What its like fishing in a Kayak

Okay, I probably should have stayed out fishing cause now Im back at the computer thinking about it! Keep in mind Im totally new at this, but I learn real quick.

I thought Id write up my experience of the kayak fishing thing. Im sure there are others out there that are thinking about it and would like to know. Especially those new to kayaks  as I am.

Number 1 thing. Its BIG out there in a little kayak! Everything is amplified. The waves, wind, weather, Animals, tugs on your line, snagging the bottom, right down to tying a knot in your fishing line. Im not an adrenaline junkie, and am pretty cautious. So I have been nervous out there. That being said, Im relaxing down quite a bit already now that I have logged some time and have seen how stable my kayak is.

Number 2 thing is range. You can cover a lot of ground when you first start out! Keep in mind you have to get back and keep in mind the weather will probably be different when doing so. Every time I have been out the weather always kicks up in the afternoon. I went 5 miles one day, no problem but after trolling around, and the wind kicking up I was pretty tired by the time I got back to the car. I would say I did probably 12 miles that day maybe more.

Number 3. Its an experience! Even though I haven't caught anything yet, Im having a good time. You are so tuned in with your surroundings that its almost a sensory overload, but in a good way. You will notice everything and I believe enjoy it better cause really you have nothing better to do!

Number 4. This is a totally viable way of fishing. In some ways you have an advantage over bigger boats. On my rough water day we were the only ones out fishing. We were able to get to a great fishing spot and able to launch from the beach there. Power boats have a several mile trip to get there. Also In a bigger boat you would have been beat to death out there. So given that the only ones fishing on a saturday were three outback kayaks!

Number 5. You need to be organized and attentive. You don't have much room for fooling around or error. Have pre made rigs ready to go on your line, bring as little stuff as possible and keep an eye on your boat. Make sure your hatches are secure, drain plug in, zippers done up on your dry suit, check your radio. Don't get lazy. Put things away if you aren't using them, leash up your stuff if it can't go in a hatch. Be prepared to catch a fish before it happens. Have your net out, pliers ready, stringer ready ect.

So far the biggest negative with kayak fishing is going to the bathroom!

So far the biggest negative with kayak fishing is going to the bathroom!

  .... probably the biggest reason i'm seriously considering bucking up and buying a drysuit with the front zip.

Great summary of the keys to staring our great sport. Yesterday Kayak Shed had about seven fly fishermen out at Sellwood Park for a first time kayaking experience. I brought the Coosa along for support and spent hours in the sunshine just paddling around and enjoying the whole scene. Derek brought a new Revo 11 and a Revo 13. I tried them both and it was great. Didn't fish but it was so cool so see everyone enjoying their first yak experience. Several bystanders got in on the action.and I'm sure there will be new kayakers soon.

I found that paddling that area is a total pleasure, quite surprised how easily I could cover water without my normal "training wheels" (Mirage Drives, Amas and sail).

Still am in awe of those skilled yak fishers who share their talent so generously on this forum.

So far the biggest negative with kayak fishing is going to the bathroom!

  .... probably the biggest reason i'm seriously considering bucking up and buying a drysuit with the front zip.

Being able to pee, thus being able to drink water without fear of said pee makes a big difference on the water. Nothing is worse than having to hold it in...

I have a dry suit with a relief zipper but it's still not fun and gets a little messy!

I have a dry suit with a relief zipper but it's still not fun and gets a little messy!

Find an appropriately sized plastic bottle 

Better solution:  get a sturdy bait holder or tackle box that's 2-4 inches thick, put it on your crotch hatch, sit on it, and pee towards the front.  hell, in the revo I get afb extra inch of water in the drive area, and when I move back to my seat, the water flushes out  )

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OK, you're going to be disgusted by this perhaps. But I've been taking care of my dear old Mom who has Alzheimer's for about four years now, and it's exposed me to stuff that you can't imagine.  One thing that I've discovered is pertinent here: Just like astronauts and fighter jocks and little old ladies have learned, there's a place for the adult diaper.

Remember that astronaut gal who drove across country to catch out her cheating astronaut BF?  Never stopped, from Texas to Florida...

Heck, I figure if it's good enough for NASA, it's good enough for me.  Haven't actually USED 'em yet, but I pinched a pair of Depends from the old gal and used them last week just in case.  Surprisingly comfortable. Can't yet speak to absorbancy...

I hate to admit it... but that is an awesome idea!!!  I may try this... and then will refuse to admit I used them.
 

    

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/geezers/2008/09/whats_the_best_adult_diaper.html

I happened to look up the prices... HOLY COW!!!  $80 for 14 of the good kind from Wal-mart.

Now, I think that my next waders will have zippers... I need waders since they can pull double duty for walking the river. 

Perhaps after I have done that I will go with a dry suit with a relief zipper.  Oh my... they things I didn't even think of until I started with this hobby.