Kayaking has been around for years; however, it has recently become extremely popular among sport fishermen. Many bass fishermen love the idea of paddling in a kayak in the open waters while becoming more connected with the fish they catch. A kayak’s stealth and low profile allow many professionals to get right on top of the fish and even lock eyes with the bass they’re about to catch. Kayaks can also get into places that powerboats can’t and are quite frankly, less expensive and easier to carry around. However, kayak bass fishing requires different equipment than fishing off a powerboat. If you’re looking to take up the sport, check out some of these tools that fit right in your fishing kit and can make your trip much more successful.
Life Vest to Save Your Life
You absolutely need a life vest when kayak fishing. Kayaks can be extremely wobbly, and you may not be paying enough attention while you’re trying to catch the big game. However, you can opt for kayak-specific life vests that allow for a lot of upper body movement so that you aren’t constricted. These can also come with many storage pockets which are great to store fishing essentials such as pliers or a small tackle box.
The Obvious Kayak
Probably the most important thing you need is a kayak. Some of the best ones to use for fishing are those that are highly stable. You will most likely stand up in your kayak while you’re fishing, so you will want one that is wider and more stable. A kayak’s length also determines its performance on the water. If your local waters are small ponds and creeks, you should buy a shorter kayak as this provides better maneuverability. However, if you will generally be fishing in big lakes, rivers, or oceans, you might want a longer boat that provides speed over maneuverability.
Anchor Yourself with a System
You will want a small boat anchor to help keep your kayak steady when you’ve found the perfect spot. You can install a kayak anchor trolley kit on your kayak so that you can attach a sea anchor or drift sock and use pulleys to fine tune the position of your line. This allows for easy maneuverability and helps to put you in the perfect position.
Use Binoculars to Find the Fish
The great thing about kayak fishing is that you’re close to the fish and therefore, you can see your game through the water. Instead of GPS technology, you can opt for binoculars and spotting scopes to find the perfect fishing spots. They can provide great accuracy and are also easy to carry on a kayak. You simply tie it on a rope around your neck or slide it into your life jacket pocket.
Kayak bass fishing is the newest trend in the wonderful sport of fishing. However, if you want to catch the big fish, you need to be prepared. Be sure you have everything you need and double check everything twice, as it is a totally different playing field from what you may be used to.
