A Guide to Kayak Fishing
Fishing by kayak is a very old, traditional way to catch fish. Kayaks were originally created by indigenous people living in Arctic lands as a way to fish out in the lakes, coastal waters and rivers. The very first kayaks were made from wood with animal skins and hides stitched over them. Today, fishing by kayak has become increasingly popular once again. In warmer regions, people like to use kayaks as they give easy access to fishing areas, are low cost and low maintenance. They can also be stored and transported very easily. Here is a quick guide to the different models of fishing kayaks as well as what type of fishing techniques are generally used.
Fishing Kayaks
Today, many kayak manufacturers will make customised fishing kayaks that have specialised features for fishing. These features include built-in rod holders, equipment mounts, catch bags and specially-designed hatches. The build of these kayaks is often similar to recreational sit-on and sit-in kayaks. They have very wide beams of up to 36 inches which helps to increase the boat's stability. Some are even equipped with outriggers to give you even more stability when standing and fishing. These kakyaks also have a greatly increased storage capacity in the hulls so you can store all your equipment such as fishing gear, stow rods, paddles, anchors and more.
Construction
A popular material for fishing kayaks is polyethylene due to its durability and low cost. These kayaks have been rotationally molded and are built to stand up to the rigours of fishing. The design of fishing kayaks has come a long way and is meant to give the angler the most comfortable experience out on the water. Some of the new catamaran (twin hull) boats are made to be stable enough for paddling while sitting and standing. Other kayaks have been ergonomically designed so the angler can sit for long hours in the same position without discomfort. There are also some kayaks fitted with flippers and a foot mechanism so you can move across the water without using your hands.
Techniques
The type of fishing you do on a kayak is the same that you would do on a traditional fishing boat. The only real difference is how the equipment is fitted and stored on the kayak. Today, modern kayaks can be equipped with after-market fishing supplies and equipment like rod holders, anchor trolleys and bait containers. The most popular type of fishing is for prized gamefish such as tuna, cod, sea trout, halibut, snook, tarpon and wahoo.
Benefits
There are many great benefits of kayak fishing over traditional fishing boats. For starters, the upfront cost is much lower than buying a boat, and the maintenance costs are practically nothing. They are also very easy to store, transport and slip into the water. They are also eco-friendly as they give off no carbon emissions. Finally, it's a great way to get a little exercise and really appreciate nature without any noise or distractions. It's easy to see why this is becoming an increasingly popular way to fish.
