Kayaks as Fishing Machines
Rigging a kayak as a fishing platform is a project that involves many choices. Personal needs and preferences vary quite a bit from one kayak angler to the next. Consider whether you primarily intend to fish back waters, open bays, fresh water, or the deep blue. Another issue is whether you plan to fish primarily with lures, a fly rod or bring live bait aboard. We realize many first-time kayak anglers may begin by bringing a rod along on a rental kayak. After finding out how much fun it is to be towed about by a redfish, snook, jack or even a sail cat, many will opt to outfit their own kayak as a fishing machine.
First, let’s take a look at some practical things to bring along on a typical rental or your personal kayak for a day of fishing. We recommend a sit-on type of kayak in protected bays or flats for beginners, so these suggestions are directed at that option. We will have more suggestions for those anglers who have discovered the joy of kayak fishing in this area and want to fine tune their rigging for more comfort and even better results in a future article.
• A two-piece rod is recommended whether you plan to spin or fly fish. We carry both a spinning rod to prospect for fish and then, once we find feeding fish, we bring out the fly rod for some light tackle fun. Hooked fish will often circle your kayak. If one-piece rods are sticking up in rod holders behind you, the line may wrap it up and break them. So being able to take a rod down to two pieces and get it out of the way will save breaking the rod or losing a fish. For your first trip out, just take one rod and lay the butt end on your lap. Be sure to keep the reel out of any water on the deck of the kayak.
•A tackle bag is essential. Small is the way to go and we prefer tackle bags over noisy plastic boxes for stealth on the flats. Just bring terminal tackle that you will actually use. Include some 20-30 lb. fluorocarbon for leader and spool up your reel with 10-20 lb. braided line. Of course, bring jigs, jig heads, DOA shrimp, size 1/0 and 2/0 bait hooks, split shot, popping corks and scissors for cutting braided line. Add a tape measure if you plan to keep any fish. Fish grippers [we like the smaller plastic, floating, glow in the dark $10 kind] and an unhooking device like pliers. These make controlling and releasing your catch easy. Place this tackle bag between your knees and use it to support your fishing rod.
• Bring a standard bait bucket with an air pump if you want to fish with live bait. Finding somewhere to put the bucket that you can reach is another matter. We carry it in the rear cargo area of our kayaks. Remember to turn off the pump when approaching shallow flats and avoid dragging the bucket in the water as it will bump against the kayak and spook fish. We often bring an empty bait bucket and a small cast net to catch pinfish or whitebait. If lures aren’t working, live bait is usually a sure bet.
• Coolers are essential anytime of the year. We like to take a small one loaded with beverages and snacks. A larger cooler [that we made ourselves from a nylon duffle bag and foam insulation] fits in the front locker of our kayaks and holds keeper fish. Both use packaged ice which keeps things cold without soaking everything when it melts. Keeping a fish alive on a stringer is okay for a while but usually the bay water is too warm. Fish on a stringer can also attract sharks and dolphin. Get the keepers on ice ASAP. • Other things to bring along include a fishing license, first aid stuff, insect repellent and sunscreen. Optional fun things like a camera, cell phone, GPS device, credit cards and ID should be in a dry bag, dry box or in a few layers of zip locks. A good dry bag should hold a poncho, wind breaker, fleece vest and anything else you might want to have available to get warm and dry.
Angler’s Guide to Kayak Fishing Southwest Florida-Sarasota Bay to Pine Island, our WATERPROOF pocket guide, is another helpful item we suggest you bring along!
