What is Kayak Fishing? Nearly all species of game fish can be targeted in a kayak as easily as any other vessel. In California one can find halibut, yellowtail and white sea bass as well as the nearshore species of calico bass, sand bass. Deep water rockfish and bay dwelling spotted bay bass are also very common targets. Kayakers around the world are able to target marlin, tuna, sharks and jacks of all types. It's true that a kayak angler won't have the range that a powerboat will he can be comforted knowing that many times kayakers are able to reach fishable waters that boats cannot. Shallow drafts and a narrow beam make kayaks perfect for pushing through heavy cover in rivers or over sand bars in the ocean, finding less often targeted fish in the process. Fishing techniques developed by boaters and shore anglers are easily adapted to kayak fishing and the presentation is often the same. Differences come when looking at how a kayak is rigged for fishing and how all of that equipment is organized into a small space. Deck layouts of various kayaks lend themselves to certain types of after-market rod holders and accessory mounts, the most common coming from companies like Scotty or Ram.
Many kayak manufacturers are giving the nod the this sport by developing models specifically geared towards the fisherman. Bigger hatches for storage inside the kayak, flat spots for mounting hardware, large tank well areas behind the seat for bait-tank and livewell storage as well as built in rod holders or tackleboxes. Finding a way to keep tackle, electronics and gear in arm's reach is part of the fun of setting up a new kayak. Tackle (rod and reel) companies are also paying attention to the sport of kayak fishing by producing equipment specifically designed for fishermen in kayaks (sitting down). The same can be said for electronics makers - everything from cameras to fish finders are being developed with waterproof, shockproof designs to withstand the beating they can take on the ocean. Kayak tournaments around the country, including Plastic Navy's own Kayak Fishing Tournament Trail, are increasing in both popularity and monetary impact. Manufacturer teams are being created to capitalize on the popularity of the sport and to gain recognition for their kayaks in this new arena. Want to start kayak fishing? Read the next article in this series -> Where do I start? |
Simply
put the sport consists of an angler sitting on or in
a kayak. Over the past 10 years kayak fishing has quickly
evolved as a truly mainstream style of angling. 