - but still allows some pretty big catches. Follow these five kayak fishing tips from Brian Vincent to make your learning curve a little shallower!
Wear a good life jacket. Always:
"Kayak fishing is distinctly different than fishing from a boat. You must be self-reliant and prepared to handle any situation, on your own. It's both the beauty and risk associated with the activity. Wear your PFD. There have been a lot of drownings lately due to kayak fisherman going in the drink without flotation. I carry a lot of essential items in my PFD that I need. It's a tool that I do not fish without. Fishing PFDs have come a long way. These aren't the 1970's banana colored, camp lifejackets."
Forge your own path.
"Have a sense of adventure. Read fishing reports, look at Google Earth, scour old forum posts and investigate. You can learn a lot about patterns, good fishing holes, etc from just a wee bit of effort. As I stated before, kayak anglers are pretty self-reliant folks, and most of the good ones put in a lot of hours honing skill and finding good spots. Don't expect them to just turn around and hand that info over to you if you're not going to show any initiative."
You might be sitting in a pool of water, but keep hydrated.
"Nothing disorientates me like a lack of water. It's hard to focus on figuring out a pattern for catching fish, when your brain is shriveled up like a raisin. Dehydration will make you grumpy and will just compound your frustration if the fish aren't biting."
Slip, Slop or just Slap on some clothes.
"If you're going to be out all day, invest in some sun protection clothing. It's to difficult to remember to lather up sunscreen throughout the day. With SPF clothing you don't need to, and you can pretend you're a kayak fishing ninja. Burn your shins enough, you'll layer up."
A bad day fishing… You know the rest…
"The most important lesson for those of you who come from fishing to kayak fishing is this: A bad day kayak fishing is still a good day kayaking. I struggle sometimes to remember this one. But studies show, exercise makes us happier people. So get out there, paddle and fish. Don't be scared to put in some work. Some of my most rewarding days involve lots of paddling to find the fish. And when it pays off, I feel like a warrior."
Maatsuyker Island, TAS
