Not everyone is aware that you can use a kayak for fishing. For the majority of people, kayaking is associated with either paddling gently down a river or heading full-on into white water rapids.
It can be seen as an extreme sport for adrenaline seekers, as well as a relaxing pastime. Kayaks are actually used in conjunction with other hobbies though. Their ability to be used on open water as well as rivers means that they are great for exploring, to take camping, and also for fishing trips.
There are a certain amount of accessories for kayaking, mostly involving safety or navigation on open water trips, but once fishing is added, things change. One of the best accessories to use when fishing with a kayak is an anchor system.
What is an anchor system for a kayak?
If you didn’t already know, an anchor system is exactly what it sounds like. They are often used by people fishing with kayaks, and there are many different products on the market.
This means that one kayak anchor system might be controlled with a hand winch, while another might employ the use of a stakeout pole.
Regardless of which style anchor system is used, they all have the same purpose. An anchor system is used so that the kayaker can gain control with ease during trying or difficult moments on the water. A stakeout pole can be used in shallow waters, and full winch anchor systems are better suited to deep waters.
What benefits are there for using an anchor system?
Anyone getting into this sport will find that there are some great tips and techniques for kayak fishing. As your experiences grow you may want to take the sport to further areas and more challenging waters.
If this is the case, you will need an anchor system. For shallow waters a full-on anchor system may not be necessary, you can control your vessel through the use of brush grippers and poles.
However, an anchor system allows the person fishing to not only control where the kayak stays, but which direction it is facing, or fishing, in.
This means no matter which way the wind is heading, you can comfortably have your vessel stay steady for fishing.
Is kayak fishing popular?
Is kayak fishing popular?It may seem surprising that kayak fishing is so popular that manufacturers are producing a variety of anchor systems. When you look at the stats though, it becomes a little clearer.
According to Statista, there are around 50 million people actively fishing in the states, and it is one of the most popular outdoor activities.
There are also over 16 million people using kayaks for recreational purposes in the USA. There are routinely around 100 million kayaking trips taken in the states each year. It would seem clear then that there must be millions of people combining both these activities.
It shouldn’t be that much of a shock if you consider the number of ways that anglers use to continue their favorite sport. Anglers are known to use a variety of vessels to catch the best fish, including jet skis. Anglers fish from riverbanks, beaches, piers, and harbors, and in streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Why not use a kayak to get to some other attractive locations?
Why should you use your kayak for fishing?
If you are looking to get into fishing, and already enjoy kayaking, then you could be in for a treat. If you haven’t yet tried this activity then a guide to beginners kayak fishing would be a good read.
There are a number of benefits to be gained from kayak fishing, and anyone who is practicing this way to fish will agree.
Kayaks, unlike motorboats, require no fuel to drive them. Being fully man-powered, they, therefore, require no financing for fuel. Motorboat fishing is costly and includes repairs and servicing. Kayaks are simple vessels but very useful.
A kayak will help an angler get to untouched fishing spots. This can mean accessing areas that are relatively untouched and are not subject to high pressure fishing. Kayaks can also get into tight areas that boats cannot reach, and they will let the angler explore.
It is far quicker, and more practical, to use a kayak to cross a lake than to walk halfway around it. Some kayaks can be used to head out onto the open sea and then explore nearby islands or to fish in deeper waters.
What other equipment do you need to fish with a kayak?
If you are considering taking up kayak fishing, then there are a few things to consider. If you are an experienced fisher but still a newbie at kayaking, then you should make sure your skill levels are up to whatever waterways you are exploring.
You must have the correct safety equipment for kayaking regardless of whether you are intending to fish. Kayaking is largely a safe activity, but anything that involves deep water presents something of a risk. The weather can change and this can lead to a sudden change in the lake or ocean that you are on.
American White Water puts the fatality rate of whitewater kayaking at 2.9 incidents per 100,000 people. This makes it safer than diving and climbing and only marginally more dangerous than swimming. However, care is needed even on calm waters such as lakes.
A kayak fishing trip equipment checklist
Before heading off on a fishing trip with your kayak, you should run through a checklist of equipment.
You will have your kayak, with an anchor system installed and working. Next, you need your paddle. Now run through the following to see if you have all these items:
- Spare paddle
- Lifejacket (personal flotation device)
- GPS
- Compass
- Flares
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Bilge pump
- Waterproof first-aid kit
- Dry bags
- Tow bags
- Helmet
- Sprayskirt
- Float bags
- Paddle leash
- Brush grippers
- Fishing license
- Tacklebox
- Rods
- Hook remover
- Fishfinder
- Smartphone (ideally water-resistant and rugged)
- Warm clothes
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sun lotion
That might seem like a lot of equipment to take on a kayak fishing trip but everything there has a purpose, and you might find after a few trips you actually take even more supplies and equipment.
Your smartphone is essential for a point of contact. Fishing boats have radios, but kayaks don’t. And of course, you might want to take a photo of that giant fish you caught or you’ll be talking about how big it was to disbelievers forevermore.
Summary
A kayak anchoring system should be on every angler’s wish list. Once you get into this sport and realize what a great way of fishing it is, you will probably want to get into open waters. This means fishing in deeper water, and you’ll find that your brush grippers are of no use.
A good winch-controlled anchor system will allow the angler to control the vessel and have it stay in exactly the position that they want it in. This means that you can fish comfortably regardless of cross currents, or if the wind is hitting your back or front.
It seems such a perfect match that it is strange that kayak fishing is perhaps not so well known with non-anglers. However, now things are returning to normal with the pandemic, don’t be surprised if you see a lot more anglers out on kayaks in the future.